Everything There Is to Know about the Ottawa to Montreal Drive (Best Stops, Eats, and Directions!)
If you know me, you know I’m an adventurer at heart, which means I’m always on the move on weekends, usually traveling to nearby cities and neighborhoods.
A personal favorite destination of mine is Montreal. Its artistic ambiance is just enough to survive the dreaded Monday blues, especially those early morning meetings.
Hey, boss, if you’re reading this, just pretend you didn’t!
As a self-proclaimed expert on this route, I’ve mapped out everything you need to know – the best stops, the tastiest eats, and how to get there without getting lost.
How to Drive From Ottawa to Montreal
Begin your trip by getting on Highway 417 East from Ottawa, also known as the Queensway.
Follow signs leading you to Montreal and stay on Highway 417 East. This highway will take you out of Ottawa and towards Quebec.
As you cross into Quebec, Highway 417 becomes Autoroute 40 East. Continue to follow signs for Montreal.
Now, all you have to do is stay on Autoroute 40 East for the majority of the trip. It won’t take long for you to finally reach Montreal!
Where to Eat During Your Ottawa to Montreal Drive
Mon Village Restaurant
Address: 2760 Côte Saint-Charles, Saint-Lazare, QC
Phone: +1 450-458-5331
Pricing: $$
Mon Village Restaurant offers a homey ambiance, making it a nice escape from hours behind the wheel.
With a menu full of Canadian and French fusion, the restaurant provides a delicious blend of culinary worlds.
My perfect meal looks like this: French onion soup as the starter, a Caesar salad for my vitamin A fix, and the creamy pesto pasta as the star of the show.
I like alternating it with the queen of the cote, a delicious filet mignon dish considered one of their best sellers, depending on my mood.
Eric’s Pizza
Address: 659 St Isidore Rd, Casselman, ON
Phone: +1 613-764-0333
Pricing: $$
I don’t know about you, but something about road trips makes me crave a nice, greasy slice of pizza! That’s why I like going to Eric’s Pizza whenever I’m driving to Montreal.
I haven’t tried it myself but I heard their poutine is quite popular among regulars so consider getting yourself one.
What I’ve tried though, is the pizza poutine – a classic Canadian dish reimagined! I can already taste the flavors swirl on my tongue as I think about the fries, gravy and curds, and pizza cheese on top of a deliciously doughy concoction!
I recommend you see for yourself why it’s my go-to order at Eric’s.
The Creek Bistro and Pub Market
Address: 17071 McLean Rd, Moose Creek, ON
Phone: +1 613-538-2233
Pricing: $$
The Creek Bistro and Pub Market is a hidden Ontario gem located in the small, unassuming village of Moose Creek.
In fact, I discovered it when I had a few hours to kill before the time I needed to be in Montreal. If it weren’t for that one fateful day, I probably wouldn’t be here today telling you all about this precious find!
I recommend arriving early, or sometime before 11 AM, for a chance to try their breakfast menu. Moose Creek locals really love it!
I like the breakfast burrito the most, packed with savory ingredients enough to fill me up for the whole ride.
Bhandari Cuisine Indienne Saint-Clet
Address: 351 Chem. de la Cité des Jeunes, Saint-Clet, QC
Phone: +1 450-456-3159
Pricing: $$
Bhandari Cuisine is an unassuming Indian restaurant that lets its food speak for itself.
It’s a fairly popular hotspot most especially for the butter chicken, a creamy dreamy goodness with a slightly spicy kick.
If you want to enjoy it in a similar style to how a lot of Indians do it (as mentioned by an Indian friend), I recommend pairing it with naan. Otherwise, rice is pretty good too!
Délice et Café (brunch et pret a manger)
— Media credit: @justin_ryans
Address: 2131 Chemin Ste Angélique, Saint-Lazare, QC
Phone: +1 450-218-2024
Pricing: $$
Délice et Café is a great brunch option if you’re driving to Montreal from Ottawa. While its menu isn’t as extensive as one hopes it would be, its careful curation makes sure patrons are presented with a delicious variety.
The grilled cheese is definitely a favorite of mine, as a fan of any dish with cheese.
In fact, it has become an instinct to order anything cheesy if I can’t decide on anything. It hasn’t failed me before!
Oh, they also serve a plate of melting brie, featuring nuts, fruits, and homemade bread, feeding my cheese obsession.
The Best Stops in Between Ottawa and Montreal
Glengarry Highland Games
Address: 34 Fair St, Maxville, ON
Phone: +1 613-527-2876
If you have time to kill during your Ottawa to Montreal drive, make sure to check out Glengarry Highland Games, a must-visit destination especially popular for Scottish competitions.
This includes a kilt run where people embark on an exciting (and tiring – let’s face it) 5k run while wearing kilts. I highly recommend this to runners with experience who are looking for something different.
If you just want to sit back, relax, and enjoy Glengarry Highland Games’ offerings, you can always watch the Scottish fiddling performances, sign up for whisky tasting, and even join a harp workshop!
Vankleek Hill Vineyard
Address: 3725 Dandy Road, 3725 County Rd 12, Vankleek Hill
Phone: +1 613-295-9463
For wine connoisseurs or someone who’s just interested in expanding their palette, Vankleek Hill Vineyard is worth the detour.
You’ll get to enjoy a glass of their handcrafted wines amidst a fascinating verdant backdrop, making the experience even more memorable and delightful.
It’s on a first-come first-served basis, however, with 130 seats, it’s almost impossible to not find a spot. That said, you can always bring your own seats to be sure!
By the way, their tasting cellar is open every Friday and Sunday only.
Calypso Theme Waterpark
Address: 2015 Calypso St, Limoges, ON
Phone: +1 613-443-9995
Is the whole family coming with you on your drive to Montreal? Why not stop by Calypso Theme Waterpark first for a fun-filled day?
There are many activities to enjoy for all ages, including exciting water slides, a wave pool, and a hundred water games, ensuring you’ll be able to thoroughly enjoy your visit.
If you’re looking for an extreme experience, there’s also something for you here like the Vertigo, an intense water slide where you’ll feel your heart drop!
St-Albert Cheese Factory
Address: 150 St Paul St, St-Albert, ON
Phone: +1 613-987-2872
Here’s a unique detour you might not be able to resist – a quick stop to St-Albert Cheese Factory.
You have the choice to explore their boutique and restaurant, check out their museum, as well as sign up for a group tour.
The restaurant is one of the most popular stops, especially because of the impeccable poutine with the freshest cheese possible, created right in their factor.
And since you’re already here, make sure to order yourself lots of cheese to take home with you as a way to spice up your meals at home.