Now that the temperature is back on the rise, it’s time to crawl out of our wintery nests, and enjoy the great outdoors! Every year come summertime, Montreal turns into a cultural hotbed for events and festivals – leaving us with an endless list of things to do. And Summer 2018 is no different!
But for those who are looking to get out of the city for a change in scenery, you won’t be left in the cold either. While Montreal’s cityscape may be impressive, the fun also extends well beyond its metropolitan core. Whether you’re a born-and-raised Montrealer, or a curious out-of-town visitor, there’s something worth the trip outside the city for every type of traveller.
No matter what activity you’re up for, you’ll need to figure out your group transportation plans. The best way to get to all these different destinations and events, near or far, is to charter a bus from Montreal – it’s easy, safe, and convenient!
If you are only traveling in a small group, renting an entire school bus or coach bus can seem a bit extreme. Fortunately, Bus.com also offers smaller vehicles for mid-sized groups, called sprinter vans. If you rent a sprinter van from Bus.com in Montreal, you have the choice between renting a driver as well or designating one of your team members to drive the van.
MudGirl – June to August 2018
Distance and Bus Ride time from Montreal
- MudGirl Hamilton (June 2-3): 6 hours 25 minutes bus ride from Montreal
- MudGirl Toronto (June 16): 5 hours 30 minutes bus ride from Montreal
- MudGirl Quebec (July 7): 3 hours bus ride from Montreal
- MudGirl Montreal (August 11-12): 30 minutes bus ride from Montreal
- MudGirl Ottawa (August 25): 2 hours 30 minutes bus ride from Montreal
Best for: Beginners and competitive runners ready to face new challenges
MudGirl is a series of empowering obstacle courses dedicated to women of all levels of athleticism, to help raise funds for the Breast Cancer Foundation. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or a running novice, everyone is welcome to participate and challenge themselves to new experiences.
Crawl through mud, tackle inflatable slides, climb your way out of trenches, burst through foam, and get in on some paintball action. Plus, you’ll score some free swag and a cool medal at the end, and who says no to that?
You can purchase bus tickets directly to the event via Bus.com.
Montebello Rockfest – June 14-16, 2018
Distance: 1 hour 30 minutes bus ride from Montreal
Best for: Rock and hardcore music fans down for a weekend-long party
Year after year, the little town of Montebello draws crowds of over 200,000 rock, punk, metal, alternative, ska, and hardcore music fans come the early signs of summer. As the largest outdoors rock music festival in Canada, Montebello Rockfest boasts eclectic lineups made up of mainstream acts, cult bands, and emerging talents.
This year, with ongoing parties throughout the village and a lineup stacked with artists like Prophets of Rage, Weezer, Godsmack, Jimmy Eat World, and Stone Temple Pilots set to take center stage, there’s no doubt that you’re in for a good time.
You can purchase bus tickets directly to the event via Bus.com.
Wanderlust Stratton – June 21-24, 2018
Distance: 4 hours 20 minutes bus ride from Montreal
Best for: Yogis interested in learning from the world’s leading practitioners
Nestled right amongst the lush forests of Vermont, Wanderlust Stratton is the go-to destination this summer for yoga enthusiasts with classes for all levels, from first-timers to seasoned yogis. Bringing together world-class yoga teachers, Wanderlust promises a physical challenge through the celebration of mindful living while surrounded by breathtaking natural spaces.
With a focus on community building, the festival also features top musical acts and various activities that will tap into your inner explorer. You can either opt for an outdoor adventure with a 5km trail run, mountain meditation sessions, and sunset hikes, or create space for inspiration by attending expert talks and indulging in farm-to-table culinary delights with top local chefs and winemakers.
Muddy Paws – July 7-8, 2018
Distance: 6 hours 30 minutes bus ride from Montreal
Best for: Vinophiles and dog lovers looking to celebrate good food and wine
At the Muddy Paws Wine Festival in Vineland, ON, the best wine pairing is in the company of your favourite four-legged friend. For the event, award-winning Vineland Estates Winery and Featherstone Estate Winery will instil a special open-door policy for well-behaved dogs on leashes who wish to tag along with their owners. This weekend serves as a unique paws-friendly occasion to celebrate amazing wine and food in Niagara with your furry tail-wagging pal by your side.
The wineries’ renowned chefs will be cooking up a storm and serving delicious dishes to accompany new and favourite wines that will be available by the glass. A portion of wine sales will also go towards supporting The Bello Project and Home Hospice, an association dedicated to providing care for pets of the terminally ill.
Foudres Unies – August 11, 2018
Distance: 1 hour 30 minute bus ride from Montreal
Best for: Craft beer connoisseurs and notable brewers eager to discover new brews
As an ode to both distinguished brewers and beer lovers, Foudres Unies will host a local celebration with craft beers flowing from over more than 40 breweries, including Dieu du Ciel!, Hill Farmstead, Cantillon, and Bellwood.
The event is located at Brasserie Dunham in Frelighsburg which is a mere stone’s throw away from the American border. With only two 4-hour tasting sessions, tickets are bound to fly off the shelf, so get your hands on yours now if you intend on participating in a delectable selection of craft beer this summer.
You can purchase bus tickets directly to the event via Bus.com.
Perseids Meteor Shower Party – August 11, 2018
Distance: 40min Bus Ride from Montreal
Best for: Star gazers and nature lovers interested in a day-trip with a bang for their buck
Located in Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue at the tip of Montreal’s West Island, the Morgan Arboretum nature reserve will be hosting a viewing party for the annual perseid meteor shower at the Bellevue Observatory. The Royal Astronomical Society of Montreal will also be onsite to offer a public lecture and free telescope observation, making it easy for you to catch a glimpse of the perseids.
While you’re there, make it a full day trip and escape the city for a little bit. This natural refuge plays host to multiple other events, promising you a day chock-full of activities: go bird watching, enjoy a guided walk along woodsy trails, or bring along your camera to capture the diverse indigenous fauna and flora that populates the area.
Canadian National Exhibition – August 18 – September 3, 2018
Distance: 5h 30 min Bus Ride from Montreal
Best for: Foodies on the search for their next Instagram-worthy meal
The Canadian National Exhibition, also known simply as “The Ex”, is a 18-day fair (read: feast) that features everything from the latest in Canadian technology to international cuisine and thrilling midway rides. Offering all-around fun for the entire family, a large amusement park, live entertainment, killer food options, and even shopping, this annual fair is indeed the perfect ending to the summer.
With food considered as the key part of the CNE, you’ll be served with otherworldly culinary creations like Frosted Flake Battered Chicken on a Stick, Deep Fried Red Velvet Oreos, and Bacon Wrapped Grilled Cheese. If novelty items aren’t really your thing, the Food Building also has a wide variety of more classic fair favourites like Beaver Tails, Funnel Cakes and Tiny Tom Donuts, as well as standard food options like pizza, hot dogs, hamburgers, and French fries.
I Love The 90s – August 18, 2018
Distance: 6 hours 20 minutes Bus Ride from Montreal
Best for: Would-be time warpers nostalgic for all things 90s-related
Yearning for a blast from the past? We haven’t figured out time travelling yet, but this is surely the next best thing. Experience the ultimate throwback and transport yourself back to the 90s with a ride to the inaugural edition of the I Love The 90s Tour in Oro-Medonte, ON. With classic 90s artists like Vanilla Ice, Salt N Pepa, and Coolio set to perform, you’ll be sure to relive that iconic time period when Beanie Babies, Push Pops, Discmans, and the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air were all the rage.
The Drummondville Poutine Festival – August 25-27, 2018
Distance: 1 hour 15 minutes Bus Ride from Montreal
Best for: Poutine fiends and first-timers dying to try this classic dish
Put those poutine cravings to rest. Welcome to Drummondville’s Festival de La Poutine where Quebec’s most iconic dish is put to the forefront. Especially great for out-of-towners curious to try out the addictive combination of cheese, gravy, and fries for the first time, you’ll be sure to get your fill at this premier festival.
If you need a quick break from chowing down on delicious poutine, awesome local musical talents like Half Moon Run, Les Soeurs Boulay, Alex Nevsky, and Les Trois Accords will also be playing, giving you a bit of time to rest and digest before digging back in.
Expo Brome Fair – August 31-September 3, 2018
Distance: 1 hour 10 minutes bus ride from Montreal
Best for: City dwellers yearning for a rural escape
Taking place every Labour Day weekend in the Eastern Townships, the Expo Brome Fair is Quebec’s largest annual agricultural fair and exhibition. Get back to Quebec’s rural roots and come discover regional products like yummy home baked goods and jams.
The fun doesn’t end there! Stick around the fairgrounds and enjoy midway rides (included in the price of entry), carnival games, performances by local musicians, magic shows, barn dances, truck pulls, horse races, and even a petting zoo.
If you’re planning on heading out of Montreal this summer, make sure transportation for your group goes smoothly by renting out a charter bus to your event of choice! Check out our guide to bus rentals for all the details you need to get started.
