Montreal is a good city for cycling, and the neighbourhoods north of downtown are even better on two wheels than on foot. This three-hour guided tour from Fitz MTL, offered on a regular bike or an e-bike, links the Plateau, Mile End and Little Italy with a route that includes street art, a bagel stop and Jean-Talon Market. The e-bike option takes the effort out of the hills, which makes the tour accessible to casual riders and to people who might otherwise worry about keeping up. The guide leads the group along bike lanes and quiet streets, stopping to explain what you are looking at: the outdoor staircases of the Plateau, the murals that cover many walls in Mile End, the Italian cafes of Little Italy and the stalls of the market. The tour is popular and highly rated, with hundreds of guests rating it well. The exact start point, group size and language are set by the operator, so check the booking page for your date. The booking page confirms what equipment is included. Cycling tours are mainly a warm-season activity in Montreal, so check seasonal availability when you book.
What makes it worthwhile
The ground that the tour covers would take most of a day on foot. You can see the Plateau's residential streets, Mile End's creative hub and the markets of Little Italy in three hours, with the guide choosing the quiet routes and the best stops. The bagel stop is a real reward in the middle of the ride. Jean-Talon Market is one of the largest open-air markets in North America, and arriving by bike lets you pick up fruit, cheese or flowers to take back to your hotel without fuss.
Choosing between bike and e-bike
If you are fit and used to cycling, a regular bike is fine, since the terrain is mostly gentle. If you want to save energy for the market and the bagel, or you are riding with a mixed-ability group, the e-bike is the better choice. Wear comfortable clothes and closed shoes, bring water and sunscreen in summer, and carry a light waterproof for showers. Be ready for traffic crossings and the occasional cobblestone, and follow the guide's instructions at intersections. Children should check the age and height requirements when booking.
Who it suits
Active travellers, couples, friends and families with teenagers who want a more energetic way to see local Montreal than a bus tour. It is less suited to anyone nervous about city riding or who wants a slow cultural visit. Pair it with a bagel crawl in Mile End or a late lunch at Jean-Talon Market, and keep the afternoon free for Parc La Fontaine or Mount Royal.
If you want a ride focused on the old town and the canal, the Old Town, Lachine Canal and Islands tour covers that side of the city.
On a guided ride the operator handles the bikes, so you can simply enjoy the route, but carry a small bag for market purchases and a phone for photographs. Street art changes constantly in Mile End, so the walls you see may differ from those in older photographs, which is part of the pleasure. If the weather turns, ask the operator about its rain policy before the day, and consider a backup plan such as a bagel crawl on foot.
What to expect
The experience
A three-hour guided ride, on a regular bike or an e-bike, through the Plateau, Mile End and Little Italy with street art, a bagel stop and Jean-Talon Market.
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
Choose the e-bike if you want to save energy, wear closed shoes and carry water. Check age and height requirements when you book.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Active visitors who want to see local neighbourhoods without a long walk.
- Families
- Good for teenagers who ride confidently; check age and height rules.
- Couples
- A shared ride with a bagel stop and a market to browse.
- Pair with
- Parc La Fontaine, Mount Royal and Mile End bagel bakeries.
- Time needed
- 3 hours.
Good questions
Should I choose a bike or an e-bike?+
Pick the e-bike if you want to save energy or are riding with mixed abilities; a regular bike is fine if you are used to cycling, as the terrain is mostly gentle.
What does the route include?+
The Plateau, Mile End and Little Italy, with street art, a bagel stop and Jean-Talon Market.
How long is the tour?+
About three hours.
When does it run?+
Cycling tours are mainly a warm-season activity; check seasonal availability and start times when you book.
What should I wear?+
Comfortable clothes, closed shoes, sun protection or a light waterproof depending on the day.
