Québec: six destinations to discover by bike this summer
Most of the routes are easy. You’re sure to enjoy discovering them on your own, with family or friends.
The Laurentians: La Vagabonde
This asphalt route, with sections ranging from 8 to 20 kilometers, offers magnificent scenery. The La Vagabonde cycling network runs along the Rivière des Mille-Îles and Lac des Deux-Montagnes. You’ll pass through Saint-Eustache, Deux-Montagnes, Sainte-Marthe-sur-le-Lac, Oka and Saint-Placide.
Stop off at Oka National Park. To cool off, head for the beach at Oka!
Montreal: the Lachine Canal, Verdun and Lachine
The paved Lachine Canal trail is one of the oldest in the Montreal region. Relaxation areas and picnic tables are available along the canal.
Then take the Berges trail, which stretches over 20 kilometers from the borough of Verdun to the city of Dorval. It’s a beautiful walk along the St. Lawrence River.
You can also cool off at Verdun’s urban beach.
If you’d like to explore the 3,450 km of bike paths in and around Greater Montreal, check out Vélo Québec’s free bike path map.
Montérégie: l’Estriade
The Estriade network offers 97 km of paved trails, including Parc national de la Yamaska. Stops along the way include Bromont, Shefford and Waterloo.
A cycling and cultural experience not to be missed on your tour: discover the Atria, an open-air museum featuring some 60 monumental works of art.
Québec: the Coastal Corridor and Île d’Orléans
The Corridor du Littoral is a 48-km paved Route verte trail along the St. Lawrence River, from Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures to Montmorency Falls. Some sections are also suitable for walkers and skaters.
Once at Montmorency Falls, you may decide to take the bridge to Île d’Orléans. A 67 km road cycling circuit takes you through magnificent countryside scenery.
Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean: the Véloroute des Bleuets and Réserve faunique des Laurentides
The 256-km Véloroute des Bleuets passes through 15 municipalities. Discover the brewery products and enjoy the sandy beaches. It’s even possible to take an electric bike around the lake.
At your disposal: 35 bike stops with tables and 16 repair stations. The bike path has a paved shoulder.
Réserve faunique des Laurentides is located between the Québec and Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean regions. Here you can enjoy adventure biking on unpaved trails. Twelve tours are available, lasting from two to seven days.
- Until September 8, 2024
- And from October 17 to 31, 2024
Eastern Townships: Grand Tour du lac Mégantic and Vélo Mag challenge
The Grand Tour du lac Mégantic will take place on Saturday, August 17, 2024. Each year, this event offers a 33 km route for families, with a shuttle bus back to the starting point. Intermediate cyclists will have the opportunity to let off steam on a 53 km route.
For the Défi Vélo Mag in the Eastern Townships, see you on September 7, 2024 in Bromont. On the program: a choice of untimed routes on road or gravel bikes to explore this beautiful region.
Bike tours and sightseeing
If you prefer short bike rides with a guide, here’s our selection of activities:
In Montreal
Private tour of Montreal: stroll through Old Montreal for 2 hours
Bike tour of the Old Port and the Plateau: 3 or 4-hour bike ride through these two districts
Bicycle tour of downtown and Old Montreal: 3-hour ride through parks, narrow streets and historic monuments.
In Quebec City
Electric bike rental on Île d’Orléans: enjoy 4 hours of magnificent scenery and local produce.
Visit Quebec City on an electric bike: discover many picturesque and historic places during this 3-hour ride.
Bike tour of Montmorency Falls: from Quebec City, this 4-hour excursion is a must.
Equipment
Travelling by bike requires careful preparation, including choosing your route and checking or purchasing your equipment.
Depending on your route, you’ll have to choose between a hybrid bike (gravel and asphalt trails) or a road bike (asphalt). A helmet is a must, of course, and a handlebar bag is very useful.
Here are some equipment suggestions:
- Disc road bikes
- Women’s road bike
- Hybrid bike with disc brakes
- Road bike helmet
- 3.5L bicycle handlebar bag
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Route verte?
La Route verte est un itinéraire cyclable de 5300 km, qui traverse les régions du Québec. C’est le plus grand itinéraire cyclable en Amérique du Nord.
Where to ride an electric bike in Quebec?
The Véloroute des Bleuets is a three- to five-day route around Lac Saint-Jean. You can recharge your bike at the velovoûtes, closed parking lots equipped with charging stations.
What routes does Vélo Québec Voyages offer?
Star destinations include Le Grand Tour 2024 in early August and the turnkey Le P’tit Train du Nord package on selected dates in August and September.
When will Le Grand tour 2024 take place?
This year, Le Grand Tour, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary in the Outaouais region, takes place from August 3 to 8. The event kicks off in Plantagenet, Ontario.
Where can I find a cycling map?
The Route verte website offers a complete interactive map for cyclists.
When is the Tour cycliste de Québec?
The Grand Prix Cycliste de Québec will take place on September 14, 2024 in the heart of Old Quebec.
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