Biking & Walking-Friendly Areas in Montréal, Quebec, Canada

Montréal, Canada, Montréal, Travel & Transportation, Biking & Walking-Friendly Areas

Biking & Walking-Friendly Areas in Montréal, Quebec, Canada

1. Parc Jean-Drapeau

An island park located in the heart of Montréal with bike paths, walking trails, and beautiful views of the city.
  • Island Location: Offers a unique biking or walking experience away from urban noise and traffic.
  • Variety of Trails: Includes trails for all skill levels, from easy to challenging.
  • Nearby Attractions: Home to the Biosphère, the Montreal Biodome, and the Jacques-Cartier Bridge.

2. Lachine Canal

A scenic waterway offering biking and walking paths along its 14.3 km stretch through the west end of Montréal.
  • Historic Significance: Built in the 19th century, it played a crucial role in connecting Montreal to the St. Lawrence River.
  • Urban Greenspace: A great escape from the city with various parks and attractions along its path.
  • Seasonal Activities: Offers ice skating, boat tours, and other winter activities during colder months.

3. Mount Royal Park

A large urban park with winding roads for biking, hiking trails, and beautiful views of the city.
  • Natural Beauty: Features forests, meadows, and a large lake.
  • Historic Chalet: The Kondiaronk Belvédère offers an impressive view of the city from the top of Mount Royal.
  • Accessible Location: Conveniently located in the center of Montreal, easily accessible by public transit.

4. Plateau Mont-Royal

A trendy and historic neighborhood with a network of bike lanes and walking paths.
  • Cultural Diversity: Known for its vibrant art scene, unique boutiques, and diverse restaurants.
  • Hills and Valleys: Features hilly terrain with scenic vistas of the city.
  • Bike-Friendly Streets: Many streets have bike lanes, making it easy to explore this neighborhood by bike.

5. Saint-Henri-Sainte-Anne

An up-and-coming neighborhood with a growing network of bike lanes and walking paths.
  • Industrial Past: Once an industrial hub, it now offers unique art galleries, breweries, and boutiques.
  • Waterfront Access: Offers access to the Saint Lawrence River with waterfront parks and bike paths.
  • Bike-Friendly Redesign: Recent efforts have made this neighborhood more bike-friendly with new lanes and infrastructure.

6. Old Montréal

A historic district with charming cobblestone streets, narrow alleyways, and bike paths.
  • Architectural Landmarks: Features beautiful old buildings, such as Notre-Dame Basilica and Bonsecours Market.
  • Cultural Activities: Offers museums, art galleries, and live performances.
  • Bike Rentals: Rental shops are easily found throughout Old Montréal for tourists.

7. West Island Bike Loop

A scenic bike loop around the West Island of Montreal with beautiful views and quiet roads.
  • Quiet Roads: Offers a peaceful biking experience away from traffic.
  • Parks and Green Spaces: Includes parks like Mackay Park, Beaconsfield Park, and Lakeside Park.
  • Variety of Landscapes: Features a mix of urban, suburban, and rural landscapes.

8. Verdun Canal

A peaceful waterfront bike path along the Verdun Canal in the west end of Montreal.
  • Calm and Quiet: A less crowded alternative to the Lachine Canal, ideal for a leisurely bike ride or walk.
  • Urban Greenspace: Adjacent to Parc Verdun and its beautiful gardens.
  • Historic Significance: Part of the historic Beauharnois Canal, constructed in the 18th century.

9. La Petite-Rivière-Saint-François

A picturesque bike path along a rural river in the eastern part of Montreal.
  • Natural Scenery: Features forests, farmlands, and scenic vistas.
  • Accessible Length: A relatively short bike path, perfect for a half-day trip.
  • Quiet Riverside: Offers a peaceful, quiet setting away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

10. Ville-Marie Express Bike Path

A protected bike lane running through downtown Montreal, making it safer for cyclists.
  • Urban Infrastructure: An innovative solution to improve biking in a dense urban environment.
  • Central Location: Connects various neighborhoods, making it easy to get around by bike.
  • Protected Lanes: Keeps cyclists separate from traffic for a safer biking experience.

11. Rouge National Urban Park

A vast park on the north side of Montreal with bike paths, hiking trails, and natural beauty.
  • Natural Beauty: Features forests, wetlands, and hills.
  • Size and Variety: One of the largest urban parks in Canada, with diverse landscapes for exploration.
  • Accessible by Public Transit: Easily accessible via bus or train from downtown Montreal.

12. Pierres-Joli-Coeur

A charming neighborhood in the east end of Montreal with a network of bike lanes and walking paths.
  • Historic Buildings: Includes historic stone buildings and churches.
  • Cultural Diversity: Known for its vibrant immigrant communities and diverse restaurants.
  • Community Spirit: A close-knit neighborhood with a strong sense of community.

13. Parc de la Pointe-aux-Trembles

A large park in the east end of Montreal with bike paths, walking trails, and sports facilities.
  • Sports Facilities: Includes soccer fields, tennis courts, and a swimming pool.
  • Natural Beauty: Features forests, meadows, and a large lake.
  • Community Events: Hosts various community events throughout the year.

14. Île Sainte-Hélène

An island park located on the St. Lawrence River with bike paths and walking trails.
  • Waterfront Location: Offers beautiful views of the river and the city.
  • Historic Significance: Home to the Montreal Biosphere, built for the 1967 World Expo.
  • Accessible by Ferry: Ferries depart regularly from Old Montréal.

15. Lachine Lighthouse Trail

A scenic bike path along the St. Lawrence River, passing by the historic Lachine Lighthouse.
  • Historic Landmarks: Features the iconic Lachine Lighthouse and the old Lachine Canal locks.
  • Waterfront Views: Offers stunning views of the St. Lawrence River and Montreal skyline.
  • Seasonal Activities: Includes ice fishing and skating in winter, as well as birdwatching in spring and fall.