Construction Break: 5 Itineraries to Enjoy as a Family, at Your Own Pace
In Quebec, the construction break is kind of the heart of summer. It’s that long-awaited moment when the laid-back rhythm of the warm season finally sets in. Whether it’s a family BBQ, a trip to the cottage, or camping with friends, we find it easier to take each day as it comes. Our existential questions give way to a much lighter—but just as important—one: What are we going to do today? Cycling is a simple—and above all, inclusive—answer to that question: no matter your age, whether you’ve been riding your whole life or just pull your bike out of the garage once a summer, there’s always a way to enjoy it, at your own pace and according to your abilities.
And biking pairs wonderfully with the rest of your vacation plans. A bike path along the beach, an eco-museum to visit along the way, a dairy shop for a break, a small local museum to explore: every ride can become a little adventure. There’s no need to complete an entire route either: the five routes suggested here lend themselves very well to exploration in segments—as short loops or round trips of a few kilometers starting from your vacation spot. Ride as far as the group feels comfortable, stop, enjoy the scenery, and head back.
Going on a Ride with the Kids
To plan this kind of outing with the kids effectively, our guide *Cycling with the Family*, designed for families of all ages, brings together basic tips on choosing equipment, setting a comfortable pace, and keeping fun at the heart of the experience.
Here’s another handy tip for planning your trip: on “Vélo Québec,” the map view for each route lets you enable helpful information layers. In the “Services” tab, be sure to check the “Children’s Playgrounds” box to find fun stops along the way. In the Attractions tab, select the categories for cultural attractions, culinary experiences, recreation, activities, and beaches to discover everything there is to see and do along your route.
5 Perfect Routes to Enjoy the Construction Break
1. Ring Road — L'Isle-aux-Coudres, Charlevoix
Hopping right on the free 15-minute ferry—by bike or car—that connects Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive to L’Isle-aux-Coudres puts you in a vacation mindset even before you start pedaling. Once on the island, the Route de ceinture offers 23 km of paved road, with three small hills that provide just enough of a challenge without discouraging anyone. It’s a route designed with families in mind: you can easily ride just a section of it, stop wherever you like, and then take the ferry back the other way.
The tour around the island is dotted with stops that will appeal to all ages. At Boulangerie Bouchard, you’ll find granola and oatmeal made from organic grains grown on-site. At Moulins de l’Isle-aux-Coudres, a site unique in Canada, a watermill (1825) and a windmill (1836) stand side by side and are open to visitors: there you’ll see wheat being ground on a stone millstone, just as it was two centuries ago. Le 1603, for its part, invites you to take a sensory break with body care products made from the island’s plants and flowers. And to round off the trip in style, the Parc de la Pointe du Bout-d’en-Bas offers a breathtaking view of the St. Lawrence River and the Charlevoix mountains—the perfect spot for a well-deserved picnic.
Want to venture off the beaten path? Charlevoix also offers some beautiful gravel bike trails, notably the multi-use trail in Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie National Park. And if you’re the type who wants to extend the summer cycling season with fellow adults, mark your calendar for the Vélox Festival, taking place in La Malbaie from August 28 to 30: a fun-filled weekend centered around gravel and road rides, all in a festive atmosphere.
Map of the Beltway
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2. Véloroute des Draveurs — Gatineau Valley, Outaouais
Built along the route of a former railroad track, the Véloroute des Draveurs winds through the Gatineau Valley between Low and Messines for over 72 km, passing by sparkling lakes, deep forests, and welcoming villages. Although it’s a relatively long route, it lends itself perfectly to exploring in segments. You can opt for the 37-km gravel section from Low, or the 35-km paved stretch between Gracefield and Messines. There’s nothing stopping you from choosing a central starting point and riding just a few kilometers in one direction, then back the other way.
Along the way, several stops are worth the detour. In the heart of the village of Majopial, on the shores of 31 Milles Lake in Bouchette, lies L’Huile d’Olive, a small restaurant offering seasonal menus featuring local Val-Gatinois produce. In Maniwaki, the Le Rabaska pub and restaurant serves hearty breakfasts and gourmet dinners in a relaxed atmosphere. And for a well-deserved swim, Blue Sea Lake, with its clear waters, is a must-visit spot to cool off before hitting the road again.
Map of the Véloroute des Draveurs
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3. From Parks to Rivers — Shawinigan, Mauricie
In Shawinigan, the “From Parks to Rivers” trail spans 28 km through shaded natural areas, historic neighborhoods, and residential districts, offering stunning views of nature and the water. The highlight of the experience: crossing the Saint-Maurice River aboard the free ferry—a moment that both kids and adults love. Once on the other side, head to Plage-Idéale Park in the Lac-à-la-Tortue area before returning to the starting point via different routes. As with the other trails, you can easily hike just a section and make a round trip to a point of interest without completing the entire loop.
There’s no shortage of opportunities for a tasty break. At Ô Quai des Brasseurs Grand-Mère, you can enjoy a house-brewed craft beer with a breathtaking view of the river. La Crémerie de Flore is a must-visit for ice cream and gelato, in an atmosphere particularly popular with families. Café La Caserne, housed in a former barracks, offers wood-fired bagels and specialty coffees. The route also passes through the village center of Sainte-Flore, the historic birthplace of Shawinigan with its historic homes, as well as two beautiful green spaces perfect for picnicking: Parc de la Rivière-Grand-Mère, a hidden gem bordered by a 2.5-km paved trail, and Parc des Papetiers, with its view of the Grand-Mère iron bridge.
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4. L'Isle-aux-Grues by Bike — Chaudière-Appalaches
For a short, accessible, and refreshing getaway, it’s hard to beat cycling around L’Isle-aux-Grues: a very easy 13-kilometer loop on an island that’s home to hundreds of thousands of birds, accessible from Montmagny via a free ferry. It’s the perfect route for a first big family outing or for a day when you just want to enjoy the scenery.
Along the way, you can plan a stop to explore the Fromagerie de l’Île-aux-Grues, founded over 40 years ago, which delights the taste buds with its soft, ash-coated, or washed-rind cheeses. Pointe aux Pins—Jean-Paul-Riopelle Nature Reserve showcases the island’s natural and scenic attractions under the theme “where nature meets culture” (note: bicycles are not allowed here, so you’ll have to explore on foot). And the Promontoire du Marais provides access to the largest raised bog in northeastern North America, home to more than 200 species of birds: a chance to observe nature in its purest form, a particularly memorable experience for children.
Map of the L'Isle-aux-Grues Trail
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5. From One Shore to the Other of Lake Témiscouata — Bas-Saint-Laurent
This route is a little different from the others:“From One Shore to the Other of Lake Témiscouata” is a loop that’s perfect for getting started with gravel biking or adventure cycling. The sense of adventure is all the more complete because the route includes two boat crossings. From the Cabano neighborhood, a first pontoon crossing leads to Lac-Témiscouata National Park, where you’ll ride to the Anse-à-William Discovery Center, then along the Grey-Owl Trail to Saint-Juste-du-Lac. A second ferry ride then takes you back to the Notre-Dame-du-Lac neighborhood, before looping back to the starting point.
This alternating bike-and-boat journey, covering a total loop of 34 km, literally turns the outing into a little adventure that kids absolutely love. The ferry rides add rhythm and a touch of excitement to the trip. Since both crossings require a reservation or a specific schedule to follow, it’s also a great opportunity to involve the kids in planning the outing. Along the way, take the time to stop at Lac-Témiscouata National Park, which borders one of the largest lakes south of the St. Lawrence River and allows you to immerse yourself in a region that has been inhabited for 10,000 years: a perfect destination for families seeking relaxation as well as for outdoor enthusiasts.
Map of the "From One Shore to the Other of Lake Témiscouata" Trail
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So here are 5 destinations, 5 different atmospheres, but all sharing the same philosophy: making the most of summer. Whether with family or friends, biking is the perfect way to explore a new part of the country at your own pace. Whether you ride the entire route or just certain sections, whether you prefer ice cream breaks and swimming or cultural detours, the most important thing is to let yourself be carried away by the joy of riding together.
Enjoy your adventure!