It is entirely possible to cover long distances by bike in Montreal without really leaving the city. And the landscapes are surprisingly varied. Freedom is yours!
Without ever losing sight of the skyscrapers, the Olympic Stadium, and Mount Royal, cyclists ride through routes that are both urban and surprisingly immersive. Water, impressive structures, and green spaces follow one another along the way.
Best of all, these loops let you ride without ever seeing the same scenery twice.
The Canal Lachines / Le Cycliste du dimanche
From Old Montreal, it is easy to reach the Lachine Canal and ride for several kilometers. Crossing the Verdun area, you then reach the peaceful Île des Sœurs via a pedestrian and cycling bridge running alongside Highway 15.
From there, it’s on to the Champlain Bridge Estacade. Over more than two kilometers, this structure connects the cycling network of Île des Sœurs to the dike of the Saint Lawrence Seaway.
The scenery is striking. The view opens onto the river and the nearby bridge in a breathtaking setting. On a beautiful summer day, the water sparkles endlessly in the sunlight.
It’s the perfect moment to take a break before joining the Promenade fluviale du Grand Montréal. This 13.4-kilometer stretch of the Metropolitan Bike Network runs along the Seaway dike and connects Sainte-Catherine to Saint-Lambert.
Along the way, cyclists pass through Delson, Candiac, La Prairie, and Brossard. It is also possible to return to Montreal via Parc Jean-Drapeau.
Impeccable pavement
Recently fully modernized, the Promenade fluviale now offers a perfectly smooth asphalt surface. The ride is exceptionally pleasant — especially at the start of the cycling season, when the body is still getting used to the saddle after a few months away.
The Promenade fluviale
Riding along the river toward Sainte-Catherine, it sometimes feels like cycling on water, as pleasure boats pass nearby.
As you approach Sainte-Catherine, a stop is a must to watch ships pass through the Saint Lawrence Seaway lock. From there, it is also possible to cross to the other side and return toward Brossard via the La Riveraine cycling path, heading toward the Champlain Bridge.
That’s when the scenery becomes spectacular again.
A stop beneath the bridge is essential to admire its massive, perfectly aligned pillars. The view is almost intimidating from the nearby park designed for visitors.
Then it’s back in the saddle to cross the Samuel-De Champlain Bridge via its dedicated cycling path on the deck. The view over the river and downtown Montreal is simply exceptional.
In total, this loop covers approximately 45 kilometers.
For those who prefer a shorter ride, it is always possible to combine cycling with commuter rail or the REM.
Extend the pleasure
And once back in Montreal, all that’s left is to extend the experience — over a local craft beer or on the lively terrace of a restaurant.
Because here, the adventure begins by bike… and ends gently.