You can make New York to Montreal in about 6 hours, but the people who love this drive never do it in one straight shot. At around 370 miles on I-87 (Adirondack Northway), it is short enough to start after breakfast and long enough to earn a night somewhere memorable.
Open this route in XCRSNLeaving New York
Aim to clear New York before the morning rush, or after it, never in it. Fill the tank on the edge of town where prices usually drop, set the playlist, and settle in for the first 150 miles to Albany.
The headline stop on this route is Hudson Valley along the Thruway. Leave real time for it; it sets the tone for the whole trip.
Albany
Albany sits about 150 miles in. It makes a good spot to stretch, eat something that is not from a gas station, and swap drivers.
Nearby, Lake George village is worth the short detour if the day is going well.
Lake George, the last stretch
Lake George sits about 210 miles in. It is the natural place to stop for the night: hotels are plentiful, rates beat the big-city ends of the route, and you wake up with the hardest miles already behind you.
Rolling into Montreal
The final 160 miles always go faster than you expect. Save a little energy for Adirondack High Peaks views; it is a fitting finish.
By the end you will have seen Hudson Valley along the Thruway, Lake George village and Adirondack High Peaks views, and you will understand why this corridor is a classic.
When to go and how to pace it
One night is the sweet spot. Lake George, NY is where most people stay, so book ahead on summer weekends.
Check live gas prices along I-87 (Adirondack Northway) before you go; they can swing a lot from one state or county to the next. XCRSN prices every leg for your exact car.
