Bicycle tourism: 3 regions of Québec to explore by bike
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Do you enjoy going on bike trips? Are you passionate about it? From short trips to stretch your legs to long excursions, there are plenty of places to ride your bike in these three neighbouring regions that have a lot to offer: the Eastern Townships, Centre-du-Québec and Chaudière-Appalaches. Get on your bike and take a leisurely ride—every kilometre without greenhouse gas emissions counts!
Eastern Townships
Hébergement aux Cinq Sens, Piopolis
You’ll definitely want to find a place to set up a base camp. If so, note that in the charming village of Piopolis, standing on the ancestral lands of the Abenaki and Huron-Wendat nations, Hébergement aux Cinq Sens promises a back-to-nature experience a stone’s throw from Lake Mégantic. Will you sleep in a tiny house, tiny cottage, eco-cottage, traditional yurt, hammock tent or rustic campsite by the stream? No matter where you choose to stay, the night sky has quite a show in store for you, as the site is located in the heart of the world’s first International Dark Sky Reserve.
The organization also advocates the seven principles of the Leave No Trace Program, an initiative aimed at reducing the impact of activities at popular sites and in natural environments. The owner of the establishment, Paule Rochette, is an ambassador for the program and strives to continuously improve the sustainability of her practices.
Véloroute Gourmande, Eastern Townships
Running from Sherbrooke to Montréal, the Véloroute Gourmande whisks you through the bucolic landscapes of the Eastern Townships on an agrotourism circuit full of discoveries. Whether it’s a bistro, an artisan bakery or an ice cream parlour, the gourmet temptations along the route are the perfect excuse to slow down and pay a visit to local producers and artisans. Mostly paved and running along bike paths, the course is suitable for novices, families and pros alike.
To make it easier to explore, a luggage transport and shuttle service is available. In addition to boosting the region’s economy, the Véloroute also supports several local initiatives, such as the Bienvenue cyclistes! and Fièrement Vélo! certifications.
Did you know?
The Vélo Québec Bienvenue cyclistes! certification identifies accommodations and camping sites that cater to cyclists. These establishments have everything they need to accommodate cycle tourists on adventures: a personalized welcome, a secure place to park bicycles, basic tools for repairs or maintenance and advice on the best cycling excursions in the area.
Spa Eastman, Eastman
As you ride along the Véloroute Gourmande, why not rest your legs at Spa Eastman? This haven of well-being has a range of accommodation options, including eco-friendly lodges. Once there, be sure to experience the establishment’s signature Tonique Cuisine™, an unforgettable culinary adventure that combines health and fine dining. Dishes are prepared mainly with local, organic, high-quality products. The hotel is also part of the Bienvenue cyclistes! and Bienvenue randonneurs networks, and has been awarded 4-key rating from Green Key Global, which demonstrates its commitment to sustainable development.
Centre-de-Québec
La Roulotte à Patates de Gentilly, Bécancour
Is there anything better than stopping at a snack bar during a bike ride? In the Bécancour area, La Roulotte à Patates de Gentilly is well worth a visit. It really raises the bar. The delicious poutine, and the rest of the menu, is served in real dishes or reusable containers. Locally sourced ingredients, waste reduction at source, bicycle delivery, food waste management, quality jobs: all these factors earned the family restaurant the Excellence in Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award in 2023. Oh, and by the way, La Roulotte’s large terrasse is the perfect place to grab a bite to eat.
Parc Marie-Victorin, Kingsey Falls
A highlight of the region, Parc Marie-Victorin is a world of wonder. The giant mosaicultures and themed gardens form an amazing living tableau guaranteed to delight young and old alike. Immerse yourself in the world of carnivorous plants, stroll through a garden designed to accommodate more than 150 bird species and discover the remarkable wetland ecosystems. The park uses renewable energy sources—wind turbines, geothermal energy, solar panels—not to mention a host of eco-friendly and innovative practices in its botanical gardens. From the outset, this place has been a pioneer in harmonious development with the environment.
Manoir du lac William, Saint-Ferdinand
In the L'Érable region, Manoir du lac William is a great place to relax and should be at the top of your itinerary. Designated Hotel of the Year 2023 by the industry, the Manoir and its spa stand out for their sustainable and responsible practices. These include a circular economy initiative rolled out in partnership with local producers, which composts food waste to enrich vegetable crops, which are then used in the establishment’s kitchens. The family business has also developed its facilities to accommodate foreign workers and their families and to promote the integration of these new arrivals into the region.
Chaudière-Appalaches
O’Ravito Café Relais, Lévis
Just a few pedal strokes from the river, O’Ravito Café Relais is a gourmet stopover where cyclists and food lovers alike will find what they’re looking for. Born out of the desire to give cyclists a place to stop for refreshments, this delightful café has become a firm favourite in the region. One glance at the menu will have your mouth watering: local products and flavours, seasonal ingredients, etc. What’s more, you can take a guided gourmet tour to meet local producers. This unique experience highlights the richness of the land and the importance of short supply chains.
Hôtel du Domaine, Thetford Mines
In Chaudière-Appalaches, Hôtel du Domaine is the perfect place for a stay with a good mix of action and relaxation. Besides the array of activities on offer at the site (climbing, water sports, mini-golf) and the Noah Spa adjoining the hotel, the resort complex encourages guests to explore the surrounding area by bike or by fatbike, the rental of which is also included in the activity pass.
Good to know: the hotel has direct access to one of the region’s 12 bike paths. This is a dream destination for bicycle tourists!
Did you know?
Covering over 5,300 kilometres, the Route verte is now the largest cycling network in North America. People around the world are even calling it the “most beautiful cycling route in the world,” and there’s every reason to be proud of it! The queen of cycling routes runs through every region of Québec and features a wide range of bike paths: quiet roads, paved shoulders, nature trails, etc. In short, with its standardized bike paths and signage, the Route Verte is suitable for all types of cyclists.