Looking for things to do in Montreal this weekend? Why not visit Oka Québec? Oka is a natural reserve only a 40 minute drive from the city, making it very easy day trip from Montreal and an even better city escape!
Oka is quite small but there’s loads of local food to try and even better outdoor adventures! Plus, the surrounding small towns in Québec also have a lot to offer that can add so much more to your day from Montreal.
Here’s the ultimate guide for things to do in Oka Québec and the surrounding areas!
Psst! This blog post contains affiliate links in it which sends me a bit of extra money if you use them… at no extra cost to you!
The History Of Oka Québec – The Oka Crisis
It’s important to note that Oka has had a rough history as its still disputed land in Québec.
The Oka Crisis was a 78-day stand off in the 90s between the Mohawks and the Quebec police, RCMP, and the Canadian Army. The protests started because a golf course had proposed an expansion onto a Mohawk Burial ground. The protests ultimately led to the golf course not expanding.
But the land in Oka has still never been formally transferred to Mohawk territory and is still not recognized as a reserve (read more about the Oka crisis).
Things To Do In Montreal This Weekend: Why Visit Oka
You cannot go on a better day trip from Montreal. Oka It’s a quick drive from the city and there’s more than enough to fill your day with.
The main draw to visit Oka is the Oka National Park, mainly because it’s the closest to Montreal and has a natural beach! But there’s a lot more to discover in Oka and the surrounding small towns in Québec than just that!
Getting To Oka From Montreal
Oka is to the Northwest of Montreal – about a 40 minute drive from the city. If you are interested in visiting Oka on a day trip from Montreal, you will need a car.
Take The Ferry From Hudson!
You can drive directly from Montreal to Oka but a fun adventure is to drive to Hudson and take the ferry to Oka (obviously this route is only doable during the warmer months in Québec!).
The Hudson-Oka Ferry typically runs from the end of April until November (but of course this depends on weather conditions). This ferry is equipped for cars, bikes, and pedestrians to cross the Lake of Two Mountains! It offers a beautiful view of Oka as you cross the lake and a fun adventure if you’re travelling with kids (this was always very exciting to do growing up!).
Find rates and more information.
Things To Do In Oka Québec
The town of Oka Quebec is quite small, but there is a small section you can walk around. You’ll want to walk out on the Oka Pier for a view along the Lake of Two Mountains (see Hudson across the water!).
From the Oka Pier you’ll get a nice view of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church and the Oka Marina (with the smallest lighthouse I think I’ve ever seen!).
P.S. if you can’t find parking in the town, you can park in the Church parking lot.
The Main Attraction: The Oka National Park
Oka National Park is the closest Québec National Park to Montreal. Here, you can go hiking, biking, and there’s even a beach to relax or enjoy some water sports.
Hiking Trails At Oka
There are two main hiking trails at the Oka National Park that both bring you to the (same) summit. The Calvaire d’Oka is about a 40 minute hike up the mountain on wide easy path – perfect for families or beginner hikers. This is also a more historical path with some of the old chapels along your route. If you’re looking for a bit of a longer hike though, you can hike Le Sommet.
As I said, both hiking trails bring you to the same summit where you’ll get a magnificent view of Oka, the Lake of Two Mountains, and you’ll see the three old Chapels.
P.S. hiking in the winter? Check out my guide for what to wear in Montreal winters and make sure to wear crampons (like these on Amazon!).
My Hiking Essentials On Amazon
Biking At Oka National Park
I love biking through the Oka forest on the Sentier du Sommet trail, a rugged and hilly 6.7 km path. But if you’re on a road bike you can also biked on La Vagabonde (a portion of La Route Verte in Oka… more on that in a bit!).
The Beach In Oka Québec
The Oka beach is the closest natural beach to the city, and why most people visit Oka on a day trip from Montreal. Make sure to get here early to avoid waiting in a long line, and having first pick of your spot on the beach… it can get pretty crowded on a nice summer day!
Camping At Oka
You can also spend the night in nature at the Oka National Park. Opt for a traditional camping experience where you have to pitch your own tent or book a ready-to-camp tent with a fully equipped and furnished tent. This way all you have to bring is yourself (oh and the food!).
Bike La Route Verte: Oka To Mont Sainte Hilare
If you don’t want to bike on a rugged path through the Oka National Park, there’s also paved path in Oka: La Route Verte. La Route Verte is a part of a larger bike path that goes through all of Québec. This is the Oka/Mont-St-Hilaire part of the route that takes you through the town of Oka, through the National Park and to connecting small towns in Québec (like Pointe Calumet and St. Eustache).
To bike this Oka section of La Route Verte, I like parking in the town of Oka (at the Church). You’ll see signs for La Route Verte to know where to go. You can follow the path for as long or as little as you like.
I recommend bringing a picnic lunch – there are a lot of nice picnic spots along the route you can enjoy (bring a blanket though!).
Visit The Oka Abbey
You have to visit the Oka Abbey while on a day trip from Montreal. You won’t be able to go inside but you can explore the grounds and admire the architecture of the building.
On the Abbey grounds there’s a mountain biking and hiking trails. You need a pass to mountain bike but hiking is free! The hike doesn’t bring you to a lookout point but it’s a good hike up a mountain. Although you do have to pay attention to the signs to make sure you are on the appropriate trail for pedestrians (the mountain bikers can be very intense!).
The Oka Abbey is also a good place to come for lunch or just a beer after a day spent outside. Relax in the gardens with a nice beer!
More information about the Oka Abbey.
In The Summer Go Wine Tasting At Oka Wineries
Who doesn’t like sitting in the countryside while tasting delicious local wines? Oka Québec is the perfect place to do that! There are a few wineries you can choose from to find on that suits you the best!
Vignoble d’Oka is the ultimate family winery. You can do a 30 minute tasting of 7 wines – see more information.
For more tasting options you can head to Vignoble Les Vents d’Ange (here). They have several tasting options to choose from depending on what kind of wine tasting you want.
Closer to St. Eustache is Vignoble Rivière du Chêne is probably the largest of the wineries in the area. On top of their wine tasting options, you can also book a picnic lunch for two people which gives you local food to taste and a bottle of their wine! Find more information here.
Fall Activity In Oka Québec: Go Apple Picking
Along with vineyard there are also tons of apple orchards in and around Oka. We love going to Domaine La France (we love their ice cider!).
But you can also go apple picking in the fall, sit on their roof terrace for incredible orchard views, or enjoy having a picnic lunch in the orchard with something from their bakery.
Some other apple orchard are La Croix (just down the street!) or Verger bio d’Oka (if you’re looking for an organic option).
P.S. See more fall activities to do in Montreal.
Cider Tasting At Lacroix!
Lacroix ciderie offers cider tastings in their boutique for free so you can try their different flavours! Find more activities on the orchard here.
Winter/ Spring Things To Do In Oka: Sugaring Off!
Sugaring off is a classic Québec activity from February to April. It’s when the weather starts to warm up from winter and we can actually leave our homes!
Visit one of the sugar shacks near Oka for lunch, to try a classic tire-a-neige, and learn how maple syrup is made!
I recommend le Bistro la Dent Sucrée (visit the website), or the very popular Au Pied de Cochon (visit the website).
More Things To Do Around Oka – Other Small Towns In Québec
Oka is pretty small, so on a day trip from Montreal you might want to explore some of the other small towns in Québec like Pointe-Calument, Mirabel, and St. Eustache!
Super Aqua Club In Pointe Calumet
One of the best family activities is going to Super Aqua Club in Pointe-Calumet right next to Oka. Going to the water park on a day trip from Montreal was a childhood favourite!
Obviously, you can spend the entire day at Super Aqua Club alone! Don’t forget to bring your sunscreen!
Find more information here.
Summer Activity In St. Eustache: Lavender Fields
La Maison Lavande is the closest lavender fields to Montreal in St. Eustache (the neighbouring small town to Oka).
Lavender fields are in full bloom in July, but there’s nothing stopping you from visiting their lavender boutique any other time of the year!
Visit Intermiel In St. Eustache
Intermiel is my favourite local honey! They make tons of honey flavours to choose from like clover, raspberry blossom, and more!
Intermiel isn’t just a boutique to buy honey, they also offer guided tours. On the tour you get to see a beehive, the meadery and distillery, and taste their products. It also includes a workshop on honey extraction!
But of course, you will have their largest selection of products here as well! And you can;t forget to say hello to all the animals on the farm during your visit!
Find out more information about the activities they offer.
Stay For The Drive In At St. Eustache For A Double Feature
Extend you day trip from Montreal to Oka by heading to St. Eustache for a drive in Movie!
They only show English movies once a week, but maybe this is the perfect time to practice your French! See what’s playing here (summer only!).
Food & Drink In Oka Québec
My all time favourite was Hola, but it’s now sadly closed. They featured a delicious combination of Spanish influences and Québecois food. The only use locally sourced and fresh ingredients from that day so their menu is constantly changing.
If you want your choice of meal, get there early because they do run out of ingredients towards the end!
I would honestly come to Oka for this restaurant alone… it’s that good!
Must Try – Oka Cheese
If you’ve heard anything about Oka Québec it’s probably Oka cheese. They make damn good cheese! There’s the fromagerie you can visit and buy from the largest selection of Oka cheese! My favourite? Smoked Oka!
You can find Oka cheese at the Magasin de l’Abbaye d’Oka (right next to the Oka Abbey). You can also pick up some ice cream here if you need a summer pick me up!
Need A Place To Stay In Montreal?
If you’re on holiday in Montreal and need a place to stay, here are a few recommendations.
I love going on staycations at Hotel Nelligan in the Old Port of Montreal. It’s in a great location, walking distance to everywhere you need to be. When you stay there you can’t miss out on their unique roof top terrace above the hotel. See room rates & availability.
I’ve also stayed at the newly built Homewood Suites in Montreal Midtown (west of the city) and I’d highly recommend it if you’re looking for a hotel that isn’t in the city centre. But they also have a branch downtown as well. It has a little kitchenette in every room and breakfast is included. Even though it isn’t downtown, you aren’t far from it. It’s walking distance to the Namur metro station, which will get you downtown in less than 20 minutes. See room rates & availability.
Here are some other alternatives I’ve heard about if you’re looking to stay in Downtown Montreal;
If you’re looking to stay in the heart of Downtown Montreal check out Auberge Les Bons Matins. This is a one of a kind stay perfect for a romantic getaway in Montreal. In this charming inn in Montreal, you’ll get a taste of local life. See room rates & availability.
You can also stay Le Square Phillips Hôtel & Suites if an auberge isn’t your style. Le Square Phillips Hôtel & Suites is in a supreme location in between the orange and the green metro line that get you anywhere else in the city. Breakfast is also included with your stay! See room rates & availability
For more accommodation options in Montreal, see Booking.com.
My Amazon Quebec Day Trips Must Haves
Related Posts
- The 10 Best Québec National Parks Near Montreal To Visit (Sépaq Parks)
- The Ultimate Guide To Easy Bike Paths Around Montreal
- Mont Tremblant Vs. Saint-Sauveur: Which Is Better?
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Last update on 2024-12-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API