Electric Bike Ride on Mount Royal in Montreal
In Montreal, there’s a fine line between sightseeing and getting a surprise workout. But for anyone with a love of scenic views and a healthy skepticism of uphill cycling, an electric bike ride up Mount Royal hits the sweet spot. It’s the perfect blend of fresh air, smug convenience, and a sprinkle of “I’m outdoorsy now.”
Forget the generic walking tour—this is the kind of ride that says, “I like nature, but I also like not sweating through my clothes.”
Renting the Dream (With Training Wheels for Adults)
The adventure starts at one of the many e-bike rental shops nestled in the Plateau. It’s all very casual—until the realization hits that the bike is smarter than the rider. With a few quick instructions and a helmet that may or may not be on backward, the rider is off, silently cruising past honking cars, curious squirrels, and more baguette-carrying pedestrians than statistically reasonable.
The e-bike itself? A marvel of modern engineering. It hums like a whisper and accelerates like it just remembered it left the oven on. It’s not just a bike—it’s a confidence booster on wheels.
The Great Climb That Doesn’t Feel Like One
Mount Royal looms large in the distance, both a city icon and a quad-burning challenge for the unprepared. But not today. The electric bike’s motor kicks in, and suddenly the “mount” part of Mount Royal feels more like a very polite hill. The rider breezes past red-faced joggers and cyclists who clearly made some poor non-electric life choices.
There’s even time for a smug wave or two. Not that anyone’s counting.
Mountaintop Moments: Tam-Tams and Chipmunk Cameos
At the summit, the view is nothing short of postcard-worthy. Montreal stretches out in all directions, framed by rivers, skyline, and the distant reminder that Olympic Stadium still exists. Just steps away, the Tam-Tams are in full swing—drummers, dancers, frisbee acrobats, and at least one shirtless guy who seems to be communicating directly with the sun.
Chipmunks dart around the picnic benches like they’re auditioning for a Disney reboot, and no one blinks an eye when one climbs onto someone’s shoe mid-snack. It’s just another Sunday on Mount Royal.
The Descent: Wind in the Hair, Existential Joy in the Soul
Riding down the mountain is where the e-bike truly earns its halo. The ride is smooth, effortless, and more fun than it probably should be. The wind rushes past. Trees blur into one glorious green smear. And there’s an unspoken agreement with gravity to just let go and enjoy the ride.
One quick loop past Beaver Lake, another wave to the uphill cyclists, and the journey wraps up with a smug little bell ring that says, “Yes, I conquered Mount Royal. And no, I didn’t break a sweat.”
Conclusion: Electric, Effortless, and Absolutely Essential
This isn’t just a bike ride—it’s a rite of passage with handlebars. Mount Royal by electric bike offers a quirky, joyful glimpse into the heart of Montreal. It’s freedom without fatigue. Scenic without suffering. And undeniably one of the best ways to meet a chipmunk and still have enough energy left for poutine afterward.
Electric bike: 1. Staircase legs: 0.