Montreal is the kind of beautiful city that's worth biking all around. When you don't know what to do on your free
day in Montreal, going on a bike ride throughout the city would be a great idea. It's pretty affordable (free if you have your own!), feels cathartic, and you'll better appreciate the true beauty of the place. Especially if you bike around Old Montreal, Griffintown, Bois-de-Liesse Nature Park, and the St-Lawrence Waterfront. These are the best places to ride your bike in Montreal. They offer glimpses of the past, natural wonders, and more. You never would've thought that Montreal was actually this amazing of a city!
Old Montreal
This is a no-brainer, isn't it? With all its historic buildings and cobblestone streets, who wouldn't want to ride a bike through Old Montreal? Going here feels like you're traveling back in time, let alone riding your bike. As cliche as it may seem, pedaling through this beautiful
neighborhood in Montreal, is pretty magical. You can see all the famous landmarks, from the Notre Dame Basilica to the old Montreal City Hall, and more. These are the sights worth exerting all the effort to cycle your way through this bustling metropolis!
Source: Flickr.com/ Wally Gobetz
Griffintown
Another pretty historic area in Montreal that you can ride your bike through is Griffintown. Though it's not as well-preserved as Old Montreal. In the past, Griffintown served as the industrial hub of the city. this was where all the factories and warehouses were located. But thanks to various revitalizations over the years, it has now become one of the finest residential areas in Montreal. From
luxury homes to peaceful parks, it's a pretty pleasant place in the busy city. One that's perfect for a bike ride during the weekend when you have nothing to do!
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Richard Mc Neil
Mile End
From its Victorian Houses to its diverse community, who wouldn't want to go on a pleasant bike ride through Mile End? This place is slowly becoming one of the most popular areas in Montreal, thanks in large part to the many immigrant communities that have settled down here over the years. As a result, Mile End itself is a collection of Italian restaurants, French cafes, Mexican diners, Greek eateries, as well as local vintage shops, small businesses, and more. The more you cycle through this part of the city, the more you'll discover something new and exciting!
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Alain Rouiller
St-Lawrence Waterfront
Located by the Old Port of Old Montreal, the St-Lawrence Waterfront is as scenic as can be! The best thing about it is that it has a dedicated path for cyclists. The St-Lawrence Waterfront bike path is a 21-kilometer paved road that's only for riding bikes. You don't have to worry about traffic, other vehicles, and the like. This also allows you to enjoy its scenic coastal views! With the calm waters of the St. Lawrence River and the sprawling metropolis of Montreal in the background, it's quite a sight to see! It almost rivals the
most Instagrammable spots in the city!
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Richard Mc Nei
Lachine Canal Bike Path
Just like the St. Lawrence Waterfront, the Lachine Canal Bike Path is a dedicated road for cyclists that offers incredible sights and scenes of the city. It's a pretty long path too, stretching up to 14.5 kilometers in total. As you cycle on, you'll get to see different sides of Montreal and Quebec. There are the more urban areas, bursting with local liveliness, and there are the more rural parts, offering up a glimpse of the country's scenic countryside. Ultimately, Lachine Canal Bike Path is the kind of place you'll want to ride your bike if you have an entire day to spare.
Source: Felix Wong
Parc Jean-Drapeau
In a way, Parc Jean-Drapeau also gives you the best of both worlds. Since the park is divided into two islands, Saint Helen's Island and Notre Dame Island, there are certain parts of the path that are closer to Mother Nature and others that are more bustling with crowds and the like. It's up to you which one you want to go on for your bike ride. Just remember to always stay aware of your surroundings no matter what!
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ abdallahh
Bois-de-Liesse Nature Park
If you truly want a nature-bound trail for your bike ride, look no further than Bois-de-Liesse Nature Park. With its tall trees and serene lake, you'll hardly feel like you're still in the city at all. It's a great taste of the Canadian countryside, offering up a scenic path that looks straight out of a storybook. Do note that there are separate trails for cyclists and hikers. If you think the one you're on has gotten a little too narrow, you might be on the wrong path. Either way, don't forget to enjoy Mother Nature at its finest whe you ride your bike here!
Source: Flickr.com/ Guilhem Vellut
Do you know where to ride your bike in Montreal? This city offers tons of amazing places where you can cycle around, enjoy the view, and get lost in all the wonderful spectacles and natural wonders. Sounds great, doesn't it?
