About cycling & running in MontrealMontreal Training Notes
Running: Montreal is a city of running extremes, and locals use that well. Locals take base miles on the Lachine Canal path, Old Montreal and Old Port, St. Helen's Island, Parc La Fontaine, and the flat bits near the water. Mount Royal gives the work, and the summit rises to 233 m when intervals need teeth. Olmsted Road gives about 150 m of elevation gain, and it is a thrill to run to the Croix. Mont Royal Run Club meets Saturdays at 11:00 AM and Wednesdays at 6:45 PM. Tribe Run Club meets Saturdays at 9:00 AM from Lululemon Westmount. Anchor races include Demi-Marathon Lachine, Course Nocturne Sun Life de Montréal, and Classique d’athlétisme de Montréal.
Cycling: Montreal riding can be as challenging or chill as you like. Locals use the 901 km of paths and lanes for Z2, commutes, and fast after-work laps. Route verte pushes the map wider, and Quebec’s network runs over 5,300 km. Le Club Café starts rides from 3801 R. Saint-Denis, and Gravel Mafia runs CX practice at Parc Fred Back on Tuesdays in the fall. 72 km. The route covers 31 km and gains 486 m. Anchor events include Challenge Esprit Montreal and CRJA – Vainqueurs Plus – Circuit Montréal.
Season: Fall in Montreal is the best bike-and-run window, especially September and October. Spring works too, and April and May feel mild when the temperature swings behave. Summer gets hot and humid, so locals go early for intervals, keep Z2 honest, and use the river routes when the air moves. The Estacade path stays open from April to December, so riders get a long season over the St. Lawrence River. Winter brings cold, snow, wind, and ice for both sports. Snow cover lasts from the first or second week of December until March. Locals keep moving because many paths and lanes are cleared even in winter.