This three-hour guided cycling tour links Old Montreal with the Lachine Canal and the islands, a route that shows the city's waterfront side. Groups are small, with a maximum of thirteen riders, and the tour is offered on regular bikes or e-bikes, so you can choose how much effort you want to put in. The route covers Old Montreal, follows the cycle path along the Lachine Canal, the historic waterway that once powered Montreal's industry and is now a leafy linear park, and continues toward the islands that were home to the 1967 World's Fair and now host parks and sports venues. A guide explains the history of the canal, the industrial heritage that built the city and how the old warehouses became condominiums and cafes. The tour ends with a complimentary drink, a nice finishing touch that gives the group a chance to chat. It is a popular tour with strong reviews, rated highly by hundreds of guests. The exact meeting point, start times and what the drink includes are set by the operator, so check the booking page. As with any cycling tour in Montreal, it runs in the warm months and you should check seasonal availability when you book.
Why the canal route
The Lachine Canal is a flat, car-free path, which makes it ideal for easy riding and for people who are not confident in traffic. It is also a record of Montreal's history, from the locks that opened the St. Lawrence to shipping to the factories that lined the banks. The islands, Parc Jean-Drapeau among them, add greenery and views of the skyline. The mix of heritage, nature and fresh air makes for a more relaxed day than a downtown-only itinerary.
Choosing between bike and e-bike
The terrain is flat along the canal, so a regular bike is fine for most riders, but the e-bike is a good option if you want to cover the ground without effort or are riding in summer heat. Wear sunscreen and a hat, bring water and a light layer for the breeze on the river, and wear closed shoes.
Helmets are standard on guided tours, and the operator can confirm what is included. Allow time before and after the tour for lunch in Old Montreal or a stroll through Atwater Market, which sits on the canal.
Who it suits
Couples, friends and families with older children who like cycling, and visitors who want a break from museums and churches. It is less suited to winter visits, when the canal path is not in use, or to anyone nervous about cycling beside traffic. If you want a ride through the Plateau and Mile End with a market stop, the Fitz tour through those neighbourhoods is the alternative, and doing both would cover the city well. Check the booking page for the age requirement and cancellation policy.
If you have extra time, stop at Atwater Market after the ride for picnic supplies, or return to the canal on a later day by bike share to explore farther west. The canal path is shared with walkers and joggers, so ride at a polite pace and follow the guide's signals. Because the tour ends with a drink, plan to leave the bike behind and take a walk or a metro ride back to your hotel afterwards.
What to expect
The experience
A three-hour small-group guided ride, on a bike or e-bike, from Old Montreal along the Lachine Canal and to the islands, for up to thirteen riders, ending with a complimentary drink.
Best time
Cycling tours are mainly a warm-season activity; check seasonal availability and start times when you book.
How long
About 3 hours.
Tips
The canal path is flat, so either bike works. Wear sunscreen, closed shoes and bring water. Check the meeting point and age rules on the booking page.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Relaxed riders who want waterfront, history and fresh air.
- Families
- Works for older children who cycle confidently; check the age rules.
- Couples
- A scenic ride that finishes with a drink together.
- Pair with
- Atwater Market, Old Montreal and Parc Jean-Drapeau.
- Time needed
- 3 hours.
Good questions
How big are the groups?+
Small groups of up to thirteen riders.
Do I need to be fit?+
The canal path is flat, so most people manage easily, and the e-bike option reduces the effort further.
What does it include?+
A guided ride on a bike or e-bike and a complimentary drink at the end; check the booking page for what is covered.
When does it run?+
Cycling tours are mainly a warm-season activity; check seasonal availability and start times when you book.
What is the Lachine Canal?+
A historic waterway that once powered Montreal's industry and is now a linear park with a cycle path.
