Never having been to Nun's Island by bike, I did a bit of preliminary research on Google maps. Figured out that much of nun's island is surrounded by a bike trail that runs close to the waterfront in many areas, and my original plan was to bike out onto the pedestrian bridge (escalade) that run along the west side of the Champlain bridge.
Headed down to the Verdun Auditorium, via De l'Eglise & Galt. Turned left to head towards the Champlain Bridge, it's first segment has a dedicated bike / pedestrian lane that leads to Nun's Island. Stopped for a few pics on the bridge.
View of the waterway West of the bridge.
On the East side, you have downtown Montreal to the North.
To the South side is Nun's Island, and the Bell building, which I was using as my navigational landmark.
Once on Nun's Island, I switched trails to head to the North of the island. This trail goes under the Champlain bridge, and along the waterfront. Unfortunately, the trail was closed off at one end, and heading the other way, I ended up at the other end of the trail.
Veering off the trail a bit, I made my way around to the "Escalade". To my dismay, it is currently closed off as well.
Heading back towards Montreal, I veered off towards another section of waterfront, and discovered "La Rotonde". Small area with built in wooded lounges overlooking the St Lawrence River. Stopped to stretch, and get a selfie with the Champlain bridge in the background.
Seems that this spot was some sort of farm back in the day.
The St Lawrence river is alive with construction these days, with construction of new Champlain bridge well underway.
Form this spot, you can see the Victoria bridge off the the East as well.
After my stretch, I headed back towards Montreal through Verdun. The Aqueduc is starting to thaw.
Nearby, the Lachine canal has dropped about 10 feet lower than last week, and much of the ice is
gone.
Heading towards the mountain though St Henri, I ride past one of the rougher areas in town, as mentioned in a previous post. Old abandoned building near Welcome Mission has been taken over by squatters.
Often see many young people, high and drunk well before noon. Typically covered in tattoos and colored hair, very likely to be homeless, squatters, or simply unemployed and bored. These days, many of them turn to begging at street lights nearby, or "squeegeeing" motorists windshields.
At least he's working. Not trying to be judgemental, just reflecting on what I'm seeing along my bike rides.
The train bridge at Decarie is the start of the last uphill segment of my ride home.
From there, it's a few minutes though N.D.G., and the into Cote Des Neiges where I live.
Stay tuned for some more bike ride updates as spring kicks in.
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