About this tour
When Jake from our BugBitten team ran this e-scooter tour through Old Montreal, we got a genuine local's-eye view of the city that most visitors miss. The 90-minute route hugs the Lachine Canal, dips into neighbourhood markets and back streets where real Montrealers shop and eat, then rolls past heritage buildings and local spots you won't find in the usual guidebooks. It's a relaxed pace, suited to riders of any fitness level, and the guide steers you toward the kind of Montreal that exists beyond the tourist trail.
Highlights
- Lachine Canal loop feels secret despite being in the city centre
- Market visit shows where locals actually buy fresh food and coffee
- Historic row houses and courtyards tucked away from main streets
- Guide knows restaurant owners and shopkeepers by name
- E-scooter makes hills and longer distances feel effortless
- Helmet and safety gear provided; no prior experience needed
- Flexible booking — message ahead if you want a different time slot
What to expect
Jake met the group at a central point, handed out scooters and helmets, and within minutes we were gliding along the waterfront. The canal path is smooth and flat, which made the riding feel more like cruising than commuting. We stopped frequently — at a working market where the guide chatted with vendors, in a quiet residential pocket with stone terraces, and outside a neighbourhood restaurant he actually knew. The pace is deliberate, so you're not racing; it's more about coverage and conversation.
The weather will shape your experience — rain makes the path slick and less fun, and summer heat can be intense on an open path. We found that 90 minutes felt generous for the distance covered; it never felt rushed. If you've ridden a bike before, the scooter's intuitive; if you haven't, the first few minutes might feel wobbly, but the guide gives you a rundown.
What travellers say
- Guide knows locals and hidden corners most tours skip
- E-scooter does the legwork on longer stretches
- Genuine Montreal neighbourhood feel, not theme-park vibes
- Small group size means personalised chat and flexibility
- Suits all bike-riders regardless of fitness level
- Not suitable if you can't balance or ride a bike
- Weather heavily shapes comfort and ride quality
- Lunch not included; budget extra for food stops
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
This works brilliantly if you want to see Old Montreal without the crowds or the canned talking points. The guide genuinely knows the neighbourhood — he'll point out where locals eat lunch and which galleries are worth poking into. It's accessible for most fitness levels because the scooter does the hard work; you're mainly balancing and steering. Small groups mean the guide can adapt if someone's nervous or wants to linger.
If you can't ride a bike or feel unstable standing up, this won't suit you. Lunch isn't included, so you'll need to budget separately if you want to eat. Weather matters — wet or icy conditions make the ride sketchy. Peak times (summer weekends) mean you might share the canal path with joggers and families. The tour doesn't go into major attractions like the Old Port or the Basilica — it's deliberately neighbourhood-focused. Bring sunscreen and a light jacket; the canal can be windier than the streets. Groups are small, so book ahead rather than hoping for same-day spots.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.