If cycling through the city of Montreal is not an option for you, there is a way to avoid it. What if you cycled all the way around Montreal instead?
It is possible to plan a five-day cycling adventure while riding almost exclusively on bike paths.
The idea is as simple as it is appealing: start in Brossard and complete a large loop around the Island of Montreal, using bike paths whenever possible. And yes, it can be done!
Over five days, cyclists travel along quiet roads and bike paths through Montérégie, the western part of the island, the Lower Laurentians and Lanaudière before returning to their starting point.
It is an original way to discover the Montreal area, away from traffic and at the pace of a bicycle.
Heading West
The journey begins in Brossard, on Montreal’s South Shore. From the very first kilometres, the couple heads west to begin their great loop.
The route gradually reveals the landscapes of Montérégie and takes advantage of a cycling network that follows the St. Lawrence River.
The goal is not to break any speed records, but rather to take the time to ride, discover the scenery and fully enjoy this first day.
On to Valleyfield
The loop continues west toward Salaberry-de-Valleyfield.
The change of scenery is already noticeable. After leaving the immediate Montreal area, cyclists travel through more rural landscapes and alongside various waterways.
Valleyfield makes for an interesting stop for cycle tourists who want to combine a bike trip with the discovery of a city located in the heart of the Suroît region.
After a second day on the bike paths, the couple can rest and recharge before continuing their journey.
From Valleyfield to Vaudreuil and Oka
On the third day, the cyclists continue heading east.
Oka / Le Cycliste du dimanche
The route takes them through the Vaudreuil area before setting their sights on Oka. This portion of the journey offers another perspective on the greater Montreal region, with farmland, villages and riverside scenery.
Oka is a unique stop for cycling enthusiasts, as riders must take a small ferry to get there. The destination is well known among cycle tourists and provides a pleasant break before tackling the next portion of the loop.
By this point, a good part of the route has already been completed, and Montreal is gradually getting closer once again.
Heading to Terrebonne
The fourth day takes cyclists to the North Shore of the Montreal metropolitan area. They will follow the La Vagabonde bike path.
After Oka, the route continues toward Terrebonne. The Transterrebonne loop then takes on a new dimension as cyclists find themselves on the other side of Montreal without having to ride through the heart of the city and its busy road network.
That is precisely one of the great advantages of such an itinerary. By using bike paths and bicycle-friendly roads, it is possible to ride around a major metropolitan area while discovering several of the regions that surround it.
Back to Brossard
On the fifth and final day, all that remains is to complete the loop.
From Terrebonne, cyclists head back toward the South Shore. It is best to make your way through Charlemagne and Repentigny before entering Montreal from the eastern tip of the island. The scenery is magnificent, with several beautiful parks along the way.
Part of the route follows Boulevard Notre-Dame through a port area, where cyclists can ride on a paved bike path separated from the road.
After five days of cycling, returning to the starting point marks the end of a wonderful cycle touring adventure.
Numerous accommodations, inns and restaurants can be found along the route.
This journey demonstrates that it is possible to leave Montreal, gradually move away from the city and return a few days later feeling as though you have completed a true cycling adventure.
And for those who do not like retracing their steps, a five-day loop is an excellent way to discover several parts of the greater Montreal area.
Voyager à vélo: Travel with Peace of Mind
All you have to do is focus on what really matters: enjoying the road and riding your bike.
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