Paseos en bici

A fully waterfront ride along Boulevard LaSalle through Parc des Rapides, where you can watch the Lachine Rapids and herons, and on to Verdun Beach and the riverside paths. Flat and easy. Free.

The waterfront promenade at the end of the Lachine Canal leads to Parc René-Lévesque, a peninsula with an outdoor sculpture garden, an arboretum and views of the river on both sides. Perfect picnic stop. Free.

About 191 km of wide, protected bike lanes across the city, open year round. Try Axis 1 along Saint-Denis and Lajeunesse up to Gouin Boulevard, or Axis 6 along Notre-Dame to Parc de la Traversée at the eastern tip of the island. Free.

A long, flat ride for the adventurous, 80 to 100 km round trip from downtown, through Outremont, Town of Mount Royal and along Gouin Boulevard West to the big nature park at the western tip of the island. Return via Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue and the Lachine Canal. The ride is free; the beach charges admission in summer.

A leafy, easy ride on the Rivière des Prairies, about 25 to 30 km round trip from the Plateau through Little Italy and Villeray. At the end, the historic Sault-au-Récollet district, old mill ruins and quiet riverside paths. Free.

The new Champlain Bridge has a multi-use path for cyclists and walkers between Nuns' Island and Brossard, with four lookout and rest areas over the St. Lawrence. Free.

Cross the St. Lawrence by bike on the Jacques-Cartier Bridge path, from the Village to Parc Jean-Drapeau and Longueuil. Stop midway for one of the best views of the city and the river. Free. Seasonal.

A bike path right at water level along the Champlain Bridge ice boom, linking Nuns' Island to the Seaway dike and Parc Jean-Drapeau. One of the most unusual rides in Montreal, with the river all around you. Free. Seasonal; check the opening dates before you go.

Ride the Formula 1 Grand Prix track on Île Notre-Dame. When no race is on, the circuit is open to cyclists and skaters, a smooth loop with river and skyline views. Free. Metro Jean-Drapeau (yellow line).

A safe, paved route of about 14 km linking Montreal, Parc Jean-Drapeau, Nuns' Island and the South Shore, with a ride along the narrow Seaway dike and great views of the St. Lawrence. Part of the Route verte and the Trans Canada Trail. Free.

A flat, paved 13.5 km path along the historic Lachine Canal, from the Old Port to Lachine, past the Atwater Market, old locks still in operation and waterfront parks for picnics. Part of the Route verte. About an hour end to end. Free. Maintained from April 15 to November 15.