I Went to the 2025 Gatineau/Ottawa Bicycle Show

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Disclaimer: The author is not affiliated with any of the bicycle brands mentioned in this article, nor does he endorse them.

Read more: The 2025 Montreal Bicycle Show

What was the Gatineau/Ottawa Bicycle Show like?

While smaller than the Montreal show, there were nonetheless a lot of bicycle manufacturers, cycling organizations, cycling event organizers, and tour companies. I am partial to Giant as I own one of their bicycles; while they did not have representatives present, there was a floor model on display.

Giant Defy Advanced E+ Elite 1

I also own a Brompton foldable bicycle, however Brompton was not present. I did spot an Orbea floor model (well, not quite a “floor” model as depicted in the picture below); this brand is familiar to those of you who follow the Global Cycling Network YouTube channel.

Orbea Terra M31e

There was also the cargo bicycle known as a bakfiets (BAHK-feets), which, depending on the user, can be a potential car replacement.

The Urban Arrow cargo bicycle with passenger

There were speakers and presentations, ranging from how to choose an e-bike, to how to dress for cycling, and how to go on a week-long cycling trip while camping under the stars.

Note that presentations are in French

I enjoy perusing cycling apparel, and was pleased to see a major apparel manufacturer (anyone who knows me knows that I have a habit of accumulating a lot of branded sports-related shirts). Unfortunately, the bicycle brands themselves were not selling any apparel.

Santini

Several cycling clubs were present, as were tour companies offering cycling tours in Canada and abroad. Having been on a cycling tour once before, I may one day try out one of the tour companies that I talked to at the show. Interested riders could also take certain bicycles for a test ride on an indoor track.

As with the Montreal Bicycle Show, the Gatineau/Ottawa Bicycle Show is in French, though there are some kiosks manned by Anglophones, such as the Ottawa-based cycling clubs. All kiosk staff generally speak English.

So should you attend next time?

If you happen to be in the Ottawa or Gatineau area and are into cycling, then definitely yes. The show is a great way to see the latest bicycle models, learn about cycling events in the area (both in Ottawa and in Gatineau), and connect with members of the community. While smaller than the Montreal Bicycle Show, it is still a fun experience, and if nothing else maybe you will come away with a cool shirt.