A road trip from New York City to Montreal is packed with epic stops, stunning scenery, and plenty of surprises along the way.
You’ll drive past towering mountains, cross historic rivers, and explore hidden gems that most travelers miss.
Whether you’re into hiking, history, amazing food, or just looking for a fun excuse to take a vacation, this route has something for you.
So grab your snacks, cue up a good playlist, and let’s hit the road!
1. NYC
We’re starting our road trip in none other than New York City.
If you’re from out of town then feel free to hit up the city’s best spots like Times Square, Central Park and the Empire State Building.
If you’re from NYC then grab a coffee for the road and let’s get going.
2. Bannerman’s Castle, New York
Sitting on a tiny island in the middle of the Hudson River, about an hour north of NYC, Bannerman’s Castle looks like something from a storybook.
It was built in the early 1900s by a businessman named Francis Bannerman, who used it as a storage facility for military surplus.
Today, it’s just a crumbling ruin that you can only visit by boat or kayak.
If you take a guided tour, you’ll hear wild stories about explosions, fires, and the castle’s mysterious past while exploring what’s left of its towering walls and arched windows.
3. Beacon, New York
Back on the mainland, just a short drive from Bannerman’s Castle, Beacon is a small city in the Hudson Valley known for its arts scene, hiking trails, and historic charm.
The main draw is Dia Beacon, a massive contemporary art museum inside a former factory.
You can also stroll down Main Street for indie shops, cozy cafés, and old-school record stores.
If you’re up for a workout, hike up Mount Beacon for an incredible view of the river and the surrounding hills—just be ready for a steep climb and a lot of stairs.
4. Saugerties, New York
Heading farther north, Saugerties is a laid-back town that combines outdoor adventure and small-town charm.
One of the best stops here is the Saugerties Lighthouse, a 19th-century brick lighthouse that you can hike to along a scenic trail with river views.
If you’re into waterfalls, don’t miss a quick stop at Falling Waters Preserve, where easy trails lead to peaceful spots along the Hudson.
5. Glens Falls, New York
Continuing north, Glens Falls is a small city that’s packed with history, local breweries, and easy access to the Adirondacks.
You can check out the Hyde Collection, an art museum inside a historic mansion, or try a great selection of craft beer at Common Roots Brewing.
If you need a break from driving, take a walk along the Feeder Canal Trail, a peaceful path that runs through town and follows an old canal system.
6. Ticonderoga, New York
North of Glens Falls, Ticonderoga is best known for its massive 18th-century fort that played a key role in both the French and Indian War and the American Revolution.
Step into history at Fort Ticonderoga, where you can walk through restored barracks, watch live musket demonstrations, and take a boat tour on Lake Champlain.
For something unexpected, stop by the Star Trek Original Series Set Tour, an accurate replica of the 1960s TV show set built by a devoted fan.
7. Keene Valley, New York
Past Ticonderoga, Keene Valley is where the Adirondack Mountains really start to show off, making it a dream spot for hiking and outdoor adventures.
Trails like Roaring Brook Falls offer a quick, scenic walk to a waterfall, while the climb up Giant Mountain is a tougher trek with huge payoffs in the form of sweeping mountain views.
If you need to refuel, the little town has a few great spots, like the Noon Mark Diner, famous for its homemade pies.
8. Lake Placid, New York
Just a short drive from Keene Valley, Lake Placid is best known for hosting the Winter Olympics—twice!
You can visit the Olympic Center to see where the 1980 “Miracle on Ice” happened or ride on the Cliffside Coaster that follows the old bobsled track.
(Please note that the Cliffside Coaster operates based on weather conditions—check for closures before your visit.)
If you’re a nature lover, enjoy a lakeside stroll at Mirror Lake or take the Veterans’ Memorial Highway up the nearby Whiteface Mountain for incredible summit views.
9. Ausable Chasm, New York
Not far from Lake Placid, Ausable Chasm is a massive sandstone gorge that’s been nicknamed the “Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks.”
You can walk along cliffside trails, cross rope bridges, or even float through the chasm on a rafting tour, surrounded by towering rock walls and rushing water.
For an extra thrill, try the Adventure Trail, where you’ll climb ladders and balance on cable bridges right above the river.
10. Burlington, Vermont
After crossing Lake Champlain by ferry, you’ll land in Burlington, Vermont, a lively college town with a fun mix of outdoor activities, great food, and local shops.
The city’s main spot is Church Street Marketplace, a pedestrian-only street lined with cafés, bookstores, and street performers, perfect for an afternoon stroll.
Don’t miss a stop at the Ben & Jerry’s scoop shop if you’re a fan of ice cream, or head down to the waterfront for a sunset walk along the lake.
11. Stowe, Vermont
A short drive from Burlington, Stowe is a classic mountain town known for its ski slopes, scenic drives, and picture-perfect covered bridges.
Visit Stowe Mountain Resort in the winter for the best skiing and snowboarding experience, or ride up the gondola for amazing views year-round.
For a more relaxed stop, grab a cider doughnut from Cold Hollow Cider Mill or check out the Trapp Family Lodge, started by the family that inspired The Sound of Music.
12. Smugglers’ Notch, Vermont
Just over the mountain from Stowe, Smugglers’ Notch is a dramatic, winding mountain pass with some of the most gorgeous roads in Vermont.
In the fall, the drive is unreal, with red and orange leaves surrounding the narrow, twisty road that squeezes between massive boulders.
If you’re up for an adventure, hike the Sterling Pond Trail—a short but steep climb that leads to a peaceful alpine pond tucked high in the mountains.
13. Mont-Saint-Hilaire, Canada
Crossing into Canada, Mont-Saint-Hilaire is a great first stop just outside Montreal, especially if you’re looking for one last hike before hitting the city.
The mountain is part of a nature reserve with well-marked trails leading to rocky summits that offer wide-open views of the Richelieu River and the countryside.
If hiking isn’t on your agenda, you can swing by one of the local orchards for fresh apple cider or classic baked treats.
14. Chambly, Canada
Just a short drive from Mont-Saint-Hilaire, Chambly is a small town with a long history, best known for its old fortress and laid-back waterfront.
Fort Chambly, a stone fort built in the 1700s, sits right on the Richelieu River and is fun to explore, with exhibits on Canada’s colonial past and beautiful picnic spots nearby.
If you’re more into food and drinks, look for a place that serves Unibroue Brewery’s famous craft beers, like La Fin du Monde and Blanche de Chambly.
15. Montreal, Canada
Finishing the trip in Montreal, you’ll find yourself in a city that feels like a mix of Europe and North America, with cobblestone streets, amazing food, and a nonstop arts scene.
Old Montreal is the place to start, where you can walk past centuries-old buildings, visit the Notre-Dame Basilica, and grab a buttery croissant from a French bakery.
No trip here is complete without trying a classic poutine—crispy fries covered in cheese curds and gravy—before heading up Mount Royal for a final view of the city.
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