Major city · Canada
AlexandriaAlexandria, Ontario
Pass through unless you are breaking the Montréal–Ottawa rail run: no overnight needed. A 2-hour leg-stretch off Highway 417 covers the basilica and Main Street.
Alexandria is a town of about 3,300 in North Glengarry, Eastern Ontario, and it sits on the VIA Rail line between Montréal and Ottawa, with multiple trains a day. There is one basilica, one golf course, one motel and a handful of restaurants on Main Street. Treat it as a stop on the corridor, not a destination: get off, walk the core, eat, and move on. Sleep here only if a late train or a drive break forces it.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- CAD
- Best months
- Jun–Sep, plus late Sep–early Oct for maple colour
- avoid Jan–Feb (deep cold, snow, few services), mid-winter rail delays
- Airports
- YUL · YOW
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 6Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- Canada ↗Visa-exempt travellers flying to or through Canada usually need an eTA; check your passport on the official Government of Canada site (canada.ca) and apply only there.
- Canada ↗A Parks Canada pass is needed to stop in national parks such as Banff and Jasper; some spots (for example Moraine Lake) are reached only by shuttle or tour, so book ahead.
- Canada ↗Keep well away from bears, elk and moose; carry bear spray on Rockies trails and follow trail closures.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Alexandria911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Glengarry Memorial Hospital+1 613-525-2222
- Telehealth Ontario (health advice, 24 h)1-866-797-0000
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Alexandria, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Canadian dollar (CAD, $).Canada-wide
- SIM or eSIMRogers, Bell and Telus plus cheaper brands (Fido, Koodo, Public Mobile); prepaid SIMs in malls and stores.Canada-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable; treat water from lakes and streams (giardia).Canada-wide
- TippingRestaurant: 15–20% of the pre-tax bill.Canada-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Canada-wide
- SafetyVery safe.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree in malls, Tim Hortons, stations and park visitor centres.Canada-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance · +1 613-525-2222 Glengarry Memorial Hospital · 1-866-797-0000 Telehealth Ontario (health advice, 24 h)
- Sundays & holidaysStatutory holidays close shops and offices, varying by province; many park facilities are seasonal (about mid-May to mid-October).Canada-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportcheckYUL Montréal–Trudeau (The practical gateway for the corridor; drive time to Alexandria varies with traffic — check before you book a connection.).
- Getting aroundThe town core is walkable end to end.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee and a pastry2026 estimateC$5–9 (≈ US$4–7)
- Beerdraught in a pub / can at the store2026 estimateC$7–9 (≈ US$6–7)C$3–5 (≈ US$3–4)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi across townlimited local fleetC$10–15 (≈ US$8–11)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week2026 estimateC$15–35 (≈ US$11–30)
- Budget bedFamily room or two-bed unit, a night, per roomC$180 (≈ US$140)
- Mid-range bedRoadside motel room, a night, per roomC$140 (≈ US$110)
- High-end bedRoadside motel room, a night, per roomC$200 (≈ US$150)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget C$80 (≈ US$60) · Mid C$150 (≈ US$110) · High C$260 (≈ US$190)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- YUL Montréal–Trudeau (The practical gateway for the corridor; drive time to Alexandria varies with traffic — check before you book a connection.) · YOW Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier (Alternative gateway via Highway 417; drive time varies with traffic — check.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
−6°C (21°F)21°F (−6°C)
Feb
Avoid
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
Mar
not flagged
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
Apr
not flagged
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
May
not flagged
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Jun
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Jul
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Aug
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Sep
Best*
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Oct
Best*
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Nov
not flagged
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
Dec
not flagged
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
Best: Jun–Oct. Avoid: Jan–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)), coolest Jan (−16°C (3°F)3°F (−16°C) low), wettest Jan (14 rain days), driest Feb (11). Averages, not a forecast.
* only part of the month (early, mid or late).
Weather and climate
Alexandria: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
−6°C (21°F)21°F (−6°C)
−16°C (3°F)3°F (−16°C)
14 rd
Feb
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
−15°C (5°F)5°F (−15°C)
11 rd
Mar
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
−8°C (18°F)18°F (−8°C)
11 rd
Apr
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
11 rd
May
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
12 rd
Jun
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
12 rd
Jul
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
12 rd
Aug
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
12 rd
Sep
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
11 rd
Oct
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
12 rd
Nov
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
13 rd
Dec
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
−11°C (12°F)12°F (−11°C)
14 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The town core is walkable end to end. VIA Rail's Alexandria station sits at the north end of town, about 1 km from the Main Street strip. For anything outside town — the golf course, St. Raphael's ruins, neighbouring villages — you need a car; there is no local bus network.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 40 min
Car via County Road 34 north
Ottawa River town with the widest restaurant choice in the area; pair with Voyageur Provincial Park in summer.
Door to door: About 45 min
Car via Highway 401 east
Bigger town, more services, gateway to the St. Lawrence.
Montréal
goDoor to door: About 1 h 30 min
VIA Rail from Alexandria station, about 1 h 15 min
Onward destination, not a day trip: book ahead for cheaper fares and plan to stay.
Ottawa
goDoor to door: About 1 h 15 min
VIA Rail from Alexandria station, about 1 h
Onward destination on the same line, opposite direction; useful for a one-way corridor run.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Main Street (downtown Alexandria)
Walkable strip with restaurants, the Fauxmagerie and the motel; best if you arrive by train or car and want dinner on foot.
Highway 417 / County Road 34 corridor
Roadside motels and chain stays for a one-night drive break; you will need a car for everything.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- C$70–110 (≈ US$55–80) excl. bed (2026 estimate)
- Mid
- C$120–190 (≈ US$90–140) excl. bed (2026 estimate)
- High
- C$200 (≈ US$150)+ excl. bed (2026 estimate)
Trip budget
| Roadside motel room1 × 1 night × C$140 | C$140 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × C$150 | C$300 |
| VIA Rail Montréal–Alexandria, one way2 × C$30 · fares vary by how far ahead you book | C$60 |
| Car hire, one day, small car1 × C$70 · fuel extra | C$70 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × C$20 | C$40 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | C$61 |
| Trip total≈ C$336 per person per day, bed included | C$671≈ US$500 |
2026 estimate in Canadian dollars; sales tax is added at checkout. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee and a pastry2026 estimate | C$5–9 (≈ US$4–7) |
| Pub main (burger, steak, pizza)2026 estimate | C$18–32 (≈ US$14–25) |
| Tapas plate and a cocktail2026 estimate | C$14–20 (≈ US$11–15) / C$12–16 (≈ US$9–12) |
| Beer: draught in a pub / can at the store2026 estimate | C$7–9 (≈ US$6–7) / C$3–5 (≈ US$3–4) |
| Golf green fee, 18 holesseasonal, May–October | C$45–70 (≈ US$35–55) |
| Taxi across townlimited local fleet | C$10–15 (≈ US$8–11) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week2026 estimate | C$15–35 (≈ US$11–30) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Alexandria station is unstaffed: no ticket counter, no luggage help. Buy online or at a kiosk, and do not count on staff.
- The station opens about 60 minutes before a train and closes about 30 minutes after one leaves. Outside those windows there is no shelter.
- Winter rail delays are common on the Montréal–Ottawa corridor; build slack into any connection.
- Cell coverage is fine in town but patchy on the rural concession roads.
- Most restaurants close by 21:00 and several shut early in the week: eat before you arrive late.Most restaurants close by 9:00 PM and several shut early in the week: eat before you arrive late.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
- Glengarry Memorial Hospital
- +1 613-525-2222
- Telehealth Ontario (health advice, 24 h)
- 1-866-797-0000
Pocket card
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AlexandriaAlexandria, Ontario
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
À cette adresse, s'il vous plaîtTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Glengarry Memorial Hospital+1 613-525-2222
- Telehealth Ontario (24 h)1-866-797-0000
Embassy
No embassies here. The US consulate general is in Montréal; most other countries keep embassies in Ottawa.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- VIA Rail Alexandria → Montréal: about C$25–45 (≈ US$19–35), about 1 h 15 min
- VIA Rail Alexandria → Ottawa: about C$25–40 (≈ US$19–30), about 1 h
- Taxi across town: C$10–15 (≈ US$8–11)
Say or show
- Thank you / Merci — Thank you
- Où est la gare ? — Where is the station?
- Une table pour deux, s'il vous plaît — A table for two, please
- Combien ça coûte ? — How much is it?
- Puis-je payer par carte ? — Can I pay by card?
- Où sont les toilettes ? — Where is the toilet?
English is the everyday language; French is common in the surrounding townships and on signage.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Alexandria. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Jun–Sep, plus late Sep–early Oct for maple colour · avoid Jan–Feb (deep cold, snow, few services), mid-winter rail delays · month by month →
- 2 airports and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Station-to-bed contract for Alexandria: VIA arrival times, walk time to Main Street, taxi fallback, late-arrival food options.
- Walking cluster for the core: station, Main Street restaurants, St. Finnan's Basilica, library.
- Place pages with verified hours for St. Finnan's, the golf course and the Fauxmagerie, plus eat pages with last orders.
- Winter and hostile-arrival fixtures (delays, unstaffed station, closed kitchens) so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
- officialVIA Rail — Alexandria station
- officialVIA Rail Canada
- officialTownship of North Glengarry — things to do
- officialSt. Finnan's Basilica
- officialGlengarry Golf & Country Club
- officialHôpital Glengarry Memorial Hospital
- officialSDG Library — Alexandria Branch
- secondaryWikivoyage: Alexandria (Ontario), revision 5272245 (CC BY-SA 4.0)