Exploring Montreal on Two Wheels: Why the Bicycle is Your Best Friend in Summer!

The BIXI System: Practicality at your fingertips

If you do not want to invest in purchasing your own bicycle right away, Montreal’s BIXI bike-sharing network is the perfect solution. It is the largest bike-sharing system in Canada and is heavily used by locals and tourists alike.

• Golden Tip: Montreal has several steep slopes and elevations. If you want to ride fast or conserve energy, the electric BIXIs (the blue ones) are excellent for climbing hills without breaking a sweat.

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Protected bike lanes and scenic routes

Montreal is famous for its outstanding cycling infrastructure. One of the safest and most popular routes runs along Saint-Denis Street, which features a fully protected bike lane (REV), allowing you to cross the city from north to south.

Along the way, you can admire the classic architecture of the Plateau Mont-Royal, with its iconic external staircases and townhouses designed historically to optimize interior heating during the winter.

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Pedestrian and cyclist-only streets

In the summer, Montreal transforms! Major avenues, such as Mont-Royal Avenue, are completely closed to vehicle traffic for up to three months, turning into lively pedestrian plazas lined with outdoor patios, shops, and street art. It is the perfect opportunity to cycle leisurely and enjoy the true Québécois summer vibe.

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Avoiding festival traffic

If you want to attend Montreal’s world-famous summer festivals—such as the international fireworks competition in the Old Port—taking a bicycle is unbeatable. While drivers lose hours stuck in traffic or searching for parking, cyclists can easily cruise directly to the best viewpoints, such as Village au Pied-du-Courant.

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💡 Night riding safety tips

• Visibility: Make sure you and your bike have active lights and reflectors. Public street lighting in some residential neighborhoods can be sparse.
• Keep your distance: Although drivers are legally required to maintain a passing distance of 1 to 1.5 meters, stay alert when riding on streets without dedicated bike lanes.
• Flow of traffic: Bike paths can get highly congested during peak summer hours (a literal bike traffic jam!). Follow the signs, watch for other cyclists, and always yield to pedestrians.

Read also: Montreal Fireworks Festival: Where to Watch for Free and Is It Worth It (Portuguese)

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Watch the full video

See the 11km route across the city in action and feel the vibe of a summer night in Montreal:

Have you ever crossed Montreal by bike? Share your experience with us in the comments!