Bike / E-bike tour : Plateau, Mile-End, Jean-Talon Market by Fitz

Discover Montreal’s Neighborhoods on a Bike or E-bike Tour for $88.25

This small-group bike tour in Montreal offers a fantastic way to see the city’s most characterful neighborhoods in just around 3 hours. Priced at $88.25 per person, the tour is capped at 10 participants to ensure a personalized experience. You start at Fitz Montréal and venture through lively districts like Plateau, Mile End, and Little Italy, with stops at iconic spots such as Jean-Talon Market and St-Viateur Bagel.

What makes this experience stand out is the combination of local insights, street art, and culinary treats, all led by knowledgeable guides. As a bonus, bikes and helmets are provided, making it convenient and safe for most visitors. It’s especially well-suited for first-time visitors and those eager to explore Montreal beyond the usual tourist spots, though the tour is designed to be easy and accessible, with most of the route being flat.

Key Points

• Affordable and well-reviewed at a 5.0 rating from 262 reviews
• Duration of 3 hours with stops at key neighborhoods and markets
• Includes bikes, helmets, and snacks, notably the famous Montreal bagel
• Small groups capped at 10 for a personal and engaging experience
• Suitable for ages 14 and older, with most travelers finding it accessible
• Operates in all weather conditions, with rain gear provided if needed

Starting Point at Fitz Montréal in a Prime Location

The tour begins at Fitz Montréal, located at 1251 Rue Rachel E, Montréal. After arriving, guests can enjoy a quick snack from the Cafe Le Picnic on-site before getting fitted with stylish city bikes and helmets. The meeting point’s close proximity to public transportation makes it easy to access, though parking by car is challenging due to limited options nearby.

The departure times are flexible, and the entire experience ends back at the original meeting point, making logistics simple for participants. The mobile ticket system allows for smooth check-in, and the casual, weather-appropriate clothing is recommended, avoiding flip-flops for safety.

Exploring Montreal’s Colorful Neighborhoods on Two Wheels

The tour mainly focuses on Montreal’s most lively districts. Riders pedal through Plateau Mont-Royal, known for its vibrant murals and cozy streets. The guide points out murals and street art, revealing the city’s dynamic urban art scene.

Next, the group visits Outremont, where expensive real estate and small parks highlight Montreal’s diverse neighborhoods. The calm, tree-lined streets offer a break from busier areas. Then, the route takes cyclists to Mile End, a trendy hub famous for St-Viateur Bagel, where the tour includes a bagel tasting from the wood-fired oven.

Moving on to Little Italy, guests explore its boutique shops and the bustling Jean-Talon Market. The market is North America’s largest outdoor and indoor farmer’s market, offering a vibrant mix of stalls. Visitors can wander among fresh produce, ethnic foods, and local specialties for about 25 minutes, soaking up the lively atmosphere.

Riding the Scenic Streets and Back Alleys of Montreal

This tour takes the group off the main tourist paths to explore scenic backstreets, parks, and alleys. The guide leads riders through less-traveled areas to appreciate Montreal’s authentic character, with a focus on local communities and urban art.

Many reviewers mention how the flat route makes riding easy and comfortable, even for those who ride infrequently. The route includes green back alleys and quiet streets, offering a peaceful contrast to busier city roads.

The pace is leisurely, with enough stops for photos, snacks, and stories. The small group size helps foster a friendly environment, enabling personalized attention and ample opportunity to ask questions.

The Taste of Montreal: Bagels and Market Delights

A highlight of the tour is the chance to sample Montreal’s famous bagels at St-Viateur Bagel. The warm, flavorful bagels are a real treat, and sampling them on-site is included in the price.

The tour also features a visit to Jean-Talon Market, where visitors browse stalls filled with fresh produce, cheeses, and international foods. The 25-minute stop allows for a relaxed exploration of North America’s largest outdoor market. Many guests appreciate the opportunity to try local specialties and shop for souvenirs.

The market visit offers a sensory experience, with vibrant colors and enticing smells, perfectly complementing the cycling adventure.

The Guides: Knowledgeable, Friendly, and Versatile

Multiple reviews praise the guides’ expertise and personality. Guides like Jeff, Marco, and Eduardo are described as friendly, funny, and full of interesting facts about Montreal’s history and neighborhoods.

Several reviews mention guides showing videos of the places visited, providing additional context and making the experience more engaging. Guides are also praised for problem-solving during unexpected situations, such as bike malfunctions, ensuring the tour stays on track.

The guides’ local knowledge and approachability make the tour enjoyable for all ages, including families with teens and first-time visitors.

Comfortable and Well-Maintained Equipment

The bikes provided are described as light, comfortable, and of good quality. Helmets are optional but available, and the bikes are suitable for a leisurely ride across mostly flat terrain.

For those unfamiliar with e-bikes, the tour offers an option to upgrade to electric bikes, making the route even easier for riders of various fitness levels. This flexibility is especially appreciated on hotter days or for those who prefer a less strenuous experience.

Weather, Safety, and Accessibility

The tour operates in all weather conditions; rain gear such as stylish rain capes is provided if needed. The route is mostly flat, making it accessible for most participants aged 14 and above, with most reviews indicating it’s suitable for a broad range of fitness levels.

While some mention feeling a little scared riding on busy city streets, the guide does his best to navigate safely and provide reassurance. The tour’s pace and stops help maintain comfort and safety throughout.

Logistics and Group Size

The small group size of up to 10 ensures a personalized experience where questions are welcomed, and the guide can tailor the ride to the group’s interests. The meeting point is near public transportation, making it easy to reach, with detailed instructions provided at booking.

The end of the tour coincides with the start, simplifying logistics for participants. The tour’s flexible cancellation policy allows free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, which adds peace of mind.

Suitable for Families, First-Timers, and Food Lovers

This tour appeals to families, first-time visitors, and foodies alike. The relaxed pace, engaging guides, and interesting stops make it a great introduction to Montreal. The bagel stop and market visit add a culinary dimension that many find memorable.

While the biking is easy, those uncomfortable with city cycling might want to assess their comfort level with riding on streets. The light, flat route makes it accessible, but participants should wear comfortable clothing and avoid flip-flops.

The Sum Up: A Well-Rounded Montreal Bike Tour

This 3-hour bike and e-bike tour captures many of Montreal’s best features—colorful neighborhoods, street art, a bustling market, and local food. The small group size and knowledgeable guides ensure a friendly, informative experience. The inclusion of bagels and market exploration makes it a tasty and immersive way to learn about the city.

The tour is not overly strenuous, making it suitable for most visitors with a basic level of mobility. The cost offers excellent value, especially considering the local snacks and personalized attention. It’s a perfect choice for those wanting to get oriented quickly and see Montreal from a local perspective.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children or teenagers?
Yes, the tour is for participants 14 years and older, making it suitable for teens and families.

Do I need to know how to ride a bike?
Basic riding skills are enough; the route is mostly flat and designed to be easy and comfortable for most riders.

What should I wear for the tour?
Casual, weather-appropriate clothing is recommended. Avoid flip-flops for safety, and bring a refillable water bottle (there’s a fountain on-site).

Can I book an electric bike instead?
Yes, upgrading to an e-bike is available, which can make the ride easier, especially in hot weather or for those with limited cycling experience.

What if it rains during the tour?
The tour operates in all weather conditions. Rain gear such as rain capes is provided if needed.

How long is the market stop?
The visit to Jean-Talon Market lasts about 25 minutes, allowing you to browse and sample local foods.

Is the tour physically demanding?
Most of the route is flat and suitable for most levels. The pace is leisurely, and frequent stops help ensure comfort.

What neighborhoods will I visit?
You explore Plateau Mont-Royal, Outremont, Mile End, and Little Italy, each offering its own unique character and sights.

How do I get back to the starting point?
The tour ends at the same location where it begins, making it straightforward to return or continue exploring Montreal afterward.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour, offering full refund options.