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

Montreal makes sense from a bicycle seat. This three-hour ride with Fitz Montréal links Mount Royal, McGill University, Old Montreal, and the St. Lawrence waterfront without asking you to spend the day on foot. A local guide leads a small group of no more than 10 people through bike paths, bike-friendly streets, parks, and historic neighborhoods.

I like the route’s range. In one outing, you get a taste of Montreal’s university quarter, festival district, old riverfront, and Plateau area. I also like the guide-led format. Guides such as Martin, JF, Eduardo, Fred, Marie, and Frédérique have been praised for clear stories, good humor, and careful attention to safety. The main thing to consider is city traffic. At times, the group may split at traffic lights, and some riders have found the pace strenuous on a regular bike.

Quick take: what makes this ride useful

• A compact city introduction: In about three hours, you cover several major parts of Montreal and get useful ideas for the rest of your stay.
• Old Montreal by bicycle: Cobblestones, old facades, narrow lanes, and the Old Port give the ride its strongest sense of place.
• E-bike help on the hills: Mount Royal and a few short climbs can make an electric bike worth the extra cost, especially if you do not ride often.
• Small group, maximum 10 people: The size allows for questions and a calmer pace than a large city cycling tour.
• Safe route planning: Much of the ride uses protected bike paths or bike-friendly streets, though downtown traffic can still be a factor.
• Rain plan included: The tour operates in all weather, and Fitz provides rain capes if conditions turn wet.

The route at a glance: three hours across central Montreal

The tour starts and ends at 87 Rue de la Commune E, near the Old Port. This location is convenient for the waterfront and public transportation, but it is not a good place to arrive by car. Parking near the shop is described as extremely difficult, so use transit or walk if you can.

You receive a bicycle and a safety briefing before setting off. Helmets are optional, though I would use one, especially on streets shared with cars and around the uneven surfaces of Old Montreal. Bring your own refillable water bottle. Bottled water is not included, but there is a fountain at the shop.

The route normally makes a broad loop through central Montreal. You first ride toward Mount Royal Park, then McGill University, Place des Arts, Old Montreal, Notre-Dame Basilica, and the Old Port before returning to the starting point. The exact order or streets may change because of roadworks, traffic, or local conditions.

Mount Royal Park: a short stop at Montreal’s natural landmark

The ride begins with a stop at the foot of Mount Royal Park. You are not climbing to the summit during this short visit, but you get a view toward the mountain and a useful introduction to the city’s central green space.

This is one reason the bicycle format works well. From the starting area, you can reach a major park quickly without spending your energy walking across several neighborhoods first. Your guide uses the stop to explain Montreal’s relationship with Mount Royal and point out the setting around you.

The stop lasts about five minutes, so keep your expectations in check. This is a glimpse, not a full park visit. If Mount Royal is high on your personal list, save time on another day for a longer visit.

A regular bicycle can handle the route if you are comfortable riding and reasonably fit. Still, several people have found the short hills more demanding than expected. I would choose the e-bike if you are not a confident cyclist, if you dislike arriving sweaty, or if your group has mixed fitness levels.

McGill University: grand buildings and student energy

The next planned stop is McGill University, where you pause for around 10 minutes in the center of the campus. The university adds a different side of Montreal: formal stone buildings, open campus space, and a younger downtown rhythm.

The guide commentary helps connect McGill to the city around it. This is not a long academic campus tour, but it gives you enough time to look around, take photos, and ask questions. Several guides have received praise for turning ordinary rides between stops into useful lessons about Montreal’s past and present.

The route through this part of the city also shows why an e-bike can be practical. The ride is not a flat cruise from start to finish. There are hills, quick changes in street conditions, and a steady amount of cycling. The ride is generally manageable, but you should not mistake it for a completely effortless pedal.

Place des Arts and downtown Montreal: festivals, arenas, and city life

The tour continues to Place des Arts, Montreal’s main festival area. The stop is brief, about five minutes, but it gives you a look at the city’s cultural center and a sense of how Montreal uses public space for large events.

Depending on the route that day, the ride may also pass other downtown landmarks, including the Bell Centre, home of the Montreal Canadiens. One especially wide-ranging account of the tour also described riding through neighborhoods and toward the Olympic Stadium area, but the route can vary. Do not book this ride expecting a guaranteed visit to every major Montreal sight.

This section is where the bicycle has both its greatest advantage and its biggest weakness. You cover more ground than you could on foot, and you get a better feel for how districts connect. At the same time, downtown streets bring traffic, intersections, and stoplights. Your guide works to keep the group together, but you may spend occasional moments waiting for the rest of the riders.

You also need to listen carefully. On a bicycle, the guide cannot always speak to everyone at once. If you ride at the back, it may be harder to hear commentary during the moving sections. The small group helps, but it does not eliminate the basic problem of giving a walking-style talk while cycling.

Notre-Dame Basilica and Old Montreal: the most atmospheric stretch

The planned stop outside Notre-Dame Basilica lasts about five minutes. Your guide shares the story of Montreal’s most famous church, while you view the exterior rather than taking a full interior tour. Admission is not included.

That distinction matters. If you want to see the basilica inside, you will need to return on your own and pay any applicable admission. The bike tour gives you context and a quick look, not a detailed church visit.

Old Montreal is the heart of the route. You spend about 20 minutes riding through its historic streets, with old architecture, narrow lanes, and cobblestone surfaces creating a European feel. This is the part where a bicycle lets you move between several points quickly, but it also requires care.

Cobblestones can be rough. Keep both hands ready, slow down, and follow the guide’s instructions. Flip-flops are specifically discouraged, and that is sensible advice. Wear closed-toe shoes with a secure sole, along with casual clothing suited to the weather.

One point needs a little flexibility: a bike tour cannot promise a slow, thorough look at every attractive shop street or side lane in Old Montreal. Some riders have wished for more time in this district or expected a closer look at Notre-Dame. If Old Montreal is your main priority, treat the tour as an introduction and plan a separate walking visit.

The benefit is the broader view. You see how the old quarter connects to the river, downtown, and the Plateau area rather than experiencing it as an isolated photo stop.

Old Port: open river views and a relaxed finish

From Old Montreal, the ride reaches the Old Port and follows the edge of the St. Lawrence River for about 10 minutes. This section gives you more room to breathe after the tighter downtown streets and cobblestones.

The waterfront is popular with local walkers and cyclists, and the route lets you share that public space rather than simply viewing the river from a coach window. The guide continues to add facts and answer questions during stops, so use this quieter stretch to ask about neighborhoods, food, or places you want to visit later.

The Old Port stop is short. You will not explore every pier or attraction, and no admission tickets are included for separate sights. Still, it is a fitting part of a city overview because the river has shaped Montreal’s trade, growth, and identity.

The route then loops back toward the Plateau and Mount Royal neighborhood, ending where it began. A light refreshment is provided at the finish, which is welcome after several hours of riding. Bring water anyway, since the tour does not provide bottled water.

Regular bike or e-bike: choose honestly

Fitz offers bicycles, and the experience can include an e-bike option. The strongest practical advice from the feedback is simple: choose the electric bike if you are uncertain about your fitness.

Riders using regular bikes have enjoyed the route, especially those who cycle often. The route is described as mostly level with a few short hills, but other riders found the pace and climbs strenuous. Both statements can be true. A fit cyclist may find the ride comfortable, while a casual rider may work much harder than expected.

I would choose the e-bike for:

• Anyone who rarely cycles
• Families with mixed fitness levels
• People concerned about Mount Royal’s hills
• Riders who want to focus on the guide and scenery rather than exertion
• Anyone visiting during warm weather

The e-bike does not remove the need to pedal or pay attention. It simply gives you help when the route rises or the group moves quickly. If you are comfortable riding in city traffic and want more exercise, the regular bicycle should suit you.

The bicycles themselves have received strong praise for comfort and condition. A proper safety briefing is also provided before departure. That matters in Montreal, where protected paths make cycling pleasant but downtown intersections still require alert riding.

Guide quality and group size

The guide can shape this tour more than any single landmark. Fitz uses local guides, and the strongest feedback has gone to people such as Martin, JF, Eduardo, Fred, Frédérique, Rod, André, Marie, Jamie, Félix, and Anne-Marie.

The recurring strengths are clear explanations, local pride, humor, and attention to safety. JF has been praised for helping riders understand the electric bikes and keeping the group informed about the route. Fred and Frédérique have been noted for calm instruction and strong knowledge of Montreal’s neighborhoods. Eduardo and Martin have also received praise for making the ride engaging rather than turning it into a string of dry facts.

The group limit is 10 people. That is small enough for a more personal feel, and it gives you a fair chance to ask questions during the stops. Still, the group rides as a group. If you want a private pace with frequent photo breaks, this is not the same as hiring a private guide.

Tours can be bilingual in French and English upon request. The standard offering is in English, and you should make your language preference clear when booking if needed.

Price, timing, and practical value

At $89.37 per person, the tour is not the cheapest way to rent a bicycle, but it includes much more than a simple rental. You receive the bicycle, a local guide, taxes, a safety briefing, a planned route, and a light refreshment at the end.

The real value is time. In three hours, you cover ground between Mount Royal, McGill, Place des Arts, Old Montreal, and the Old Port. If you have only one day in Montreal, this can help you decide where to return for a longer visit.

The price is easier to justify if you want orientation and local stories. It is less appealing if you already know Montreal well, dislike group cycling, or mainly want a leisurely ride along the river.

The tour is for people aged 14 and older. Most people can participate, but you should be comfortable riding a bicycle. Wear weather-appropriate clothes and proper shoes. The tour operates in all weather, with rain capes supplied if needed, but poor weather can still affect comfort and visibility.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. If Fitz cancels because of poor weather or because the minimum number of participants is not reached, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

Who should book this Montreal bike tour?

I think this is best for a first visit, especially if you have two or three days in the city and want to get your bearings early. It also suits solo visitors, couples, friends, and families with teenagers who prefer an active introduction to sightseeing.

Choose it if you want:

• A broad look at central Montreal
• A guide who can explain what you are seeing
• A small group instead of a large bus
• A mix of bike paths, streets, parks, historic areas, and waterfront
• A practical way to spot places for later visits

Think twice if you want a slow Old Montreal walking tour, a full visit inside Notre-Dame Basilica, or a route focused on Olympic Park. Also think twice if you dislike city traffic or have not ridden a bicycle in years. In that case, select the e-bike and be realistic about the physical effort.

Should you book the Fitz Montréal ride?

Yes, if you want an active, efficient introduction to Montreal and are willing to share the road with urban traffic. The route covers a lot, the bikes are well regarded, and the guides add the local color that a self-guided rental cannot provide.

I would book the e-bike option for most casual riders. I would also schedule this early in your stay, then use the guide’s suggestions to plan return visits to Mount Royal, Old Montreal, the waterfront, or other neighborhoods.

This is not a perfect tour. Traffic can interrupt the group, commentary may be harder to hear from the back, and the Old Montreal portion may feel too brief for some. But for a three-hour city sampler, the combination of scenery, movement, history, and practical orientation offers strong value.

FAQ

Where does the Fitz bike tour start?

The tour starts at 87 Rue de la Commune E, Montréal, QC H2Y 1J1, Canada.

Where does the tour finish?

The tour ends back at the starting point.

How long does the bike tour last?

The tour lasts approximately three hours.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $89.37 per person.

Is an e-bike available?

Yes. The experience includes a bicycle, and an e-bike option is available. An upgrade may be offered, so confirm the current choice and price when booking.

What is included in the price?

The price includes a local guide, bicycle, optional helmet, and taxes. A light refreshment is provided at the end.

Should I bring water?

Yes. Bottled water is not included. Bring a refillable bottle, and you can use the fountain at the shop.

What happens if it rains?

The tour operates in all weather conditions. If it rains, Fitz provides rain capes. If poor weather causes the company to cancel, you can select another date or receive a full refund.

Is there an age requirement?

Yes. Participants must be at least 14 years old.