Pedal along the river on the Des Berges bike path
This article was updated on July 5, 2022.
The Des Berges bike path offers a unique and historic experience compared to the better-known Lachine Canal bike which connects to Des Berges. There's nothing else quite like it in Montréal. The route stretches from the borough of Verdun in Montreal to the city of Dorval, for more than 20 kilometers.
Tailored route
The 20 kilometer trip might deter all but the most experienced cyclists, so it is suggested to start the journey at the Parc des Rapides in the Borough of LaSalle or the Borough of Lachine. From there, ride west to Dorval and then ride back to the beginning of the path heading east.
Parc des Rapides
Opposite 8th Avenue, Parc des Rapides is the perfect spot to begin and end your journey. This green space has spectacular view of the Lachine rapids, the most imposing white water in Québec located within city limits.
From this park to the west, ride the trail with the river on one side and greenery on the other.
Way out west
On the trail along LaSalle Boulevard, the trail is an inclusive space for all, families, cyclists and people with reduced mobility.
Near 43rd Avenue, the route crosses two small bridges lined with willows. This is followed by a long slope, requiring less seasoned cyclists to walk a short distance.
Past the Mercier Bridge
The path continues to run closely along LaSalle Boulevard, which can have heavy traffic at time, so exercise caution with small children.
The route passes the Moulin Fleming, one of the only, if not the only, Anglo-Saxon windmills in Quebec. This windmill is the emblem of LaSalle.
Shortly afterwards, you come up to Lachine Museum, with exhibitions and including the Maison Le Ber-Le Moyne, the oldest intact building in the city.
Nearby, in René-Lévesque Park, on a narrow peninsula at Lake Saint-Louis, stand at least twenty large sculptural monuments. It's worth the little detour.
Lachine
After crossing the Lachine Canal via Chemin du Musée, the trail follows the old canal and the Fur Trade at Lachine National Historic Site. The route then passes through the Parc Saint-Louis, where sailboats can often be seen.
At Stoney Point Park, shoreline shrubs are curiously reminiscent of the mangroves of the West Indies. At the heart of the site stands a monumental steel sculpture with the mention "Fleuve".
The trail then follows Lake Saint-Louis to reach Summerlea Park, on the outskirts of Dorval. From there, get back in the saddle to return east, after an extraordinary excursion on a one-of-a-kind bike path.
Good to know
Length: 21 km
Suggested route (LaSalle/Lachine/Dorval/Lachine/LaSalle): 24 km return
www.mtl.org/en/whats-on/activities/piste-cyclable-des-berges
Alain Demers
While exploring to discover nature and outdoor sports, Montréal resident Alain Demers has found that we have access to truly unique places that are still not well-known. Columnist for several media including Le Journal de Montréal and Vifa, he has written a dozen books. His most recent work, published by Éditions du Journal, is entitled Redécouvrir le Québec: 101 destinations.