Three easy train trips from Montreal
You want to leave Montreal, when the beautiful season is coming, but you don’t have a car? Metro has selected three train journeys for you that might surprise you.
Escape between nature and river
Some of the most beautiful mountains in Quebec, unique fir forests, the pretty town of Baie-Saint-Paul, all with a breathtaking view of the largest estuary in the world, its blue water and its whales (rare also in the south ): welcome to Charlevoix. No need to rent aCommunautoor pay for gas to get there.
After the VIA Rail train to Quebec City, you can board the brand new Charlevoix train, which runs on hydrogen – green technology – and ride one of the most scenic railways in the province. From the various stops, you can go hiking, visit the town of Baie-Saint-Paul and its beach or go gamble at the La Malbaie casino.
Credit: iStock
However, it will be necessary to pay the price for this Charlevois stay. Count $109 for the round trip between Quebec City and Baie-Saint-Paul, double that to go to La Malbaie. The train between Montreal and Quebec starts from $42 one way.
The lure of waterfalls
Many Montrealers have never visited the most famous waterfall on the planet, Niagara Falls, and the train can take you there. Impressive, yes, but seeing the falls isn’t the area’s only interest. The city gives the impression of being a mini amusement park and you can also visit the underside of the old hydroelectric plant – and pass behind the falls, thrills guaranteed – or take a boat to be hosed down.
Another great option? The station is not located next to the falls, you will have to walk or take the bus. But that's not your only choice, you can rent an e-bike and ride to the falls with it. Afterwards, you could descend along the Niagara River Parkway, a scenic route with viewpoints over the turquoise waters of the Niagara Gorge (Niagara Glen, in English).< /p>
Credit: iStock
To get there, you will have to take two trains, one from Montreal to Toronto and another from Toronto to Niagara, for a one-way ticket that will cost you $128. Along the way, you can visit Toronto and Lake Ontario coastal towns, an opportunity to split the trip in two, stop and take a dip.
Destination… the White House
This April 4, the first train from Montreal to New York in three years will lift the sails. But if New York is an exciting destination on its own, why stop at the Big Apple? Indeed, from New York, two train lines go to the American capital. A high-speed train, the Acela, – the only one on the continent! – and a slower train, the Northeast.
Credit: iStock
In Washington, there are plenty of things to do. National museums, Capitol, various memorials and the White House will be on the program. The opportunity to discover the political heart of the southern neighbor, the United States. In addition, the city also offers charming neighborhoods like Georgetown.
From Montreal, board the Adirondack for 70 US$ one way and cross the homonymous mountain range. From New York, getting to Washington will cost from US$20 by regional train and US$70 by fast train, saving 20 minutes.
