The best cycling routes around Montréal

There are over 30 touring cycling routes available around Montréal, offering a wide range of experiences for different skill levels. The city boasts an extensive network of over 1,100 km of bike paths, with 740 km maintained for year-round cycling, making it a premier cycling destination.

Montréal offers a diverse range of touring cycling routes suitable for various skill levels. You'll find 4 easy routes, 22 moderate routes, and 8 difficult routes, ensuring there's something for everyone from casual riders to experienced cyclists.

Yes, Montréal serves as a gateway to several long-distance cycling opportunities. You can connect to the larger provincial Route Verte network and the Trans Canada Trail, which includes the scenic Bike Link along the St. Lawrence Seaway. Nearby regions also offer trails like the 232-kilometer P'tit Train du Nord and the 40+ kilometer La Vagabonde trail for multi-day excursions.

Touring cycling routes in Montréal offer a rich variety of scenery. You can expect majestic views of the St. Lawrence River, urban landscapes through city parks like Mount Royal and Parc Jean-Drapeau, and tranquil paths through nature parks such as Parc-nature de la Pointe-aux-Prairies. The extensive network ensures a mix of flat riverside paths, urban routes, and trails through green spaces.

The touring cycling routes around Montréal are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 10 reviews. Cyclists frequently praise the extensive bike path network, the beautiful St. Lawrence River waterfront, and the accessibility of urban green spaces like Mount Royal, which offer varied terrain and scenic views.

Yes, many touring cycling routes in the Montréal area are designed as loops. For example, the Porte d'en Bas – B-beautiful picnic area loop from Montréal is a popular 50.8 km difficult route. Another option is the Avallon – Magnificent view of Avallon loop from La Tuilerie, a moderate 28.0 km trail offering panoramic viewpoints.

Along your touring cycling routes, you can discover several interesting landmarks and attractions. Consider visiting the historic Époisses Castle 🏰🌹, the charming Montréal Medieval Village, or the serene Cousin Valley. The Lachine Canal National Historic Site also offers historic views and access to the Atwater Market.

For cyclists seeking a challenge, routes like the Semur en Auxois – Vézelay loop from Cussy-les-Forges provide significant elevation changes, with over 1200 meters of ascent over 128 km. The Avallon – Magnificent view of Avallon loop from La Tuilerie also features varied elevation, offering panoramic viewpoints.

Montréal's extensive cycling infrastructure is well-integrated with its urban environment, making many bike paths accessible via public transport. The city's Express Bike Network (REV) connects busy neighborhoods and major green spaces, facilitating access to various starting points for your rides. BIXI Montréal bike-sharing also provides an easy way to rent bikes for exploring.

Yes, many routes are designed to pass through or near areas with amenities. The Nice bar-restaurant loop from L'Isle-sur-Serein is a moderate 37.0 km path specifically highlighted for its accessible amenities, including places to eat and rest. The Lachine Canal path also offers stops like the Atwater Market for provisions.

Montréal is a great cycling destination for much of the year. While many paths are maintained year-round, the spring, summer, and fall offer the most pleasant conditions for touring cycling, with vibrant landscapes and comfortable temperatures. Some paths are even maintained for winter fat biking, extending the cycling season.