Vaudreuil to Montreal - The Long Way

On what was more a late September day than late June and with no other takers, G. T. Bishop hopped on the EXO train to Vaudreuil to do a classic route from Hudson to Oka via the ferry and along La Vagabonde to Deux Montagnes. To add a bit of new terrain, a foray over to l'ile Cadieux was added.

It is a lovely bit of green space, which you can enjoy if you can afford one of the large homes along the single road. Otherwise, you risk concerned glares from residents if you happen to be a cycling stranger. It also seems to be the capital of unique mailboxes.

Passing back into Vaudreuil-sur-le-lac, you get a nice view of the lake with Oka along the far shore.

Back to the Main Road to Hudson and just past la maison Felix Leclerc, someone has installed their own Beach Club, undeterred by the low water levels.

A few kilometers later, G. T. arrived at the ferry dock with only a few minutes to wait for the next boat.

Three dollars seems an inexpensive enough fare to get across the river for a cyclist until you see that it is the same price for the guy with the big, chromed-up Harley-Davidson next to you.

After a few minutes touring the historical plaques around the wharf and church, G. T. carried on La Vagabonde towards Oka park. Oka gets first prize for signage. Good thing, too, since Google Maps has not been updated to show the changed route from Oka into the park.

Reaching Pointe Calumet, it was finally warm enough to doff the jacket at a rest stop with a welcome porta-potty. However, access to the water was less welcoming. Though the sign beneath offered a free yoga less to compensate.

Arriving at Deux Montagnes offered an opportunity to view some more of the REM construction.

And again when passing into Laval.

The ride along the lakeshore in Ste. Dorothee is always pleasant until you have to take the overpass to cross the autoroute, but it is a stark reminder of how two wheels is so much better than four.

It wasn't long before the 117 bridge came into view and then onto Montreal island and the ride home.

Total distance for the day: 73 kilometers.

G. T. Bishop