Route Overview
This itinerary covers the classic Eastern Canada drive through southern Ontario and Quebec, along the Lake Ontario shore and the St. Lawrence River. It connects Canada's largest city, its capital and the two main cities of French-speaking Quebec, with a side trip to Niagara Falls.
Approximate driving distances:
- Toronto to Niagara Falls: about 130 km
- Toronto to Kingston: about 260 km
- Kingston to Ottawa: about 195 km
- Ottawa to Montreal: about 200 km
- Montreal to Quebec City: about 255 km
None of these legs is longer than about three hours of driving without traffic, which leaves most of each day for sightseeing. Toronto traffic can add significant time, so avoid leaving or arriving at rush hour.
Days 1 and 2: Toronto and Niagara Falls
Spend the first day in Toronto. Good options include the CN Tower, the waterfront, St. Lawrence Market (open Tuesday to Sunday), the Distillery District and Kensington Market. In summer, a ferry from the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal to the Toronto Islands gives the best view of the skyline.
On day two, drive to Niagara Falls along the Queen Elizabeth Way. Boat tours run close to the base of Horseshoe Falls in season, and the riverside promenade on the Canadian side is free to walk. Niagara-on-the-Lake, about 20 minutes north, is a quieter town with historic streets and nearby wineries. Return to Toronto, or stay overnight in the Niagara region and drive east the next morning.
Day 3: Kingston and the Thousand Islands
Drive east on Highway 401 to Kingston, which was Canada's first capital. Fort Henry National Historic Site overlooks the harbour, and the limestone downtown and waterfront are easy to explore on foot. Kingston is also the southern end of the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
East of Kingston, the Thousand Islands Parkway follows the St. Lawrence River past many small islands. Boat cruises leave from Gananoque and Rockport in season. Overnight in Kingston or the Thousand Islands area.
Day 4: Ottawa
Drive north to Ottawa. The Parliament buildings on Parliament Hill are the main landmark; Centre Block is closed for a long-term renovation, but parliamentary tours run in other buildings. Walk the Rideau Canal locks next to Parliament, the ByWard Market, and the National Gallery of Canada. The Canadian Museum of History is just across the river in Gatineau, Quebec.
Days 5 and 6: Montreal
Montreal is under two hours from Ottawa. Old Montreal, with Notre-Dame Basilica and the Old Port, is the natural starting point. Climb or drive up Mount Royal for the view over the city, and spend time in the Plateau and Mile End neighbourhoods for food, including Montreal-style bagels. The underground city and the metro make getting around easy without the car.
Driving notes for Quebec: road signs are in French, and turning right on a red light is not allowed anywhere on the Island of Montreal. Parking downtown is expensive and limited, so choose a hotel with parking or use the metro.
Day 7: Quebec City
Drive northeast along Autoroute 40 or 20 to Quebec City. Its historic district, Old Quebec, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the only walled city north of Mexico. Walk the ramparts, the Dufferin Terrace beside the Château Frontenac, and the Petit-Champlain streets in the Lower Town, connected by a funicular and stairways. Montmorency Falls, higher than Niagara Falls, is about 15 minutes outside the city.
Practical Tips
- Best season: Late May to mid-October. Fall colours peak in late September and early October. Winter driving is possible but needs winter tires, which are mandatory in Quebec from December 1 to March 15.
- Car rental: One-way rentals between Ontario and Quebec often carry a drop fee. An alternative is to return the car in Montreal and take VIA Rail onward, or to drive the loop back to Toronto.
- Tolls: Highway 407 near Toronto is an electronic toll road; avoid it if your rental company charges extra fees.
- Language: English is widely spoken in Montreal and in tourist areas of Quebec City, but a few French phrases go a long way.
- Border: Niagara Falls is a border crossing. Do not drive onto the bridges to the United States unless you have the right documents.
