Either way won't change the stops along the way, but the route along the Loyalist Parkway is far more scenic. The Loyalist Parkway, or HWY 33 skirts the coast of Lake Ontario through some of its most scenic and historic towns.

While the Highway 401 is the fastest route, the most scenic way to travel between Montreal and Toronto in 2026 is via the Loyalist Parkway (Highway 33) and the Thousand Islands Parkway. This high-fidelity route takes you off the main freeway to hug the shores of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River. You can explore the high-fidelity charm of historic Kingston, visit the wineries of Prince Edward County, and witness the "High-Fidelity" beauty of the 1,000 Islands. If you prefer rail, the VIA Rail Corridor service offers a high-fidelity "city-to-city" experience with expansive views of rural Ontario landscapes. For the ultimate 2026 road trip, diverting through the Long Sault Parkway—a series of 11 islands connected by bridges—is a high-fidelity necessity. This route adds about 2 hours to the 5.5-hour journey but transforms a boring commute into a high-fidelity showcase of Eastern Canada's natural and historical landmarks.