Urban gravel in Montreal: where to start?!

"Graveler"

Gravel riding in Montreal: nowhere and everywhere at once! You, aspiring urban gravel rider, did you know that the term "gravel bike" sometimes sparks controversy? For some, it's an industry conspiracy to sell more bikes. Me? I'd rather ride than argue. But these commentators do bring something interesting to the table: as an alternative to gravel bikes and adventure bikes, some have suggested calling what we do on a road bike "mixed surface."

And, thinking about it that way, Montreal can be seen as a huge, frankly more appealing playground! If you're looking for long stretches of gravel, you'll have to venture a little further from the center. But if you're ready to indulge in some creative combinations, there's a lot of fun to be had. Because that's also what urban gravel in Montreal is all about: *it all fits together well!*

Here are two ride ideas within this broad category. Local classics, ideal for getting started with urban gravel riding, and directly accessible from the city center. But above all, I encourage you to consider them as "hubs" around which you can try variations, take turns, add sections—as you see fit, depending on whether you're more of a tireless road cyclist, a repressed mountain biker, or a happy newcomer.

Bois-de-Liesse

On the trails of Bois-de-Liesse

Joy awaits at Bois-de-Liesse (approximately 45 km round trip). Explore a vast sandy woodland with numerous winding trails, including access to the waterfront in the Peninsula sector. How to get there? Simply follow the gentle route to Gouin Boulevard, then head west for about 15 kilometers. Keep an eye out for parallel trails that cross small parks or run alongside the river. Once there, you'll find great spots for a picnic or to bring your significant other. On the Sunnybrooke side, Bois-de-Liesse also connects to the very smooth Salaberry trail, bordered by gravel, which leads to Cap St-Jacques: check it out when you're ready for more ambitious adventures! You're adding many more kilometers to your journey, but in doing so you also gain access to an even wilder natural/gravelly landscape, in addition to the famous beach :)

A feast for the eyes, by the water's edge

TransTerrebonne

The TransTerrebonne route will transform you (approximately 70 km round trip). A system of winding, generously hilly trails and paths, mostly on hard-packed dirt—absolutely exhilarating! How to get there? The more adventurous will take the trails in Ruisseau-de-Montigny Park to reach the A25 bridge. Then, after crossing Laval, the TransTerrebonne entrance is just a few kilometers from charming Old Terrebonne. Whether you're going in one direction or the other, to cross Laval Island, you can choose to venture into the farmland and take the farm roads that crisscross it. Tough stuff! Or, for the even more daring, you can access the famous Underground Network (RUT) from the TransTerrebonne and enjoy the singletracks.

At high speed on the TT

This is not a club

Finally, Ceci n'est pas un Club, co-organized by the MTL Gravelle community and Studio Cycle Maglia Rosa , offers Wednesday evening rides throughout the summer. These free rides, with priority given to beginners, will take us, among other places, to these two introductory routes!

Every Wednesday, from July to October, meet at 6 p.m. in front of Studio Cycle Maglia Rosa , at 6393 Papineau Avenue in Montreal. A volunteer guide will be present, but each participant must be self-sufficient. Surprises and participation prizes will also be distributed as a token of encouragement!

PS Check out Gravelmap.com for more inspiration — and don't hesitate to add your own finds, there's still plenty of potential for exploration! Long live urban gravel.

The beauties of splicing, in urban gravel

Hey there, real ones. A blog by Pierre Gravel.

The author has been passionate about cycling since childhood. A former bike shop worker, he is now finishing his studies in communications. This blog reflects his independent opinion.