Four Mountain Bike Rides for a Weekend in the Eastern Townships
In the Eastern Townships, the day doesn’t end at the bottom of the last descent. We meet up in the village, our minds still filled with forests, winding trails, leg-breaking climbs, well-executed sequences, and breathtaking views. A dairy, a microbrewery, a great restaurant, a room where your bike is welcome… and the urge to do it all over again first thing the next morning.
Bromont, Sutton, Coaticook, Mégantic: four playgrounds, four distinct characters, and the same recipe every time. A climb that warms up your legs, a descent that leaves a lasting impression on your mind and heart, an evening spent enjoying the region’s attractions, a night’s stay, and a good reason to hop back on your bike before hitting the road again.
Here are four suggestions for one- or two-night getaways to turn a day of riding into a memorable weekend. “Close to your passion. Far from the ordinary.”
1. Bromont: Ride Hard, Then Unwind
Just an hour from Montreal, Bromont, the mountain of experiences, is the perfect place to make the most of a day of mountain biking. Thanks to its chairlifts, you can minimize the time spent climbing so you can enjoy the descents even more. About thirty trails, spread across several slopes, cater to everyone from beginners trying downhill riding for the first time to the most experienced riders. Everyone can ride at their own pace… and still have energy left for the rest of the getaway!
The descent you won't want to miss: La Vingt
- Difficulty: very difficult
- Length: 2,046 m
- Terrain: narrow trail, rocky outcrops, and steep sections
- What sets it apart: an “old-school” classic, one of the mountain’s signature trails
- For whom: Advanced and expert riders, comfortable on rock and steep slopes
Trail 20 is one of Bromont’s signature trails: a true classic. Here, there are no machine-carved turns; the trail follows the natural contours of the mountain, with its rocky outcrops and steeper sections. You take it one section at a time, staying focused, surrounded by forest. Two kilometers that are a delight for lovers of natural trails.
To fully appreciate it, save it for the middle of the day, after a few gentler descents to warm up. Riding in a group where not everyone is at the same skill level? The easy and intermediate trails in the area let everyone have fun in their own way, before meeting up at the bottom of the mountain to share stories of their rides.
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After all that effort…
Once the final run is over, it’s time to unwind. The À l’Abordage brasserie in Bromont welcomes you for a friendly meal and a beer brewed in the Cantons. It’s the perfect spot to relive the day, one run at a time.
For the night, the Hôtel Château-Bromont is located right at the base of the mountain. Certified “Bienvenue cyclistes!” (Cyclists Welcome!), it offers secure bike storage, a drying station, and on-site bike rentals. Unwind in the pools and hot tubs before a happy hour on the La Panoramique terrace or dinner at Les Quatre Canards restaurant. And to extend your relaxation, the Domaine’s Amérispa is just a few steps away.
The Next Day: A Shorter Ride Before Hitting the Road
The next morning, you don’t have to go far to enjoy a change of scenery. The Mont Oak trail network in Parc des Sommets offers cross-country and enduro trails perfect for a few hours of cycling before heading home. Once the final descent is complete, it’s time to treat yourself with a stop at Crèmerie Oaké, at the foot of Mount Oak, where ice cream, gelato, and sorbets are made on-site using local ingredients. A well-deserved sweet treat!
The Next Day: A Shorter Ride Before Hitting the Road
The next morning, you don’t have to go far to enjoy a change of scenery. The Mont Oak trail network in Parc des Sommets offers cross-country and enduro trails that you can ride, perfect for a few hours out before heading home. Once the final descent is complete, it’s time to treat yourself with a stop at Crèmerie Oaké, at the foot of Mount Oak, where ice cream, gelato, and sorbets are made on-site with local ingredients. A well-deserved sweet treat!
Map options
On a protected, paved bike path
On a protected, unpaved bike path
On a paved road
On an unpaved road
Section under development
Temporary detour
Practical info: There’s an admission fee to enter Bromont, Mountain of Experiences; the lifts generally operate from mid-May to mid-October, and there’s also a fee for them. Bike rentals are available on-site, along with a pump track and free parking. For rentals or bike repairs in town: Pittstop Vélo-Café and Sports Experts – Le Carrefour Champêtre Bromont.
Learn more about mountain biking in the Eastern Townships
2. Sutton: From the Mountains to the Village
Head south on Route 139 or 215 to the foothills of the Appalachians. As you approach Sutton, the atmosphere changes: a village with a mix of Francophone, Anglo-Saxon, and Swiss influences, where you naturally slow down. Turn onto Maple Street, and the mountain begins.
On the mountainside, Plein air Sutton – Mont SUTTON offers nearly 47 km of trails through a century-old forest, with beautiful views of the Brome-Missisquoi Valley. Designed so that everyone can progress at their own pace, the network can be explored by bike or via the chairlift. Two trails perfectly illustrate its diversity.
First Run: Tie Your Hat Tight
- Difficulty: difficult, preceded by an expert section
- Length: 1,130 m
- Terrain: single track, technical and fast
- What sets it apart: rocky sections, a large, steep natural wall, and three rock slabs at the end
- For whom: Advanced cyclists who enjoy natural and technical trails
The starting point is located at an elevation of 680 meters, at the top station of Lift 2. The more athletic riders pedal up from the visitor center via the Lutins and Aweille trails. The descent begins with “Avec de la Broche,” a short section rated expert, before connecting to “Attache ta Tuque.”
Winding and fast, the trail seems to have been carved by hand. It winds through the trees and crosses the ski runs several times. Rocky sections, a large, steep natural wall, a ride overlooking Mohawk Island, and three wide rock slabs to finish: a route that will delight seasoned cyclists. It’s no coincidence, in fact, that the Marin Wildside competition made a stop here.
Second Run: French Kiss
- Level: Intermediate
- Length: 730 m
- Terrain: single track, flow-style
- What sets it apart: a series of banked turns beneath the canopy of a mature pine forest
- Who it’s for: Intermediate riders, and anyone who wants to end the day with a smile
A change of scenery. Accessible via one of the three trails in the Ligne d’eau area, French Kiss winds its way through the pine forest of Plein Air Sutton. A carpet of pine needles, ferns, and the scent of resin—it almost feels like you’re on the West Coast! Smooth and fun, the trail winds through a series of banked turns, and different route options allow everyone to tailor the challenge to their skill level. A perfect pairing for groups: the most experienced riders take “Attache ta tuque,” the others take “French Kiss,” and everyone meets back down at the bottom to share their experiences.
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The village is just a few pedal strokes away
Once the dust settles, ride your bike right into the heart of the village. The Sutton Brouërie offers everything you need for an evening out under one roof: a beer brewed on-site, a good meal, and a room upstairs. The inn, certified as a “Bienvenue cyclistes!” (Cyclists Welcome!) establishment, offers secure bike storage and a drying area, and its two-level rooms easily accommodate a group of friends.
Afterward, it’s lovely to stroll through the streets of Sutton, one of the charming villages in the Eastern Townships. The village is full of great little spots, whether you’re looking for a coffee or a full meal.
The next day: back up into the mountains
The network features several areas with distinct atmospheres, including a more remote Adventure area set in a natural setting. This gives you the chance to spend the morning on trails you didn’t have time to ride the day before. Non-riding companions will find plenty to enjoy at the Mont SUTTON zip lines or on the trails in the Sutton Natural Environment Park.
Practical info: There’s a fee to access the trails; trail and chairlift tickets are available at the ticket office. Bike school, guided tours, and rentals are available on-site. Check trail conditions on the interactive trail map. Tips and maps are available at the Sutton Tourist Information Office.
Learn more about mountain biking in the Eastern Townships
3. Coaticook: Find Your Next Playground
People come to Coaticook for its ice cream, its gorge, and its famous suspension bridge. Fewer people know that Coaticook Gorge Park also offers 23 km of mountain bike trails. Three loops, challenging climbs, rewarding descents, and panoramic views of the valley to top it all off: you’re in for a pleasant surprise.
The must-try dish: Filet mignon
- Level: Intermediate
- Length: 996 m
- Terrain: single track
- What sets it apart: a smooth descent that lets you wrap up your day by riding straight back to the reception area
- For whom: intermediate cyclists, and more experienced cyclists who like to let their bike glide along at its own pace
Filet mignon truly lives up to its name! After the effort of the climb, the trail winds gently through the forest, with one curve after another. You let yourself glide all the way down, a smile on your face. It’s the perfect way to finish a loop: the trail leads straight back to the park’s visitor center.
The trail network is well-suited for groups of varying skill levels. You can start with a first loop to get a feel for the terrain, return to the visitor center, and then set off on a second loop, finishing with Filet mignon.
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On a protected, paved bike path
On a protected, unpaved bike path
On a paved road
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The Flavors of the Valley
You can’t pass through Coaticook without stopping at the Coaticook Dairy. After a day on the trails, a generous ice cream cone at the dairy bar is something of a ritual. The small Milk Museum, located on-site, tells the story of this dairy region that has made the area famous.
In the evening, head to the Hop Station Microbrewery. There, you can sample regular beers, seasonal brews made with local fruits, and beers aged in oak barrels, all paired with a selection of food to round out the experience. Certified as a “Bienvenue cyclistes!” (Cyclists Welcome!) location, the microbrewery offers secure bike parking, a pump, and tools for minor repairs.
For the night, the Coaticook Gorge Park Campground lets you sleep literally at the foot of the trails. Camping sites, ready-to-camp options, or cabins: everyone can choose their preferred level of comfort. And depending on the season, Foresta Lumina—the park’s illuminated nighttime trail—offers a magical stroll to enjoy on foot once night falls.
The next day: the gorge, on foot this time
Come morning, we set off again for the loop we didn’t have time to bike the day before. Then we put away our bikes to cross the 169-meter-long suspension bridge on foot, high above the gorge and the Coaticook River. It’s a beautiful way to see the area we explored on the trails from a different perspective.
Practical info: Trails are open from mid-May to late October, with an admission fee. Bike rentals are available at the park, along with free parking and an electric charging station. Showers and laundry facilities are available at the campground—handy after a muddy day.
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4. Mégantic Region: Go a Little Further, Get So Much More
Here, the road is part of the journey. The closer you get to Mégantic, the farther apart the villages become, the more the forests stretch out, and the bigger the sky seems. It’s the perfect setting for a real mini bike road trip: arrive the day before, ride all day, enjoy the evening, and save Sunday for one last adventure before heading home.
The hub of this getaway, Mont Sainte-Cécile is one of the region’s newest playgrounds. Its mountain biking trails, geared toward enduro, let you explore the natural surroundings. Riding on a network that’s still relatively new has a special charm: there’s so much to discover, you don’t have any points of reference, and every trail holds its own share of surprises.
The run you won't want to miss: Darksky
- Difficulty: difficult
- Length: approximately 900 m
- Terrain: a simple trail punctuated by exposed granite outcrops
- What sets it apart: an uneven rhythm, dictated by the rock, that keeps riders on their toes from start to finish
- For whom: Advanced riders comfortable on rocky terrain
Darksky requires a bit of attention, and that’s part of its charm. The granite outcrops follow one after another, giving the trail a rhythm all its own: you slow down, pick up speed again, choose your path, and then enjoy the thrill of riding over the rock. Nine hundred meters where you stay focused from start to finish. Once you’ve mastered the descent, you’ll have only one desire: to do it all over again!
An Evening by the Lake
After a day out, we head to Lac-Mégantic. The La Gare'nison microbrewery and pub is the perfect spot for a burger, pizza, and a beer brewed on-site, in a friendly atmosphere where large groups are welcome.
The Microtel Lac-Mégantic, located right in the heart of downtown, offers rooms—most of which have a view of the lake—and breakfast is included. Certified “Bienvenue cyclistes!” (Cyclists Welcome!), it offers locked storage for bikes (or in-room storage) and a drying facility. Perfect for a two-night stay.
Before turning in for the night, a stroll around the Lac-Mégantic Marina is a great way to end the day by the water. It’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy the starry sky of Mont-Mégantic, designated an International Dark Sky Reserve.
The Next Day: Peaks, Stars, and Heritage
On Sunday, you have several options. Are your legs still up for more? Take a second trip to Mont Sainte-Cécile to ride the trails you skipped the day before. Want a change of scenery? Mont-Mégantic National Park invites you to hike up to the peaks. In town, the Lac-Mégantic Heritage Train Station features several exhibits on the town’s history and serves as the starting point for the microgrid interpretive trail.
Practical info: It’s about a three-hour drive from Montreal, which is why it’s a good idea to arrive the day before. Mountain bike rentals—including e-bikes—and a skills course are available at Mont Sainte-Cécile. Get tourist information and advice at the Heritage Train Station, which houses the region’s tourist information office.
Learn more about mountain biking in the Eastern Townships
Your next cycling weekend starts here
People come to the Eastern Townships for the trails. But it’s the thrills of the descents, the scenery, the villages, the great restaurants, and everything that happens between rides that make you want to spend the weekend here.
Bromont’s classic trails, Sutton’s century-old forest, the delightful surprise of Coaticook, or the change of scenery in Mégantic: choose your playground, book a room where your bike is welcome, and let the day unfold naturally.
Close to your passion. Far from the ordinary.