Biking in Montreal: Lanes, BIXI & Winter Cycling
Montreal's Protected Bike Lane Network
Montreal boasts over 900 km of cycling paths, including a growing network of protected lanes separated from car traffic by concrete barriers or raised curbs. The de Maisonneuve bike path is the city's cycling highway — running east–west from Westmount to Hochelaga, it is the fastest way to cross downtown on two wheels. The REV (Réseau Express Vélo) adds high-speed cycling corridors on Saint-Denis, Peel, and Bellechasse.
The Lachine Canal path is a flat, scenic route popular with commuters heading from Verdun or Saint-Henri to the Old Port. On weekends it fills with recreational riders, so keep your speed in check. For a longer adventure, the Route Verte connects Montreal to the Eastern Townships and beyond — over 5,000 km of cycling routes across Quebec.
Getting the Most Out of BIXI
BIXI operates from mid-April through mid-November with over 800 docking stations across the island. A single ride costs $1 to unlock plus $0.15 per minute, but the seasonal membership ($100) or monthly pass ($20) with unlimited 45-minute rides is the better deal for regular commuters. E-BIXIs — the electric-assist version — cost an additional $0.30 per minute and are worth every cent when climbing the Plateau's hills.
Dock availability can be tricky during rush hour: stations near metro exits fill up fast in the morning. The BIXI app shows real-time dock availability, and you can reserve a bike 15 minutes in advance. If your neighborhood regularly runs out of bikes, consider buying a used hybrid from a shop on Rachel or Ontario — budget $300–$500 for a reliable commuter.
Winter Cycling: Yes, People Do It
Montreal clears roughly 650 km of bike paths in winter, making it one of the most winter-cycling-friendly cities anywhere. Studded tires are a must for ice patches — brands like Schwalbe Marathon Winter grip well even on packed snow. Layer up with a windproof shell, lobster-claw gloves, and ski goggles on the coldest days.
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The city deploys de-icing gravel on major paths within 24 hours of a snowfall. The REV on Saint-Denis and the de Maisonneuve path are cleared first. On truly brutal days below -25°C, even dedicated winter cyclists take the metro — there is no shame in it. But on a crisp -10°C morning with fresh snow on Mount Royal, a bike commute through the Plateau is genuinely magical.
