BEST CYCLING AND BIKE TOURING ROUTES IN QUEBEC

St. Lawrence River path in Quebec City

Start your Quebec cycling journey in style with a ride along the mighty St. Lawrence River. Quebec City’s riverfront trail is part of the Route Verte and offers a perfect mix of history, views, and smooth cycling. From the Old Port area, you’ll ride along a wide, paved bike path that hugs the river and runs through charming parks, urban waterfronts, and quiet residential zones.

Ride with a view (and croissants)

This route is beginner-friendly and ideal for sightseeing. Expect gorgeous views of the river, passing ships, and the iconic Château Frontenac towering over the skyline. You can make it a casual 10 km loop or stretch it out with detours into Limoilou, Parc de la Chute-Montmorency, or even further along the Corridor du Littoral.

• Distance: 10–30 km

• Road Type: Paved multi-use paths

• Skill Level: Beginner

• Must-See: Château Frontenac, Old Port, Montmorency Falls

• Time Estimate: 1–3 hours

Grab a croissant or espresso from a riverside café mid-ride and soak in the vibe—this is the kind of route that’s more about the journey than the destination. Local cyclists love this ride year-round (with winter tires in colder months), and it’s the perfect intro to Quebec’s legendary bike culture.

Route Verte from Montreal to Trois-Rivières

This one’s for the tourers. If you’ve got panniers, snacks, and some time, the stretch from Montreal to Trois-Rivières along the Route Verte is a total gem. The ride takes you through charming villages, riverside roads, farms, and forests—all with well-marked signage and a friendly local vibe. It’s one of the most iconic bike touring routes in the province.

A true touring experience

You’ll mostly follow Route Verte 5 and 40, riding east out of Montreal and passing places like Lavaltrie, Berthierville, and Yamachiche. The terrain is mostly flat with some gentle rolling hills, and services like B&Bs, rest stops, and bike repair stations are common along the way. Expect a mix of road shoulders, protected bike lanes, and scenic riverside trails.

• Distance: ~140 km (one way)

• Road Type: Paved bike paths, quiet roads

• Skill Level: Intermediate

• Must-See: Lavaltrie village, Saint-Laurent River views, regional cheese shops

• Time Estimate: 1–2 days depending on pace

This route is perfect for cyclists who love a good mix of nature and culture. Stop in small towns for Quebecois pastries, stock up on local cheeses, and chat with fellow riders along the way. If you’re planning a round trip, consider taking a train back or booking accommodations in Trois-Rivières for a relaxing overnight.

Tip: The best season is late spring through early autumn when the trees are green and the air smells like lilac and fresh baguette. Seriously, it’s that magical.

Eastern Townships wine and ride loop

Looking for a cycling route that pairs perfectly with wine tasting and gourmet stops? The Eastern Townships region (Cantons-de-l’Est) offers exactly that. This 60–80 km loop from Magog through North Hatley, Compton, and back is a postcard-worthy ride through vineyards, orchards, and old stone villages. It’s the kind of ride where you pedal for 15 minutes, then stop for a cheese tasting. No judgment.

Gastronomic cycling goals

Start in Magog, ride southeast toward North Hatley via Chemin de la Rivière, and enjoy quiet countryside roads that roll gently across farmlands. You’ll pass by wineries like Vignoble Le Cep d’Argent and cheese shops like Fromagerie La Station. Take breaks for wine tastings, fresh berries, or artisanal ice cream—it’s all part of the plan.

• Distance: 60–80 km

• Road Type: Asphalt rural roads

• Skill Level: Intermediate

• Must-See: North Hatley village, Vignoble Le Cep d’Argent, Compton cheese farms

• Time Estimate: 4–6 hours (or full-day leisure ride)

Bring saddlebags with space for goodies—you’ll want to take home more than just memories. Locals love this loop for its mix of great pavement, low car traffic, and countryside bliss. You’ll definitely want your camera and maybe a picnic blanket too.

For those looking to stretch this into a weekend tour, B&Bs and rustic inns dot the route, and the area is known for bike-friendly lodging and farm-to-table dining. Pack light, ride happy, and eat well—just don’t try all the wines at once if you’re still riding!