We had a brief visit to Montreal, which is a very fun and metropolitan city which we have visited before by bike. We arrived at 9 PM by train from Quebec City, near the old city of Montreal and the train ride was quite enjoyable. As a matter fact, we met another bike touring couple who debarked on the train with us. After getting our bearings, we biked less than a mile to our hotel and voila! there was a street festival going on. A lot of young people and music.
We had to walk our bikes through the festival until we came to our hotel. We have been warned about the steps into the lobby but did not really realize that 32 steep steps, at 10 PM at night, with a street festival outside, would be a little daunting. After all, we had heavy loaded steel touring bikes. It was a challenge for us. Then we had to walk our bags up three flights of stairs to our room. 
The next day we were excited to climb Mount Royal (Montreal) . A very beautiful visitor site. Even though we are experienced cyclists, and our legs are strong, the 400 wooden steps, which felt like 800 steps, was quite a challenge. It is a beautifully shaded park.
We were not disappointed when we got to top and saw the mansion and had lemonade and a panoramic view of Montreal.
We had a clear day also. Also there was a piano on the plaza that invited several people to play for each other. Some of the children were quite good.
As we walked down we saw lots of parents and their children heading off for college at McGill University. We also more thrilled to find all the dedicated bike lanes in Montreal.
The next morning we had gorgeous weather and took the road on the Jacques Cartier Bridge heading back for our starting point on our bike tour.
We passed through Chambly which followed the canal for a bit. Chambly is very bike friendly and a romantic town. We heard a group of carolers as we biked out of town after our picnic lunch.
Velo Spirits 