After another long Canadian winter, it’s time to switch out your winter tires and think about some spring adventures. Ontario and Québec are both fantastic provinces for road trip-type travel, and there’s no shortage of scenic routes to allow you to see some of the beauty of this part of the country. From vibrant cities to cute towns, forests and lakes, here are some of our top picks for spring road trip ideas in Ontario and Québec.
The 1000 Island Region
Only two hours from Ottawa and three hours from Montréal or Toronto, the 1000 Islands region is a perfect road trip destination for those who want to get outside and experience some of the province’s natural beauty. Hiking, camping, kayaking, and fishing are all popular activities here, and the town of Gananoque is quite charming with lots of little boutique-type shops, cozy B&Bs, and a range of dining options.
It’s also good for families. Kids love the 1000 Islands Cruise where they can learn about the sunken ships that lie beneath the cold waters. Another kid-friendly favourite is Boldt Castle; this fairytale-esque castle comes with a tragic backstory but the tunnels, drawbridge, and kid’s playhouse make it a big hit.
For adults, make sure to drive out to nearby Mallorytown to check out BUSL, a local cidery with plenty of fun flavours to try - and if you are looking to do something extra special, consider taking a helicopter ride over the islands. That way you can say you have seen Boldt Castle from above and below!
Prince Edward County
Prince Edward County has become one of the most popular summer road trip destinations for Canadians and international visitors alike. Full of wineries, breweries, and cideries, it’s a fun place to go with friends for a weekend escape.
While you’ll want to join a tour or hire a driver if you plan on doing a tasting tour, it’s worth having a car and planning an extra day to explore the area on your own. The small towns of Picton and Wellington are both worth a visit, and a scenic drive through the area will bring you to many pretty viewpoints. Keep an eye out for local shops and products along the way! This can include cheese shops and places to grab local butter tarts. If the weather is nice, you can also add in a visit to Sandbanks Provincial Park. Plus, the added bonus of visiting in spring is that you can avoid the crowds of the high tourist season (and high prices that come with it!).
Saguenay Fjord
When we hear the word ‘fjord’ we normally think of Europe, but Canada is also home to some incredible fjords. Saguenay Fjord is one of the longest fjords in the world and is surrounded by towering cliffs reaching 300m tall. There are also plenty of picturesque little towns and villages along the way, adding to the area’s scenic allure. Along with the drive, this area is ideal for hiking, biking, and camping.
Another huge draw to road-tripping around Saguenay Fjord is that it’s an amazing place for whale watching. The whale season usually starts around mid-May and runs until late October. Tours depart from Baie de Sainte Catherine, and offer the chance to see various species including beluga whales, fin whales, minke whales, blue whales, and humpback whales along with harbour porpoises and grey seals.
The Kings Road
The Kings Road connects two of Québec’s most popular cities: Montréal and Québec City. The route dates back to the 1700s to connect to two largest settlements in the area, and today it’s a popular road trip route with plenty to see in between both destinations. It’s a great way to see two of the country’s most popular cities – plus some historic towns such as Trois-Rivières in between – and try plenty of Québecoise cuisine like tourtière (a meat pie), smoked meat sandwiches from Montréal, all things maple, and of course, poutine.
One of the biggest benefits of doing this route in the spring is that you get to spend time and explore Montréal and Québec City on either end. Spring isn’t typical tourist season in either destination, so you should benefit from less crowds and hopefully lower prices.
Road trips are a fun way to travel and see more of our beautiful country – but before you set out on your next road trip, make sure that you have proper auto insurance coverage. Get a
Hannah Logan is a Canadian travel writer who dreams of being just like Indiana Jones. You can follow her travels on her personal travel blog
Eat Sleep Breathe Travel where she shares her travel tales and (mis)adventures around the world.