Montreal, April 23, 2025 - In 1985, 3,500 people got on their bikes to take part in the very first Tour de l’Île de Montréal. Forty years later, tens of thousands will be celebrating at the Festival Go vélo Montréal, from May 25 to June 1, 2025. An entire week of festive and unifying cycling events, where the bicycle takes the city by storm... to the delight of families, sports enthusiasts and bike lovers alike.
«With this 40ᵉ edition, the Tour de l'Île proves that it occupies a special place in the hearts of Montrealers, as well as the thousands of visitors who enjoy the event every year,» says Jean-François Rheault, president and CEO of Vélo Québec. «Over the decades, this iconic event has made a major contribution to building the cycling culture of our city and province.»
This anniversary edition marks a memorable milestone for Vélo Québec. And to mark the occasion, the Festival can count on the presence of Julie Ringuette, actress, presenter... and cyclist, who returns for a third consecutive year as spokesperson.
«It's with great pleasure that I take part, for a third year, in the Go Vélo Montréal Festival. This year, we're celebrating the 40th anniversary ofᵉ anniversary of the Tour de l'Île, first held in 1985. I'd like to mark this event with an 80s-inspired theme! Don't hesitate to dress up or get out your colorful clothes. Join me for this open-air party! »she stresses.
Three major events to celebrate cycling
Metropolitan challenge - Sunday, May 25
Kicking off the Festival, the Défi métropolitain is an untimed cyclosportive ride with routes ranging from 57 to 156 km, departing from Quartier DIX30 in Brossard. Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or looking for a new challenge, this is the perfect opportunity to get back in the saddle in the heart of Montérégie.
Tour la Nuit - Friday, May 30th
An illuminated urban party! The 21 km route takes in the traffic-free streets of Montreal, with an electric atmosphere: music, projections, light shows... A magical evening by bike, starting from Parc Maisonneuve, to rediscover the city under the stars.
A 40e Tour de l’Île de Montréal - Sunday 1er June
The Festival's flagship event, the Tour de l'Île celebrates its 40th anniversary with an 80s theme. In addition to musical entertainment and crowd-pleasers, cyclists are invited to come in costume for a colorful experience!
Once again this year, the Tour de l'Île offers four route options. Starting from Maisonneuve Park, cyclists will have the chance to discover the eastern tip of the Island of Montreal and ride along the river all the way, offering superb views.
There are four route options for discovering the eastern tip of the Island of Montreal and skirting the river:
- Classic Island Tour (50 km) - entirely on closed streets, through Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie, Montréal-Est, Rivière-des-Prairies and more.
- Island Discovery Tour (68, 88 or 105 km) - mixed route (open and closed), including Repentigny, Terrebonne, L'Épiphanie, etc.
On your bikes!
Registration is now open! To take part in the biggest celebration of cycling in the metropolis, which starts in almost a month, register here: https://www.velo.qc.ca/categorie-evenement/festival-go-velo-mtl/
A party for the whole family
Vélo Québec encourages young people to discover the pleasures of cycling:
- Free for children 12 and under
- Only 9 $ for 13-17 year-olds
The Go vélo Montréal en a few figures
- Nearly 40,000 participants expected
- Over 2,000 volunteers mobilized
For a behind-the-scenes look at Tour de l’Île de Montréal, read the report published in the April 2025 issue of Vélo Mag.
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About the Go vélo Montréal Festival
The Festival Go vélo Montréal is an event organized by Vélo Québec. Presented by Lait in collaboration with Desjardins, the event also counts Sports Experts as an associate sponsor. Vélo Québec would like to thank the Ville de Montréal for its financial support of the event, as well as the Government of Québec and Tourisme Montréal, as public partners. The Festival is a member of the Regroupement des événements majeurs internationaux (RÉMI).
About Vélo Québec
Founded in 1967, Vélo Québec's mission is to develop cycling culture for everyone, everywhere in Quebec. www.velo.qc.ca
Information
Vélo Québec
Marie-Hélène Juneau
514 980-0698
