Two-wheel guide to the best of Montreal

The winter months can seem very long in the Northern Hemisphere. It will soon be time to break out the bicycles, and enjoy the sun though! Here is some cycling travel inspiration.

By Yanik Crépeau – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=10206030

Cycling in Montreal

Though winter is still in full force in Montreal, people can’t wait to break out their two-wheel speed machines. Whether you’re a pro biker, or if you prefer the Bixi life, this Montreal cycling guide has you covered on all the best spots to hit up once the summer sun reclaims the city.

First things first, determine where you’re coming from. Seeing as Montreal is an island, there are plenty of bike routes that will take you around the city and let you experience the beautiful scenic views of the island.

If you prefer sticking to a casual ride in the west of the island (appropriately dubbed the West Island) then it's suggested hitting up these local favorites: Gouin Boulevard, Lakeshore Boulevard (specifically in Point-Claire) and St. Anne-de-Bellevue.

Gouin Boulevard borders the entire island from east to west, and though there are plenty of spaces to ride on the east side of the island, the west is a perfect place for a leisure afternoon ride in the Roxboro-Pierrefonds neighborhoods of the west.

Stop along the water and rest or take pictures while you ride through some of the older neighborhoods on this side of the island.

Point Claire, Montreal

If you find yourself in Point Claire (still in the west island, just facing the south shore), take a ride along the iconic Lakeshore Boulevard and water front.

Ride through the beautifully preserved Point Claire village and stop for an afternoon coffee while watching the sail boats out on the water.

At the most western edge of the city lies St. Anne-de-Bellevue, a national historic site known for its canal. The canal is over 150 years old and the homes and business around it are a reflection of the history it played in the area.

Biking through this area is quite unlike anything else, so FlightHub encourages you to spend as much time exploring the borough as possible.

Canal Cycling in Montreal

Heading east into the city, the Lachine canal (the most iconic and important canal in Montreal and Canadian history) has gone under massive renovations in the last couple of years, turning it into a parks and leisure space for bikers, runners and pedestrians alike.

The Lachine Canal leads you directly into some of the trendiest neighborhoods Montreal has to offer. Take the time to explore the boroughs of St. Henri and Griffintown, both areas that have in recent years received tremendous revival.

CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=460235

Once you make your way through the South West of Montreal, test your cardio skills and make your way up to Mont Royal, Montreal’s highest peak.

Weave your way through the busy streets and into the park where you’re greeted by the cool shade of the beautiful maple trees and bike your way to the summit for the most spectacular view of Montreal.

Interested in bike touring in Canada? Check out these bike touring blog posts:

• Bike touring in Canada
• Cycling from Beaver Creek to somewhere
• Cycling from a campsite to Lake Creek in Canada
• The Day of the Cyclists – Meeting other people cycling across Canada
• Cycling around Lake Kluane
• A huge day! Cycling from Haines Junction to Whitehorse
• Cycling from Whitehorse to Marsh Lake
• Cycling from Marsh Lake to Lake Squanga
• Rain stops play – A day off at Lake Squanga
• Cycling Squanga Lake to Teslin
• Cycling from Teslin to Continental Divide
• Cycling from Continental Divide to Big Creek
• Cycling from Big Creek to Watson Lake
• Cycling from Watsons Lake to Boya Lake
• Cycling from Boya Lake to Dease River Crossing
• Cycling from Dease River Crossing to Lion's Camp
• Cycling from Lion's Camp to Iskut
• Cycling Iskut to Kinaskan
• Cycling Kinaskan to Bell 2
• Cycling Bell 2 to Meziadin Junction
• Cycling Meziadin Junction to Kitwanga
• Cycling Kitwanga to Hazletons
• Cycling Hazletons to Adult Rainbow Park
• Cycling Rainbow Adult Park to Burns Lake
• Cycling Burns Lake to Vanderhoof
• Cycling Vanderhoof to Prince George
• Cycling from Prince George to Quesnel
• Cycling from Quesnel to Mclease Lake
• Cycling from Mclease Lake to Williams Lake
• Cycling from Williams Lake to Lak La Hache
• Cycling from 70 Mile House to Marble Canyon
• Cycling from Marble Canyon to Lillooet
• Cycling from Lillooet to Cottonwood
• Cycling from Cottonwood to Pemberton
• Working on a farm in Pemberton
• Working on a farm in Pemberton part 2
• Cycling from Pemberton to Cat Lake
• Cycling from Cat Lake to Porticeau Cove
• Cycling from Porticeau Cove to Duncan
• Cycling from Duncan to Victoria
• Victoria to Fairholm Campground (entering the USA)