Montreal has one of the best bike infrastructures of any city in Canada. With a widespread network of BIXI stations, anyone with a smartphone can rent a bike affordably and find lots docking options.
A bit of time spent understanding the bike paths can make all the difference. The city's REV system, a new addition, offers an express bike lane that connects major areas across Montreal, along with several protected lanes and multi-purpose paths that are also worth noting.
Here are some of the safest and most popular cycling routes in the city:
1. Rue Saint-Denis
This Plateau artery features cafes, shops, and restaurants. A popular place to view beautiful buildings, the street is also part of the REV express bike network. It stretches from the interesection with rue Cherrier all the way north to continue onto rue Berri ending at Parc Basile-Routhier. It's one of the island's longest stretches of protected lbike anes. You can take a ride through the Plateau neighbourhood or go for a long ride and end at one of Montreal’s parks in the north end.
2. Lachine Canal
This waterside path is a beautiful place to spend a summer evening in the city. The canal has one of the longest protected lanes and multi-purpose paths along a waterfront, completely void of cars. From the Old Port, cyclists can travel through Cité du Multimedia and into Griffintown completely separate from motor vehicles to enjoy a picnic on the lawns beside the canal. If cyclists want to go the extra mile (both literally and figuratively) they can continue their journey all the way to Parc René-Lévesque in Lasalle.
3. Mount Royal Park
If you’re looking to get away from the city and take a ride on tree-lined paths, then biking around Mount Royal Park is for you. The park is accessible by car, stairs, or walking path as it is located on top of the mountain. The stairs are a workout of their own but there are winding trails that allow walkers and cyclists to access the mountain from the city streets below. There is an incline to these paths so a bike with gears will be your friend. If you are looking for a more leisurely ride then consider walking your bike up the paths or parking your car at the top and only cycling in the park on top of the mountain. There is a picturesque pond as well as lots of shade, public washrooms, and water fountains to ensure you stay hydrated and comfortable during your visit.
4. Around La Fontaine Park
La Fontaine Park may be one of the most popular parks in Montreal as it is in the middle of the famous Plateau neighbourhood. Surrounding the park are protected bike lanes on avenue du Parc-La Fontaine, rue Rachel-Est and avenue-Emile Duploye. They allow cyclists to bypass the green areas or continue in any direction on a safe and separated path from cars. You can hop off your bike at any time and access the beautiful park — or stop at the famous La Banquise for some poutine!
5. Promenade de L’Aqueduc
As you travel along the Lachine Canal there is a split in the path, and one side leads southwest towards Angrinon Park. It's less popular than the Lachine Canal route but equally as safe and maintained is the Promenade de L’Aquduc. Walkers and cyclists can travel along the route that takes you all the way through LaSalle. The quiet trail is full of trees and green and will make you forget you’re in a city.
6. Verdun Waterfront
One of the safest cycling routes in the city is a stretch of protected lanes starting at Parc Arthur-Therrien that run along the water all the way south. The path connects five different parks and spans the entirety of the South Shore. You can do part of the path or the entire thing depending on your skill level and there are multiple areas to hop off and rest.
7. Jean Drapeau Park
Jean Drapeau Park is home to the Formula 1 Montreal Grand Prix track which, when not in use for the race, transforms into an excellent biking course. The well-maintained asphalt track with smooth turns and long stretches provides cyclists with excellent grounds to train on. You will often find cyclists travelling at high speeds on the track as well as people cycling for pleasure with their families. It is open to anyone and everyone!
8. Around Parc Maisonneuve
An excellent place to bring your bike or rent a BIXI is Parc Maisonneuve. The mixture of protected lanes in the park as well as multi-purpose paths within it allow you easy access to the beautiful green space. The area is also home to a variety of activities and institutions like the Biodome, Montreal Botanical Garden, Saputo Stadium, and Montreal Planetarium so spending a day here with the family is easy. The beautiful lawns, trees, and flower beds allow you to relax away from the busy streets and take a leisurely ride free from honking and fast-moving cars. You can take a break from your bike and enjoy a picnic in the park with the added bonus of multiple BIXI docking stations close by.
For a full map of Montreal bike routes click here.
Woman enjoys a leisurely ride in the park on a Tangerine-sponsored BIXI bike.Courtesy of Tangerine Bank