Montreal, Thursday, May 21, 2026 - The Go vélo Montréal Festival, presented by Lait, kicks off this Sunday, May 24, with the Défi métropolitain. It features a full week of cycling activities in the metropolis, including the Tour la Nuit on Friday, May 29 and the Tour de l’Île de Montréal on Sunday, May 31.
In addition to being accessible events that allow everyone to participate at their own pace, the Festival is also intended to be a unifying and festive occasion.
Activities will take place in Parc Jarry, the start and finish of the Tour la Nuit and Tour de l'Île, including children's activities, games and a variety of other activities. food trucks and musical performances.
Le Lait will also be present with a chocolate milk distribution, a play area and the Calcium mascot, contributing to the festive atmosphere on site.
«Les Producteurs de lait du Québec are proud to support the Montreal Go Bike Festival year after year, and to encourage cyclists of all ages to ride for fun, with family and friends. Like the Festival, we believe in the importance of bringing our communities together and promoting healthy lifestyle habits. We're delighted to continue our partnership with Vélo Québec to continue inspiring people to surpass themselves, get moving and feel good together.»
-Daniel Gobeil, President of Producteurs de lait du Québec
Festival program
The Metropolitan Challenge
Sunday, May 24 - Mirabel
A true kick-off to the cycling season, the Défi métropolitain invites participants to discover a new region of Greater Montreal every year. This year, cyclists will head for Laurentides, departing from Mirabel at the Jean-Bouchard Amphitheatre.
Routes include Oka, Deux-Montagnes and Blainville. An adventure through varied landscapes, from fields to orchards. There are several route options, from 60 to 150 km, so that everyone can choose a distance that suits them.
Festival Conference
Thursday, May 28 at 6 p.m. - Online and at Esplanade Tranquille
Florence Gall, General Delegate of the France Vélo industry, will give a talk entitled: «More cycling in France: an industry, jobs and women».
On this occasion, Ms. Gall will share her expertise on the structuring and collaboration of economic players in the French cycling ecosystem. She will also present the results of a survey on the feminization of the sector, as well as recommendations for increasing the presence of women in the industry and in cycling.
A panel discussion will then bring together Maude Gauthier, Director of Partner Consulting and Risk Management at Cycles Devinci, and Amélie Cossé, Director and co-founder of Momentum Transport Canada.
The Tour la Nuit
Friday, May 29 - Parc Jarry
Every year, during the Tour la Nuit, thousands of cyclists ride through Montreal at dusk in a festive atmosphere, while the city lights illuminate this nocturnal parade.
This year, Montreal will sparkle even brighter thanks to Quebec-based PixMob, a world leader in immersive event experiences, who will light up Parc Jarry as participants arrive.
The 20km route will pass through the boroughs of Villeray-Saint-Michel-Parc-Extension, Ahuntsic-Cartierville and Saint-Laurent.
The Tour de l’Île de Montréal
Sunday, May 31 - Parc Jarry
The Festival's flagship event, the Tour de l’Île de Montréal allows participants to discover the city in a different way, on streets entirely closed to traffic.
This year, the 30 km and 50 km routes will take participants through the neighborhoods of Villeray-Saint-Michel-Parc-Extension, Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie, Le Plateau-Mont-Royal, Ville-Marie, Le Sud-Ouest and Westmount. The Discovery option, with routes of 65 or 90 km, will take participants to the western tip of the island.
50ᵉ anniversary of the 1976 Summer Olympics
This year, to mark the 50ᵉ anniversary of the 1976 Games, Tour de l’Île de Montréal will be highlighting this legacy through various initiatives.
Along the way, participants will discover many little-known sites linked to this history. Among the highlights is the Centre Étienne-Desmarteau, named after the first Canadian to win a gold medal.
At the relay, children will be invited to take part in a treasure hunt to collect medals.
In the Jarry Park Village, participants can also visit the McCord Stewart Museum, MEM and Montréal Olympique booths, which will be featuring thematic exhibits.
This year, the festival will welcome athlete Félix Dolci, the gymnast who represented Canada at the Paris Games in 2024, as its spokesperson.
The event will also welcome Joannie Rochette, figure skating medalist and now doctor, as guest of honour.
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Vélo Québec president and CEO Jean-François Rheault and Félix Dolci will be available for interviews before and during the event.
About the Go vélo Montréal Festival
The Festival Go vélo Montréal is an event organized by Vélo Québec. Presented by Lait, the event also counts Sports Experts and Bixi as associate sponsors. 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
Since 1967, Vélo Québec's mission has been to develop cycling culture for everyone, everywhere in Quebec.
www.velo.qc.ca
Information
Vélo Québec
Justine Bérubé, Public Relations and Communications Advisor
[email protected]
514 942-0743
