
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.