Bicycling--Cycling is hugely popular in Montréal, and the city enjoys an expanding network of 349km (217 miles) of cycling paths. Heavily used routes include the nearly flat 11km (7-mile) piste cyclable (bicycle path) along the Lachine Canal that leads to Lac St-Louis, the 16km (10-mile) path west from the St-Lambert Lock to the city of Côte Ste-Catherine, and the 6.4km (4-mile) path at Angrignon Park, which has many inviting picnic areas (to get to Angrignon Park take the Métro, which accepts bikes in the last two doors of the last car, to Angrignon station). Bikes can be rented at Caroule/Montréal on Wheels, 27 rue de la Commune est (tel. 514/866-0633), bordering the Vieux-Port, for C$8 to C$9 (US$5.70-US$6.45) an hour or C$25 to C$30 (US$18-US$21) a day. CaRoule also rents in-line skates . Velo Montréal, 3880 rue Rachel est and 55 rue de la Commune ouest (tel. 514/236-8356; www.velomontreal.com) is another principal bike rental source. Bikes, along with the popular four-wheel "Q Cycles," may also be rented at the Place Jacques-Cartier entrance to the Vieux-Port. The Q Cycles, for use in the Vieux-Port only, cost C$4.35 (US$3.10) per half-hour for adults and C$3.65 (US$2.60) per half-hour for children.

Cyclists who want to take in a more distant area can arrange for a taxi to take them and up to three bicycles to their desired biking destination, at a fee of C$3 (US$2.15) per bicycle, in addition to the fare. For details, call tel. 514/521-8356 or log on to www.velo.qc.ca. A useful booklet, Pédaler Montréal, is available at the Infotourist office on Square Dominion. For additional information, log on to www.velo.qc.ca.

Cross-Country Skiing--Parc Mont-Royal has a 2.1km (1 1/2-mile) cross-country course called the parcours de la croix. The Botanical Garden has an ecology trail used by cross-country skiers during the winter. The problem with both is that skiers have to supply their own equipment. Just an hour from the city, in the Laurentides, are almost 20 ski centers, all offering cross-country as well as downhill skiing.

Hiking--The most popular -- and obvious -- hike is up to the top of Mont-Royal. Start downtown on rue Peel, which leads north to a stairway, which in turn leads to an 800m (1/2-mile) path of switchbacks called Le Serpent. Or opt for the 200 steps that lead up to the terrace lookout of the Chalet du Mont Royal, with the reward of a panoramic view of the city. Figure about 2km (1 1/4 miles) one-way.

Ice-Skating--One of the most agreeable venues for ice-skating is the Atrium Le 1000 de la Gauchetière in the downtown skyscraper at that address. For one thing, it's indoors and warm. For another, it's surrounded by cafes and places to relax after twirling around the big rink. It's open all year Sunday and Tuesday through Friday from 11:30am to 6pm, Saturday from 10am to 11am for children and their families, from 11:30am to 7pm for all, from 7pm to 10pm for "DJ Nights." Skates are available for rent for C$4.50 (US$3.20). Admission is C$5 (US$3.55) for adults 16 and up, C$3 (US$2.15) for seniors and children. Call tel. 514/395-0555 or log on to www.le1000.com for more information.

In-Line Skating--More than 230 pairs of in-line skates and all the requisite protective gear can be rented from Caroule/Montréal on Wheels (tel. 514/866-0633; www.caroulemontreal.com) at 27 rue de la Commune est, bordering the Vieux-Port. The cost is C$7.50 (US$5.35) weekdays or C$9 (US$6.45) weekends for the first hour, up to a maximum of C$20 (US$14) for a full day. Protective gear is included, and a deposit is required. Lessons on skates are available for C$25 (US$18) for 2 hours.

Jogging--There are many possibilities for running. One is to follow rue Peel north to the Le Serpent switchback path on Mont-Royal, continuing uphill on it for 800km (1/2-mile) until it peters out. Turn right and continue 2km (1 1/4 mile) to the monument of George-Etienne Cartier, one of Canada's fathers of confederation. From here, either take a bus back downtown or run back down the same route or along avenue du Parc and avenue des Pins (turn right when you get to it). It's also fun to jog along the Lachine Canal.