4 Days in Montreal and Quebec
Heads up: some links here are affiliate links. Book or buy through them and we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only point you to things we would actually use.
The 3-day plan’s Montreal core and Quebec City day trip, plus a fourth day out to Ottawa, Canada’s capital, a comfortable long day trip at about 2 hours each way by VIA Rail. Fewer days? Drop the Ottawa leg and use the 3-day version ; more time, the 5 , 6 , and 7-day versions add the Eastern Townships and beyond.
Book these before you go
| Day | Focus |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Old Montreal, Notre-Dame Basilica, the Old Port |
| Day 2 | Mount Royal, downtown, a fast Mile End food stop |
| Day 3 | Quebec City day trip by VIA Rail |
| Day 4 | Ottawa day trip by VIA Rail |
Day 1: Old Montreal, fast
Morning
Old Montreal, free to wander, and the Notre-Dame Basilica, blue and gold inside, about $16 for a daytime visit.
Afternoon
The 1847 Bonsecours Market and the Old Port, moving at a pace that leaves two full days for what’s outside the city.
Evening
Dinner near Gare Centrale, your hub for both day trips ahead.
Day 2: Mount Royal, downtown, and a fast food stop
Morning
Mount Royal and the free Kondiaronk Belvedere.
Afternoon
The RÉSO underground city, then Mile End for St-Viateur Bagel or Fairmount Bagel.
Evening
Schwartz’s Deli, smoked meat since 1928, an early night before tomorrow’s train.
Day 3: Quebec City by VIA Rail
Morning
VIA Rail from Gare Centrale, about 3 hours to Quebec City. Walk Old Québec, the corridor’s actual UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Afternoon
The old city’s fortified streets and Château Frontenac from the boardwalk.
Evening
Return train to Montreal; an early night ahead of another travel day tomorrow.
Day 4: Ottawa by VIA Rail
Morning
VIA Rail from Gare Centrale, about 2 hours to Ottawa, Canada’s capital. Parliament Hill anchors the city center.
Afternoon
Ottawa’s museums cluster near Parliament Hill; a long day trip works comfortably at this distance, no need to rush the return.
How much should you budget for 4 days in Montreal and Quebec? Plan on $155-260 CAD a day mid-range in Montreal, plus two VIA Rail fares for Quebec City and Ottawa, before Quebec’s 14.975% sales tax on meals in both provinces.
Evening
Return train to Montreal in the evening.
Getting around and one honest note
YUL airport sits about 20 kilometers from downtown; the REM doesn’t reach it yet, so it’s the STM Bus 747 (about $11.25) or a taxi (about $49.45). VIA Rail from Gare Centrale covers both day trips car-free; the STM metro, $3.75 a ride, handles the Montreal days. Keep an eye on your bag in Old Montreal, the RÉSO, and Berri-UQAM métro.
With a fifth day, our 5-day version adds the Eastern Townships, a true day trip rather than the longer Quebec City and Ottawa hauls.