Montreal and cycling go together like peanut butter and jelly. The city is well-known for its expansive network of bike lanes, and despite its hilly topography. Montrealers love getting around town on two wheels. In this piece, we'll be exploring the best places to live in Greater Montreal if you're passionate about biking and want to live in a neighbourhood that caters to your active lifestyle!

Le Plateau

Our first featured area is Le Plateau, a vibrant neighbourhood known for its charming streets and uniquely buzzy atmosphere. This area has bike lanes galore running up and down its streets, offering cyclists a safe and convenient way to navigate the area. You'll find yourself surrounded by an array of trendy cafes, restaurants, and boutiques, giving you plenty of destinations to explore on your bike. Le Plateau is also located near the beautiful Mount Royal Park, providing residents with tons of scenic routes and trails to explore.

Le Sud-Ouest

Next up, we have Le Sud-Ouest, a diverse and dynamic neighbourhood that has experienced significant growth in recent years. Like the Plateau, this area has an extensive network of bike-friendly paths, including the popular Lachine Canal, which offers cyclists (and runners, and pedestrians, and rollerbladers!) a picturesque route along the water. Le Sud-Ouest is home to a thriving arts and culture scene, with many galleries, theaters, and countless trendy restaurants. This neighbourhood is also very well-connected to the downtown core, making it an ideal choice for both work and play.

St-Jerome

Finally, we have a hidden gem in the truest sense of the word. When the average Montrealer thinks about bike-friendliness, St-Jerome probably doesn't come to mind, but this neighbourhood, located just north of Montreal, is a cycling paradise. St-Jerome is renowned for its famous Le P'tit Train du Nord linear park, a converted railway that stretches over 200 kilometers. Cyclists can enjoy the breathtaking scenery as they pedal through forests, charming towns, and alongside beautiful lakes. This trail is the gateway to a tranquil and nature-filled escape, perfect for those seeking a serene biking experience away from the city bustle.

Lifestyle notes

Before making your decision, here are a few key things to consider. All three areas provide easy access to bike shops, repair services, and cycling communities. They also offer a variety of general amenities that make for a great place to live, including parks (take your bike!) and local markets (bike there!). As always, when searching for a home, consider which factors are important to you, such as proximity to cycling paths and bike-friendly infrastructure within the neighbourhood.

The bottom line

Whether you prefer the lively and artistic vibe of Le Plateau, the urban charm and waterfront trails of Le Sud-Ouest, or the scenic routes and natural beauty of St-Jerome, each one of these neighbourhoods offer fantastic opportunities for biking enthusiasts. Have a different hobby in mind? We have lots more recommendations up our sleeve! Send our team a message describing your dream neighbourhood and we'll help you find a place that feels like a perfect fit for your lifestyle.