Top 5 best bicycle rentals in Montréal

Montreal rewards anyone willing to get off the sidewalk. Ride from the cobblestones of Old Montreal along the waterfront and, within twenty minutes, you can be climbing toward the Kondiaronk Belvedere in Mont Royal Park, looking out over the whole skyline. Follow the Lachine Canal the other direction and the city trades church spires for open water, joggers, and patio bars all the way out to Lachine. Few places let you swing between that much scenery on two wheels in a single afternoon.

What makes this work is the city itself. Montreal is flat where it counts, compact enough to cross without wearing yourself out, and threaded with one of North America's best protected bike lane networks, the REV, plus long car-free paths along the canal and the river. A rental bike gets you into places downtown traffic and slow buses simply can't reach — the park's summit roads, the islands, the residential streets of the Plateau — at a pace that actually lets you look around.

Top 10 things to see in Montreal by bike

1. Mont Royal Park (Parc du Mont-Royal) — the iconic hill park, with bike paths climbing to the Kondiaronk Belvedere and its sweeping view over downtown.
2. Lachine Canal bike path (Canal de Lachine) — a flat, paved, car-free route from Old Montreal out to Lachine along the water, one of the city's best-loved rides.
3. Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal) and the Old Port (Vieux-Port) — cobblestone streets and a waterfront promenade, well connected to the wider path network.
4. Jean-Drapeau Park (Parc Jean-Drapeau) — an island park reached by the Jacques-Cartier Bridge bike path, with lakeside loops and roads from the old F1 circuit.
5. Notre-Dame Basilica (Basilique Notre-Dame de Montréal) — a short, worthwhile stop in Old Montreal for its ornate interior.
6. Beaver Lake (Lac aux Castors) — a quieter uphill detour inside Mont Royal park, good for catching your breath with a view.
7. Plateau-Mont-Royal and Rue Saint-Denis — colourful residential streets and cafes, served by protected REV bike lanes.
8. Montreal Botanical Garden (Jardin botanique de Montréal) — a flat ride east along the bike network to one of the city's largest gardens.
9. Verdun waterfront and beach (Plage de l'Horloge) — a riverside path with an urban beach, perfect for an easy waterfront cruise.
10. Jacques-Cartier Bridge bike path — a dedicated lane across the St. Lawrence with skyline views, linking downtown to Jean-Drapeau Park and Longueuil.

What do you need to rent a bike in Montreal?

No licence is required to rent a regular bicycle in Canada, at any age, and there's no minimum age either. Bicycle rentals usually only ask for ID or a small deposit hold rather than a credit-card pre-authorisation. If you'd rather ride electric, note that e-bikes are regulated province by province: in Quebec, assisted e-bikes are capped around 32 km/h and 500 W, and a helmet is required. An IDP isn't needed for cycling.

How much does it cost to rent a bike in Montreal?

Expect to pay roughly CAD 15-25 per day for a standard city bike in low season, rising to CAD 30-50 per day in high season. Electric or premium bikes run about CAD 40-70 per day.

• Prices climb through spring and peak from June to August, the busiest tourist months.
• They drop again from November through March, when demand falls off and some shops trim their hours.

When to book a rental bike in Montreal?

June through August is high season — warm weather, long days, and the best chance to combine a Mont Royal climb with a canal-side ride, but also the highest prices and the biggest crowds on the paths. Book a few days ahead if you're travelling then. September is a quieter, often better-value alternative, with mild temperatures and thinner traffic. From November to March demand and prices both fall, though some operators scale back in the depths of winter, so it's worth checking availability before you arrive.

Local traffic rules in Montreal

Canada drives on the right, and that applies to bike lanes too — always keep to the right-hand side of the path. Bicycle helmets aren't legally required for adults in Quebec, but we still recommend wearing one, especially on the descent from Mont Royal. If you switch to a scooter or motorcycle, helmets are mandatory for every rider and passenger everywhere in Canada. City speed limits are generally posted at 50 km/h, and the criminal blood-alcohol limit is 0.08%, with roadside penalties kicking in as low as 0.05% — so leave the bike, and any rented vehicle, if you've been drinking. One Montreal quirk worth knowing even if you're only cycling: right turns on red are banned across the island, unlike almost everywhere else in Canada.

Types of bikes available

On our website you can rent the following types of bicycles: classic bikes, tandems, road bikes, carbon, cyclocross, touring, trekking, hybrid, mountain bikes (MTB), cruisers, comfort, city, commuter, urban, Dutch bikes, lady, bike for kids, folding, tricycles with three wheels, bikes with basket, with gears, with suspension, with rear rack, fat-tire bikes, electric bicycles.

Models of bicycles available

On our website you can hire a bike of the following manufacturers: Avanti, Batavus, Bianchi, Trek, Cannondale, Cube, Diamant, Felt, Scott, Gazelle, Genesis, Giant, GT Bicycles, Ideal, K2, Diamondback, Schwinn, Jamis, Raleigh, Kona, Kross, Merida, Mongoose, Next, Orbea, Órbita, Murray, Roadmaster, Rocky, Miele, Rover, Shimano, Vélo, Specialized.

Which insurance is provided with my rental bicycle?

Bicycle rentals typically come with basic cover for third-party damage, but theft and damage terms vary from one provider to another. Some include simple loss or damage protection in the price, while others cover it through your deposit; always check the exact terms on the booking page before you confirm.

Extra services available

When you make a reservation of a bicycle you also can order the following extra services and equipment: helmet, GPS navigation, clip pedals, side cases, rear rack, basket, light, gloves, speedometer, individual guide or tour, full insurance, one-way rental, or delivery to the address of your choice.

Why use BikesBooking.com?

• Find the best deals for bicycle hire in the city;
• Compare prices of bicycle rental companies;
• Read reviews of previous customers;
• Reserve a bicycle online with the Best Price Guarantee!

Most of our local bicycle rentals have many years of experience and will provide you with a well-kept bike, lock, basket and friendly service. The number of companies we work with is increasing every day, so if you want to rent a bicycle, just use the search form at the top of the page. Have a nice trip!