Montréal biking guide: Routes, rentals and everything else on two wheels

Grab a handy map from Vélo Québec, Montréal On Wheels or La Route Verte (which is also North America’s longest network of cycling trails, which wanders throughout Québec) and pick your destination. Get a last-minute tune-up and some tips from fellow cycling enthusiasts at Maison des cyclistes (and why not a quick refuelling snack at their in-house Le Picnic Vélocafé?) right across from leafy Parc La Fontaine or at the hip and friendly Le Club—Café Cycliste and cycling store on Saint-Denis Street in the heart of the Plateau where you can stock up on biking supplies, third wave coffee and tasty treats.

The Laurier Avenue bike lane cuts through Outremont at the foot of Mount Royal eastward to Parc Laurier, passing boutiques and bistros galore on the way. A few blocks south, Rachel Street’s bustling pathway passes by Parc La Fontaine and the must-eat poutines of Resto la Banquise. Stop for a bagel or book in the hip Mile End neighbourhood and bike leisurely through the quiet back streets and ruelles.

The Rachel Street cycle route continues all the way eastward to the Espace pour la vie group of science-themed attractions—the Jardin botanique (plants!), Biodôme (penguins!), Planétarium (planets!) and Insectarium (bugs!). The views of Montréal Olympic Park are unbeatable, and the curving tracks down to its brutalist Esplanade are well worth a ride too. All are adjacent to the mammoth Parc Maisonneuve, full of joggers, rollerbladers and fellow cyclists.

The Berri Street bike path takes riders directly from the Plateau towards the water, passing by the Grande Bibliothèque and UQÀM campus and onwards to Old Montréal and Old Port on the banks of the St. Lawrence River. Bike paths along de la Commune Street take riders down one of the city’s prettiest streets, with stunning vistas of both the city and river on either side.

If you’re looking for somewhat more modern sites, turn off Berri Street onto Maisonneuve Boulevard, and head for Downtown Montréal's towers and shopping malls. Keep heading westwards and once past downtown you’ll arrive at the bucolic Westmount Park, the perfect spot for people watching and catching your breath.

Right in the middle of the St. Lawrence River, Parc Jean-Drapeau's pair of islands are home to over 25 km of cycling pathways and the Formula 1 Grand Prix du Canada’s race track the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve, which is open to speed freak cyclists (and slower ones too, as long as you make racing engine noises as you ride). From the Parc’s bike paths, the views of Montréal’s skyline are unbeatable, and these routes form part of Québec’s Route Verte and the Trans-Canada Trail—the world’s longest recreational trail spanning coast to coast to coast. Access Parc Jean-Drapeau via the de la Concorde Bridge, by bringing your bike on the métro (first cars only) or by crossing the Jacques-Cartier Bridge. Bonus points for tackling the Jacques-Cartier Bridge after sunset to take in Montréal’s twinkling nightly light show.

The Lachine Canal multipurpose path is Montréal’s most iconic must-ride route, gently weaving from the Old Port to the township of Lachine, through the Quartiers du Canal. A 15 km (9 miles) jaunt, there’s ample opportunity for rest stops along the banks of the canal or at the iconic Atwater Market, stacked with fresh produce and artisanal goodies. Waiting at the end of the route, the Jardin de sculptures de Lachine presents a over 50 monumental artworks on the peninsula of Parc René-Lévesque reaching out into the flowing waters. Head to its furthest point for incredible views of the horizon.

When it’s time to turn back, we’d suggest a leisurely return on the St. Lawrence waterfront cycling path, passing through LaSalle (where surfers tackle the river rapids) and Verdun neighbourhoods, with a stopover at Promenade Wellington, whose shops and snacks have made it one of the coolest streets in the world.

The BIXI bike sharing system is one of Montréal’s most recognizable methods of ground transportation, with a system of over 11,000 bikes (3,000 of which are electric) at over 900 stations. Primarily used for quick A to B trips, BIXI rentals are based on an unlocking charge and additional time-based fees, and the system is available all year long, with the winter fleet upgraded with studded tires and spiked pedals. BIXI’s electric bikes require a helmet for use, and can reach speeds of up to 32 km/hr (20 mph) and come with additional charge for use. For further information, check our handy BIXI guide.

With every corner of the island connected by Montréal’s extensive biking system, exploring par vélo is an absolute must and cyclists come out in celebration of this beloved form of transport for the annual Go Bike Montréal Festival (including special city rides along thoroughfares specially closed to cars). Linking the city’s public markets, parks, pools and neighbourhoods with easy to navigate directions and many safe lanes separate from car traffic, biking Montréal is truly the way to go.