Explore Montreal by Bike with These 5 Scenic Cycling Routes

Summer is in full swing in Montreal, but with COVID-19 keeping us away from large gatherings, it's quite different from the festival-filled summers that we're used to. Still, even a full-fledged pandemic can't dampen the beauty that is Montreal in summer, and we're lucky to have a number of fun (and safe) outdoor activities right on our doorstep. 

Cycling is a great way to get from A to B in Montreal during the warmer months (who wants to be stuck on the metro on 35° days? Especially during a pandemic!), but for many people, it's increasingly becoming much more than a means of transportation. With so many lush bike paths around, it's easy (and quite visually appealing, if we do say so ourselves) to explore Montreal by bike. 

With that in mind, we’ve put together a list of five scenic rides that will make your summer a little brighter (or, at the very least, get you out of the house). 

The Lachine Canal Bike Path

The Lachine Canal provides some of the most beautiful vistas in the city, and the wide, well-maintained bike path that follows alongside it for 14.5 km allows cyclists to appreciate its beauty away from the bustle of the city streets. The Canal runs through cityscapes and quaint, green spaces from the Old Port to Lachine, with many photo ops along the way. 

Mount Royal

Mount Royal is perhaps the most iconic Montreal landmark, and the paths that wind up this urban “mountain” (or, fine—big hill) are great for Sunday walkers and cyclists looking for a bit more of a challenge than you’ll find on other city paths. And best of all, you'll be rewarded with one of the best views in the city!

Maisonneuve

Maisonneuve is one of Montreal's busiest streets, but its wide bike path takes cyclists through the heart of the downtown core without forcing them to go cheek to cheek with automobiles. 

Parc des îles de Boucherville

If city scenes are the last thing you want to see on a bike ride, hitch a ride to Îles-de-Boucherville and enjoy the stunning scenery of the National Park located there. The park offers 21k of cycle paths, as well as a range of other outdoor activities, including walking trails, canoe and kayak rentals and much more.

Berges Ouest Cycle Path

This loop, which starts and finishes in the neighbourhood of Verdun, takes cyclists on a scenic journey along both the St. Lawrence River (including the Lachine Rapids) and the Lachine Canal, past Atwater Market and through several parks. At 20 km long (much of which is on car-free paths), Berges Ouest is great for both experienced cyclists and those who want to escape the city without actually having to leave town. Sister path Berges Est, meanwhile, takes riders east from downtown toward Pointe-aux-Trembles.

Parc Jean-Drapeau Bike Paths

Just minutes by car (or bike) from downtown Montreal, Parc Jean-Drapeau is an urban oasis. Developed for the Expo 67 World’s Fair, the park is formed of two neighbouring islands in the Saint Lawrence—Saint Helen’s and Notre Dame—and is home to the iconic Biosphere, La Ronde amusement park, the Montreal Casino and the track for the Canadian Grand Prix race, as well as ample green space. Take a spin around the F1 track or hit the trails that weave through the park; whichever route you choose, make sure you bring a camera to capture the unparalleled views of the Montreal skyline.