Haroon Sarwer
Google
Ca Roule Montreal On Wheels has its pros and cons. Starting with the positives, the bikes are in excellent condition and well maintained by the staff, making renting through them a good choice. They are centrally situated next to the St. Lawrence River and perhaps the best bike path network in Montréal. Additionally, they are very close to St. Helen's Island with Olympic facilities and Île Notre-Dame Island, home to the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve, the only F1 track in the world on which you can walk, run, bike, and drive your car. Biking around this area is highly recommended if you rent a bike. Renting from them and embarking on your adventure is perhaps the best choice. Also, keep in mind that an electric bike is a smarter and better choice and well worth the extra cost.
However, I highly recommend not purchasing the “Montreal: Guided Bike Tour of the City, Old Port & Plateau.” The guides don't provide any significant perspective of the city, and the group size of 10 can be too large for the guide to manage effectively as everyone rides at different paces. They don't take you to any scenic spots, merely touching Mount Royal Park where you can't see much or even know where you are. A lot of valuable time is wasted on bagel tasting and restroom breaks, which is disappointing if you're looking for an adventurous 3-hour trip.
The most concerning and worst part was the guide specifically asking for a tip. If you provide great and meaningful service, people are naturally generous and compelled to tip. However, emotionally pressuring them to tip is unfair and a cheap practice.
Additionally, wait times in the morning to check in on a weekend can easily exceed 30 minutes, and parking in the nearby garage costs an expensive $35.
The bottom line: they have good bikes, but the tour is not worth it. The bathroom needs a lot of attention. Some young lads were very energetic and provided good service when you asked questions.