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Summary

One of Canada's 'best' cities is a road trip from Ottawa and it's like a European vacation

You can enjoy cobblestone streets and cozy cafes.

A person standing on a street. Right: A historic street.

A city near Ottawa.

@pearl_coutinho | Instagram, @madeline.forsyth | Instagram
Lead Writer, Travel

Craving a little trip to Europe? This city near Ottawa offers a taste of life abroad without hopping on a plane, and it was recently named one of the top destinations in the country.

Travel + Leisure revealed Canada's five best cities of 2025, and while Ottawa didn't make the list, this picturesque spot just over two hours away earned a place.

Montreal was named the second-best city in Canada for 2025, coming in just under Quebec City in Travel + Leisure's "World's Best Awards."

The rankings are based on votes from readers around the globe, who rate cities on key factors like culture, food, landmarks, and overall friendliness. Those ratings are then averaged to determine the final list.

According to Travel + Leisure, spots like Vancouver (ranked at number 3) and Montreal "continue to draw enthusiastic visitors with their diverse restaurant and hotel scenes and world-class arts and culture."

Montreal is a dreamy year-round destination renowned for its European ambiance and historic architecture. It's even been dubbed the "Paris of the North," and with its cozy patisseries, beautiful buildings and cobblestone streets, it's no wonder why.

According to Tourisme Montreal, the city's food scene is "legendary" and "offers a full menu for all tastes, from food festivals all the way to food trucks."

You can also enjoy a range of attractions throughout the city, such as Notre-Dame Basilica, Mount Royal Park and Montreal Botanical Garden.

Old Montreal is a must-visit, with its quaint streets and European atmosphere.

Here is the complete list of Canada's five best cities for 2025:

1. Quebec City, Quebec

Reader Score: 86.79

2. Montreal, Quebec

Reader Score: 82.93

3. Vancouver, British Columbia

Reader Score: 82.79

4. Halifax

Reader Score: 82.26

5. Victoria, British Columbia

Reader Score: 80.70

If you're looking for a beautiful spot to explore, Montreal offers European vibes and incredible attractions just a road trip away from Ottawa.

Montreal Tourisme Website

Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.

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old montrealroad trips near ottawabest places to visit in canada
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    • Madeline Forsyth

      Lead Writer

      Madeline Forsyth is a Toronto-based Lead Writer for Narcity Media. After earning her B.A. (Hons) at Queen's University, she spent a year travelling much of the world as a flight attendant. Now, she uses her experience in the travel industry and passion for writing to share stories about buzzworthy events and adventures across Canada and the globe. Madeline has been published in PopSugar and has interviewed sports and entertainment personalities for Narcity. She has covered and photographed restaurant openings as well as event launches such as the world premiere of the Dr. Seuss Experience. Some of her favourite things to write about include charming small towns and anything to do with Harry Potter.

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