Ottawa to Saint-Lambert train

If big cities such as Toronto or Montreal appear too crowded for your taste, consider Ottawa for a change. Boasting a small-town vibe with a vibrant art scene, the city will appeal to all kinds of travelers. Ottawa’s star attraction is the Rideau Canal, which meanders its way through the city center. In the summer months, the canal is full of boats and cyclists who wander about, and in the colder months of the year, it becomes the largest ice skating rink in the world. If you are a fan of architecture, don’t miss out on Parliament Hill, which features three amazing neo-Gothic structures. For those who seek to get away from the hustle and bustle of the big city, Gatineau Park, located just 15 minutes from Downtown, offers the reprieve you need.

Ottawa features a very diverse food scene that caters to everyone’s needs. If you just can’t get enough of French delicacies, head to Signatures Restaurant, which is housed in a Tudor Revival-style mansion. If you want to try out Canadian signatures, try Atelier instead.

The main intercity train station in town is Ottawa Station, which is served by VIA Rail. The city’s air services are handled by the Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport, which is located 5.5 miles south of the city’s downtown.

If you're visiting Montreal, it's well worth crossing the river and spending a day or two in Saint-Lambert. It's a small city that's best experienced in the open air by strolling along the harbor, relaxing in one of its 30 parks, and admiring the blend of modern and historic architectural styles. Le Balcon d'Art showcases an exciting selection of art from across the ages, while the Saint-Lambert Municipal Memorial Library acts as a hub of cultural enrichment for residents and tourists alike. Cycling enthusiasts will appreciate Saint-Lambert's vast network of bike trails that transport riders out of the urban environment and into a rural idyll of luscious meadows and long-forgotten chateaus.

During the summer months, Canadians from the surrounding areas descend on Saint-Lambert for its annual festivals, including Festival Classica, Foire d'Art Contemporaine de Saint-Lambert, and, most notably, Saint-Lambert Days, which takes place in the downtown core and combines music, street performance, and local products.

Saint-Lambert is just a 10-minute boat ride from one of Canada's major urban centers, Montreal, from which nationwide air, rail, and bus connections are available. Saint-Lambert's central train station also provides regional rail and bus links.