Montréal, Canada’s second-largest city, is a vibrant fusion of European charm and North American energy. Nestled on an island in the Saint Lawrence River, Montréal is renowned for its rich history, which is evident in the cobblestone streets and stunning architecture of Old Montréal. The city’s cultural tapestry is woven from its French heritage, seen in its language, cuisine, and lively festivals like the world-famous Montréal Jazz Festival. Visitors can explore the bustling markets, such as Jean-Talon and Atwater, savor culinary delights in the diverse dining scene, and enjoy world-class museums like the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. The majestic Mount Royal Park offers panoramic views of the city, while the underground city provides a unique shopping and entertainment experience. Whether strolling through historic neighborhoods or experiencing the vibrant nightlife, Montréal promises an unforgettable blend of culture, history, and excitement.
If you're a local and looking to escape for a weekend, keep reading. With a vast array of short domestic destinations, there are also some international destinations within reach. Here are some weekend getaway ideas for locals in the Montreal, Quebec area within a non-stop 4-hour flight. More importantly, these trips are all possible without having to request PTO (for you M-F 9-5'ers); it just depends on what you want to do at your destination.
Miami, Florida (MIA, FLL) - 3 Hour 45 Minute Flight
Why go?
Beaches, outdoors activities, clubs, restaurants, culture. I just ask that you please please please venture out beyond Miami Beach.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Miami
When to go?
Any time of the year, but best is October - February for perfect weather. Avoid the spring break crowd in late Feb/early March the best you can.
Who can fly you there?
Flair from YUL - See flight deals
Air Canada from YUL - See flight deals
Air Transat from YUL - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $100+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Pro Tip:
Visit the following neighborhoods to step away from the "typical Miami": Wynwood, Brickell, Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, Midtown, Edgewater.
Toronto, Ontario (YYZ, YTZ) - 1 Hour 30 Minute Flight
Why go?
Food, people, cleanliness, Hockey Hall of Fame.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Toronto
When to go?
Summer
Who can fly you there?
Air Canada from YUL - See flight deals
Porter Airlines from YUL - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $216+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
New York, New York (JFK, LGA, EWR, ISP, HPN) - 1 Hour 30 Minute Flight
Why go?
It might not be the same city it was before, but it'll always make for a great weekend getaway.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in New York
When to go?
Summer for the best weather, but you’ll pay peak rates for solid hotels.
Winter for Christmas festivities!
Who can fly you there?
Air Canada from YUL - See flight deals
Delta from YUL - See flight deals
United from YUL - See flight deals
American Airlines from YUL - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $200+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Boston, Massachusetts (BOS) - 1 Hour 30 Minute Flight
Why go?
History and cool summertime temps!
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Boston
When to go?
Summer for the best weather, but peak rates for solid hotels.
Who can fly you there?
Air Canada from YUL - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $280+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Orlando, Florida (MCO) - 3 Hour 30 Minute Flight
Why go?
Theme parks. Disney & Universal. Bring bug spray and an umbrella if you go during the summer. It's not my favorite city, but there's a reason why it's the #1 tourism city year after year in the US.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Orlando
When to go?
Year-Round
Who can fly you there?
Air Canada from YUL - See flight deals
Air Transat from YUL - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $195+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Chicago, Illinois (ORD, MDW) - 2 Hour 45 Minute Flight
Why go?
Food, bars, sports, rivers!
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Chicago
When to go?
Summer
Who can fly you there?
American Airlines from YUL - See flight deals
Air Canada from YUL - See flight deals
United from YUL - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $315+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Pro Tip:
For bourbon enthusiasts, visit Untitled Supper Club on W Kinzie for an incredible speakeasy experience.
Washington, DC (IAD, DCA, BWI) - 1 Hour 45 Minute Flight
Why go?
Museums, walking tours, great mass-transit and cherry blossoms. Fly to DCA for convenience.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Washington DC
When to go?
Year-round (spring season for cherry blossoms)
Who can fly you there?
Air Canada from YUL - See flight deals
United from YUL - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $270+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Pro Tip:
For avid runners, pack your running shoes and go for daily runs around the White House, Washington Monument, Lincoln and Jefferson memorials.
New Orleans, Louisiana (MSY) - 4 Hour Flight
Why go?
Jazz music, other music, culture, architecture, partying, passionate football fans.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in New Orleans
When to go?
Spring, Summer, Fall
Who can fly you there?
Air Canada from YUL - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $450+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Pro Tip:
Check out Bourbon Street for a little bit, but don't get sucked in. It's absolutely disgusting. Chartres Street is better for those looking to maintain their cleanliness.
Atlanta, Georgia (ATL) - 3 Hour Flight
Why go?
Brew pubs, art, nightlife, Mexican food.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Atlanta
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
Delta from YUL - See flight deals
Air Canada from YUL - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $370+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Pro Tip:
Walk some of the BeltLine and stop at stores, bars, and restaurants.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (PHL) - 1 Hour 30 Minute Flight
Why go?
History, sports, cheesesteaks
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Philadelphia
When to go?
Summer and Fall
Who can fly you there?
Air Canada from YUL - See flight deals
American Airlines from YUL - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $332+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Nashville, Tennessee (BNA) - 3 Hour Flight
Why go?
Music (not just country), endless bars, brewpubs, hot chicken.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Nashville
When to go?
Spring, Summer and Fall
Who can fly you there?
Air Canada from YUL - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $400+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Pro Tip:
Stay in the Gulch or near printer's alley.
Quebec City, Quebec (YQB) - 1 Hour Flight
Why go?
Quebec City enchants visitors with its charming old-world atmosphere, cobblestone streets, and the historic beauty of Old Quebec, a UNESCO World Heritage site steeped in rich history and French culture.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Quebec City
When to go?
Year-Round
Who can fly you there?
Pascan from YUL - See flight deals
Air Transat from YUL - See flight deals
Air Canada from YUL - See flight deals
PAL from YUL - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $250+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Ottawa, Ontario (YOW) - 45 Minute Flight
Why go?
Ottawa, Canada's capital, offers a rich tapestry of cultural institutions like museums and galleries, along with picturesque parks and the Rideau Canal, celebrated for both its summer boating and winter skating.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Ottawa
When to go?
Year-Round
Who can fly you there?
Air Canada from YUL - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $310+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Charlotte, North Carolina (CLT) – 2 Hour 45 Minute Flight
Why go?
Diverse Cultural Attractions, Thriving Food Scene, Outdoor Activities, Sports Hub, Historical Significance, Shopping, Festivals and Events.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Charlotte
When to go?
The best times to visit Charlotte are March–May and September–November.
Who can fly you there?
AA from YUL - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $600+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
