It’s that time of the year again when Bixi opens its stations and you can explore every corner of Montreal without having to walk, take the metro or worry about leaving your precious bike locked up somewhere. Getting around Montreal has never been easier with the well established Bixi bike-sharing system. Whether you’re a local looking for a new adventure or a visitor keen to see the sights, the best Bixi routes in Montreal promise breathtaking views. In this article, we’ll guide you through the top Bixi routes in Montreal that showcase the very best of what Montreal has to offer.
How does Bixi work?
So, how exactly does Bixi work? With over 15 years in the game, Bixi has become an integral part of the Montreal’s transportation network. Dotted around Montreal you can find 7,000 bikes and 600 docking stations strategically located across the city. The system is simple to use: riders can easily unlock a bike at any station using the Bixi app or a credit card, enjoy their ride, and return the bike to any station within the network. Bixi offers both short-term passes for occasional riders such as one-ride passes and annual memberships for regular users. Check out Bixi’s website for more information on memberships! With a focus on sustainability and accessibility, Bixi has garnered international recognition and inspired similar bike-sharing programs in cities around the world.
The Best Bixi Routes in Montreal
Lachine Canal
Arguably one of Montreal’s most scenic bike paths within the city, grab a Bixi at old port and follow the Canal Lachine all the way down to where it opens into the St-Lawrence river. Not only is this bike route flat and easy, as you go along the canal you will cycle past all the charming Quartiers du Canal (Griffintown, Little Burgundy, St-Henri), and even the bustling Marché Atwater where you can stop for a bite to eat. As the end of the canal opens into the river, you will find the breathtaking park René-Lévesque stretching along the waterfront, with incredible views for sunset and a lighthouse nearby.
If you have an extra hour and a bit of energy left to spare, instead of tracing the canal back up to the old port on your way back, stick to the riverside banks instead along LaSalle boulevard, through the Parc des Rapides and up through the up and coming neighbourhood of Verdun. Here you can find one of the coolest streets in the world, Wellington Street. If the sun is shining take a break on Verdun Beach before finishing your Bixi cycle back where you started, at Old Port.
Route Verte
When talking about cycling, you can’t forget the longest cycle path in the whole of North America. Covering 5300km and passing through 18 touristic regions, La Route Verte is a great way to explore Quebec and its surroundings. Whilst your Bixi membership won’t quite be able to stretch the whole way along La Route Verte from start to finish, the bike link from Parc Jean-Drapeau all the way to the Saint-Catherine locks is a great way to cross off part of La Route Verte, all whilst having impressive views of Montreal along the waters edge.
Jean-Drapeau
Speaking of Parc Jean-Drapeau, this park stretched across two islands, Île-Sainte-Hélène and the man-made Île Notre-Dame, has numerous paths to cycle along and explore. With 6 Bixi stations to choose from, you can explore the outdoor swimming pool, the Biosphere, Jean-Doré beach, the Casino or even the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve, the Formula 1 racing track in Montreal, to work on your speed and have a taste as to what it would feel like racing on the track (minus the crowds).
Mont-Royal
With incredible views of Montreal’s cityscape from above, taking a Bixi and climbing up to the top of the Mont Royal is a must. The burn in your thighs will all be worth it once you can enjoy the views and enjoy knowing that the way back is all downhill. The view is breathtaking at any hour, but especially at sunrise or sunset.
Summer Markets
What is more perfect on a Sunday than a lazy morning, followed by a slow, leisurely cycle to a local market to enjoy the weather and the good vibes. As such a culturally rich city, you are spoilt for choice in Montreal. From Atwater Market in St-Henri to Jean-Talon Market in Little Italy, as well as seasonal markets like Marché des Possibles in Mile-End and Marché des Éclusiers at Old Port, grab a Bixi and explore these markets to enjoy what Montreal has to offer.
Parc Maisonneuve
With 10 Bixi stations dotted around Parc Maisonneuve, you can spend all day here exploring all 80 hectares. Situated next to the park you will find the Montreal Botanical Gardens, once your ticket has been bought, explore all of Montreal’s finest flora and fauna. Also worth a visit is the Olympic Stadium, situated just next door.
Bixi between Montreal Parks
Take advantage of Montreal’s abundance of parks by picking one of the numerous Bixi stations around the city and hop from park to park. A well known route with a bit of a challenge in the middle is Outremont park to Westmount park, crossing over the hills of NDG. It is a great way to explore more of Montreal’s vibrant parks and neighbourhoods.
The Islands and South Shore
Ça Roule Montreal has curated several bike routes in and around Montreal that are available to see on their website. This one in particular covers a lot of the mini islands dotted around Montréal and is Bixi friendly. Exploring the south shore on Bixi is a great way to unlock new places in Montreal, such as Récréo-Parc where there are many activities on offer.
Conclusion
Montreal’s Bixi bike-sharing system is an eco-friendly, fun way to explore the city of Montreal. The best Bixi routes in Montreal take you through iconic landmarks, buzzy neighbourhoods, and serene green spaces, each route offering a unique glimpse into Montreal’s rich cultural lifestyle. So, grab a Bixi bike, choose a route, and set off on a journey through the heart of Montreal—pedal by pedal, you’ll discover why this city is best experienced on two wheels. Don’t forget to check out our other articles on life in Montreal here!
