Exploring the Southwest borough by bike is even better with a BIXI membership!
The Southwest Borough by BIXI
Explore Montreal by BIXI, starting in the southwest of the city!
Ride along the Lachine Canal
The Southwest is one of Montreal’s youngest boroughs. Created in 2002, it consists of several neighbourhoods, including the haunted Griffintown, the once working-class neighbourhood of Saint-Henri, and Little Burgundy: these three communities are also members of the Quartiers du Canal! The borough also includes Point Saint Charles, Ville-Émard, and Côte-Saint-Paul! Many of these neighbourhoods are located near the Lachine Canal and its magnificent bike path. When you rent a BIXI bike in the Southwest, think about the unique history of each of these neighbourhoods and get to know the borough better!
Numerous bike paths in the Southwest borough
There’s one route you’re sure to enjoy: the Angrignon Park bike path! Besides taking a leisurely BIXI ride around a beautiful park, you can relax by the lake, have a picnic, or read in the fresh air! For a little extra fun, consider stopping by the community garden or the dog park to watch our canine friends at play! This bike path gives you the best of both worlds, since it links up to the Aqueduct Canal path, which in turn allows you to access the Lachine Canal path. We suggest that you rent an electric bike so as not to exhaust yourself during your trip through the Southwest borough: it’s a 14.5 km ride!
Rent a BIXI and visit area attractions…
History buffs will enjoy visiting Maison Saint-Gabriel, an interesting museum and historical site! During your visit, you’ll travel back in time to relive the history of New France! The museum is also surrounded by two beautiful parks: LeBer and Marguerite-Bourgeoys, both of which have a bike path. It’s the perfect place to rent a bike in the Southwest borough!
Speaking of parks, we suggest you stop by Saint-Paul Park: the Duck Fountain is sure to delight you! You can get there by taking the Angers Street bike path, or you can rent one of our reputable bikes at the corner of Le Caron & Marc-Sauvalle!
Rent a BIXI and tour the borough…
The Atwater Market is a must-see in the borough! At this large public market, you’ll find fresh local products that Montrealers have enjoyed for years. A BIXI station is located nearby to facilitate your shopping. Drop off your BIXI while you’re at the market or take advantage of its basket to safely transport your purchases.
Ride BIXI with a friend!
Hate the idea of going on a microbrewery tour alone? Feel like sharing some good times? No problem, you can rent BIXI bikes for two people! It’s simple, just use your one-way Amis BIXI passes or the mobile application’s BIXI group ride feature! Then you can enjoy the Lachine Canal scenery together!
Discover the Southwest’s history by BIXI
The history of the Southwest borough is quite fascinating! Jump on a BIXI and take the time to explore its heritage! During your next BIXI rental, visit the borough and imagine what it was like in the past. Ride through Little Burgundy, which once welcomed an important English-speaking community. Its contribution to the development of Saint-Henri and Griffintown is undeniable!
Before becoming the neighbourhood that we know today, Saint-Henri was a village that consisted mostly of tanneries. It’s true! The village was, in fact, known for this. There were real dynasties, with the trade of tanning handed down from father to son! Why were the tanneries located outside the city? Due to the noxious fumes that emanated from them! As for Griffintown, it belonged to the Hospitaller sisters before passing on to Thomas McCord.
Fun facts about the Southwest
Some of the greatest jazz pianists were born in the Southwest! Oscar Peterson, who is well-known in the jazz world, comes from Little Burgundy, as does his colleague Oliver Jones. Montreal has no reason to envy other cities: it has seen the birth of hundreds of artists in its various neighbourhoods!
The Duck Fountain came from France. Built in 1865, it was donated to the Montreal Public Art Bureau by the great-grandson of its maker, Xavier Abelé. When he immigrated to Quebec in the 1970’s, he brought this magnificent work of art with him. Today, you can admire it in Saint-Paul Park!
