Your Montreal to Vermont Road Trip Guide

Brossard will make an excellent first stop on your road trip. This waterfront town just south of Montreal offers a number of restaurants and relaxation points. Consider viewing the impressive Samuel de Champlain bridge and getting lunch at the popular 3 Brasseurs Brossard restaurant.

Acclaimed as Canada’s first lifestyle center, Quartier DIX30 boasts more than 300 stores and dining experiences. Quartier DIX30 even offers a Tourist Privileges Pass, which gives dozens of exclusive deals throughout the mall for out-of-town guests! 

Just 30 kilometers south east of Brossard, you will hit your second stop. Located at the very tip of Lake Champlain, this quaint town will offer lots of activities. 

First, swing by the Fromagerie Au Gre Des Champs, a certified organic, award-winning cheese-making farm. See the cows and sample the different fresh cheeses they make. This acclaimed cheese shop is a must-visit destination. 

Stretch your legs on a walk long the Chambly Canal and enjoy the water views. Watch the historic locks and boat lifts in the summer, and in the winter enjoy ice skating, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. 

Check out the not one, not two, but three historic forts along the canal. The oldest of these forts is Fort Saints Therese, which was built in 1665 and was destroyed on two occasions. Today, you can view the excavation site for the fort. 

In addition to Fort Saint Therese, consider stopping at Fort Saint-Jean and Fort Chambly national historical sites. 

Stop by the Erabliere Meunier store for a free tour of the maple syrup processing farm, free donuts, fresh maple taffy in the snow, and lots of outdoor games. The restaurant also serves many dishes prepared with fresh maple syrup. 

If you are visiting Saint Jean Sur Richelieu in August, the annual International Balloon Festival is not to be missed! This hot air balloon festival is the largest in Canada, and it continues for nine days. In addition to hot air balloons, the festival boasts many activities, rides, and food options. Be sure to buy tickets for this festival in advance. 

With so many things to do, Saint Jean Sur Richelieu is a must-see destination along your route. 

Now that you have made it south of the US border, your road trip will take you to the town of Stowe, Vermont.

Best known for its phenomenal skiing at Stowe Mountain Resort, this picturesque town is nestled at the foot of Mount Mansfield. With 2022 marking 86 years in business, Stowe Mountain Resort has 2,360 feet of vertical drop and 40 miles of skiable area. The hill has 12 operating ski lifts and multiple gondolas to get you to the top as quick as possible. 

The resort has a number of restaurants on the mountain, an expansive spa, a ski school, and a variety of lodging accommodations. If downhill skiing isn’t your fancy, the resort also offers cross country skiing and ice skating. 

In the warmer months, Stowe continues to offer a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, golfing, and water activities at Lake Elmore and Bootlegger’s Basin.

In the autumn, the hills explode with color. Between September and October, the gorgeous foliage set in the backdrop of the quaint New England town makes this stop a one-of-a-kind experience. 

For travel during the summer, think about stopping by the Camping Plage Champlain campground in Venise-en-Quebec. Situated against the Baie Missisquis, campers can stay at this campground between May 15-September 15 every year. This campground is a great place for family fun. 

The campground has a range of amenities, including a pool, laundry services, a convenience store, wireless internet, a playground, and wood, propane, and ice available for sale on site. Campers can book by the night or save money and book by the week. 

At Plage Champlain, the campground offers equipment rentals at reasonable prices to make your stay as enjoyable as possible. Consider renting kayaks, paddle boards, peddle boats, or sun chairs, all available for $15 or less for a full day rental. 

Relax at the beach and enjoy the quiet stretch of sand on the bay. 

Across Lake Champlain from Burlington, VT lies the “Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks,” the Ausable Chasm. To get there, just take the ferry from Burlington to Port Kent, or take the scenic drive around the lake. Both routes offer gorgeous views of New York State and Vermont. 

Open for 150 years, the Chasm has many things to see and do. Hiking, river tubing, rock climbing and rappelling are all popular activities. One unique activity offered in the summer is a lantern-lit night tour of the chasm, which concludes with a campfire with your group. 

For the best views of the rainbow falls, take the Chasm Riverwalk. Fifty feet in the air, these cable-suspended trails provide a bird’s eye view of the scenes below. Safety gear is provided by the Chasm staff, though the Riverwalk does not require a harness. 

In the winter, ice formations along the gorge are truly a site to behold. Crowds are considerably smaller, and the park becomes a peaceful winter wonderland. For the best experience, take the the two-hour guided tour into the chasm. 

A genuinely unique place to see, it is definitely worth the trip across the lake. 

If you haven’t gotten enough downhill skiing in Stowe, Mont Sutton is another must-see destination on your road trip. Boasting all levels of ski runs, there are more than 60 runs at Mont Sutton. The mountain also has extra festivities for the winter holidays.

After a long day on the slopes, warm up by touring the popular Route Des Vins, which has more than 20 renowned vineyards to visit. The Route is available year-round, and it will allow you to sample some of the best wine in Quebec. 

In the summer, the mountain shifts gears to accommodate warm-weather activities. Mountain biking is popular at Mont Sutton, and the resort offers lessons and guide services.

Visitors have the option to camp at the top of the summit, which provides incredible unobstructed views of the night sky. For a pretty day excursion, consider taking the chairlift to the top for beautiful 360 views of the region. 

Take the giant zip line down the mountain: 1,400 meters long in total, the zip line gives breathtaking views of the mountain. 

Relax and unwind at the Balnea Spa. If you are skiing for five or seven days at Mont Sutton, your pass will get you an extra discount on thermal experiences and massage packages. The spa also features an on-site restaurant, Lumami, which offers a gourmet dining experience and can be included in your package. 

For a fun and relaxing experience in all seasons, add Mont Sutton to your road trip destinations. 

Still need more time on the slopes? We’ve got you covered.

Situated on 450 acres of mountain, Bromont is the largest lighted ski area in all of North America. This allows for more than 100 runs to be skied at night. Skiers of all levels will enjoy this nighttime experience in the mountains. 

In the warmer months, Bromont becomes a Mecca for mountain bikers. With three slopes and more than 50 kilometers of trails, bikers of all levels will have a fantastic time. 

In May, the town of Bromont has a chocolate festival. Participate in chocolate arts and crafts, try chocolate from the area, and enjoy cooking demonstrations. The festival is sweet and fun for visitors of all ages. 

Consider a stay at Hotel Chateau Bromont, located at the base of the mountain. The hotel has 166 dog-friendly rooms, golfing, and a panoramic terrace of the views. With easy access to the mountain, you can keep the fun going for longer. 

Experience fun for the entire family at the Zoo de Granby. The zoo is certified by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and has won multiple awards of excellence. With more than 1,000 animals to see, the zoo is packed with adventure for all ages. 

Everyone will enjoy a trip to the Amazoo water park, with slides and wave pools themed as an Amazon nature experience. The fun doesn’t stop here; continue on to the zoo’s onsite amusement park. Dozens of activities at the park are free, including bumper cars, a carousel, a Ferris wheel, and games. 

Any nature-loving family would have a great time at the Zoo de Granby and its parks.