Bike Montreal Waterways

Introduction
Quebec Canada

Discover Quebec by bike and overnight along the waterways of the St Lawrence on our cruise boat.
This is the opportunity to discover a territory in a truly original way: by combining biking and river cruising. Our ship becomes your inn – providing top-class accommodations, gourmet fare featuring the flavours of Québec, and an environment that is as comfortable as it is warm. You only need to unpack your suitcases once, when you arrive.
The tour has been custom-designed by your hosts to take you to the most breathtaking sites, attractions, and curiosities. Treat all five senses along the Route Verte, undiscovered paths, large lively towns, and picturesque small villages.
Explore and experience the active life in complete tranquility, knowing that your ship will be there to greet you at the next port-of-call at the end of each day of discovery.
The Montreal Waterways
Founded in 1642 on a large island in the middle of the mighty St. Lawrence River, Montréal has developed into a fascinating city over the centuries. The economic hub of Québec, and home to dozens of prominent cultural events, Montréal delights in its past and takes visitors on a journey through multiple historical facets. A city filled with paradox, Montréal effectively melds vast open spaces with skyscrapers; heritage sites with the modern city; and the flavours of Europe with the rhythms of North America.
Following on the heels of those who built Montréal and its surroundings – its First Nations, the French, and the English – this tour features enchanting landscapes along a bicycle path that is the envy of many. We invite you to explore the historical and natural heritage of First Nations tribes who occupied this territory for more than 5,000 years, with their values and customs as a backdrop; and the extensive canal system that was built in the 19th and 20th centuries in order to circumvent the rapids that blocked the passage of trade on the St. Lawrence upstream of Montréal. Sights on this Tour include locks, lakes, wide open spaces, canals, historical sites, and archaeological sites. You will be thrilled by the variety of landscapes and the richness and diversity of the experience.
Taste the local flavours of Québec, move to the lively rhythm of Montréal, and allow yourself to be lulled by the peaceful paths along Canada’s most majesty waterway. Step back in time on a simple journey, and discover comfort and a wealth of little pleasures along the way. 

• Old Montréal and the Quays of the Old Port
• National Historic Site of Canada – Lachine Canal
• National Historic Site of Canada – Lachine Fur Trade
• Parc René-Lévesque and the Lachine open air museum
• Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue and Sainte-Anne Canal
• Soulanges Canal
• National Historic Site of Canada - Coteau-du-Lac
• Salaberry-de-Valleyfield
• Lac Saint-François National Wildlife Reserve
• Drouler/Tsiionhiakwatha archaeological site
• Parc régional du canal de Beauharnois
• Parc archéologique de Pointe-du-Buisson
• Beauharnois hydroelectric generating station
• Beauharnois
• St. Lawrence Seaway
• Parc de la Commune
• Châteauguay
• Parc Jean-Drapeau
• Parc national des Îles-de-Boucherville
  
  

Accomodation

On the Comfort Plus class ship, the M/V Latitude Amsterdam. This ship has capacity for 16 passengers & 5 crew members. The ship features a full dining room, bar, salon/lounge, & sun deck.
The ship’s cabins are designed to create a cozy environment for an active clientele. The cabins boast the following features:

• Soundproofing, air-conditioning, and heating in order to guarantee a restful night of sleep following a full day of exploration and discovery;
• A desk and two lower twin beds;
• A private bathroom with a shower;
• Adequate storage space to satisfy the needs of an active clientele, including a safe.

The Cuisine
We feature Québec regional farm products and cuisine. The philosophy of its cooking is inspired by the Slow Food movement and the works of Renaud Cyr, a Québecois chef who pioneered the development of a culinary culture based on the close and steady relationship between the chef and the efforts of the Québecois agro-food artisan.
The food that is served is in keeping with its mission of promoting sustainable and responsible development and serving as an ambassador and a driving force for regional development, highlighting the benefits that can be reaped when the artisan and the chef work in unison. This harmony ensures a responsible operation and the protection of the area’s natural resources.
In keeping with the Slow Food philosophy, we offer an ethical and gastronomical culinary approach that focuses on local, biological, and sustainable production, without compromising the tasty pleasures of a diversified and progressive menu.
The result: a distinct and nuanced menu that balances the needs of an active clientele who are driven by discovery with those of the region that is being toured, the availability of local products, and the seasonal delicacies.

The Ship
Designed and built in Canada in 1997, in compliance with Transport Canada construction and inspection rules for Small Passenger Vessels, the M/V Latitude Amsterdam is the first ship in the Latitude 45º Nord’s fleet. This hotel ship offers all of the functional characteristics that are found on Dutch “Comfort Deluxe” barges. Everything has been taken into consideration in order to maximize space without compromising the comfort and well-being of passengers. The accommodations are original and welcoming, and the hospitality of the crew is matched only by the cozy ambience.
The ship is transformed into an inn and café while it is docked at its winter port between November and April. It can host visitors for a coffee, a light meal, and “hollandaiseries”: delightful dutch
pastries still undiscovered by most Quebecers. The wonderful café
stands out for its intimate ambience
and original menu.

The M/V Latitude Amsterdam

Characteristics

• Engines: 2 X Caterpillar 4126B marine diesel engines (408HP)
• Electricity: 120 VAC 60HZ
• Potable water: 5,500 liters (1,440 gal. US)
• Length overall: 23,23m
• Width: 7,07m
• Draught: 1,95 m
• Air Draught: 6,97m
• Gross tonnage: 170 tons

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding

The bicycles that are included in your package have been specifically designed to satisfy the needs of cycling vacation tours. A bicycle is selected for you based on your height, and the guide will help with any adjustments when you arrive. The 24-speed hybrid bicycle is configured in such a way as to ensure that you are sitting in a comfortable position that will allow you to take full advantage of the tourism experience and not miss anything. The bicycles are stable and easy to manoeuvre, and they feature the following equipment

• Halogen headlight and red rear light
• Mud guards
• Chain guard
• Saddle bags
• Bell
• Bottle holder

If you prefer, you can bring your own bicycle. It is recommended that all cyclists wear a helmet, but it is not mandatory.

Itinerary

Daily itinerary for the Route

1. Saturday - Arrival and warm-up ride
2. Sunday - Montréal’s Old Port – Lachine Canal – Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue
3. Monday - Lac Saint-Louis –Soulanges Canal – Valleyfield
4. Tuesday - Valleyfield – Lac Saint-François – Valleyfield
5. Wednesday - Valleyfield – Parc régional du canal Beauharnois – Beauharnois
6. Thursday - Beauharnois – Châteauguay – Lachine – Old Port
7. Friday - Departure from the Old Port

A typical day
Here is the itinerary for a typical day on our Bike & Boat tours:

• 8:00 a.m.: Breakfast and lunch preparation
• 8:45 a.m.: Instructions and weather for the day, presented by the guide
• 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.: Cycling tour with a break or visit every 15 km, including 45-minute lunch break
• 5:00 p.m.: Return to the ship and free time
• 6:15 p.m.: Four-course dinner
• 7:30 p.m.: Guided heritage tour or free time

The ship will remain moored at the port-of-call for the night.
The average cycling speed of the group is approximately 15 km/h. The guide can assist cyclists who are looking for more of a challenge by creating routes that satisfy their specific needs. They are free to travel these routes solo or accompanied by other members of the group.
Difficulty:  Easy cycling. Most of the routes are flat with only occasional rolling hills. Daily biking distances range from 21 to 29 miles (34 - 47 km) (and a warm-up bike ride of 6 miles on the day of arrival). All biking takes place on good asphalted bike paths or country roads with as little traffic as possible.
Should you choose not to cycle, or if you are traveling with a partner who is not such an enthused cyclist or needs a rest, you may always stay on board the ship and enjoy the beautiful passing scenery. The rest of the cycling crew will meet you again on the boat in the next town.

Detailed Itinerary
SATURDAY: Arrival in Montreal; warm-up ride, 6 mi. (10 km)
Your floating inn for the duration of the tour, the Latitude Amsterdam will be docked at the Quays of the Old Port directly in the Old Montreal. Check-in starts at 4 P.M. Upon arrival you will be introduced to the crew and receive information on the ship and the tour. You will be assigned your bike for the week and it will be fitted for your comfort. Dinner will follow. In the evening, a short ride will allow you to become familiar with the handling of the bike. Afterwards, there is a possibility for a city walk in beautiful Old Montreal. In May and October, the warm-up ride will occur before dinner because of the earlier sunset.
SUNDAY: Old Port of Montréal - Lachine Canal - Ste-anne-de Bellevue, 29 mi. (46 km)
Leaving Old Montreal, for this first day of riding, we explore the Lachine Canal, stopping along the way at the Atwater Farmer’s Market to discover the produce, colours and tastes of Quebec. At the Fur Trade at Lachine National Historic Site we discover the root of the economic development of Nouvelle-France in the 18th Century. After lunch, we follow the Route Verte bike route along the shores of Lake St-Louis to picturesque Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue. Dinner on-board and overnight stay at the Ste-Anne canal, with a possibility for an evening walk along the lively boardwalk.
MONDAY: Lake St-Louis - Soulanges Canal - Valleyfield, 21 mi. (34 km)
The morning starts with a breakfast cruise on Lake St-Louis and the St-Lawrence Seaway around Ile Perrot and Pointe-du-Moulin with its 18th Century seigneurial windmill. We leave the ship at Pointe-des-Cascades to ride along the old Soulanges Canal bike path in a quiet country-side setting. After a visit at the Coteau-du-Lac National Historic Site to discover the history of canal construction on the St-Lawrence and the War of 1812-14, we ride to Valleyfield on the dams that divert the St-Lawrence into the Beauharnois Canal. The ship docks in the picturesque St-François bay, in the Valleyfield city center and the Old Beauharnois Canal. Dinner on-board and possibility in the evening to explore the city.
TUESDAY: Valleyfield - Lake St-François - Valleyfield, 29 mi. (47 km)
Transfer by mini-van to the Lake St-François Natural Wildlife Sanctuary where we trade our bikes for rabaska canoes and explore the unique setting and rich wildlife of the wetlands of Lake St-François. After the visit, we return to our bikes and ride quiet back roads to the Drouler/Tsiionkiawatha First Nations archeological site to explore the life style of the St-Lawrence Iroquois who inhabited the village in the 15th Century. After the visit, the Adirondack mountains and the plains of the St-Lawrence river serve as our backdrop as we bike back to Valleyfield, where we stay for a second night. Dinner on-board and possibility to attend Tuesdays-in-Music during July and August in the city park.
WEDNESDAY: Valleyfield - Beauharnois Canal Regional Park - Beauharnois, 25 mi. (40 km)
We leave Valleyfield to explore the natural setting surrounding the Beauharnois Canal, a man-made reservoir created to supply the Beauharnois hydro-electric dam. After observing some of the many migratory birds that transit through the sanctuary developed and managed by Ducks Unlimited, we ride to the Pointe-du-Buisson archeological site for lunch and an opportunity to discover some of Quebec’s local food fare. We then ride into Beauharnois where we will stay overnight. Dinner on-board. Evening walk to the bucolic and intimate falls on the St-Louis River.
THURSDAY: Beauharnois - Châteauguay - Lachine - Old Port of Montreal, 22 mi. (35 km)
The morning starts with a breakfast cruise across Lake St-Louis to Lachine. We follow the St-Lawrence river through an exceptional urban setting to discover the Lachine rapids, Nun’s Island and the St-Lawrence Seaway lock at St-Lambert. We then ride through Jean-Drapeau park back to the Old Port of Montreal. Dinner on-board and overnight stay in the Old Port of Montreal.
FRIDAY: Departure from Old Port of Montreal.
After breakfast, time to say goodbye to the Latitude Amsterdam and crew.

Rates and Dates for Bike Montreal Waterways

Dates Note:

Other Info
Meeting: Montreal Port
Airport: Montreal
Transfer: Montreal Airport to port (not included)

Climate: Check local conditions prior to travel. Average high/low temperature in °F for the Montreal area is: 65/47 for May, 73/56 June, 79/61 July, 76/59 August, and 66/50 for September.