This Canada Road Trip is the Ultimate Long Weekend Escape
on Jul 28, 2025, Updated Dec 05, 2025
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If you love the open road but want to try something different, a Canada road trip may be easier than you think. Many U.S. cities have direct flights to Montreal, and I’m happy to report that Raleigh, NC, is one of them.
After I attended the TBEX travel conference in Quebec City, I was invited to stay a few extra days for some fun and adventure in Quebec, west of the city.
This was a hosted trip, but you can recreate it on your own quite easily. It’s a fantastic itinerary. I love a good road trip whether it’s here in North Carolina, Puerto Rico, or anywhere else on the globe. There’s just something about driving in and out of towns that you miss when flying.
Long Weekend Canada Road Trip
Start your trip in Montreal, an easy and often direct flight from the U.S. From there, rent a car, and decide where the road will take you. Our trip created a loop, so you start in either direction and return to where you started. Or you could choose one location and spend the whole weekend there.
I enjoyed exploring both spots, but they each had so much to do that I know I will want to go back. We spent two nights in each location, with an outstanding balance of activity and relaxation.
Montreal to Chelsea, Quebec
Once you have the rental car, driving to Chelsea takes about two and a half hours. This is where our adventure began, and despite its small-town appearance, there is plenty to do, from dining to outdoor activities and the best spa I have ever experienced.
Things to Do in Chelsea
Our trip was in the summer, so remember that activities may change with the seasons. Rest assured, there will always be something fun to do. Here are a few things to do in Chelsea.
Ride Ebikes in Gatineau Park
This was such a fantastic day for me. I grew up in Florida, and riding bikes is in my DNA. Back then, I never knew a hill. Now that I live in NC, riding a bicycle is a real challenge.
I still enjoy it, but I had never tried an e-bike until now. Let me tell you, this is a game changer!
We picked up the bikes and had a quick lesson with our guide at Nomades du Parc. Then rode miles and miles up and down hills through beautiful Gatineau Park, which was exhilarating.
I am definitely an e-bike convert. Of course, having this amazing view was a pretty nice payoff.
Spend a Day at Nordik Spa
Few places on earth make me feel completely relaxed from head to toe, and Nordik Spa Village is one of them. This day spa offers everything from salt scrubs to saunas, cold plunges, hammocks, and an underground saltwater float pool.
The restaurant is phenomenal, and I love that I can saunter in wearing a bathrobe and enjoy my steak in peace. The setting is serene, and while I was there during summertime, I can only imagine how heavenly it is in the winter.
Take a Distillery Tour
Right in the heart of Chelsea, you can sip on local brews in the town square or take a distillery tour to learn about the process and try some of their specialty gins or liqueurs.
Once your tour is over, enjoy live music or play a few outdoor games in the square before heading to dinner.
Where to Eat in Chelsea
When it comes to food, this small town packs a punch! There wasn’t a meal I didn’t enjoy. Each restaurant truly seemed to care about the food they served, and the ingredients were fresh and delicious.
Biscotti & Cie
If breakfast pizza isn’t already in your vocabulary, it’s time for an update. My brick-oven-style pizza was topped with cheese, an egg, and fresh avocado. It was so good that I was sad to fill up so quickly.
If you prefer a sweet breakfast, try the French toast (with ice cream) or one of the many fresh pastries at Biscottie & Cie.
Chelsea Pub
I loved the outdoor dining at Chelsea Pub, and the food was great, too! I had the salmon, which was delicious. But I will tell you, everyone was eyeing the nachos on the other end of the table. They were definitely the standout item!
The Mediterranean platter was also a hit. I would definitely order it again, especially if I were having drinks and wanted something to nibble on.
Les Fougeres
Another standout dining experience is Les Fourgeres, just outside of town. Although it’s not as walkable as the rest of the area, it’s absolutely worth the short drive.
Enjoy a long leisurely lunch or dinner, but make time to tour the gardens out back and wander through the upstairs art gallery. You never know what treasures you’ll find.
Where to Stay in Chelsea
We stayed in Chelsea at the beautiful Lofts du Village, and I can’t think of a more idyllic space. My loft was huge and had a full kitchen, washer, and dryer, which was extremely handy.
The lofts are within walking distance of most Chelsea destinations, but there is plenty of parking for cars as well.
I could have spent much longer than the two nights we had here, but it was a great start, with the most comfortable bed to rest in after our fun, active days.
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Chelsea to Mont-Tremblant, Quebec
The drive from Chelsea to Mont-Tremblant is under two hours and can be quite scenic as you enter the mountain region. Where Chelsea beamed with relaxation, our Mont-Tremblant experience was packed with adventure.
Things to Do in Mont-Tremblant
There are so many activities to choose from that it’s really hard to decide what to do first! In our case, I was happy with the itinerary because I wanted to try everything.
Treetop Walk
About 20 minutes outside town lies the Sentier des Cimes, a nature walk through the treetops to an even taller tower with panoramic views of the Laurentians.
This peaceful activity was lovely and gentle, yet it was still thrilling to be high among the trees. The views were spectacular.
The best part is that the boardwalk is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers all the way to the top of the tower. In fact, I barely even noticed the slight incline as I walked up to the top.
Zipline Course
For even more thrills, spend a morning with Ziptrek Tremblant on their five-zipline course down the mountain. After taking the gondola to the top, you will zipline and hike between towers until you reach the bottom of the mountain.
This excursion had me feeling every kind of way, and I almost didn’t go through with it after my first zipline. Listen. I was scared!
However, after a few deep breaths and a pep-talk from a fellow creator and Canadian, I decided to power through, and I’m so glad I did.
This was a highlight of the trip for me, not just because of the views but also because it reminded me that it’s okay to do things scared. By the third zipline, I was fine and having a ball, just like the rest of our group.
Like so many of life’s lessons, it all boils down to taking each day one step at a time. Before you know it, goals are achieved.
Downhill Luge
I loved the luge in Tremblant Village. It’s right across from the zipline but much smaller. A short chairlift ride took me to the top, where I hopped in my cart and made my way back down the hill.
You have complete control over steering and speed in each cart. It’s a great activity for younger kids and families, who will likely want to go again and again.
Shopping in Tremblant Village
If there is one thing I wish I had more time for, it’s shopping! Tremblant Village is adorable and full of quaint little shops, restaurants, and even a grocery store.
Leave space in your bag for some great souvenirs and locally made jams or honey. You can thank me later.
Where to Eat in Mont-Tremblant
There is no shortage of places to eat in Mont-Tremblant, and like Chelsea, everything we had was terrific. Here are a few of the dining experiences that stayed with me.
A Mano Trattoria
If you had told me an Italian restaurant in the middle of southern Quebec would be my favorite, I wouldn’t have believed you. Yet, here we are.
A Mano Trattoria was the perfect meal from start to finish. The ingredients were authentic, fresh, and flavorful, and the pasta was perfectly cooked. It’s a local favorite for many reasons, and I can see why.
Maison de Soma
This farm-to-table restaurant is the perfect backdrop for a thoughtful meal that truly embraces the region. Everything served at Maison de Soma was either grown on the farm or locally sourced, from the drinks to the cooking oil.
Each dish tells a story, and the setting is so serene. Book ahead to be sure you can get a table. I highly recommend dining at sunset.
Au Petit Poucet
For a truly Canadian brunch experience, Au Petit Poucet will fill your cup many times over. From traditional breakfast to crepes and specialty coffee, there is something for every eater.
This restaurant is between Mont-Tremblant and Montreal. It would make a great stop on the way to the airport.
If you plan to try maple on everything, this is the place. We made maple syrup taffy, had it in coffee, and had maple pie, which was my unexpected favorite.
Where to Stay in Mont-Tremblant
Our two nights at the Fairmont Tremblant were comfortable and refreshing. My cozy room was the perfect haven to rest up between adventures.
The hotel is beautiful and convenient to Tremblant Village, which is right outside the door. I loved the different-temperature pools, and the on-site restaurant was divine.
Our group was hosted on the gold level with access to the club lounge, and it was so wonderful to have a semi-private area to enjoy early morning coffee and breakfast away from the crowds.
Mont-Tremblant to Montreal
At the end of your long weekend, plan for another 2-hour drive to return to the airport on departure day. If you have a late-day flight, Au Petit Poucet is the perfect sendoff on your way to the airport.
This is how we spent 4 days in Quebec, and I could do it all again. The Canadian countryside is breathtaking, and I know my first visit won’t be the last.
