Bike / E-bike Tour : Downtown, Old Montreal, Waterfront by Fitz

Discover Montreal’s Heart on a Guided Bike or E-bike Tour

The Bike / E-bike Tour: Downtown, Old Montreal, Waterfront by Fitz offers an engaging way to see Montreal in just about 3 hours for $88.25 per person. With a rating of 5.0 based on 280 reviews, this tour is highly recommended by 96% of past participants, making it a popular choice for those seeking a practical introduction to the city.

This tour is ideal for first-time visitors or anyone wanting a rundown of Montreal’s most iconic sites. It features all necessary equipment, including comfortable bikes and helmets, and takes place along bike-friendly streets and protected paths. The tour departs from the Fitz Montréal location near Parc Jeanne-Mance and operates in all weather conditions, with rain gear provided if needed.

While the tour is suited to most, note that it is designed for ages 14 and older and involves some moderate pedaling, especially if choosing the regular bikes. For those concerned about hills or longer distances, the e-bike upgrade is a smart option.

Key Points

• Duration: Around 3 hours, perfect for a quick yet thorough city overview
• Price: $88.25 per person, including bikes, helmets, and taxes
• Highlights: Visits to Mont Royal Park, McGill University, Place des Arts, Notre-Dame Basilica, Old Montreal, and the Old Port
• Guide: Experienced local guides share stories and historical insights
• Equipment: Comfortable bikes, helmets, and bike paths ensure a safe ride
• Accessibility: Operates rain or shine with bilingual guides available on request

Starting Point and Group Size

The tour begins at Fitz Montréal located at 1251 Rue Rachel E, a location that is close to public transportation, making it easy to access without driving. The group size is limited to 10 participants, ensuring personalized attention and a relaxed pace.

The meeting process involves getting fitted with your bicycle and helmet, after which the guide leads you through a scenic route across several key neighborhoods. The tour ends back at the starting point, making logistics simple for participants.

Exploring Montreal’s Downtown and Mount Royal Park

The tour kicks off with a ride toward Mont Royal Park, where a short 5-minute stop at the foot of the mountain offers a stunning view of the city skyline. This location provides an excellent photo opportunity and a sense of the city’s scale. The park’s gentle slopes are accessible via protected bike paths, making it suitable for most riders, especially those with the e-bike upgrade.

From there, the route takes you to McGill University, where a 10-minute stop allows for a walk through this historic campus. The architecture and vibrant atmosphere of the university add a lively touch to the tour, and guides share stories about the city’s academic and cultural scene.

Visiting Montreal’s Cultural Mainstay: Place des Arts

Next, the guide takes you to Place des Arts, Montreal’s primary festival complex, where a 5-minute stop provides a glimpse into the city’s vibrant arts scene. The proximity to theaters and galleries makes this a lively part of town that reflects Montreal’s creative spirit.

While the tour doesn’t include inside visits, the guide provides informative commentary about the significance of this area, enriching the experience for those interested in cultural pursuits.

Discovering the Notre-Dame Basilica and Old Montreal’s Historic Streets

The Notre-Dame Basilica is featured as an exterior stop, where a 5-minute narration shares stories about this iconic church, renowned for its stunning architecture (note that admission is not included). This stop offers a brief chance to appreciate the Basilica’s grandeur and learn about its importance in Montreal’s history.

For a deeper dive into history, the tour explores Old Montreal’s narrow, cobblestone streets for 20 minutes. This section showcases the European atmosphere of the neighborhood, with historic buildings and atmospheric alleyways. The guide points out notable sites and shares stories about Montreal’s colonial past, making it an engaging experience for history buffs.

Riding Along the St. Lawrence River and Old Port

The tour continues to the Old Port of Montreal, riding along the riverfront for 10 minutes. This area is a favorite for both locals and visitors, with scenic views, lively pathways, and street performers. The guide highlights the vibrant atmosphere of the waterfront, offering photos and brief explanations of the port’s history and present-day activities.

Looping Back through the Plateau and Mont Royal Neighborhood

Returning through the Plateau/Mont Royal neighborhood, the route offers a relaxed ride back to the starting point. The neighborhood’s colorful murals, trendy shops, and vibrant cafes showcase Montreal’s bohemian vibe. The tour concludes with a light refreshment at Fitz Montréal, providing a chance to reflect and ask questions.

The Route and Stops in Detail

The bike tour’s route covers key Montreal sites, beginning at Fitz Montréal, then heading to Mont Royal Park for scenic views. The route proceeds to McGill University, where participants can admire the historic campus. The guide then leads to Place des Arts for a quick cultural overview, followed by an exterior visit to the Notre-Dame Basilica.

The exploration moves into Old Montreal, passing through narrow, historic streets, and then along the St. Lawrence River to the Old Port. The final stretch brings riders back to the Plateau/Mont Royal neighborhood, completing the loop.

Each stop is designed to balance sightseeing with storytelling, ensuring participants learn about Montreal’s history, architecture, and culture at a comfortable pace.

Practical Aspects: Equipment, Accessibility, and Weather

All necessary equipment is provided, including bicycles and helmets (optional). The bikes are described as comfortable, suitable for city riding, with e-bikes available for those who want easier pedaling—especially helpful on hills or longer stretches.

The tour operates in all weather conditions, with rain gear supplied if needed. The casual, weather-appropriate clothing is recommended, avoiding flip-flops for safety reasons.

Participants should be aware that the tour is designed for ages 14 and up and involves some moderate pedaling. The group size is limited to 10, promoting a more personalized experience.

Comparing Electric and Regular Bikes

Many reviews highlight the benefits of choosing e-bikes, especially for those less accustomed to cycling or wanting to ease the physical effort. The upgraded bikes make covering more ground comfortably, and guides are happy to recommend this option. Participants with good fitness levels may find the regular bikes sufficient, but the e-bike provides extra convenience, particularly for hilly sections.

The Experience with Guides and Group Dynamics

Guides like Frederic, Jamie, JF, and André receive praise for their knowledge, friendliness, and engaging storytelling. They make the ride feel calm and casual, adjusting the pace to suit the group. Many reviewers mention the informative commentary and personalized attention as standout features.

The group size of up to 10 ensures a relaxed atmosphere, allowing for easy interaction and questions. This setup is especially good for visitors who prefer a smaller, more intimate experience.

Customer Feedback and Overall Satisfaction

The reviews consistently rate this tour at 5 stars, with comments emphasizing the fun, informative nature, and safe riding experience. Notable praise is given to guides like Fred, Félix, Eduardo, and Rod, highlighting their personality, professionalism, and local knowledge.

Some reviewers mention that the tour’s pace is suitable for most, while others recommend upgrading to e-bikes for hills or longer distances. A few note that more sights like Olympic Park could be added, but overall, the route covers a comprehensive and scenic selection of Montreal’s highlights.

Final Thoughts on the Montreal Bike/E-bike Tour

This three-hour guided bike experience offers a balanced mix of sightseeing, culture, and history, with a route covering Mont Royal, McGill, Old Montreal, and the waterfront. The professional guides and comfortable bikes make it accessible and enjoyable for most.

The value for money is apparent, considering the all-inclusive price, friendly group size, and the opportunity to see many of Montreal’s top sights in a short time. The option to upgrade to an e-bike enhances the experience, especially for those less confident on hills or seeking a more relaxed ride.

If you want to get your bearings in Montreal quickly, enjoy a scenic ride with informative commentary, and prefer an active exploration of the city, this tour is a solid choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Do I need to bring my own bike or helmet?
No, all necessary equipment is included, although helmets are optional.

Can I choose between a regular bike and an e-bike?
Yes, the tour offers upgrades to e-bikes, which are recommended for hills or if you prefer a less strenuous ride.

What should I wear?
Casual, comfortable, weather-appropriate clothes are best; flip flops are not recommended.

What happens in case of bad weather?
The tour operates in all weather conditions; rain gear is provided if needed.

How do I find the meeting point?
The tour starts at Fitz Montréal, located at 1251 Rue Rachel E; it’s near public transit.