Discoveries

Quebec on two wheels

The Route verte ("green route"), now a tradition among the world’s major cycling itineraries, presently extends for over 4,000 km through 16 regions of Quebec. And needless to say, avid cyclists love it. "Bicycle tourism is a new ’trip’ for vacationers -- Quebecers and visitors alike," says Jean-François Pronovost, general manager of Vélo-Québec.

Discovering the province’s landscapes

The Route verte was given its name because the path was developed in efficient fashion to respect the environment and take cyclists through some of the province’s most beautiful landscapes. Along the way you’ll discover the Plus beaux villages (prettiest villages) and Grands jardins du Québec (major gardens). The southern part of the province is pretty well served, especially the Montérégie region. This is where the longest portion of the Route verte runs - 1,000 kilometres of paths through fertile fields punctuated by green mountains. (The Riveraine, Canal de Chambly path, the Montérégiades, the Campagnarde).

Urban appeal

Cycling enthusiasts do not confine their activities to rural Quebec. Boasting more than 350 kilometres of bike paths, Montreal is a wonderful destination for regular cyclists and tourists on two wheels. In fact, it’s been called "the best city on the continent for cycling" by Bicyling magazine. Quebec City and Gatineau are also well equipped with cycling networks. Both are healthy ways to explore the attractions of the our two capitals!

Routes rich in images and flavours

During your travels, you will pedal along routes through innumerable scenic panoramas. The paths’ names reflect the particular heritage of each region. Ride through history with the P’tit Train du Nord, the Corridor des Cheminots or the Estriade. Appreciate the inland on Road 132 in the Gaspé region -- one of the oldest travel routes in North America -- or the Véloroute des bleuets into blueberry country, which runs along Lac Saint-Jean. And before the sun sets, admire the astonishing landscapes of Petit Témis, Grandes Fourches or the Bois-Francs linear park. "Year after year, with each cycling vacation they take, people make new plans to explore new places by bike", says Jean-François Pronovost. "That is the very essence of the Route verte!"

In 2008, Vélo Québec Association is continuing to extend its “Bienvenue cyclistes!” certification program to all tourist establishments located near the Route verte or other cycling routes in Québec. Two types of establishments are eligible to receive this certification: bed-and-breakfasts or hotels as well as campsites. The certified establishments meet a specific set of criteria to offer you a range of services designed to meet your needs.

Guillaume Rivard
2009-05-18