A good starting point to begin a bike tour of "La Belle Ville" is to take up camp in Old Montreal. That's where the bike shop Ca Roule is located. You can pick up a cruiser for $25 for a full-day rental or take one out for a week for $120. Rental fees include a helmet, bike lock, trail map and repair kit.
Ca Roule also rents out tandem bikes, trail-a-bikes and trailers for kids.
Bike trails are located very near this bike shop so it's just a matter of crossing the street and starting on an adventure that will take you across the St. Lawrence River to Ile Sainte-Helene, the island known for being the site of Expo 67. This route, which runs about 12 km there and back, begins at the Old Port of Montreal, a very industrial area of the quay. The large freighters -- some quite rusty -- are fascinating to look at.
Once on the other side of the St. Lawrence, the City of Montreal provides a dramatic backdrop to the scenic river route. No less spectacular is the remarkable Habitat 67 project located on the bike trail.
Built by Moshe Sadie, a university student studying architecture at McGill, Habitat 67 was a vision of housing in the future that made its debut during Expo 67. The three-dimensional stacked cubes are still such a unique design that you'll find many people gawking at the occupied units.
Further along the trail, which begins winding through Parc Jean-Drapeau, another enduring symbol of Expo 67 makes its appearance: The Biosphere. Although built to house the United States pavilion during Expo, these days the structure is dedicated to the study of environmental issues.
Walking through it is an amazing experience that might make you feel as if you've stumbled onto the film set of 2001: A Space Odyssey. The intricate metal lattice, which towers above, looks as if it would be more in place in space rather than a Montreal park.
A few minutes down the trail, the exciting rides from La Ronde will begin poking over the trees in the distance. La Ronde is Montreal's most popular amusement park, with more than 40 rides, live entertainment and nightly events that include fireworks and music. La Ronde has lots of bike racks at its front entrance so it's not a problem if you want to go in for the afternoon.
Once back in Old Montreal, make your way to Le Quartier Chinois, the city's Chinatown, a mere 10 minutes north from the Old Port. It's a great place to cycle through slowly while enjoying the Asian architecture, which includes a stunning gate with its welcoming dragon-lions.
While there, park the bikes and take a walk down De la Gauchetiere St., a lively pedestrian walkway with stores and restaurants. If the munchies strike, try Beijing Restaurant, a place with over 200 items on the menu! The decor is basic, but don't let that fool you. This is where you'll find locals eating. According to the waiters, the place is packed many nights until 3 a.m.
When riding back to Old Montreal, stop at the corner of St. Antoine St. and St. Laurent Blvd. to see the city's largest mural, located on a building known as the Mission Old Brewery. The colourful mural, which covers an entire exterior wall that soars 23 metres, was created to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Expo 67.
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IF YOU GO
To 'La Belle Ville'
Marriott's Springhill Suites is in the heart of Old Montreal and steps away from the Old Port. The rooms are spacious and include a buffet breakfast and in-room Internet access. Check marriott.com for specials or call 866-875-4333. Ca Roule is at 27 De La Commune East in Old Montreal caroulemontreal.com / 877-866-0633. Reservations are recommended especially on weekends. For tourism information, see tourisme-montreal.org and bonjourquebec.com.
Bosch recently introduced Bosch Park AssistBike rental website a wheel help
