5 road bike routes to get back in the saddle
In the spring, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as getting your road bike ready for those first rides. Freedom at last! The most dedicated riders will have kept their calves in shape on a stationary bike, while the more adventurous have been riding fatbikes. But no matter how we spent our winter, those first rides will always have that special feeling—that hint of fresh air and sunshine.
While some like to kick off spring cleaning with a burst of energy, others prefer to start the season gently, in tune with nature as it slowly opens its eyes. And that’s perfect, because in Quebec, there are routes for every preference and every pace.
We’re offering a selection of 5 routes to discover this spring. Routes that are all different from one another: long, short, challenging, easy, routes along the river, through the hills, and along the edges of fields coming to life. In short, routes that will delight road cyclists of all ages. There’s sure to be one for you, but we bet you’ll want to try them all.
Vallons-de-la-Yamaska Loop
Nestled between Montreal and Trois-Rivières, the Vallons-de-la-Yamaska Circuit invites you to discover the rolling, agricultural landscapes of the Montérégie region. Made up of back roads winding through fields, maple groves, and small towns, you’ll be surprised at how quickly the miles fly by. Even though this route is relatively long (107 km), the minimal elevation gain will let you quickly get back into the rhythm of your summer days.
The route is also dotted with a few local attractions that would be a shame to miss. A stop at Ferme Gadbois lets you savor the flavors of the region, while Parc de la Seigneurie-de-Ramezay and Parc Les Salines, located at the finish, offer perfect spots for a picnic in the heart of nature.
The best part is that you’ll want to come back and cycle the route later this summer to discover the Daniel A. Séguin Garden, renowned for the beauty of its landscaping, and experience Chouette à voir!, a unique stop that will add a special touch to your outing.
The Églantiers Loop
With its maritime landscapes and peaceful atmosphere, the Églantiers Loop is a classic in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region. The Kamouraska’s landscapes are world-renowned, but exploring them by bike is an unparalleled experience.
The route winds through typical coastal villages, colorful houses, church steeples, viewpoints overlooking the St. Lawrence, and historic farmlands. A journey infused with the salty air of the river that reflects the region’s rural and maritime character.
The quiet roads and accessible terrain make this an excellent choice for gradually building up to longer distances early in the season. The villages are welcoming, and the route is dotted with scenic stops that will give you plenty of excuses to extend your well-deserved breaks.
Ecomaritime Park Loop
Perfect for a family outing, an introduction to road biking, or to get back in the saddle on your gleaming bike after a few seasons of neglect, the Écomaritime Park Circuit is a relatively peaceful 16-kilometer route.
You’ll discover some of the typical landscapes of Centre-du-Québec: vast farmlands, the Nicolet River, and of course, the St. Lawrence River.
One of the must-see stops along the route is undoubtedly the Anse-du-Port Ecomaritime Park, a unique place where boardwalks allow you to explore the wetlands and observe the area’s rich ecology.
From Terrebonne-Mascouche to the Laurentians via bike paths
Connecting the famous TransTerrebonne and La Seigneurie des Plaines trails, this route—mostly on bike paths—is perfect for getting back into the swing of things at a leisurely pace without worrying too much about traffic. You can devour the roughly 80 km of this route while enjoying the longer days.
As you ride, you’ll pass through a variety of landscapes: sometimes wooded, sometimes riverside, sometimes urban. The very chic Old Town of Terrebonne will welcome you at the start of the route, while the village of Sainte-Anne-des-Plaines makes for an excellent stop for refreshments halfway through.
Burning Thighs
Cyclists looking to make their season a challenge can prove their mettle by tackling the “Cuisses en feu” route in the Outaouais region. The terrain and the succession of climbs and descents offer an exciting challenge for a spring ride. Your quads will make their presence known from the very first few kilometers of this route, but if you want to up the ante, be sure to take a detour up Promenade Champlain to the spectacular viewpoint of the same name: Belvédère Champlain.
Halfway through, you’ll pass through the charming village of Wakefield, the perfect spot to refuel. You’ll also pass through the equally picturesque village of Chelsea, where you can celebrate your accomplishment at the Chelsea Pub!
No matter which route you choose, the first rides of spring always have something special about them. They mark the return of the routines we love, spontaneous discoveries, and miles that are good for both the mind and the legs. All that’s left to do is pump up your tires and set out to conquer the roads of Quebec.