My cycling journey began at dawn, as the morning sun illuminated the Viau Bridge. This was my starting point, and I couldn't help but pause for a few minutes to admire the St. Lawrence River flowing majestically beneath the bridge. Built in 1930, Viau Bridge has become an essential connection between two beautiful cities—Montreal and Laval. The bridge was named after Jean-Baptiste Viau, an entrepreneur and politician who made significant contributions to Montreal's development in the early 20th century. From the height of the bridge, there is a magnificent view of the river and the two cities, which, despite their differences in size and character, live in harmony and symbiosis.Crossing the bridge, I began my journey along bike paths that wind through the picturesque parks of Montreal. To my left and right, green meadows appeared, dotted with vibrant flowers. Birds sang their morning songs, and the sound of water flowing from the river added a special atmosphere of tranquility to the journey. The bike paths here are perfectly arranged—smooth curves, gentle ascents and descents, plenty of signs. I felt how each pedal stroke brought me closer to nature and distanced me from everyday worries.
One of the parks I passed through was not just a green corner, but a true oasis within the city limits. The park was surrounded by a dense forest, creating a natural barrier against the city's noise. At one point, I stopped to take a few photos and simply enjoy the moment. For a moment, I forgot about time, allowing myself to fully immerse in the sounds and sights of the surrounding nature.Continuing my way, I couldn't help but notice a monumental structure—the Hydro-Québec - Rivière-des-Prairies Generating Station. This station was built in 1929 and became one of the first major projects of Hydro-Québec. The purpose of this station is to generate electricity using the power of the water flowing through the Rivière des Prairies. Standing at the foot of this giant structure, I couldn't help but ponder the power of nature and how man has learned to harness this power for his own purposes. The roar of water falling from a height and the massive turbines created an impressive scene. But no matter how much man tries to control nature, the true strength of water remains unconquered—it continues its path, regardless of any obstacles.
As I rode further, I was met by a small town, with its narrow streets and low houses. Life here flowed slowly, measuredly. Cars moving along the streets and pedestrians going about their business created a pleasant contrast with the silence and tranquility that reigned in nature. One building especially caught my attention—an old house with a bronze plaque. It looked as if it had stood here for centuries, its walls holding many stories. The plaque on the facade indicated that the house was built in the mid-19th century, and its owners had made significant contributions to the development of this area. Moments like these make you realize how rich and diverse architecture can be and how important it is to preserve the heritage of the past.
The journey continued, and soon I reached the final point of my route—Parc Ernest-Rouleau. This small park, surrounded by trees, was the perfect place to rest. Parc Ernest-Rouleau was created in 1974 in a Montreal neighborhood to provide residents with a green space for recreation. The park's design was developed by renowned landscape architect Claude Cormier, focusing on preserving the natural environment and creating a harmonious space for both active and passive leisure. The park is named after Ernest Rouleau, a local politician and public figure who significantly contributed to the development of the area.Here, I stopped to take a break and enjoy nature. After inflating my boat, I set out to the middle of the river to do some fishing. I used a spinning rod and a lure, but unfortunately, luck was not on my side. Every time I reeled in the line, I found only green algae on the hook. But despite this, the time spent on the water was filled with peace. The sound of water and the soft rays of the sun breaking through the clouds created a sense of calm and harmony. I realized that unsuccessful fishing is also part of the experience, making the journey truly unforgettable.Having had my fill of nature and refreshed my spirit, I headed back along the same path. At the end of my journey, I reached the Henri-Bourassa, was designed by architect Jean-Omer Marchand. It was inaugurated on October 14, 1966, as part of the initial network of the Montreal Metro system. As I descended into the subway, I felt the city bustle reclaiming me. But it was a pleasant feeling because I knew I had spent the day filled with new experiences and emotions that would stay with me for a long time. As I boarded the train, I mentally returned to the beginning of my journey and realized that this trip had been not just a physical overcoming of distances but also a spiritual enrichment.