Must-see stops in downtown Montreal with a BIXI

In Montreal, it’s not the rising temperatures or melting snow that herald the arrival of warmer weather. It’s the installation of BIXI stations that gives the signal: if you see a BIXI, it means summer is around the corner. Luckily, downtown is spoiled! With more than forty stations on its territory, a bike path on Maisonneuve Boulevard and REV all along Peel Street, cyclists can circulate in complete peace of mind. In fact, if you haven’t already done so, download the BIXI application, which will not only show you the stations, but will also calculate your routes, taking into account the access provided for 2-wheelers. Now that you’re all set up, why not take the opportunity to make a few stops and discover downtown in a whole new light? Follow the guide!

SoLIT Café

On your way to the SoLIT Café, you MUST take Avenue du Président-Kennedy. You’ll be able to admire the superb mural of the Hôtel Le Germain while working your calves. It’s a great way to add a little (or a lot) of color to your route. At the foot of the hotel, take a seat at the SoLIT Café for a hot or cold drink, a glass of wine, a quick bite to eat… and, above all, admire the orange decor of the place. A downtown gem.

Nearest BIXI stations 

3 stations at the corners of Boulevard de Maisonneuve Ouest and Rue Mansfield

Guy, or the downtown student district

A few pedal strokes and you’re back on the bike path on Boulevard Maisonneuve Ouest, stopping at the corner of Rue Guy. Welcome to downtown’s student district! A lively little square awaits you, along with numerous cafés and snack-style restaurants. Our favorite? Tropé (1464 Rue Mackay) and its menu made of healthy fruit juices and smoothies.

Nearest BIXI stations 

1 station at the corner of Rue Mackay and Boulevard de Maisonneuve Ouest

Terraces in the Shoni disctrict

Climb back on your trusty steed and continue your foray into the west. Here you are in Shaugnessy Village, affectionately nicknamed Shoni. A veritable paradise for lovers of pan-Asian, Middle Eastern and Latin American food. Do not miss the chance to discover this downtown gem. On Sainte-Catherine Ouest, take a seat on one of the public terraces and admire the cheerful chaos, bubble tea in hand. You can also admire and immortalize the many works of art and murals in the area.

Phillips Square

Let’s head back east to Phillips Square. This summer, it’s a must-see meeting place. Redeveloped in 2021 as part of the revitalization of Rue Sainte-Catherine, the garden square has regained its heritage characteristics as imagined at the time of its conception in 1841, thanks to the expertise of teams from the Ville de Montréal and the firm Provencher_Roy.

This summer, downtown merchants invite you to reclaim and rediscover this collective space with the installation of street furniture and musical performances by various artists scheduled during lunch hour on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, from July 5 to August 25

Nearest BIXI stations 

2 stations at the corners of Rue Sainte-Catherine Ouest and Avenue Union 

1 station at the corner of Rue Sainte-Catherine Ouest and Rue Aylmer

A night out at the Balcon

The day comes to an end… But the night is still young. You don’t need a BIXI to get to Le Balcon, a must-see downtown venue just a stone’s throw from the square. Tucked away behind St. James Church, the Balcon offers dinner shows to the beat of blues, jazz and Motown. If you’d like to join the Balcon for the musical experience, you can! Tickets are also on sale for the 2nd part of the evening, but that would be a shame – the meal is well worth the detour!

Subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest recommendations from Montréal centre-ville!