Make the most of summer in Montreal with BIXI

5 minutes

Summer in Montreal is all about going with the flow. A patio table that opens up at just the right time, music drifting from a street corner, a detour through a public market, a must-see festival… That’s the beauty of summer here: discovering the city differently, guided by whatever inspires you in the moment. Whether you’re a foodie, a culture lover, a music fan or simply looking for fresh air, nothing beats getting around with a BIXI to catch those moments.

A thousand kilometres of freedom

Montreal is crisscrossed by more than 1,000 km of bike paths connecting neighbourhoods across the city. With BIXI, you experience Montreal at your own pace. Find a station, hop on a bike, start pedalling, and stop whenever something catches your eye. No need to look for parking or plan your day down to a minute. It’s all in the spirit of slow tourism.

Did you know?

BIXI, Montreal’s bike-sharing system (This hyperlink will open in a new tab) includes more than 12,600 bikes—including over 2,600 electric models—across nearly 1,000 stations in Montreal and neighbouring cities such as Laval, Longueuil, Boucherville and Terrebonne.

A foodies guide to Montreal: markets and discoveries along the way

Foodies know it well: summer in Montreal is best enjoyed one bite at a time. Public markets overflow with fresh produce, unique finds to take home and ready-to-eat treats.

Some swear by Jean-Talon Market, others by Atwater Market. With BIXI, there’s no need to choose. You can visit both in the same day. And wherever you start, the ride is just as enjoyable as the destination.

Jean-Talon Market: the buzz of Little Italy

From downtown, head north toward Jean-Talon Market. Stalls filled with Quebec strawberries, raspberries and blueberries, fresh herbs, artisan cheeses made by passionate local producers—everything you need to fill your bag, enjoy a cannoli on a bench, then head back south.

In the Plateau area, countless spots are worth an unplanned stop.

Atwater Market, steps from the Lachine Canal

In the Southwest, Atwater Market offers a completely different atmosphere. Pick up a few provisions, then find a quiet spot along the Lachine Canal for an impromptu picnic.

Griffintown: inviting stops along the canal

Along the canal, temptations are everywhere: cafés, bakeries and microbreweries. You'll end up in Griffintown, with its lively terraces and repurposed industrial buildings.

Like an open-air museum

Dynamic, multisensory and participatory, Montréal’s culture also comes alive in public spaces. The perfect excuse to wander without a set route.

Saint-Laurent Boulevard: a street art gallery

Long a symbolic divide between communities, the “Main” is now a vibrant cultural corridor. During the MURAL Festival in June, large-scale murals transform building facades.

Take your time, ride slowly, stop when something catches your eye—and take it all in.

Green alleys and everyday culture

In the Plateau and Rosemont, get intentionally lost in these hidden passageways that showcase Montreal culture at its most authentic. Community gardens, shared spaces, colourful urban furniture and subtle artistic touches—these are true collective works of art.

When Montreal turns up the volume

In summer, Montreal comes alive with festivals and outdoor concerts. On a bike, you can move from one event to another without worrying about parking and traffic.

Street performers, musicians in parks, outdoor stages and major festival crowds—there’s energy everywhere!   No tickets, no commitments—just enjoy what comes your way.

The must-see Quartier des spectacles

With festivals, projections and free concerts all summer long, the Quartier des spectacles is a must. Arrive with BIXI, dock your bike and enjoy. Staying out late? Choose an electric BIXI for a smooth ride home.

Parc Jean-Drapeau: dance until sunset

Piknik Électronik turns Sundays into festive gatherings. From late afternoon into the evening, people dance to electronic beats with the city skyline and river as a backdrop. Crossing the Concorde Bridge is part of the experience.

Nature and greenery in the heart of the city

Need to recharge, reconnect with nature, breathe and escape the noise of traffic?

The Lachine Canal is always a safe bet, stretching along the water for kilometres, blending repurposed industrial areas, shaded parks and charming locks.

Parc Jean-Drapeau offers trails, urban beaches and wooded areas just 10 minutes by bike from downtown.

The Old Port’s Quai de l’Horloge, provides a peaceful pause with sweeping views of the river and the Jacques Cartier Bridge. At sunset, the scenery is truly cinematic.

Across the city, green spaces offer countless opportunities to escape without ever leaving Montreal:

  • Mount Royal Park’s main lookout, the Belvédère Kondiaronk, and Beaver Lake
  • Parc La Fontaine on the Plateau
  • Île-de-la-Visitation nature park, near Rivière des Prairies
  • The route linking Outremont and Westmount parks

Hope on—summer awaits!

BIXI is a practical way to get around and a great option for sustainable mobility. It's also an invitation to go with the moment and turn a simple trip into a moment of freedom. And to fully enjoy Montreal’s summer charm, the best plan might be not having one at all. With BIXI, that’s part of the experience.