United States
Our travel stories from south of the border
New YorkNew York State and Vermont
When people think of New York State, Manhattan usually comes to mind first. Yet just south of the Quebec border, the state shows a completely different side: the Adirondacks, a vast territory of mountains, lakes and forests. Created in 1892, Adirondack Park covers about 24,000 km², making it the largest protected area in the contiguous United States. It is home to thousands of lakes and 46 High Peaks, including Mount Marcy, the state's highest point at 1,629 m.
Every season has its charm. In the fall, maples and birches paint the mountains, usually from late September to mid-October. In winter, Lake Placid, a two-time Olympic host, and Whiteface Mountain draw skiers and winter sports fans, while summer is all about canoeing, hiking and swimming in the lakes.
New York State is also a great food destination. It's the second-largest producer of apples and maple syrup in the United States, and in the fall, orchards serve up fresh cider and cider donuts. Around Plattsburgh, you can't leave without trying michigans. And across Lake Champlain, Vermont is just a short ferry ride away, making it easy to combine both states.
About two hours' drive from Montreal and just over five hours from Quebec City, the Adirondacks make an ideal long-weekend getaway. We spent three days there in October 2026, sleeping in our Tesla in Wilmington, at the foot of Whiteface Mountain.
New HampshireNew Hampshire and Massachusetts
New Hampshire is a New England state known for its varied natural landscapes, among mountains, forests and lakes. It stands out for its peaceful way of life, its attachment to tradition and its famous motto: "Live Free or Die." The state banks on outdoor tourism, notably hiking and winter sports, as well as on a lively local economy.
Massachusetts, also in New England, is one of the historic cradles of the United States. It is home to major cities such as Boston and Cambridge, known for their world-renowned universities and their cultural energy. Massachusetts plays a key role in education, research, technology and finance, while preserving a rich historical heritage.
VermontVermont
Tucked into the northeastern United States, just across the border from Quebec, Vermont is a genuine little piece of paradise for anyone who loves nature and the outdoors. This New England state stands out for its rolling landscapes, its dense forests and its charming villages with white churches that look like they came straight off a postcard.
Every season offers its own experience. In fall, the Green Mountains blaze with vivid reds, oranges and yellows — a show that draws leaf peepers from all over the world. Winter turns the region into a skiing paradise with well-known resorts like Stowe, Killington and Sugarbush, while summer and spring call for hiking the Long Trail, cycling and swimming in Lake Champlain.
Vermont is also a food destination of the first order. You'll find the famous maple syrup, artisanal cheeses, world-renowned microbreweries (including Hill Farmstead and The Alchemist) and, of course, the celebrated Ben & Jerry's ice cream, whose factory you can tour in Waterbury. Burlington, the largest city, offers a lively cultural scene with its cafés, its independent shops and its farmers' markets.
Only a few hours' drive from Montreal, Vermont remains an ideal getaway in any season for Quebecers looking for a change of scene without going far.
NevadaLas Vegas
Nicknamed the "entertainment capital of the world", Las Vegas rises like a glittering oasis in the heart of the Nevada desert. This one-of-a-kind city never sleeps: its neon lights up the night, its fountains dance to the music and its casinos take in millions of visitors who come to try their luck or simply to marvel at the show.
The famous Strip, that legendary boulevard of nearly 7 km, holds the most extravagant hotel-casinos on the planet. You wander between the canals of the Venetian, the Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas, the fountains of the Bellagio and the black pyramid of the Luxor — a full architectural world tour in a single walk. Every property tries to outdo the next in putting on grand shows, from Cirque du Soleil to residencies by the biggest international stars.
But Las Vegas is far more than gambling. The city has established itself as a first-rank food destination, with restaurants signed by the world's greatest chefs. Shoppers find luxury malls, while the nightlife — clubs, rooftop bars, burlesque shows — draws an international crowd.
And for anyone who wants to escape the urban buzz, the surrounding country holds fine surprises: the Grand Canyon, the Hoover Dam, the Valley of Fire and Red Rock Canyon are all reachable on a day trip.
Whether it's a getaway with friends, a spur-of-the-moment wedding or a celebratory trip, Las Vegas offers an outsized experience you won't find anywhere else.