Day 45: Lachute to Montreal

Another day, another adventure.

Yesterday, I rode from Sylvain’s apartment for about five miles south to catch the Trans Canada Trail again. Some sections of the roads weren’t as smooth as the roads in Ontario since there were many potholes.

I kept on seeing cannabis stores on the sides of the road. There must have been at least a dozen of them, one after another. Maybe this area has good climate to grow weed? I’m not sure.

I was able to ride on a bike trail as I got closer to Montreal. There were many cyclists riding their bikes, most likely because of the good weather and the excellent trail.

Just as I was cycling on the trail, I saw another touring cyclist resting on a bench. I stopped to inquire about which direction he’s traveling to. It turned out that he’s going to Montreal, too. We quickly decided to ride together.

The cyclist’s name is Reid and he’s on his second part of a trans Canada cycling tour from British Columbia to Nova Scotia. Last summer, he completed half of his journey and this time he’s finishing the rest.

I learned that Reid’s home is in Halifax, which is my final destination in Canada before taking a flight to Europe. Reid told me that I can stay with him in Halifax so I can get a box for my bike and do the necessary planning. How serendipitous!

Around lunch time, we stopped at Restaurant Souvlaki Village Grec in Laval, which is right outside of Montreal. Our lunch was so big and it even included a dessert and coffee. The meal provided the calories I needed for the rest of the day’s ride.

Reid and I rode into downtown Montreal on a dedicated bike lane. Even though the road had some constructions we were able to take the bike lane all the way to a coffee shop where Reid had to meet his friend to get the key to the house that he’s staying. We bid farewell in front of the coffee shop. It was very nice to cycle with someone for a change of pace.

I biked for another 30 minutes or so to my Warmshowers host Élise’s place. On the way, I passed by some homeless encampments. I didn’t realize Montreal has a homeless issue.

Élise left the house key in the mailbox for me since she’s working. I arrived at the house at 3 PM, having cycled a total of 58.6 miles. After settling down and taking a shower, I had an Indian dinner at Khao Peeyo and did some grocery shopping in a few stores. I bought more candy bars along with a few other things. My goal is to try all the Canadian candy bars. I’m close to accomplishing this goal.

I met Élise when she came back around 9:30 PM. We chatted a bit about my plan in Montreal. I plan to stay in Montreal until Saturday morning. I might stay the entire time at Élise’s or stay some nights at Anas’s place. Anas is a Warmshowers host I had contacted on the Warmshowers forum when he posted a listing about seeking a cycling companion. Anas and I plan to cycle to Quebec City together. I have to confirm my plan with Anas.

This morning, I woke up at 5 again. I made some coffee and will head into downtown to explore Montreal.

Potholes on the road

Looks like a storm might be coming

One of many cannabis stores

Wish I could rest here, but it's private property.

On the smooth bike trail

Me and Reid

A homeless encampment in Montreal

Many triplex houses in Montreal

Notice the stairs to the second floor of the triplex

Hard to tell, I'm giving a peace sign to one of many bike lanes in Montreal.

More candy bars. Guess which one is my favorite.