Montreal: Architecture Bike Tour, River Ride & F1 Track Beer

Summary

Cycle Montreal’s riverfront, old port sights and modern icons

You’ll pedal Montreal’s riverside paths with a local guide, cross architectural landmarks like Silo no. 5 and Habitat 67, speed down part of the F1 racetrack on Notre-Dame Island, then relax with beer or wine in Old Montreal. Expect laughs, city stories you won’t find online, and maybe a new appreciation for helmet hair.

What’s the experience like?

I almost wiped out trying to take a photo of Habitat 67 with one hand — not my proudest moment, but hey, that weird concrete puzzle was worth it. We started near the Old Port, bikes lined up outside Montreal On Wheels. Our guide, Pierre (who actually grew up in Griffintown), handed out helmets and made a joke about “helmet hair being très chic.” That set the tone. The air smelled like fresh bread from somewhere nearby and I kept hearing gulls over the water as we got moving.

The first stop was Silo no. 5 — hulking and a little ghostly against the sky. Pierre explained how it shaped the city’s skyline back in the day. I’d never thought much about grain silos before, honestly. Then we rolled along Lachine Canal where you could feel the breeze pick up off the water and see people fishing or just hanging out on benches. There was this quick moment when we crossed over to Notre-Dame Island — suddenly you’re right on the Formula-1 racetrack. I grinned like a kid pedaling fast down that straightaway (not sure if you’re supposed to go that fast but nobody stopped us). The keyword “Montreal architecture bike tour” popped into my head because it really did feel like seeing the city’s bones up close.

We looped past Habitat 67 — those stacked cubes look even stranger in person — then paused at the Biosphere where sunlight bounced off its glassy shell. Pierre pointed out details I’d never have noticed alone, like how Griffintown’s old factories are now full of artists and coffee shops. He switched between French and English depending who he was talking to; sometimes both at once. At one point he asked if anyone wanted an e-bike for the last stretch (I stuck with my regular bike but kinda wished I’d tried it). By then my legs were feeling it but in a good way.

Afterwards we ended up at a bar near Ça Roule for a cold beer (or wine if you wanted). Everyone looked sweaty but happy, laughing about who almost got lost at which turn. The taste of that first sip after riding all afternoon — honestly hits different. I still think about that view over the river from Sainte-Hélène’s Island, hazy late sun on the water. Not everything went perfectly (I definitely butchered some French), but maybe that’s what made it stick with me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Montreal architecture bike tour highlights

• Check-in at Montreal On Wheels
• Bike ride along Montreal waterfront
• Visit Old Port and Silo no. 5
• Explore Lachine Canal and Griffintown
• See Habitat 67 architecture
• Ride across St. Lawrence River
• Stop at Biosphere on Sainte-Hélène’s Island
• Cycle on Formula-1 Racetrack, Notre-Dame Island
• Cross Jacques Cartier bridge
• Return to Montreal On Wheels

Top questions

How long is the Montreal architecture bike tour?

The tour lasts approximately 3 hours from start to finish.

Are e-bikes available for this Montreal bike tour?

Yes, you can choose between regular bikes or e-bikes during booking.

Is there an age requirement for e-bikes?

The minimum age is 14 with permit required for ages 14-17; 18+ need no permit.

Does this tour include drinks?

Yes, each participant gets one drink (beer, wine or non-alcoholic) at a local spot in Old Montreal.

What are some highlights of this bike tour?

You’ll visit Silo no. 5, Lachine Canal, Habitat 67, Biosphere, F1 racetrack and more.

Where does the tour start and end?

The meeting point is Montreal On Wheels in Old Port; you return there at the end.

Is lunch included on this architecture bike tour?

No full lunch is included but there are food tastings along with bottled water provided.

Do guides speak English or French?

Tours are offered in both English and French depending on your preference.

What’s included

Your day includes a guided ride starting from Old Town on either a regular or e-bike (with helmet), bottled water plus food tasting stops along the way, entry to all architectural sites mentioned by your local guide Pierre (or whoever’s leading), and ends with your choice of beer or wine at a cozy spot near Ça Roule before heading back to base.