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

If you’re visiting Montreal and looking for a fun, active way to get to know the city, a bike or e-bike tour offers an excellent introduction. This particular tour, offered by Fitz Montréal, combines the city’s most iconic sights with the practicality of a guided route—perfect for first-timers and seasoned cyclists alike.

With a reputation for high reviews and a balanced mix of history, scenery, and local charm, it’s a popular choice that many travelers are booking repeatedly.

What we love about this tour is how smoothly it combines cycling through Montreal’s bike-friendly streets with engaging commentary from guides who truly know their city. The inclusion of all necessary equipment—from bikes to helmets—makes it hassle-free, especially for those new to the city or cycling in urban environments. Another highlight is the e-bike upgrade, which sweetens the deal for those worried about hills or tired legs.

A possible consideration for some travelers is the group size—a maximum of only 10 participants—which ensures a more personalized experience. However, because of Montreal’s busy downtown streets, it can sometimes feel a bit brisk, especially if you’re not accustomed to city biking. The tour is best suited for ages 14 and up, and casual, comfortable attire is recommended (avoid flip-flops).

This tour is an ideal choice for anyone seeking a rundown of Montreal in a lively, active format. It’s especially well-suited for visitors who want to see many sights without spending all day walking or relying on public transport.

This experience made our article of Montreal’s 14 Best Bike Tours.

Key Points

• Ideal for first-time visitors looking for an overview of Montreal’s main neighborhoods and sights
• Includes all necessary equipment, making it beginner-friendly
• Guides are knowledgeable and personable, enhancing the experience
• E-bike option helps tackle Montreal’s hills comfortably
• Short duration of about 3 hours is perfect for a quick but thorough city introduction
• Great value considering the inclusion of multiple major landmarks and friendly guidance

Montreal’s extensive network of bike paths makes cycling a natural way to explore the city. This tour takes full advantage of those paths, weaving through downtown, historic Old Montreal, and along the St. Lawrence River, bringing the city’s lively neighborhoods and scenic waterfront to life. It’s a balanced blend of active sightseeing and cultural storytelling, giving you more than just a list of landmarks—your guide shares stories that make these places meaningful.

The tour begins at a convenient meeting point near Parc Jeanne-Mance, where you’re greeted by your guide and fitted with a bike and helmet. From there, your journey kicks off with a ride toward Mount Royal Park, the city’s beloved green space that offers fantastic views. This early stop is a highlight, giving you a taste of Montreal’s natural beauty and skyline, along with a brief but panoramic photo opportunity.

Start at Fitz Montréal — The tour kicks off at the shop, conveniently located in a lively area, where your guide helps you settle in with your bike. This initial setup ensures everyone is comfortable and ready before hitting the streets.

Mont Royal Park — We stop at the foot of the mountain for about five minutes, soaking in the view. It’s a brief but worthwhile pause, especially if you’re a fan of cityscapes and nature combined. The view of Montreal’s skyline from here is quite something, providing a visual anchor for the tour.

McGill University — You’ll spend about 10 minutes wandering around this beautiful campus, which exudes a classic academic atmosphere. The guide shares stories about the university’s history and its role in Montreal’s cultural fabric.

Place des Arts — Standing as Montreal’s main festival hub, this spot is a hub of activity. A quick five-minute stop gives you a sense of the city’s vibrant arts scene.

Notre-Dame Basilica — Though not included in the ticket price, the guide will tell you fascinating stories about this iconic church. Standing outside, you’ll hear about its history and significance, giving you a deeper appreciation even if you don’t go inside.

Old Montreal — The highlight of the tour, you’ll spend about 20 minutes riding through narrow, cobblestone streets lined with historic architecture. As one reviewer noted, the streets feel “European,” adding a sense of charm and timelessness. Your guide shares anecdotes and historical tidbits, making these streets come alive.

Old Port of Montreal — Riding along the riverfront for about 10 minutes, you get a feeling of the city’s relationship with the water. The views are lively and picturesque, perfect for photos and soaking in the urban waterfront vibe.

Return to the start — The ride finishes back at Fitz Montréal, where a light refreshment awaits, capping off the experience on a friendly, relaxed note.

The overwhelmingly positive feedback—a 5-star rating from 280 reviews—speaks volumes about the quality of this tour. A common theme among travelers is how knowledgeable and friendly guides elevate the experience. Eduardo and Félix, in particular, get high praise for their personable approach and local insights.

Many reviewers appreciate the value for money—the tour packs a lot of sights into a short window, with the convenience of all equipment included. One guest raved: “Great way to see the city and Eduardo was a fantastic guide!” Others highlighted how the e-bikes made hills manageable, especially if you’re not an avid cyclist.

Some feedback points to consider include the pace—a calm, relaxed tempo that suits most travelers, but potentially tiring for those unfamiliar with biking or with limited fitness. A reviewer mentioned that “the activity felt really strenuous for those with less experience,” which is helpful to know. The suggestion of upgrading to an e-bike is a good tip if you want an easier ride.

For $88.25 per person, this tour offers a comprehensive introduction to Montreal’s main sights in just three hours. Considering the inclusion of bicycle, helmet, and a guide, it provides excellent value, especially given the personalized attention possible with smaller groups.

It’s not just about ticking off landmarks—your guide’s stories bring history, culture, and local flavor to life. The stops at Mont Royal, McGill, and Old Montreal are carefully chosen to showcase Montreal’s contrasting neighborhoods—urban, historic, and natural—all in one outing.

One of the biggest advantages is how bike-friendly Montreal is. The tour capitalizes on the city’s infrastructure, making cycling not only feasible but enjoyable. The scenic waterfront along the Old Port is especially memorable, offering a relaxed vibe that balances out the historic streets and green spaces.

This experience is perfect for first-time visitors who want a quick orientation or travelers seeking a blend of history, scenery, and active exploration. The inclusion of e-bikes makes it accessible to those who aren’t seasoned cyclists or prefer a less strenuous ride, especially when tackling Montreal’s hills.

It’s also well-suited for small groups or families (ages 14 and above) who enjoy outdoor activities and want to see a lot without spending hours on foot. The tour’s pace is relaxed enough for casual cyclists but engaging enough to satisfy those interested in learning about the city.

For visitors with limited time but a desire to get a genuine feel for Montreal’s neighborhoods and waterfront, this bike tour hits the sweet spot in both coverage and comfort.

In sum, the Fitz Montréal bike and e-bike tour offers an engaging, well-organized way to explore Montreal’s most beloved sights. It balances informative storytelling with scenic routes and manageable riding, making it ideal for a wide range of travelers. Whether you’re in town for a quick visit or want to get a lay of the land before returning for a deeper exploration, this tour provides a solid foundation.

The guides’ knowledge, combined with the scenic stops and bike-friendly city, makes this experience stand out. It’s especially good for those who value local insights and a comfortable ride—plus, the option to upgrade to e-bikes ensures hills won’t slow you down.

If you’re after a lively, memorable way to discover Montreal’s essence—and don’t mind a bit of pedaling—this tour is a worthwhile investment that will leave you with a new appreciation for the city’s sights and stories.

Do I need to bring my own bike?
No, the tour provides all necessary bicycles and helmets, so you can just show up ready to ride.

Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour is for participants 14 years and older, making it a good option for teenagers and adults.

What should I wear?
Casual, comfortable clothes are recommended—avoid flip-flops for safety and comfort, especially during longer rides.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance, full refund included. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refundable.

What happens if it rains?
The tour operates in all weather conditions. If it rains, rain capes will be provided to keep you dry.

Is the tour fast-paced?
The ride is generally relaxed, but some reviews mention it can be strenuous for those new to biking. Upgrading to an e-bike can alleviate this.

Where does the tour start and end?
Both start and end are at Fitz Montréal, located at 1251 Rue Rachel E in Montreal.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 3 hours, offering a good balance of sightseeing and active fun.

Is parking available nearby?
Parking is extremely difficult near the shop, so public transit is recommended if you’re local or staying nearby.

Embark on this ride to discover Montreal’s highlights in a way that’s active, fun, and informative. It’s an experience that balances scenic views with local stories—perfect for making your first day or afternoon in Montreal truly memorable.