Reading week is right around the corner for McGill students, providing a much-needed respite from midterms, papers, and assignments that tend to accumulate mid-semester. While many McGillians head home for break, or, if they’re lucky, take a vacation and escape the February chill, others will remain here. But don’t worry—The Tribune has put together a guide for some of the best mini-vacations in and around Montreal to make the most of this well-deserved time off.
Mont Tremblant
With snow still blanketing the slopes well into March, Mont Tremblant is an easily accessible day trip for McGill students staying in the city over break. For skiers and snowboarders, Mont Tremblant offers a variety of runs for all levels of experience. Mont Tremblant’s Village is quaint and cozy, complete with chalets, huts, and a lively après-ski scene after a day on the slopes. The mountain is just an hour-and-a-half drive from Montreal, and it takes about four hours to reach via public transit.
Quebec City
Perfect for an overnight stay, Quebec City is a dreamy getaway rich in history, culture, and activities for McGill students to enjoy. Be sure to visit Old Quebec to be transported back to the 17th century with its cobblestone streets and historic Petit-Champlain district. Don’t miss the iconic Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, the stunning hotel overlooking the St. Lawrence River. Quebec City is a three-hour drive from Montreal, and around a three-and-a-half-hour train ride by VIA Rail, with ticket prices starting around $85 CAD.
Eastern Townships
The Eastern Townships region is just an hour and a half outside of Montreal, and is home to a wide range of vineyards and dairy farms to explore. Go for the day and embark on a wine route or cheese tour. Stop by some of Quebec’s most quaint towns, home to Manoir Hovey in North Hatley, Manoir Maplewood in Waterloo, and Auberge West Brome in West Brome. Spend some leisure time indulging in local specialties and farm-to-table meats and produce.
Marché aux Puces Saint-Michel
The Saint Michel Flea Market has every kind of trinket, accessory, jewelry, furniture, vinyl record and more to meet your most niche expectations. Don’t be fooled by the gritty exterior—this maze is full of the unexpected, with two sprawling floors to keep you busy. Take a stroll through the market and find that perfect item you didn’t even know you needed. Saint Michel’s Flea Market is 45 minutes away on the metro via the REM A train and Blue Line.
Omega Park
Escape the concrete jungle and return to nature at Omega Park, a drive-by safari experience where you can discover Canada’s wildlife and animals, such as bison, bears, elk, moose, and wolves in their natural habitat. Omega Park features 2200 acres of untouched nature that you can explore at your own pace on the guided route through the wilderness. You will be greeted by friendly deer at your window all along the way, so make sure to bring some carrots for them to feast on. The park is around two hours away from Montreal by car—buckle up for a convenient safari adventure!