Simon Laroche
Lanaudière
A region of nature, culture, and local flavor
Close to Montreal, Lanaudière stands out for its three strong pillars: nature, culture, and local flavor. Here, mountains, lakes, rivers, and agricultural landscapes form a vast playground, dotted with welcoming villages, local know-how, and a well-established identity. No matter the season, the region invites you to slow down, explore, and savor.
Lanaudière, a cycling destination for all styles
Cycling is one of the best ways to discover Lanaudière. The region offers a wide variety of routes, accessible to families and casual cyclists as well as those who enjoy athletic challenges.
In the south, the bike paths and quiet roads are ideal for leisurely rides, gourmet breaks, and enjoying the scenery. Further north, the hilly circuits, country roads, and mountainous areas appeal to road, gravel, and mountain cyclists looking for nature and elevation changes.
Whether for a day trip, a weekend getaway, or a cycling vacation, Lanaudière lets you combine the pleasure of riding with local discoveries and wide-open spaces, at your own pace.
Simon Laroche
Simon Laroche
Road cycling: challenges and scenery
Lanaudière is a popular destination for road cyclists thanks to the diversity of its routes and the beauty of its landscapes. Country roads, marked trails, and hilly areas offer ideal terrain for long rides, working on elevation changes, and varying your pace.
From the St. Lawrence River to the mountains in the north of the region, each outing offers inspiring views, welcoming villages, and quiet back roads, perfect for cyclists seeking challenges and freedom.
Simon Laroche
Bike paths for peaceful riding
Lanaudière's bike paths are ideal for family outings, recreational rides, and cyclists who want to ride at a more leisurely pace. Well-maintained and safe, they pass through parks, run alongside rivers, and connect several municipalities in the southern part of the region.
These routes allow you to take your time, stop for breaks, enjoy the scenery, and combine cycling with local discoveries, whether for a half-day or a weekend getaway.
Simon Laroche
Mountain biking, in the heart of the great outdoors
With its forests and mountains, Lanaudière appeals to mountain bikers looking for trails in the heart of nature. The region offers a variety of trails suitable for both beginners and more experienced cyclists, with cross-country routes, more technical sections, and exhilarating descents.
Whether you're just getting started or looking to push your limits, mountain biking in Lanaudière offers an immersive experience that puts you in direct contact with the land.
Cycling in Lanaudière
Frequently asked questions
1. What types of bike routes are available in Lanaudière?
Lanaudière offers a wide variety of routes: bike paths, road bike circuits, gravel trails, mountain bike trails, and fatbike networks in winter.
You can ride in urban and agricultural areas as well as in more mountainous and forested environments, allowing you to vary your experiences according to your desires and skill level.
2. Is the region suitable for all levels of cyclists?
Yes. Lanaudière is known for its variety of difficulty levels.
Families and beginners will enjoy the safe bike paths, while more experienced cyclists will find longer, hilly routes with elevation changes and challenging terrain.
3. When is the best time to go cycling in Lanaudière?
The main season runs from May to October, depending on weather conditions.
Summer is ideal for long rides and cycle touring, while fall is particularly popular for its colorful landscapes and cooler temperatures. In winter, some networks also allow fat biking.
4. Where are the main bike paths located?
The main cycling networks are mainly concentrated in the south of the region, particularly around Terrebonne, Mascouche, Joliette, L’Assomption, and Repentigny.
These trails are well developed, often separated from motor traffic, and dotted with rest stops, parks, and access to various attractions.
5. Are the trails well marked in Lanaudière?
The major bike paths, the Green Route, and the region's official circuits are clearly and continuously marked.
For road circuits that use country roads, the markings may be more discreet; in this case, the use of a GPS or bike navigation app is recommended.
6. What is the role of the Green Route in Lanaudière?
The Green Route crosses Lanaudière for several dozen kilometers, particularly along the St. Lawrence River.
It connects the region to Montreal, Mauricie, and Montérégie, making it an important route for cycle tourism and multi-day cycling trips.
7. Can we plan a multi-day cycling tour in Lanaudière?
Yes. Lanaudière is ideal for cycle touring thanks to the combination of the Route Verte, regional circuits, and connections to other networks in Quebec.
It is possible to plan itineraries lasting two days or more, alternating between bike paths, secondary roads, and stops in villages.
8. Are there accommodations and services tailored to cyclists?
Several accommodations in the region are certified "Welcome Cyclists!", a recognition that guarantees services designed for cyclists.
These include secure bike storage, basic tools, route information, and sometimes even repair or rental services nearby.
9. Can you combine cycling with gourmet discoveries?
Yes, and that's one of Lanaudière's great assets.
Several routes pass through agricultural landscapes, run alongside the river, or take you past local producers, farmers' markets, microbreweries, and cultural attractions, turning every outing into a true gourmet and scenic experience.
10. Where can I find maps and itineraries to plan my trip?
Official maps, itineraries, and GPS tracks are available on the Tourisme Lanaudière website.
It provides practical information such as distances, difficulty levels, points of interest, and nearby services, making it easier to plan before hitting the road.
Simon Laroche
Simon Laroche
Simon Laroche
Simon Laroche
Simon Laroche
Simon Laroche
