The 2026 UCI Road World Championships run from September 20 to 27 in Montreal, and every one of the 13 races is free to watch from the roadside. The finish line for all 13 sits on Avenue du Parc, at the foot of Mont Royal, with the two Elite road races starting in Brossard.
From September 20 to 27, 2026, Montreal is welcoming the UCI 2026 Road World Championships, the city’s biggest sporting event since it hosted the Olympics in 1976.
The city is not a newcomer to this race. Montreal hosted the Road World Championships back in 1974, the first time cycling’s most prestigious competition had ever been held outside Europe. Fifty-two years later, the rainbow jersey comes back to Mont Royal.
With over 1,000 of the world’s best cyclists from 80 countries planning to hit the starting line, this 13-race week-long event gives fans a chance to watch the highest level of cycling competition for free while also enjoying all that Montreal has to offer.
Though the official start list will only become available shortly before the event, during the week fans can likely expect to catch a glimpse of cycling legends like Remco Evenepoel, Jonas Vingegaard, Demi Vollering, and defending Women’s World Champion Magdeleine Vallières Mill, the Canadian from Sherbrooke, Quebec, who won the 2025 title in Kigali, Rwanda. (Unfortunately, the defending Men’s World Champion, Tadej Pogacar, was injured in a race in August and likely will not be able to race.)
In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know to plan a great trip to take in the races, including the best ways to watch, where to stay in Montreal, and what to do while you’re there.
Montreal UCI Road World Championships: the details
Every year the UCI Road World Championships are held in a different location around the world and in 2026 that location is Montreal! During the week-long event, professional cyclists compete to be crowned the best in the world and to have the honour of wearing the UCI rainbow stripes on their cycling kit for the next 365 days.
In previous years, as well as this year, the city has hosted the Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal in September alongside the Grand Prix Cycliste de Québec. In 2026, these world-class races remain on the schedule for September 11 in Québec City and September 13 in Montreal, giving you even more chances to see some incredible cycling.
Race Schedule
Montreal hosts 13 races over eight days, from September 20 to 27, 2026. The two Elite Road Races on the final weekend are the headline events. Distances and elevation gains below come from the official Montréal 2026 race program.
Sunday, September 20: Women’s Elite Individual Time Trial, 9 am, 39.2 km, 220 m of climbing (Parc Jeanne-Mance)
Sunday, September 20: Men’s Elite Individual Time Trial, 12:45 pm, 39.2 km, 220 m (Parc Jeanne-Mance)
Monday, September 21: Women’s Under-23 Individual Time Trial, 9 am, 20.3 km, 145 m (Parc Jeanne-Mance)
Monday, September 21: Men’s Under-23 Individual Time Trial, 12 pm, 31.3 km, 197 m (Parc Jeanne-Mance)
Tuesday, September 22: Mixed Relay Team Time Trial, 8:30 am, 40.6 km, 290 m (Parc Jeanne-Mance)
Tuesday, September 22: Men’s Junior Individual Time Trial, 12:15 pm, 20.3 km, 145 m (Parc Jeanne-Mance)
Tuesday, September 22: Women’s Junior Individual Time Trial, 3:15 pm, 10.7 km, 91 m (Parc Jeanne-Mance)
Thursday, September 24: Women’s Under-23 Road Race, 9 am, 134 km, 2,690 m (Parc Jeanne-Mance)
Thursday, September 24: Men’s Junior Road Race, 1:30 pm, 134 km, 2,690 m (Parc Jeanne-Mance)
Friday, September 25: Men’s Under-23 Road Race, 9 am, 174.2 km, 3,497 m (Parc Jeanne-Mance)
Friday, September 25: Women’s Junior Road Race, 2:15 pm, 80.4 km, 1,614 m (Parc Jeanne-Mance)
Saturday, September 26: Women’s Elite Road Race, 9 am, 180.4 km, 2,570 m, starting from Quartier DIX30 (Brossard)
Sunday, September 27: Men’s Elite Road Race, 9 am, 273.7 km, 3,803 m, starting from Quartier DIX30 (Brossard)
Note that Wednesday, September 23 has no racing. That is the day of the Défi Montréal 2026 KPMG, described further down, and a good window to see the city rather than the course.
Event programming and activities
Beyond the 13 races, the Championships come with a full week of free programming for fans.
The centrepiece is the Fans Village Bonjour Montréal, in Parc Jeanne-Mance, a few steps from the finish line of all 13 races. Admission is free and open to everyone. Inside you will find:
Exhibitor and partner booths, plus interactive demonstrations
Giant screens broadcasting the races live
The official 2026 UCI Road World Championships boutique
Food and drinks, giveaways and contests
The opening ceremony runs on September 19 from 5:00 to 6:15 pm on the main stage at Parc Jeanne-Mance. It is free, open to all, and no registration is required. Laurence Nerbonne headlines, with dancers, circus performers and the Kumpa’nia brass band.
The day begins earlier with the Rando Vélo Beneva, a ride on the official closed routes over 10, 20, 40 or 70 km, with departures from 1:00 pm and arrivals in front of the ceremony stage. Registration is now sold out.
On September 23, the one day of the week without racing, 250 riders can pay to take part in the Défi Montréal 2026 KPMG around the closed Mont-Royal circuit. Registered riders also get brunch, mechanical support on route, and the chance to meet ambassadors like Greg Van Avermaet, Magdeleine Vallières Mill and Michael Woods.
How to Watch the UCI Cycling Races in Montreal
Of the 13 races scheduled during the 2026 World Championships, most will start and finish on Avenue du Parc, with the exception of the biggest events, the Women’s Elite Road Race and Men’s Elite Road Race, which start in Brossard.
Once the races begin, they’ll then weave their way through Montreal’s streets and neighbourhoods before charging up hill towards the finish line near Parc Jeanne Mance in downtown Montreal, at the foot of Mont Royal.
The biggest and most popular events will take place on the two weekends that bookend the full event. On the first weekend, there’s the Elite Men’s and Women’s Time Trials, and on the second weekend, there’s the Women’s and Men’s Elite races, during which the new world champions will be crowned.
Every race is free to watch from anywhere on the course. The image further down shows the longest of them, the Men’s Elite Road Race, which is likely to be the busiest day of the week.
On Sunday, September 27, that race leaves Brossard, crosses the Samuel-De Champlain Bridge and finishes in Montreal after 273.7 km and 3,803 m of climbing. The women’s race on the Saturday follows a shorter version of the same idea, without the Montérégie loop: 180.4 km and 2,570 m. Both finish on the Mont Royal circuit, so the viewing is just as good.
Detailed maps for each of the 13 courses are published on the official race program page, and they are worth opening before you pick your spot.
Where to watch the races on the course
When it comes to deciding the best place on the race course for watching the races, it will come down to which race(s) you’re watching and how you prefer to see the cyclists go by.
What’s great about this week of races is that they’re all free to watch from anywhere on the courses. However, since each race is a slightly different distance, the courses are not all the same. You can find the details about each race, including course maps, on the official Montreal 2026 event website, so check that out to better plan your week.
Looking specifically to the most popular events of the Women’s and Men’s Elite Road Races on the final weekend, if you want to maximize the number of times you see the cyclists during these races, your best bet is to find a nice spot on the Mount Royal loop so that you can watch them go by a few times.
Consider positioning yourself on an uphill portion if you want to be able to see them go by a little slower. This can give you time to identify riders more easily and get some clearer photos of your favourites. Comparatively, the riders will be very fast on the downhill sections, so you’ll only see them briefly as they fly by.
At the finish line
One of the best places to watch any of the races is the finish line area on Avenue du Parc, for three reasons:
The energy at the line is the best of the day
Cycling produces plenty of late drama and final-moment upsets, and they happen right there
Large screens show the race as it unfolds, so you can follow the leaders, the chasers and the peloton
The Fans Village sits in the same area, with food and activities, which makes it a comfortable base for any race at any moment of the day.
Grandstand seats: what is left
Two grandstands are set up near the finish line, the North Grandstand Scotiabank and the South Grandstand. Both are covered, with reserved seating for the full day, giant screens and dedicated food and washroom areas.
The road race packages are where demand has been heaviest. As of August 31, 2026, here is what the organizers still list:
South Grandstand, time trial package (3 days, 7 races, September 20 to 22): $124 presale, $146 regular, $167 last minute
North Grandstand Scotiabank, time trial package (3 days, 7 races): $178 regular, $204.99 last minute, presale sold out
South Grandstand, road race package (4 days, 6 races, September 24 to 27): $397.54 last minute only
South Grandstand, full-event package: $467.74 last minute only
North Grandstand road race and full-event packages: sold out
Prices include tax, service charges and the environmental fee. Day passes are also sold for both grandstands. Availability moves quickly, so check the official grandstand page before you plan around a seat.
How to Get to Montreal
Before anything else, one practical warning. The races run on public roads across Greater Montreal, and the routes change every single day. Barriers go up around 7 am each morning and come down at the end of that day’s racing.
The organizers themselves recommend public transit and active transportation over driving, and for the finish line area that advice is easy to follow. Parc Jeanne-Mance is served by the metro and STM buses, there are BIXI stations nearby, and a free supervised bike parking area operates on site during the event.
For the two Elite road races, the Brossard start line at Quartier DIX30 is reachable by the REM and RTL buses, which spares you the bridge traffic on the busiest mornings of the week.
If you are coming from nearby, a train or a bus drops you downtown, around the corner from the course. If you do drive, remember that right turns on a red light are illegal on the island of Montreal, that construction is everywhere, and that on-street parking is limited. Arrange parking at your hotel and leave extra time for detours.
For fans coming from further away, flying in is the easy option. Montreal has two passenger airports, Montréal-Trudeau International (YUL) and Montréal Saint-Hubert (YHU), with the large majority of flights using YUL.
If you do fly into or out of the Montreal-Trudeau International Airport, you can add an extra level of comfort by using an eligible credit card to enjoy complimentary access to an airport lounge. Montreal’s airport is home to multiple excellent lounges, offering free drinks and snacks, a quiet place to work or rest, and a less hectic atmosphere.
If you do fly and you’d like to save money on your trip, consider using points through the Aeroplan program for your flights to and from Montreal. As the loyalty program for Air Canada, Aeroplan offers one of the best networks of award flights within Canada and to many other destinations near and far. Air Canada is also part of the Star Alliance airline group, so your points can be used to access flights across the global partner network of destinations.
Because the event is coming up soon, and because Aeroplan uses a dynamic pricing structure, the cost for award flights is higher than if the redemption was made much earlier. For example, you could redeem 35,800 Aeroplan points + $37 in taxes and fees to fly from Vancouver (YVR) to Montreal (YUL) on the Saturday prior to the first race.
Since the cash fare for this flight is around $560, you’re getting a redemption value of around 1.45 cents per point. We value Aeroplan points at 2 cents each, so this is a bit low, but it’s not a bad deal to help you save money on a great trip.
As an alternative to airline loyalty points, you could use a flexible travel point like Scene+ earned with a credit card like the Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite +* Card. Scene+ points can be redeemed for 1 cent each against travel purchases (like train and bus fares or hotel expenses) made on your eligible credit card. This option is made even more convenient because you’re able to redeem for transactions that are up to 12 months old, giving you lots of time to earn and save.
Before you apply for a Visa Infinite, check the income requirement published on the card page: Visa Infinite products carry one, and Visa Infinite Privilege products carry a higher one.
If you are based in Quebec, the National Bank World Elite Mastercard is a solid alternative in the same role. Its points also apply against travel purchases, and its travel insurance package is one of the better ones for a card at this level.
Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueAnnual fee rebated$150Total$150Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
With Milesopedia, take advantage of an exclusive offer: your first-year annual fees are refunded with the National Bank World Elite Mastercard. This offer is exclusively available on the Milesopedia network, from June 30 to November 4, 2026.
Refund of the first-year annual fee (a $150 value) for the primary cardholder. This fee is charged to your new card account, then refunded as a credit on your statement within five months of opening your account, provided it remains open and in good standing.
The National Bank World Elite Mastercard is the best Mastercard credit card offered by NBC.
With this card, you earn up to 5 points per dollar on your purchases:
5 points per dollar for groceries and restaurants
2 points per dollar on gas and electric recharge purchases
2 points per dollar on recurring bills
2 points per dollar on À la carte Travel
1 point per dollar for all other purchases
And since it’s an NBC mycredit Mastercard, you can use it at Costco.
With this card, you have access to a $150 annual travel credit that you can use in any of these categories:
Airport parking
Baggage fees
Seat selection
Access to airport lounges
Airline ticket upgrades
What’s more, you can enjoy access to DragonPass airport lounges and unlimited access to the National Bank Lounge at Montreal-Trudeau.
Finally, Milesopedia has named the National Bank World Elite Mastercard as the Best Travel Credit Card in 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026.
Legal
® Mastercard and World Elite are registered trademarks, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated. National Bank is an authorized user.
® The À LA CARTE REWARDS logo is a registered trademark of National Bank of Canada.
® NATIONAL BANK OF CANADA LOUNGE is a registered trademark of National Bank of Canada.
® À LA CARTE REWARDS PLAN is a registered trademark of National Bank of Canada.
® Apple Pay is a registered trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Apple Inc. is not a sponsor of or participant in National Bank Mobile Banking Solutions.
® Google Pay is a registered trademark of Google LLC. Use of this trademark is subject to Google Inc. Permissions.
TM À LA CARTE TRAVEL is a trademark of National Bank of Canada. The À la carte Travel agency is owned by Transat Distribution Canada Inc. and holds a Quebec permit (No. 753141).
TM À LA CARTE REWARDS is a trademark of National Bank of Canada.
® THE TOTAL, THE CONNECTED and NATIONAL BANK are registered trademarks of National Bank of Canada.
* Mastercard® World Elite®
The National Bank® World Elite® Mastercard® credit card was voted best Mastercard credit card by Milesopedia in 2026, 2025 and 2024.
The National Bank® World Elite® Mastercard® credit card was voted best travel credit card by Milesopedia in 2026, 2025 and 2024.
Every year, Milesopedia reviews credit card offers from major financial institutions and establishes its Ranking based on over 150 criteria such as fees, welcome offer, minimum income required, number of points per category, account credits, insurance, airport lounge access, etc.
Certain restrictions apply. For more information, see the Rewards Plan section or the Plan Rules applicable to point accumulation.
Grace period: No interest is charged on purchases made during the month if the cardholder pays the full balance of their account within twenty-one (21) days of the statement date. This grace period does not apply to cash advances and balance transfers. Minimum payment: if your account balance is less than $10, you must pay the balance in full. If you reside in the province of Quebec, your minimum payment is 5% of your account balance plus any overdue amount, or $10, whichever is greater. If you reside outside Quebec, your minimum payment is 2.5% of the credit card account balance plus any overdue amount, or $10, whichever is greater. Account statement: an account statement is sent monthly.
Table of examples of credit fees calculated over a 30-day period
Annual interest rate
$500
$3,000
22.49%
$9.24
$55.45
20.99%
$8.63
$51.76
13.2%
$5.53
$33.16
9.2%
$3.78
$22.68
*Variable interest rate in effect as of September 1, 2021.
Balance transfers and cash advances are subject to National Bank credit approval. Each amount transferred cannot be less than $250.
Exclusive to World Elite Mastercard cardholders. Presentation of the physical credit card and boarding pass is required to access the lounge. The National Bank® Lounge is accessible to customers traveling on international flights only (excluding flights to Canada and the United States). You benefit from free and unlimited access with one guest and two children aged 12 and under. Until October 4, 2026 (date subject to change), customers can enter the National Bank Lounge three hours before their flight departure time. From October 5, 2026 (date subject to change), access will be authorized for a maximum duration of 2 hours (3 hours for customers who hold a Private Banking 1859® World Elite® Mastercard® credit card). National Bank customers who are not World Elite ® Mastercard ® cardholders can also access the current lounge based on current rates and benefit from a 25 % discount on these rates : 63,24 $ taxes included for adults (excluding discount) $40.24 taxes included for children aged 2 to 12 (excluding discount) free for children under 2 (excluding discount) The entry fee is subject to change without notice and is the responsibility of the lounge operator.
Subject to providing the required supporting documents in the manner and within the prescribed timeframe. Certain conditions may apply. Only the primary cardholder of a National Bank World Elite Mastercard (Cardholder) whose account is in good standing can request a « Travel Fee Reimbursement ». « Account in good standing » means an account linked to the credit card that does not violate the Credit Card Agreement in any way and on which no restrictions apply. For example, and without limitation, the associated annual fees must have been paid in full. The maximum reimbursement of $150 can be requested from January 1 to December 31 of each year. Eligible expenses are: airport parking baggage fees seat selection airport lounge access worldwide airline ticket upgrades A reimbursement request must be made within 60 days of the purchase date. Travel expenses must be charged to the National Bank World Elite Mastercard credit card account. The maximum reimbursement of $150 is applicable per account. Please allow up to 7 business days for the reimbursement to be processed from the date your request is submitted. National Bank reserves the right to request additional supporting documents for validation purposes (e.g., invoices). You must keep all receipts and supporting documents for a period of 12 months from the date you made your reimbursement request. An unused reimbursement in one year cannot be carried over to the next year. You can make your request online at rewards.nbc.ca or by calling 1-800-341-8083 (toll-free) for an agent to assist you with your travel fee reimbursement request.
Point accumulation on grocery and restaurant spending depends on the total gross monthly amount charged to the credit card account, across all categories. Earn 5 points per dollar spent on eligible grocery and restaurant purchases. The 5 points per dollar accumulation is valid for the first $2,500 of gross monthly purchases charged to the account. Beyond this amount, eligible grocery and restaurant spending will earn 2 points per dollar. The calculation of the gross monthly purchase amount is based on monthly billing. A grocery purchase means a purchase made at a merchant whose primary business is selling food, such as a grocery store, delicatessen, supermarket, fruit store, or specialty food store. Meal kit subscriptions and meal delivery services are eligible. Therefore, this definition excludes, among others, retail stores and big-box stores whose primary business is selling non-food items. Some merchants may sell products or services identical or similar to those of eligible merchants, or are separate merchants located on the same premises as eligible merchants, but are classified by Mastercard in different categories. Purchases made from other merchants only earn base reward points. A restaurant purchase means a purchase made at a restaurant, including quick-service restaurants, bars, discotheques, nightclubs, and taverns. To view the full list of Mastercard codes associated with eligible merchants, download the À la carte Rewards Plan® terms and conditions document.
These protections apply if the purchases or rental are paid for in part with the card before departure, except, if applicable, for out-of-province medical-hospital insurance for which it is not necessary to charge the purchase of an à la carte trip and for baggage delay protection where the full cost of transport must have been charged to the card. All these protections apply to the primary cardholder, their spouse and/or their dependent children when they (spouse and dependent children) travel with the cardholder. Extended warranties apply to most new items purchased with the card, in Canada or abroad, provided the manufacturer’s warranty exists and is valid in Canada. Certain conditions, limitations and restrictions apply. For more information and details regarding your insurance coverage, please consult the insurance certificate linked to your card.
Subject to credit approval by National Bank.
Certain conditions apply. Visit mastercard.ca for more information. See all credit card terms and conditions.
To earn 2 points per dollar spent, you must pay for your gas or electric charging purchases at a gas station or certain big-box stores. Some merchants may sell products or services identical or similar to those of eligible merchants, or are separate merchants located on the same premises as eligible merchants, but are classified by Mastercard in different categories. Purchases made from other merchants only earn base reward points. To view the full list of Mastercard codes associated with eligible merchants, download the À la carte Rewards Plan® terms and conditions document.
Recurring bill payments are defined as payments made monthly or regularly that are automatically charged by the merchant to your National Bank World Elite Mastercard. Not all merchants offer recurring payments, and not all recurring payments are considered recurring bill payments. Therefore, some payments may not qualify for accelerated reward points.
To earn 2 points per dollar spent, you must pay for your eligible purchases through the À la carte TravelTM agency section of our À la carte RewardsTM site.
For example, if you spend $400 monthly on groceries, $200 on gas, $100 on recurring bills and $150 on other purchases, the $850 spent will generate 2,750 points, broken down as follows: 2,000 points for grocery spending (since the total gross monthly amount is $850, which is less than $2,500), 400 points for gas spending, 200 points for recurring bills and 150 points for other purchases.
Insurance up to $1,000 in case of breakage, loss or theft of mobile devices for a maximum period of 2 years following the date of purchase. Subject to purchasing the device with the National Bank World Elite Mastercard or a phone service subscription paid by recurring payments from your National Bank Platinum Mastercard starting September 1, 2022. For all conditions, please consult the insurance certificate linked to your card.
Annual fee
Primary card$150
Additional card$50
Annual income required
Individual$80,000
Household$150,000
Conversion fees
2.5%
Earning rate
5xRestaurants
5xGroceries
2xGas & EV
2xBills & recurring payments
2xTravel
1xAll spending
Value
1st Year Value$778
2nd Year Value$923
Card benefits
Airport lounge access$400
Travel creditsIncluded
Travel insurance
Travel medical (under 55)Up to $5,000,000 / 60 days
Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$350Total$350Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
With this welcome offer for the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card +* CardMC, you’ll earn 25,000 welcome bonus Scene+ points after charging $2,000 in purchases to your account within the first three months.
Plus, every year, earn an annual bonus of at least 10,000 Scene+ points when you charge at least $40,000 in purchases to your account. In total, the offer represents up to 35,000 Scene+ points and a value of up to $1,250 in the first year, including rewards, savings on foreign transaction fees and airport lounge access.
With the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card, you earn 3 points per $1 spent at Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, Foodland and participating Co-ops, and 2 points per $1 spent at other grocery stores, restaurants, eligible entertainment and eligible daily transit. You earn 1 point per $1 on all your other everyday purchases.
These points can be redeemed against any travel purchase at a rate of 1,000 points = $10 (flights, hotels, all-inclusives and even Airbnb), or as cash back with Scene+ at the same rate.
The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card also offers:
No fees for foreign currency transactions
6 complimentary airport VIP lounge passes
Excellent insurance for your travels and purchases
Visa Infinite* Concierge Services
We have named this credit card the Best Credit Card with No Foreign Transaction Fees in 2024, 2025, and 2026.
Legal
* The potential value of savings and rewards during the first 12 months includes the value of the welcome offer, the potential value of points earned in the first year, the value of savings on foreign currency transaction fees and the cost of airport lounge access as of May 22, 2026:
$250 in travel rewards (25,000 bonus Scene+ points) for new Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite +* Cardholders who charge $2,000 in purchases to their account within the first three (3) months;
$100 in travel rewards (10,000 bonus Scene+ points) for cardholders who charge $40,000 in purchases to their account;
$50 in savings from the annual fee waiver on the first additional card for new Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card credit card account holders;
$132 in savings on foreign currency transaction fees based on the average amount of foreign currency purchases made per active account over the past 24 months (by saving on the 2.5% foreign currency transaction fees typically charged by other credit card issuers);
$364 representing the potential value of points earned in the first year (36,400 Scene+ points) based on the average amount of purchases made per active account over the past 24 months, assuming an average spend of 21% of purchases in categories eligible for accelerated earn rates of 2X and 3X points;
$358 representing the value of complimentary membership in the Visa Airport Companion program which includes 6 airport lounge passes (based on « Preferred » membership valued at approximately $357 CAD/$259 USD). Based on the exchange rate in effect on May 22, 2026.
Maximum potential value after the first year = $1,254 (rounded to $1,250)
The actual value of offers, savings realized and points earned will vary depending on card usage and eligibility for applicable offers. Conditions apply.
1 Offer description and conditions: The 25,000 Scene+ points offer (the « offer ») applies only to new Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card credit card accounts (the « accounts ») opened between August 4, 2026 and November 1, 2026 (regardless of the date you apply for the account) subject to the conditions below. The offer may be modified, cancelled or extended at any time without notice, and it cannot be combined with any other offer.
In addition, as a Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Cardholder, you are eligible for an annual bonus of 10,000 Scene+ points if you charge at least $40,000 in eligible everyday purchases to your Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card account over the course of one year. Conditions apply; see below for more details.
Description and conditions of the 25,000 bonus Scene+ points offer: To be eligible for the 25,000 bonus Scene+ points offer (« 25,000 bonus points »), you must charge at least $2,000 in total eligible purchases to your account within the first three months following the account opening date.
Conditions for the annual 10,000 Scene+ points bonus: As a Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card credit cardholder, you can earn an annual bonus of at least 10,000 Scene+ points (the « annual points bonus ») if you charge at least $40,000 in eligible purchases to your account over the course of one year (12-month period). The annual period begins on the account opening date; a new period starts again every twelve months thereafter. If you replace another Scene+-eligible credit card with the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card (i.e., it is not a new card or an additional card), the opening date of your original account will be carried over to your new Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card account and your annual period under this offer will begin on the next anniversary date of your original account opening. For example, if you originally opened a Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card account on January 15, 2022 and you switch to the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card on July 15, 2025, your annual period under the 10,000 Scene+ points annual bonus offer will begin on January 15, 2026 (your next anniversary date) and a new period will start again on January 15 each year thereafter. You will earn 2,000 bonus Scene+ points for each additional $10,000 in purchases made during the same year once you have reached the $40,000 annual purchase threshold.
Eligible purchases means purchases, less refunds, returns and any other similar credits, and excludes payments, cash advances (including balance transfers and quasi-cash transactions), interest charges, as well as card fees and other fees.
Fulfillment of the annual points bonus: Bonus points will be credited within approximately eight weeks after you become eligible for a bonus, provided the account is open and in good standing. In the case of a joint account with a primary borrower and a co-borrower, bonus points will be credited as follows: (i) the 25,000 bonus points and the annual points bonus will be credited to the Scene+ account linked to the account of the borrower who made the transaction that reached the eligible purchase threshold ($2,000, or $40,000) within the appropriate timeframe (the first three months, or the first 12 months). If an additional cardholder makes the transaction that reaches the eligible purchase threshold for the 25,000 bonus points, or the annual points bonus, the bonus points will be credited to the Scene+ account linked to the primary borrower’s account. It is possible to transfer points between the Scene+ accounts of a primary borrower, a co-borrower or an additional cardholder by contacting Scene+. An account is in good standing if it is not past due, there is no over-limit, and the cardholder(s) have complied with the terms of the Revolving Credit Agreement that applies to the account. All other program conditions continue to apply during the offer period.
Offer eligibility and exclusions: You cannot take advantage of the offer if you are currently a primary or secondary cardholder of a Scotiabank personal credit card or have been one in the past two years, including if you transfer your balance from an existing Scotiabank personal credit card account, and if you are a Scotiabank employee. Subject to the exclusions mentioned above, small business credit cardholders are eligible for this offer.
Rates and fees: The annual fees are $150 for the primary card, $0 for the first additional card and $50 for each additional card thereafter (including those issued to joint account holders and additional cardholders). The preferred annual interest rates applicable to the account are as follows: 20.99% on purchases and 22.99% on cash advances (including balance transfers and quasi-cash transactions). The rates, fees, and features and benefits, which are described in the disclosure statement accompanying the application, may be changed.
Savings at Shell
Get up to 7 cents per litre in instant fuel discounts for a limited time and earn up to 3 cents per litre in Scene+ points value with an eligible Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite + card linked to a Shell Go+ Account:
Instant 3 cents per Litre Discount on Fuel Purchases (All Grades): Receive an instant 3 cents per litre discount on purchases of fuel (all grades) (“Fuel Purchases (All Grades)”) at participating Shell locations in Canada when you use any eligible Scotiabank debit card or credit card linked to a Shell Go+ Account, up to a maximum of 1,000 litres per month per Scotiabank debit card and per Scotiabank credit card account. This total limit resets at the start of each new month per payment card account. This discount is subject to the Scotiabank Fuel Benefit Terms and Conditions.
Instant 4 cents per Litre Discount on Premium Fuel: Between May 26, 2026 and June 1, 2027 (“Promotional Period”), receive an instant 4 cents per litre discount on purchases of V-Power® gasoline, or V-Power® diesel (“Premium Fuel Purchases”) at participating Shell locations in Canada when you use any eligible Scotiabank credit card that earns Scene+ points linked to a Shell Go+ Account, up to a maximum of 1,000 litres per month per credit card account. This total limit resets at the start of each new month per credit card account. This promotional offer, including the Promotional Period, may be changed, extended, or withdrawn at any time without notice. These promotional offer terms are in addition to the Scotiabank Fuel Benefit Terms and Conditions.
Earn up to 3 cents per Litre in Scene+ points Value (Equivalent) on Fuel Purchases: Each time you use your linked Scotiabank credit card that earns Scene+ points on Fuel Purchases (All Grades) at participating Shell locations in Canada, you will earn at least 1 Scene+ point per $1 spent. Plus, as a Scene+ Member you will also automatically earn 1 Scene+ point for each litre in Fuel Purchases (All Grades), and as a Shell Go+ member, automatically earn 1 additional Scene+ point for each litre in Premium Fuel Purchases, made with your linked Scotiabank credit card. This means that for every litre in fuel purchased with your linked credit card, you can earn the equivalent of up to 3 cents of redeemable Scene+ points value based on a redemption value of $10 for every 1,000 Scene+ points redeemed for fuel purchases at participating Shell locations. Actual value may be lower depending on how you choose to redeem your Scene+ points. Earn and redemption limits may apply. See the Scene+ Program Terms and Conditions available at sceneplus.ca/terms-and-conditions for full details including redemption options and additional terms.
Note: Highest value of 10 cents per litre assumes a Premium Fuel Purchase made with a Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite + Card linked to a Shell Go+ Account. Actual value will vary depending on payment card used and whether or not the card is linked, fuel grade purchased, and how you choose to redeem your Scene+ points.
Annual fee
Primary card$150
Additional card$0
Annual income required
Individual$60,000
Household$100,000
Conversion fees
0%
Earning rate
2xGroceries
2xRestaurants
2xTransit
2xEntertainment
1xAll spending
Value
1st Year Value$650
2nd Year Value$397
Card benefits
Concierge service24/7
Airport lounge access$240
Travel insurance
Travel medical (under 55)Up to $1,000,000 / 25 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $1,000,000 / 25 days
Travel medical (65+)Up to $1,000,000 / 3 days
Trip CancellationUp to $1,500
Trip InterruptionUp to $2,500
Delayed BaggageUp to $1,000
Lost BaggageUp to $1,000
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $1,000
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000
Purchase protection
Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental CollisionUp to $65,000 / 48 days
Where to Stay in Montreal
Another important consideration for your Montreal cycling adventure is to sort out where to call home while you’re in town.
With the race taking place close to neighbourhoods like Downtown, the Plateau, Mile End, and Old Montreal, most people will likely opt to stay in one of these areas, keeping you close to the start/finish line for most of the races. These locations are convenient because they are home to many name-brand hotels, boutique hotels and Airbnbs.
If you’re not interested in staying right at the centre of the energy, you could instead check out the neighbourhoods of Saint-Henri, Griffintown, and Little Burgundy near the Lachine Canal for a more relaxed atmosphere.
Save with hotel loyalty points
There are plenty of hotels near the course, and to keep your accommodation budget in check, we recommend using hotel loyalty points like Marriott Bonvoy.
Near the downtown portion of the race course there are the following Marriott hotels:
There’s also a Marriott near the starting line in Brossard: Review : Courtyard by Marriott Montréal Brossard | Marriott Bonvoy. This is a less convenient location for seeing the city, but it is very convenient if you want to watch the riders get ready before the two Elite races on the final weekend.
Having a credit card like the Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card is great because it earns points on all purchases and at least 5 points per $1 spent at Marriott properties. It also comes with an annual free night certificate worth 35,000 points, which can easily justify the card’s annual fee of $120.
Montreal is an absolutely spectacular city, giving you plenty to see and do when you’re not watching one of the 13 races during this cycling extravaganza. We’ve put together a few suggestions below to help get you started on your planning, so let’s take a look:
Explore the neighbourhoods
One of the best things you can do while in Montreal is to spend some time exploring the city’s many neighbourhoods. The Mont Royal loop of the Elite Road Races on the final weekend and many of the other courses take you through a number of neighbourhoods, so tracing the course can be a great way to take in the city.
The heart of the race is based in the Plateau-Mont Royal neighbourhood, just next to Mile End, so you’ll have lots of opportunity to wander past the older row houses, spiral staircases, and beautiful murals before stopping for drinks or a meal at the area’s hundreds of restaurants and bars.
The city of Montreal was founded all the way back in 1642, so visitors will also want to enjoy an afternoon of exploring Old Montreal and the Old Port which are reminiscent of stepping back in time (albeit with lots of tourists and shopping).
We also recommend heading further away from the downtown to check out the Village for great nightlife, the Quartier des Canaux (including Little Burgundy, Griffintown and Saint-Henri) for outdoor fun, and Verdun for its pedestrian-friendly main street.
Fill your plate
Montreal is home to a spectacular array of food and drink options, including many must-try local specialties. For a taste of the city, consider these delicious options:
Fresh Montreal bagels from either St. Viateur or Fairmount (or try both and see which you prefer)
Schwartz’s Deli for a corned beef or pastrami sandwich
Dieu du Ciel, Messorem, Benelux, and many more breweries for beers and patios
Poutines across the city – try a classic with just cheese and sauce, or go wild with lots of extra toppings
World-class cocktails at Atwater Cocktail Club, the Cloakroom, and the Coldroom
Get outside
If being outside watching the bike races doesn’t quench your thirst for outdoor activity, fear not – Montreal has a bunch of fun ways to stay active while you visit.
Mont Royal, at the heart of the race course, is a great place for hiking, exploring the park, and having a picnic. If you prefer to get on the water, head to Lachine Canal and rent paddle boats or a kayak to get a unique perspective of the city. You can also rent a bicycle and cycle the beautiful path alongside the canal, or take your rental to explore the city’s neighbourhoods on two wheels.
For more laid-back activities, consider a trip to the Montreal Botanical Gardens, a 75-hectare outdoor space filled with tens of thousands of plant species. Alternatively, you could head to Parc Jean-Drapeau on St. Helen’s Island to explore its diversity of parks and attractions.
Bottom Line
From September 20 to 27, 2026, the city of Montreal will welcome over 1,000 world-class cyclists and tens of thousands of cycling fans for a week of exciting races. Whether you’re coming in for a single race or for the full 8 days, you’re sure to have an amazing time cheering on your favourite riders as they speed around the courses.
We hope our guide has helped you plan your upcoming trip, and has set you up to save some money with points and to explore all that this amazing city has to offer. To learn more about how to earn and save with reward points, check out our guide to the best credit cards in Canada. You can also stay up-to-date on helpful miles and points information by signing up for our weekly newsletter!
FAQs
When are the 2026 UCI Road World Championships in Montreal?
The 2026 UCI Road World Championships run from September 20 to 27, 2026, with an opening ceremony on September 19. Thirteen races are held over those eight days. The finish line for all 13 is on Avenue du Parc, at Parc Jeanne-Mance, at the foot of Mont Royal.
Do you need a ticket to watch the races?
No. All 13 races are free to watch from anywhere along the course, and admission to the Fans Village Bonjour Montréal in Parc Jeanne-Mance is free as well. Paid tickets only buy a reserved, covered grandstand seat near the finish line, with giant screens and dedicated food and washroom areas.
When are the Elite Road Races in Montreal?
The Women’s Elite Road Race is on Saturday, September 26 at 9 am, over 180.4 km. The Men’s Elite Road Race is on Sunday, September 27 at 9 am, over 273.7 km. Both start from Quartier DIX30 in Brossard, cross the Samuel-De Champlain Bridge and finish on the Mont Royal circuit in Montreal.
How much does a grandstand seat cost?
As of August 31, 2026, the South Grandstand time trial package (3 days, 7 races) is listed at $124 presale, $146 regular and $167 last minute, and the North Grandstand Scotiabank equivalent at $178 regular ($204.99 last minute, presale sold out). The road race packages are largely gone: only the South Grandstand still lists last-minute seats, at $397.54 for the four road race days and $467.74 for the full event. Day passes are also sold, and prices include tax, service charges and the environmental fee.
Is there racing every day of the week?
No. Wednesday, September 23 has no racing on the program. That day belongs to the Défi Montréal 2026 KPMG, a paid ride for 250 registered cyclists on the closed Mont-Royal circuit. If you are in town for the full week, it is the natural day to see the city instead of the course.
Will there be road closures in Montreal?
Yes, and they change daily because the routes change daily. Barriers go up around 7 am each morning and come down at the end of that day’s racing. The organizers publish two interactive closure maps, one for the Island of Montreal from September 19 to 27 and one for the Montérégie on September 26 and 27, and they recommend public transit and cycling over driving.
How do you get to the Brossard start line?
The Quartier DIX30 start line, used only for the two Elite road races, is served by the REM and by RTL buses. Taking transit avoids the bridge traffic on the two busiest mornings of the week. Secure cycling routes also reach the site.
Who won the 2025 UCI Road World Championships?
The 2025 edition was held in Kigali, Rwanda. Magdeleine Vallières Mill, from Sherbrooke, Quebec, won the Women’s Elite Road Race, becoming the first Canadian to take the title. Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia won the Men’s Elite Road Race.
Has Montreal hosted the Road World Championships before?
Yes. Montreal hosted the UCI Road World Championships in 1974, the first time the competition was held outside Europe. The city has also hosted the Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal each September for years, which remains on the 2026 calendar on September 13.
Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$469Annual fee rebated$120Total$589Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
The BMO eclipse Visa Infinite* Card is one of the best Visa Infinite rewards credit cards in Canada. Its welcome offer lets you earn up to 70,000 BMO Rewards points, for a total value of up to $1,150*.
It also includes a monthly statement credit for streaming services, an annual $50 lifestyle credit, and no annual fee for the first year (a $120 value)*.
With the BMO eclipse Visa Infinite* Card, you also get:
5x BMO Rewards points for every dollar spent on groceries, meal delivery or takeout, rideshare, public transit, and gas*
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Annual fee
Primary card$120
Additional card$50
Annual income required
Individual$60,000
Household$100,000
Conversion fees
2.5%
Earning rate
5xTransit
5xGas & EV
5xRestaurants
5xGroceries
1xAll spending
Value
1st Year Value$1,128
2nd Year Value$365
Travel insurance
Travel medical (under 55)Up to $5,000,000 / 21 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $5,000,000 / 21 days
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000
Purchase protection
Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Mobile DeviceUp to $1,000 / 1 years
Auto Rental CollisionUp to $65,000 / 48 days
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