When we visit other cities or countries, we like to play tourist and usually take the time to participate in guided tours. But few people think of doing it in their own city. And yet, there is so much to discover and learn!
Last week, I had the chance to take part in one of Fitz Montreal’s very first guided electric bike tours. The latter, under the theme of street art, took us to discover the city and its murals alongside a certified guide.
© Sandrine Faucher
During this outing under the scorching sun, I cycled (or literally flew) through the coolest neighborhoods of Montreal to learn more about the history behind some thirty magnificent frescoes and murals that adorn the facades of buildings in the Mile-End, the Plateau Mont-Royal, the Village, the Quartier des spectacles and the Quartier-latin.
The guide who accompanied our group, Thom Seivewright, well known on social networks thanks to his relevant historical capsules published on the @montrealexpert account, nicely enhanced the experience.
© Courtesy Fitz Montreal
The anecdotes we were told and the information we were taught about the artists, their technique, their history and the connection of their works with Montreal culture completely nourished me. What a joy to discover a universe that we encounter almost daily without realizing it, while walking around the city!
Playing tourist for a few hours
© Sandrine Faucher
These tours take place in groups of 10 people with one of the team’s 5 guides, and last 2 hours. The electric bike used by Fitz is the model Scene VLT from the Canadian company Norco.
Having tested it, I can assure you that the bike propels us forward without requiring too much physical effort. It is the perfect accessory for people who still want to move and discover the city, whether you are passing through Montreal or a citizen. You quickly get a taste for it, and it is not necessary to have already done it in the past or to be a seasoned cyclist.
© Sandrine Faucher
The bike on which you can roam the streets of Montreal alongside your favourite people (or solo) is a high-end hybrid bike, named best electric bike on the market twice by the magazine Protect yourself. This is truly the ideal opportunity to test the best electric bike available in Quebec, while playing tourist for a few hours.
- Rates : $89 plus taxes per person. This includes bike rental, a protective helmet and the guide.
- Infos : fitzmontreal.com
Here are some of the murals that were on the route:
© Sandrine Faucher
Here’s what to expect:
© Sandrine Faucher
- Enjoy a ride on a high-end electric bike and discover Montreal’s most incredible works of street art
- Discover Montreal’s impressive collection of murals (you might even see some in progress)
- Visit the famous Saint-Viateur bagel shop to taste a fresh-baked Montreal bagel (included in the price).
- Get to know Montrealers like Leonard Cohen and Arcade Fire, and see how cultural communities are bridging the language gap between French and English.
