Motorcycle Miles: How should I handle Montreal while travelling east?

Spring is in the air, the idea of motorcycling is entering my head and I just finished studying routes from London to Halifax.

(I have a promise to fulfill in Halifax and this is the year to check it off my list).

Like the experienced traveller that I am (insert laugh track here), I’ve looked at different routes to Halifax, but each one has a big scary part that involves Montreal on my way to the hostel in Quebec City.


["I encountered more rocks than people on my way to Thunder Bay, 2007. But Montreal is different, and intimidating.": photo GAH, Hattie's Cove]

I just can’t ignore Montreal. So, what to do?

Should I blast right through the centre of the city on Highway 40, without even stopping for so much as a cup of coffee or the opportunity to make people laugh about my Grade 9 French language skills?

Should I add miles and hours to my trip east by venturing north at some point before reaching Montreal and connect with Highway 158, then travel more safely and slowly toward the 40/158 junction well east of the city?

Should I cross over to the south side of the St. Lawrence River, e.g., at Cour de Lac on Highway 201, and zigzag my way east, then north on one of the tamer highways, e.g., the 133 to Sorel?

Or, are there other tried and true ways to get through or around Montreal for someone not eager to practice rudimentary French skills at a wee cafe on a Montreal side street?

Just asking.

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More details about the trip later.

I’m busy saving up $1,300 dollars to add to what I already have stashed in the bank.

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