7 Scenic Drives from Ottawa, Montreal and Toronto to Enjoy in a Luxury Car
The best scenic drives near Ottawa, Montreal and Toronto — Gatineau Park, the Thousand Islands, Mont-Tremblant, the Eastern Townships and the Niagara Parkway.
Quick answer
Our favourite scenic drives in the region are Gatineau Park and the Thousand Islands Parkway from Ottawa, Mont-Tremblant, the Eastern Townships and the Chemin du Roy from Montreal, and the Niagara Parkway and Prince Edward County from Toronto. Most make a perfect day trip within the 200 km/day included with every rental.
A great car deserves a great road. These seven drives all start within reach of Ottawa, Montreal or Toronto and reward you with views, quiet stretches and a destination worth stopping for. Check road conditions and seasonal closures before you go.
1. Gatineau Park parkways (from Ottawa)
Just minutes from downtown Ottawa, the Gatineau Park parkways wind through forest and hills to lookouts such as Champlain Lookout, with sweeping views over the Ottawa Valley. It's the easiest way to turn a rental into an adventure without committing to a long drive — and spectacular in autumn.
Good to know: the parkways are usually closed to cars in winter; check the National Capital Commission's road status before you head out.
Pair it with: Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance — agile and quick on winding roads.
2. Thousand Islands Parkway (from Ottawa or Toronto)
Running along the St. Lawrence River between the Gananoque and Brockville areas, this riverside parkway passes island views, small marinas and lookout points. It's an easy, relaxed drive best enjoyed with the windows down and a stop for lunch in Gananoque.
Pair it with: Mercedes-Benz C300 or BMW 330i — comfortable cruisers, with Unlimited KM available for the longer drive from Toronto.
3. Ottawa to Mont-Tremblant (Quebec)
Head north-east into the Laurentians for rolling hills, lakes and the village at the foot of Mont-Tremblant. Allow about two hours each way. Autumn colours make this one of the most photographed drives in Quebec.
Pair it with: BMW X6 M Competition — all-wheel-drive confidence, room for luggage and plenty of power for the climbs.
4. The Eastern Townships (from Montreal)
About an hour or so east of Montreal, the Eastern Townships (Cantons-de-l'Est) are a patchwork of farmland, lakes and charming villages such as Knowlton and North Hatley, with vineyards and bistros along the way. Pick a loop and take the back roads.
Pair it with: Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance — a grand tourer made for long, flowing country roads.
5. Chemin du Roy (Montreal toward Quebec City)
Following the north shore of the St. Lawrence, the Chemin du Roy (Route 138) is one of the oldest roads in Canada, linking Montreal and Quebec City through historic riverside villages. Drive a section of it for a slower, more scenic alternative to the highway.
Good to know: the full route is long — plan your kilometres or choose Unlimited KM on the BMW 330i or C300.
Pair it with: Mercedes-Benz C300.
6. Niagara Parkway (from Toronto)
About an hour and a half from Toronto, the Niagara Parkway follows the Niagara River from Niagara-on-the-Lake toward the Falls, past orchards, wineries and riverside parkland. Combine it with lunch in Niagara-on-the-Lake for an easy, unforgettable day.
Pair it with: Mercedes-AMG G63 — pure presence for a wine-country day out.
7. Prince Edward County via the Loyalist Parkway (from Toronto)
The Loyalist Parkway (Highway 33) runs along the shore of Lake Ontario through Prince Edward County, known for its wineries, farm-to-table restaurants and the beaches at Sandbanks Provincial Park. Make a weekend of it.
Pair it with: BMW X6 M Competition or BMW 330i with Unlimited KM.
Planning your kilometres
Every rental includes 200 km per day. Extra distance is $1.15/km on AMG and M models and $0.65/km on the BMW 330i and C300 — which can also take Unlimited KM for $100/day. Our Montreal & Toronto guide has a worked example and a distance table to help you plan.
Ready for the road?
Browse the fleet, pick your route and send a booking request. Tell us where you're headed and we'll help you choose the right car and kilometre package.
