Montreal's Best Bike Paths for Families

Montreal Is a Cycling City — Even for Families

Montreal has over 900 km of bike paths, making it one of the most bike-friendly cities in North America. But not all paths are created equal when you're riding with kids. You need flat terrain, separation from traffic, good surface conditions, and interesting things to see along the way. Here are the best family-friendly routes.

Canal de Lachine — The Classic Family Ride

Canal de Lachine is hands-down the best family bike path in Montreal. The 14.5 km path runs from the Old Port to Lachine along the historic canal, and it's almost perfectly flat. The path is wide, paved, and completely separated from traffic. Along the way, you'll pass the Atwater Market (great for a mid-ride snack stop), public art installations, and historic locks.

Tips: Start at the Atwater Market end and ride toward Lachine — it's slightly downhill. The Lachine end has a park with playgrounds and a waterfront promenade where you can rest before heading back. On weekends, the path gets busy — go before 10 AM for a calmer experience. BIXI bike-share stations are available along the route if you don't have your own bikes.

Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve — A Race Track for Bikes

Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve at Parc Jean-Drapeau is a unique Montreal experience. When Formula 1 cars aren't racing, this 4.3 km loop is open to cyclists and it's completely car-free. Kids love the idea of riding on a real race track. The flat, smooth asphalt is perfect for beginners, and the loop format means nobody gets lost.

Tips: Take the metro to Jean-Drapeau station (bikes allowed on metro outside peak hours). The circuit has no shade, so bring sunscreen and water. There are no bike rental shops on the island, so bring your own. Combine with a visit to the Jean-Drapeau beach or playground for a full day.

Parc-nature du Bois-de-Liesse — Off-Road Family Trail

For families who want a nature ride, the Bois-de-Liesse network offers 12 km of paths through mature forest and along the Rivière des Prairies. The paths are a mix of paved and packed gravel — fine for most kids' bikes but skip it after heavy rain. Wildlife sightings include deer, herons, and turtles.

De la Commune Path — Old Montreal Waterfront

A short but scenic 3 km ride along the Old Port waterfront. Great for very young riders because it's flat, short, and there are tons of distractions — boats, street performers, the Clock Tower beach, and the Science Centre. You can rent bikes from multiple shops along the route.

Safety Essentials

1. Helmets are mandatory in Quebec for all ages — no exceptions
2. Ride single file on shared paths
3. Use a bell — required by law and essential for passing pedestrians
4. Bring a repair kit — a spare tube and hand pump save the day
5. Choose the right bike size — kids should be able to touch the ground with their toes when seated

Bike Rentals

If you don't own bikes, several shops offer family rental packages:

• Ma Bicyclette near the Lachine Canal — hourly and daily rentals including kids' bikes and trailers
• BIXI — Montreal's bike-share system has standard and electric bikes (ages 14+ by policy)
• Ça Roule Montréal in the Old Port — family packages with helmets included

Discover more outdoor activities in Montreal on FamiliQC.