Montreal, Canada

“Bonjour, hi” from Montréal — the city where bagels are always warm and cobblestone roads turn into bike lanes. This one’s from Caro, sharing a little glimpse into my home base and favourite city loops.

Start your ride with a climb up Camillien-Houde on Mont Royal, part of the Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal ProTour. At the top, roll into the gravel path Chemin Olmstead for a quiet loop through the trees— or swap your bike for cross-country skis come winter! For the best sunsets, make your way up to Westmount Summit Circle and follow the road towards Saint Joseph’s Oratory—where the sun will set just behind the glowing dome.

Le Club Café Cycliste is the city’s cycling hub—a go-to for your pre- or post-ride flat white, with bikes lined up on the patio like an art installation. And yes, you should definitely grab the almond or pistachio croissant while you’re at it. There’s always something happening here—morning coffee rides, group runs, or the kind of hangout that turns into an apéro at La Fontaine Park.

From there, cruise down to the Lachine Canal and make a pit stop at Atwater Market for ice cream, or go all in with the full Bridges Loop. On your way to the Gilles Villeneuve F1 Circuit for some speedy laps, catch a glimpse of the iconic Habitat 67. Loop back into the city via the Jacques Cartier Bridge with bird’s-eye views of the skyline and river.

If you’ve got time post-ride, bop around Mile End—where flowers spill from Dragon Flowers, the smell of fresh donuts drifts from Bernie Beigne, locals debate St-Viateur vs. Fairmount bagels, and everyone seems to end up catching up over a slice at Pizza Bouquet.

And if you’re staying a while? Take a short drive out to the Eastern Townships—my go-to escape for hilly gravel, quiet roads, and countryside charm. Mont Sutton is a four-season playground, and for the full experience, stay overnight at Maison Stillwaters—a cozy basecamp you’ll never want to leave.

More bikes, bagels, and detours in Montreal? You’ll find me here @caromassoud.