The best traffic-free bike rides around Montréal

Our guide features 14 carefully selected no-traffic touring cycling routes around Montréal. These routes are designed to offer a peaceful and scenic experience away from vehicular traffic, making the most of the city's extensive bike path network.

The best time for touring cycling in Montréal is typically from late spring to early autumn (May to October). During these months, the weather is pleasant, and the city's extensive network of bike paths, including those along the St. Lawrence River and through parks, is fully accessible and vibrant. While many paths are maintained year-round, the warmer months offer the most comfortable and scenic conditions.

Yes, Montréal offers several easy no-traffic cycling routes perfect for beginners and families. Our guide includes 3 routes rated as easy, which are generally flat and well-maintained. The Lachine Canal path, for example, is a historically significant and tranquil waterside path, ideal for a relaxed ride with beautiful vistas and green spaces. Parc Jean-Drapeau also offers diverse terrain with reserved lanes, suitable for various skill levels.

Absolutely. Montréal is connected to impressive regional trails for longer touring adventures. The 232-kilometer P'tit Train du Nord, which meanders through forests and charming towns, and La Vagabonde, a 40+ kilometer trail, are excellent options. The city is also part of the Route Verte, a provincial network spanning 5,300 kilometers, offering extensive traffic-free sections for long-distance cycling.

Montréal's no-traffic routes offer a diverse range of landscapes. You can expect picturesque views along the St. Lawrence River, tranquil paths through urban parks like Mount Royal Park and Parc Jean-Drapeau, and historic waterside trails such as the Lachine Canal. Further afield, Île Bizard provides a mix of paved roads and fine-gravel paths enveloped by woods and marshland, perfect for bird-watching.

Yes, many of Montréal's no-traffic cycling routes are designed as loops or can be easily combined to form circular tours. This allows cyclists to start and end at the same point, making logistics simpler. The extensive network, including the Express Bike Network (REV), facilitates creating custom circular routes through parks, neighborhoods, and along riverfronts.

Many routes allow you to seamlessly integrate sightseeing with your ride. You can pass through the historic Old Port of Montreal, offering views of the Notre-Dame Basilica and Jacques Cartier Square. Other routes lead to vibrant neighborhoods like Griffintown, St-Henri, Verdun, and the Plateau Mont-Royal, or past bustling markets such as Atwater Market and Jean-Talon Market. Parc Jean-Drapeau also offers stunning views of the Montreal skyline.

Montréal's public transport system (STM) is generally bike-friendly, especially with its metro and bus network. Many metro stations allow bikes during off-peak hours, and buses are equipped with bike racks. This makes it convenient to reach various starting points for no-traffic routes across the city, including those leading to the Lachine Canal, Parc Jean-Drapeau, and other major cycling arteries.

Absolutely. Montréal's unique geography provides numerous scenic viewpoints. Mount Royal Park offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city skyline. Routes along the St. Lawrence River, such as those leading to Parc René-Lévesque, provide picturesque waterfront vistas. Parc Jean-Drapeau also boasts stunning views of the city, especially from the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve.

The Montréal region is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Reviewers often praise the city's extensive and well-maintained network of bike paths, the beautiful waterfront views, and the ability to combine cycling with exploring vibrant neighborhoods and historic sites. The peaceful, traffic-free nature of many routes is a frequently highlighted positive aspect.

Beyond the well-known paths, Île Bizard offers a charming and less-trafficked experience with a mix of paved roads and fine-gravel paths, enveloped by woods and marshland perfect for bird-watching. Nature parks like Parc-nature du Cap-Saint-Jacques and Bois-de-Liesse Nature Park also provide extensive trails that feel like hidden gems away from the urban bustle, offering a tranquil escape for cyclists.

Yes, many no-traffic routes in Montréal pass through or near areas with cafes, restaurants, and picnic spots. Paths along the Lachine Canal often have eateries nearby, and routes through neighborhoods like the Plateau Mont-Royal or Little Italy offer numerous options for refreshments. Parc René-Lévesque, for instance, is an ideal spot for a picnic stop with its sculpture garden and river views.