6 Great Cycling and Adventure Biking Routes for Exploring Quebec
There is a unique sense of freedom in setting off on a multi-day bike trip. The freedom to slow down just enough to watch the scenery change as the miles go by. The freedom to pass through villages you would never have discovered otherwise. The freedom to travel light, with only the essentials, and let the road decide the rest.
Cycle touring and adventure cycling offer much more than just a physical journey. They are immersive experiences that allow you to discover a region in a different way, to savor local flavors, to meet passionate people, and to reconnect with the joy of traveling at your own pace. Every day brings its own share of discoveries: an impromptu gourmet stop, an unexpected view, a welcome swim after several hours of pedaling, or an evening spent recounting the day’s adventures over a well-deserved meal.
For some, cycling vacations take the form of a major, accessible route dotted with welcoming villages, cafés, and accommodations certified as “Bienvenue cyclistes!” (Cyclists Welcome!). For others, they’re more like an adventure in the great outdoors, where gravel roads, long distances, and self-reliance are an integral part of the experience.
From the legendary Tour du Lac Saint-Jean to the adventure cycling routes of the Eastern Townships, via the gourmet routes of the Mauricie and the hidden treasures of the Montérégie, Quebec is brimming with itineraries perfect for turning a few days off into a true cycling adventure.
Here are six routes to explore as you plan an active, refreshing, and memorable vacation this summer.
The Véloroute des Bleuets
Activity: Cycle touring
Duration: 4 stages
Distance: 257 km
A classic among classics, the Véloroute des Bleuets is a must-do for cycling tourists in Quebec… and far beyond. This iconic route around Lac Saint-Jean is one of the great cycling experiences to be had at least once, both for the quality of its infrastructure and for the richness of the landscapes and discoveries it offers.
As they ride, cyclists follow the majestic Lac Saint-Jean, pass through welcoming villages, and discover a region deeply connected to its land and culture. The route notably allows you to visit several major must-sees in the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region, including the Val-Jalbert Historical Village, the Saint-Félicien Wildlife Zoo, the Ilnu Museum in Mashteuiatsh – Kakanuelitamakanitshuap, and the spectacular Pointe-Taillon National Park, perfect for a nature break by the water.
Lovers of local flavors will also enjoy a stop at Délices du Lac-Saint-Jean – Économusée de la confiturière bleuet sauvage, a gourmet stop that reminds visitors just how integral blueberries are to the region’s identity.
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Step 1 – From Alma to Péribonka (65 km)
This first stage runs along several lakeside areas and allows you to ease into the rhythm of the trip. Along the way, cyclists can explore L’Odyssée des Bâtisseurs, the Louis-Hémon Museum, and the Théâtre d’Ama Terre—three stops that immerse visitors in the history and culture of Lac Saint-Jean.
Step 2 – From Péribonka to Normandin (64 km)
The landscape becomes wilder and more forested as this stage progresses, making it ideal for enjoying the tranquility of the great outdoors. Cyclists can stop at the Grandes-Rivières du Lac-Saint-Jean Regional Park before heading to admire the Chute à l’Ours waterfall in Normandin, a spectacular stop that is particularly popular in the summer.
Step 3 – From Normandin to Chambord (73 km)
This section of the route passes through several farming and village areas where regional flavors play a prominent role. A stop at Bouchard Artisan Bio offers a chance to discover local products, while the Musée de la Vieille Fromagerie Perron tells part of the region’s food history.
Step 4 – From Chambord to Alma (55 km)
The final leg of the route offers a wonderful mix of riverside scenery and cultural stops. Cyclists can visit the Microbrasserie du Lac-Saint-Jean, the Centre d’histoire et d’archéologie de la Métabetchouane, Octopus Park, or the Rio Tinto Industrial Tours at the Alma Plant, which offer a unique perspective on the region’s industrial history.
Batiscan Valley, Mékinac, and Les Chenaux Loop
Activity: Cycling
Duration: 3 stages
Distance: 176 km
This route lets you discover a lesser-known side of the Mauricie region, featuring mountainous backcountry, rural roads, historic villages, and panoramic views of the St. Lawrence River. The Batiscan Valley, Mékinac, and Chenaux Loop offers a journey through ever-changing landscapes, ranging from forested valleys to the riverside areas along the famous Chemin du Roy.
The route also highlights several regional must-sees, including the Blueberry and Strawberry Kingdom, perfect for a summer gourmet break, the welcoming Le Presbytère Microbrewery, and the Old Presbytery of Batiscan, which bears witness to the region’s rich heritage.
Along the way, cyclists also discover the Shawinigan River, the winding roads of the Mauritian hinterland, and the magnificent agricultural landscapes that line the river.
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Step 1 - From Saint-Adelphe to Trois-Rivières (78 km)
The first day offers a gradual introduction to the Mauritian landscape, alternating between villages and country roads. The gentle terrain and rural atmosphere make for an excellent warm-up before the more mountainous sections of the route.
Step 2 – From Trois-Rivières to Melville Island (33 km)
This stage connects the urban heritage of Trois-Rivières with the natural landscapes of Shawinigan. As they follow the valley roads, cyclists discover a region shaped by water and the industrial history of the Mauricie region.
Step 3 – From Melville Island to Saint-Adelphe (65 km)
The landscape becomes more forested and mountainous during this final stage, which takes you deep into the Mauritian hinterland. The more secluded roads and rugged terrain lend an adventurous feel to the route while offering spectacular views.
Véloroute Gourmande
Activity: Cycling Tourism
Duration: 4 stages
Distance: 241 km
Easily accessible from Montreal via train, the REM, and the metropolitan bike network, the Véloroute Gourmande is one of the most inviting itineraries for planning a cycling vacation without even needing a car. Just a few pedal strokes after leaving the city, the urban landscapes give way to country roads, vineyards, orchards, and the mountains of the Eastern Townships.
The route also gained international recognition when it was named to the New York Times’ prestigious “52 Places to Go” list in 2023. The American daily highlighted the variety and quality of its vineyards, cheese shops, and gourmet villages that line the route.
From the Montérégie region to the heart of the Eastern Townships, the route passes through a succession of vineyards, orchards, charming villages, and mountainous landscapes. Along the way, cyclists can discover several regional highlights, including Fort Chambly National Historic Site, the magnificent Chambly Canal Trail, Yamaska National Park, Magog and Lake Memphremagog, as well as picturesque North Hatley.
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Step 1 – From Montreal to Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu (53 km)
This first stage mainly follows bike paths and accessible roads, allowing you to gradually leave the urban environment behind and head into the riverside landscapes of the Montérégie region.
Step 2 – From Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu to Granby (47 km)
Culinary discoveries play a major role during this stage. Culinary discoveries play a major role during this stage. Cyclists can take a break at Café de la Brûlerie, known for its warm atmosphere and on-site roasted coffee, before sampling the craft beers at Farnham Ale & Lager Pub, a true local brewing institution. Further along, the Lagabière tasting room is the perfect stop to sample local flavors in a friendly atmosphere.
Step 3 – From Granby to Orford (62 km)
The landscape becomes more mountainous, and the number of culinary stops increases as you enter the Eastern Townships. Among the must-visit stops, the Restaurant du Spa Eastman offers acclaimed cuisine that highlights local products and wellness, while Comme chez soi – Restaurant Auberge provides a warm, welcoming atmosphere typical of the Eastern Townships. Craft beer enthusiasts will enjoy a stop at Robin – Bière naturelle, while Autour de la pomme – Cidrerie et distillerie offers an immersion in the flavours of the Eastern Townships through its craft ciders and spirits.
Step 4 – From Orford to Sherbrooke (79 km)
The final leg of the route offers cyclists the chance to fully enjoy the landscapes of the Eastern Townships while indulging in a variety of culinary delights. Cyclists can stop by Bistro Kóz, renowned for its comfort food and friendly atmosphere, and then make a stop at Le Cep d’Argent Vineyard, known for its sparkling wines made using the traditional method. The Cherry River Distillery and Siboire Dépôt add a gourmet and craft beer touch to the day, while the renowned Spa Manoir Hovey – Relais & Châteaux offers a luxurious stopover on the shores of Lake Memphremagog.
The Great Prohibition Loop
Activity: Cycling Tour
Duration: 4 stages
Distance: 209 km
Less well-known than other major Quebec routes, the Great Prohibition Loop is a true hidden gem of Western Montérégie. Easily accessible from Montreal and the REM, this route allows you to discover a region rich in vineyards, peaceful farm roads, and gourmet stops.
The route passes through several rural areas where fields, orchards, and vineyards create a particularly pleasant setting for cycling. Its quieter, less-traveled atmosphere makes it an excellent choice for cyclists looking to venture off the beaten path while enjoying an accessible trip.
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Step 1 – From Brossard to Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu
This first leg of the journey allows you to quickly leave the urban environment behind and head out onto the quieter roads of the Montérégie region. A stop at Délires et Délices adds a delightful culinary touch to the start of the trip.
Step 2 – From Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu to Lacolle
The route passes through several agricultural and wine-growing areas where there are plenty of places to stop for a bite to eat. Cyclists can explore the Le Mas des Patriotes vineyard as well as Terre à boire.
Step 3 - From Lacolle to Saint-Chrysostome
This stage highlights the region’s vineyards in particular. Those interested in exploring local attractions can visit Le Chat Botté Vineyard, Domaine des Salamandres, Hemmingford Vineyard, and Les Bacchantes Vineyard.
Step 4 - From Saint-Chrysostome to Brossard
The return trip to Brossard takes you through the region’s farmland, with a final must-see stop at Domaine Labranche – Vignoble, the perfect way to wrap up the adventure.
La Gravelée des Rives
Activity: Adventure cycling / bikepacking
Duration: 3 stages
Distance: 236 km
A new route designed for adventure cycling enthusiasts, La Gravelée des Rives immerses cyclists in an adventure cycling experience where gravel, nature, and self-reliance take center stage. Designed for experienced cyclists, this route combines long distances, forest roads, refreshing swims, and more secluded sections in the heart of the Eastern Townships.
The route also allows you to discover several regional highlights such as Auberge Le Sunshine, Fromagerie La Station – Économusée de la fromagerie fermière, Le Siboire – Boutique Microbrewery, the fascinating Capelton Mine, and the spectacular Coaticook Gorge Park.
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Step 1 – From Sherbrooke to Coaticook (63 km)
This first stage quickly sets the tone with its gravel roads and forested landscapes. Cyclists can stop at Fromagerie La Station, explore the Capelton Mine, and then enjoy the trails and swimming spots at Coaticook Gorge Park.
Step 2 – From Coaticook to Georgeville (77 km)
This section of the route passes through more secluded and wild areas where nature reigns supreme. A night at Auberge Le Sunshine is the perfect stopover before hitting the road again. Cyclists can also take advantage of the services offered by the Georgeville General Store.
Step 3 - From Georgeville to Sherbrooke (99 km)
The drive back to Sherbrooke combines winding roads, farmland, and gourmet stops. Among the must-sees: Mifigue, La Pinte, and Le Siboire – a boutique microbrewery, perfect for celebrating the end of the adventure.
The Cantons Beer Trail
Type: Adventure cycling / bikepacking
Duration: 7 days minimum
Distance: 624 km
The Eastern Townships Beer Loop—developed by the Eastern Townships Adventure Cycling Collective—is a true adventure designed for cyclists seeking long distances, elevation gain, and self-sufficiency. Here, there are no set stages: everyone builds their own journey according to their own pace, preferences, and level of experience.
The route traverses some of the most beautiful landscapes in the Eastern Townships, connecting backroads, more secluded areas, and renowned brewing villages. This challenging route immerses cyclists in an experience where physical exertion is an integral part of the joy of travel.
To plan their adventure, cyclists can use the route-splitting tool and the accommodation tab to tailor the route to their needs.
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The theme of beer is ever-present along the route, turning every day into a true exploration of the flavors of the Eastern Townships. In Sherbrooke, Siboire Dépôt is an iconic stop with its lively atmosphere and beers brewed on-site in a converted former railway depot.
Further along the route, the Pub Microbrasserie Le Lion d’Or offers a warm atmosphere perfect for unwinding after a long day in the saddle, while the Microbrasserie Hop Station charms with its friendly vibe and selection of craft beers.
Lovers of local flavors will particularly enjoy La Grange Pardue Farm Brewery, where you can discover beers directly linked to local agricultural production. The same spirit of connection to the local terroir is found at La Confrérie – Artisan Brewers, known for its original brewing creations.
The route also leads to L’Ardoise – Coopérative brassicole, a welcoming spot popular with passing cyclists, and then to Racine Microbrasserie, known for its creative beers and relaxed atmosphere.
In more rural areas, La Ferme – Brasserie rurale offers an experience deeply rooted in the agricultural landscapes of the Townships, while Robin – Bière naturelle attracts lovers of natural beers and artisanal products.
The discoveries continue with Microbrasserie Le Brouemont, Les Brasseurs de West Shefford, and Le Sage Brasseur, three perfect stops to explore different expressions of the Estrie brewing scene.
In Dunham, the renowned Brasserie Dunham has practically become a legendary stop for craft beer lovers in Quebec. Not far from there, Beat & Betterave combines local cuisine, coffee, and a laid-back atmosphere in a setting perfect for cyclists.
The trip can also include an overnight stay or a gourmet break at Auberge Sutton Brouërie, a must-visit for its location in the heart of the mountains, before ending at La Knowlton Co., beloved for its friendly atmosphere and local products.
Between mountains, secluded roads, long days in the saddle, and brewery discoveries, this loop embodies the very essence of adventure cycling in the Eastern Townships.