A discovery run through the streets of Montreal

There’s a good reason why Joan Roch is familiar with every bump and pothole on the streets of downtown Montreal. As Quebec’s most renowned ultramarathoner, the resident of Longueuil, on Montreal’s South Shore, has passed over each of them countless times on his runs to and from his job.

Though he’s since altered his commuting habits to work from home more, one thing remains: his fondness for the areas he ran through—and photographed!—year-round. Let’s hit the road with him on a journey of discovery through Montreal.

Departing from Alt Hotel Montreal

"I particularly enjoy the perspective of the St. Lawrence River from the Old Port. There’s something magical about running along the pedestrian quays. I can make my way around without worrying about being struck by a car. Only the uneven cobblestone streets I occasionally encounter along the way might jar me out of my moving meditation.

Just a stone's throw from Alt Hotel Montreal, the Old Montreal locks (1.5 km) are an ideal start and end point. To get my bearings, I look around for the Five Roses flour mill and its eponymous neon sign. From there, I head east and take in the traditional facades of Old Montreal along the shore, and the iconic Habitat 67 along the river.

I change direction at Place Jacques-Cartier (2 km), meeting up with Avenue de l'Hôtel-de-Ville (2.4 km) after zigzagging through the masses of strollers. Despite my best efforts some of them still end up in my path, so vigilance is essential! At the end of Sainte-Catherine East (3 km), I pause for a moment: head back via the bustling Quartier des Spectacles, or keep going towards the Plateau?

Finally, I aim for Square Saint-Louis (4 km), then towards Parc La Fontaine (4.7 km), which I use as a springboard for Mount Royal (7 km). I make my way up to the Sir George-Étienne Cartier monument. At this point I start running short on time, so I pass up conquering the trails of the 233m-high hill. I'll just have to come back another time, I tell myself as I run along the urban boulevard of Robert-Bourassa.

Strava Running Route (10,4 km)

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Departing from Le Germain Hotel Montreal

The legendary Mount Royal is worthy of its own excursion. I attack it early in the morning, starting from Hotel Le Germain Montreal, right in the heart of the city. The climb via Olmsted Road (1.7 km) is long and gradual (approximately 150 m in elevation gain). I settle into a pace that’s steady, but not too intense. I overtake a few runners. Others return the gesture. I'm in friendly territory.

Terrace with a view over Quebec’s heritage

I end up at Kondiaronk Belvedere (6.9 km). I catch my breath as my gaze stretches toward the horizon. I never get tired of these pilgrimages to the mountain. I feel like lingering forever. Here I am, at eye level with the skyscrapers. The panoramic view allows me to see the city stretching out across the island. There’s the river. The Jacques Cartier Bridge. This lookout is an iconic Montreal destination where locals and tourists gather. It’s been immortalized on television and in film (including Denys Arcand’s Jesus of Montreal), making it part of Quebec’s heritage.

But I have to get back.

I could take a shortcut via the 500 or so steps that lead to the end of Peel Street (9.3 km), saving myself a few kilometres on the way back to the hotel.

But instead, I decide to retrace my steps. I can't resist the idea of taking sweeping strides down the same Olmsted Road. The feeling of speed is exhilarating. I’m floating. Only the hum of the city, this beast that rumbles in the distance, interrupts this moment of pure tranquility.”

Strava Running Route (12.6 km)