‍Approximate Time: 3h15min

Leg 1: https://maps.app.goo.gl/zKcZDypV6VpnMBpQ8

2 IMPORTANT NOTES:

1. This route includes a ride on the REM, Montreal’s automated light rail system. As of June 2026, e-bikes are not permitted on the REM for safety reasons so no e-bikes can participate in this version of the 50-km ride. See below for an alternate route.

2. ‍ The REM is presently conducting a pilot project allowing non-motorized bikes on the REM. The project ends on August 16, 2026. Whatever decision the REM makes about bikes after that will impact the bike tour. We are hopeful that bikes will still be allowed after that date and we can proceed as planned. If bikes are banned after August 16, the alternate route below will become the main route for all 50-km riders.

‍Parc René-Lévesque is a peninsula that begins where the Lachine Canal ends. It juts into the St. Lawrence River from where you can view the south shore (Châteauguay and Kahnawake) and Lac Saint-Louis. The park was named after René Lévesque, the premier of Quebec from 1976 to 1985.

‍There are 22 sculptures in Parc René-Levesque, making it a true open-air gallery. These sculptures are part of a larger collection, mostly found in waterfront parks and at the Lachine museum site. Can you spot other sculptures on your ride?

Leave Parc René-Levesque and cycle west along the bike path. The destination of your first leg is the Anse-à-l’Orme REM station.

As you ride, notice that the St. Lawrence River widens into Lac Saint-Louis. The shipping lane is on the south side of the lake. Can you spot the Kahnawake First Nations Reserve on the south shore?

As you head west, you’ll crisscross highway 20 and cross over highway 40. Notice the train tracks too. This intermodal transportation network connects with 485,000 trucks and 3000+ km of freight cars to get goods from a ship into a community.

Speaking of ships, do you see any? Depending on which direction they’re facing, they could be headed for the Great Lakes or back to the Atlantic Ocean. You’re too far from the ship to wave at a seafarer, but you can think about them and give thanks for all their work.

You’ll cycle through the communities of Dorval, Pointe-Claire and Beaconsfield before you reach the REM.

Your leader will purchase fares for the group. Please respect the REM rules regarding bicycles.

Leg #2: REM ride

Take the A3-A1 train in the direction of Brossard. Exit 13 stops later at Île-des-Sœurs.

As you approach the Canora station, you’ll notice that you’re entering a tunnel. The REM will take you 72 metres (236 feet) below the iconic Mont-Royal. When you arrive at the Édouard-Montpetit REM station you will be at the deepest transit station in Canada and the second deepest in North America. At the station, look to your left and notice the two sections of rock that have been framed and left exposed. Cool!

Leg #3: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ucT8y53jj46znRfb7

Once you exit the REM, you’ll get back on the bike path and head west again. If you were with us last year, you may remember riding this leg along the Saint-Lawrence River.

You’ll pass by Verdun Beach, Turtle Wharf (Parc du Quai-de-la-Tortue), Parc des Rapides and Montreal’s standing wave, affectionately called Vague à Guy. Take a moment to admire the talent of the surfers!

Parc René-Lévesque is your final destination. Lunch will be waiting for you!

ALTERNATE ROUTE:

Should the result of the REM bike pilot project not be favourable, should the train not be functioning on the day of the bike tour, or should you be riding an e-bike, riders will turn around at the Anse-à-l’Orme station and return the way they came.

Approximate Time: 6 hours

Parc René-Lévesque is a peninsula that begins where the Lachine Canal ends. It juts into the St. Lawrence River from where you can view the south shore (Châteauguay and Kahnawake) and Lac Saint-Louis. The park was named after René Lévesque, the premier of Quebec from 1976 to 1985.

There are 22 sculptures in Parc René-Levesque, making it a true open-air gallery. These sculptures are part of a larger collection, mostly found in waterfront parks and at the Lachine museum site.

Leave the park at 8:30 AM to make the Navark N1 ferry at 10:30 AM.

On the first leg of your adventure, you’ll ride along the historic Lachine Canal. Inaugurated in 1825, it allowed ships to bypass the turbulent Lachine rapids in the St. Lawrence and continue upriver towards the Great Lakes. The opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway in 1959 made the old canal redundant for commercial shipping. Pleasure craft can still navigate the canal and pass through the locks.

You’ll leave the Lachine Canal and ride along the Bickerdike Basin on your left. The terminal here generally services Newfoundland and & Magdalen Islands.

Cross the seaway via Pont de la Concorde. You’ll arrive on Île Sainte-Hélène, home of Expo ’67.

You’re headed for Montreal’s South Shore via the Pont Jacques-Cartier. You’ll have a bit of a climb so pace yourself! You should arrive at the ferry terminal in plenty of time. Your spot has been reserved and the 30-minute crossing is free. Enjoy the views of the port from the water!

Arriving back in Montreal, turn right to continue east towards the tip of the island. Your next destination is Parc-nature de la Pointe-aux-Prairies, a vast 261-hectare urban green space. This is a good spot for a pit stop.

Double back the way you came along rue Notre-Dame. You’ll cross Île Notre-Dame, an artificial island made when Montreal excavated 15 million tons of rock to make room for the subway (Metro) system. You’ll get to ride on the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve, used for the FIA Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix.

Be careful, signage is not great here. At the western end of the circuit, you almost have to look 90 degrees to your left to see the path to La Route Verte 1 / La Petite Voie du Fleuve.

Now you’re riding along the 33 km-long shipping canal which allows ships to bypass the Lachine Rapids. Keep a close eye out for a ship which may be passing by. If you spot anyone, give them a hearty wave. These seafarers are the people who deliver to you 90% of all you use and own.

Look for signs directing you to the new Pont Samuel-De Champlain bridge bike path. The bridge opened in 2019 and affords spectacular views of the St. Lawrence River.

Your next destination is Île des Sœurs where you will do a loop around the island. The Soeurs de Notre-Dame Congregation began acquiring land and by 1769, they were the sole owners. In 1788 a convent was built for them and for more than 200 years, the sisters harvested wheat and oats and raised livestock. The nuns considered selling the island when construction of the Seaway began in 1954. In 1956 they sold the island for $1.3 million.

It’s time to head to Verdun, one of Canada’s oldest municipalities. It was founded in 1671 and named after the hometown of its French founder, Zacharie Dupuis. Can you spot ancient landmarks and vestiges of its working-class past?

Notice Verdun Beach. It’s one of only three public beaches within the city limits. If you’re hot, dip your toes in the river!

Carry on and look for Parc du Quai-de-la-Tortue (Turtle Wharf). This was where farmers from across the river arrived by boat to take their produce to the Marché Bonsecours in Old Montreal.

You’ll pass by Parc des Rapides where herons are often spotted. Shortly thereafter, you’ll come upon Montreal’s standing wave, affectionately called Vague à Guy. Take a moment to admire the talent of the surfers!

As you ride the home stretch of your route, reflect with gratitude on the opportunities Montreal affords to cyclists. We have great city trails, lovely scenery and lots of historical sites to admire.

Lunch will be waiting for you!

Routes:

Outbound: https://maps.app.goo.gl/cMNx4CSDdF3tbQmp7

Inbound: https://maps.app.goo.gl/BCFp79JB5f4NHFbq6