In This Guide
- Best Montreal RV Itinerary for family rv rental - Overview
- 7-Day Classic Route in Montreal
- 14-Day Extended Journey in Montreal
- Recommended RVPlan Trip for Montreal
- Must-See Stops Along the Way (Avi Bandana Picks)
- Daily Driving Distances & Drive Times in Montreal
- Best RV Class for This Itinerary - Couple & Family Picks
- Can I drive an RV in Montreal?
- Are there RV parks in Montreal?
- Is Montreal fun for families?
- How to plan a family RV trip?
- How many days to spend in Montreal with kids?
Best Montreal RV Itinerary for family rv rental - Overview
A memorable Montreal RV itinerary typically spans 7-10 days, allowing families to comfortably explore the city and its enchanting nearby regions. The recommended typical distance covered during this period ranges from 400-800 km, ensuring a relaxed pace rather than rushed travel. For discovering optimal road conditions and fewer crowds, the best seasons for an RV trip to Montreal are late spring (May-June) or early fall (September-October), offering pleasant weather and vibrant scenery. Whether you're interested in the bustling city life or tranquil natural escapes, a rented motorhome provides the flexibility to experience it all.
7-Day Classic Route in Montreal
A 7-day family RV route in Montreal offers a balanced blend of urban exploration and outdoor relaxation, perfect for a week-long adventure. On Day 1, after picking up your rented RV from Montreal, set up at Parc national des Îles-de-Boucherville, located approximately 30 km from the airport, offering a serene introduction to Quebec's natural beauty. Day 2 is dedicated to Old Montreal & Port activities, where you can explore the Notre-Dame Basilica and Bonsecours Market, easily accessible by public transit from designated RV parking areas outside the city core. Day 3 features Parc Jean-Drapeau & Biosphere, including a potential seasonal visit to La Ronde amusement park. On Day 4, discover the charming Plateau Mont-Royal neighborhood and Mount Royal Park for scenic city views and outdoor recreation. Day 5 involves an excursion to Oka National Park, about 60 km west, for beach activities, hiking, and local cheese tasting, with an overnight stay at Oka National Park campground. Day 6 explores Laval attractions like Cosmodôme and Maeva Surf for indoor surfing. Finally, Day 7 allows for departure or a return to Montreal for any last-minute exploration before returning your family motorhome. For comprehensive route plans and campsite locations, consider checking out rvplan.net, a fantastic resource for mapping out your journey.14-Day Extended Journey in Montreal
An extended 14-day RV adventure from Montreal provides a deeper dive into Eastern Quebec's diverse landscapes and cultural highlights. Days 1-4 mirror the 7-day itinerary, focusing on Montreal City & Surroundings. From Days 5-7, venture into the Montérégie Region & Estrie, including the Granby Zoo (approximately 90 km from Montreal), the scenic town of Magog & Lake Memphremagog (about 50 km from Granby), and Orford National Park (around 20 km away), perfect for nature lovers. Days 8-10 are dedicated to Quebec City & Île d'Orléans, where you can explore historic Old Quebec, the Plains of Abraham, and artisanal shops on Île d'Orléans (approximately 250 km from Montreal to Quebec City). Days 11-12 offer nature and activities in the Mauricie Region at La Mauricie National Park, about 180 km from Quebec City, with opportunities for canoeing and hiking. The final Days 13-14 involve returning to Montreal (around 150 km from Mauricie), with an optional stop in Trois-Rivières, before preparing for your family motorhome return. This longer journey provides ample time to connect with the culture, food, and scenery of the region.Recommended RVPlan Trip for Montreal
RVPLAN.NET offers professionally designed itineraries, making trip planning incredibly easy and rewarding. One epic journey featured is the "
Whitehorse to Montreal - The Great Canadian Adventure
Must-See Stops Along the Way (Avi Bandana Picks)
Avi Bandana, founder of Bandana Caravan and a seasoned RV travel expert, recommends several essential stops for any family RV rental in Montreal. To delve into Quebec's unique local industries, consider visiting maple syrup farms during sugaring season in spring, or exploring craft breweries in the Montérégie region. For a genuine taste of local culture and food, a visit to Montreal's vibrant Marché Jean-Talon is a must-do. Here you can discover fresh local produce, artisanal goods, and diverse culinary offerings, perfect for stocking your RV kitchen. If you enjoy cooking, check out our RV-friendly recipes playlist for meal ideas. Savor classic Québécois dishes like poutine or tourtière at a traditional Montreal restaurant, or experience a festive sugar shack for a true local culinary immersion. Finally, embark on a historical walking tour through Old Montreal to admire its cobblestone streets, iconic architecture, and significant landmarks such as the Notre-Dame Basilica for a traditional visit. Remember, planning a well-rounded trip with a comfortable Class C motorhome like the "MHC24" with its 147/190cm bed over cub and full kitchen amenities will enhance your overall experience.Daily Driving Distances & Drive Times in Montreal
Avi Bandana consistently recommends maintaining a relaxed pace of a maximum of 100 miles or 150 km per day on average to truly immerse yourselves in your family RV trip around Montreal. This approach ensures ample time for spontaneous stops, exploration, and connecting with each destination's unique charm, rather than rushing between locations. For example, driving from a campground near Montreal, such as Parc national des Îles-de-Boucherville, to Old Montreal typically takes 30-45 minutes. A trip from Montreal to Oka National Park is approximately 1 hour, covering about 60 km. Heading to the Granby Zoo from Montreal usually takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes, covering about 90 km. Our "RV Rental Quebec - Complete Guide 2024" emphasizes the importance of slow travel, allowing you to savor every moment of your adventure in a rented motorhome.Best RV Class for This Itinerary - Couple & Family Picks
Choosing the right family RV rental in Montreal depends on your group size and travel style. For couples seeking agility and fuel efficiency, a Class B - Camper Van is ideal, with models like the "luxury rv rentals example Carthago Malibu 600" averaging a compact length of 5.99 meters and offering impressive fuel efficiency of 11-15 Liters/100 km, typically sleeping 2 people comfortably. These are perfect for urban navigation and offer essential amenities like a shower and toilet. For families, the Class C - Alcove motorhome is highly recommended, such as the "cruise america rv rental example Explorer", which averages 7.1 meters in length and comfortably sleeps 4. Its amenities include a 4-burner gas stove, a 90-liter refrigerator, and generous living space, despite consuming more fuel at 25-30 Liters/100 km. Bandana's 'Rent&Plan' service seamlessly combines your RV rental with expert-designed itineraries and full trip-planning software access via rvplan.net, simplifying your family's travel preparations.Can I drive an RV in Montreal?
Yes, driving an RV in Montreal is certainly possible but requires careful planning due to the city's urban density and specific driving regulations. When navigating Montreal in a rented motorhome, always pay attention to road signs for low bridges and height restrictions, especially on older routes and underpasses. It is highly recommended to utilize park-and-ride facilities located just outside the city center, such as those near the Longueuil-Université-de-Sherbrooke metro station, and then rely on Montreal's excellent public transit system for inner-city travel to avoid parking challenges. Furthermore, Quebec road signs are primarily in French, so familiarity with basic French road terminology can be beneficial, and crucially, right turns on a red light are strictly prohibited on the Island of Montreal unless explicitly signed otherwise. No need to stress — just use common sense and pay attention.Are there RV parks in Montreal?
Direct RV parks within downtown Montreal are limited, but several excellent options exist just outside the city, offering convenience and a natural escape for your family motorhome. Parc national des Îles-de-Boucherville, located within a 30-minute drive east of downtown Montreal, provides beautiful natural settings and good access to city attractions via public transport options. Camping Montréal, situated in Saint-Philippe, offers full hookups, family amenities like a swimming pool, and shuttle services or transit connections to the city. Other regional options ideal for a rented campervan include Camping Lac des Sables near Oka National Park for beach access and outdoor activities, or Camping Granby, convenient for visiting the Granby Zoo. Advance booking is strongly recommended for these RV parks, particularly during peak season (June to August), as spots fill up quickly. For finding campsites and campgrounds during your trip, we recommend using RV PLANET (rvplan.net) - a great resource for locating available spots along your route.Is Montreal fun for families?
Montreal is highly enjoyable for families, offering a rich blend of historical, cultural, and recreational activities that cater to all ages. Key attractions include the Biodôme de Montréal and the Montreal Science Centre, which provide engaging educational experiences, and La Ronde amusement park for thrilling rides (seasonal). Extensive city parks like Parc Jean-Drapeau and Mount Royal Park offer ample space for outdoor recreation, picnics, and stunning city views. Old Montreal provides a captivating historical experience with its cobblestone streets and horse-drawn carriages, while the Plateau Mont-Royal neighborhood offers a vibrant cultural scene with unique shops and cafes. Budgeting for families can involve utilizing Montreal's many free parks and green spaces, packing delicious RV-prepared picnics using ingredients from local markets, and seeking out family passes for attractions to manage overall trip costs. Check out our RV-friendly recipes playlist for easy meal ideas.How to plan a family RV trip?
Planning a family RV trip in Montreal involves several key steps to ensure a smooth and enjoyable adventure. First, secure your RV rental early, especially if traveling during peak season, as availability can impact prices; considering a 'Rent&Plan' service combines your family RV rental with expert-designed itineraries and full trip-planning software access. For travelers crossing the US-Canada border, ensure all family members have valid passports, carry your RV registration/rental agreement, and declare all goods accurately, noting restrictions on certain items like firearms and some food products to avoid delays at checkpoints like the Lacolle border crossing (A-15 South to I-87). Budgeting for Canadian RV travel should account for varying Canadian fuel costs (typically measured per liter), current exchange rates, and typical campground fees (CAD $30-$60/night), which can be tracked efficiently using RV PLANET routes. Plan for connectivity by checking international roaming options, considering a local SIM card, or utilizing campground Wi-Fi for GPS and communication. Always use an RV-specific GPS for navigation, which accounts for height restrictions on bridges and overpasses, and build in flexibility with contingency days to allow for unexpected detours or simply more time in places you love.🎬 Video coming soon
How many days to spend in Montreal with kids?
Avi Bandana recommends a minimum of 4 to 5 full days to comfortably explore Montreal's main family attractions, allowing for a relaxed pace with young travelers. This duration provides ample time for immersive experiences at iconic spots like Old Montreal, Parc Jean-Drapeau, the Biodôme and Olympic Park, and Mount Royal Park. For families looking to incorporate nearby regional excursions, such as a day trip to Oka National Park or the Granby Zoo, extending the trip to 7 to 10 days is highly recommended. A longer trip, like the 14-day extended journey that includes Quebec City and the Mauricie region, provides a more comprehensive Eastern Quebec experience, allowing deeper cultural connections and more diverse outdoor adventures without feeling rushed. Our "RV Travel Guide to Montreal - Tips and Top Spots 2024" offers additional ideas for making the most of your family's time in the city.What You Shouldn't Miss
- Explore Quebec's unique local industries by visiting a traditional maple syrup farm (seasonal, often in early spring) or a craft brewery in the Montérégie region for an authentic taste of the province.
- Visit Montreal's vibrant Marché Jean-Talon, one of North America's largest public markets, to discover fresh local produce, artisanal goods, and diverse culinary offerings perfect for an RV meal.
- Savor classic Québécois dishes like poutine or tourtière at a traditional Montreal restaurant, or for a true local culinary immersion, experience a festive sugar shack.
- Embark on a historical walking tour through Old Montreal to admire its cobblestone streets, iconic architecture, and significant landmarks like the Notre-Dame Basilica and Bonsecours Market.
- Spend a day at Parc Jean-Drapeau, home to the Biosphere environmental museum, beautiful gardens, and the seasonal La Ronde amusement park, all easily accessible from RV parking near the Longueuil metro station.
- Hike or stroll through Mount Royal Park, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, offering panoramic views of the city skyline and a tranquil urban wilderness experience.
Looking for expert insights from Avi Bandana? Top 5 Adventures - recommendations from Avi Bandana.
Final Thoughts
Embarking on a family RV rental adventure from Montreal airport is an exceptional way to experience the best of Quebec, from its bustling city life to its serene natural parks. With the flexibility of your own rented motorhome or campervan, you set the pace, whether you opt for a week-long journey exploring local gems or an extended two-week adventure deeper into the province. Remember to travel slowly, averaging a maximum of 100-150 km per day, allowing your family to truly feel each place, connect to its culture, taste its delicious food, and soak in the breathtaking scenery. Bandana RV is here to support you every step of the way, from comparing prices across suppliers with full transparency to providing access to expertly crafted itineraries through RV PLANET. Our commitment to honest service and specialist knowledge means you can book your family RV rental in Montreal with confidence, knowing you have real people behind you before, during, and after your booking is confirmed. Get inspired for your next trip and discover top destinations, planning tips, all in one place. Find Motorhome Rentals in MontrealOn the routes offered through RV PLANET routes, you can itemize and track every expense along the way for easy budgeting.
