Explore the best cycling and bike touring routes in Raleigh, from scenic greenways to wooded trails and smooth city rides—perfect for a vacation on two wheels.
BEST CYCLING AND BIKE TOURING ROUTES IN SHERBROOKE
Heading to Sherbrooke for a bike-friendly holiday? This charming Eastern Townships hub is packed with scenic cycling routes, nature paths, and riverside roads, perfect for tourists bringing their bikes. From family loops to full-day adventures, we cover the best trails, local tips, and what to expect—using only kilometres, of course.
Top riverside and urban bike routes
Sherbrooke delivers a balanced cycling experience. You’ll find winding river paths, rolling hills, and plenty of cafés to fuel your ride. Whether you’re a casual cruiser or a daily spinner, these in-and-around-town routes give you a great taste of what makes this city so fun to explore on two wheels.
Promenade de la Gorge de la Rivière Magog
This 3.4 km paved path runs along the Magog River and connects Parc Jacques-Cartier with downtown Sherbrooke. It’s the perfect intro ride to get a feel for the city’s rhythm. Flat, scenic, and peppered with art installations, river views, and shaded benches, it’s ideal for families or as a warm-up route.
Lennoxville loop via bike lanes
A 15 km loop that lets you explore the historic Lennoxville borough and Bishop’s University campus. Start from downtown, follow the bike lanes down Rue Queen and Boulevard Jacques-Cartier, then cruise through the university grounds before looping back through leafy suburban streets. This route is a favorite for students and locals alike, with great spots for ice cream or a riverside rest.
Distance: 15 km
Best Snack Stop: Uplands Cultural & Heritage Centre
Path Type: Mixed bike lanes and low-traffic roads
Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Cité des Rivières connector ride
Link Sherbrooke’s north and south ends with this 18 km network of riverside trails, quiet streets, and converted rail paths. You’ll ride beside the Saint-François and Magog rivers, passing green bridges, lookouts, and local markets. It’s a scenic connector that gives a bit of everything—from urban buzz to nature chill.
Best countryside and multi-hour routes
When you’re ready to stretch out for the day, Sherbrooke’s surroundings open up to some stunning countryside rides. Think rolling farmlands, quiet backroads, forests, and lake views—all within pedal range. These routes are perfect for active tourists looking to explore beyond the city limits without needing a car.
Sherbrooke to North Hatley (via Route Verte)
One of the most popular day trips, this 23 km route follows a portion of Quebec’s famous Route Verte. It takes you through forests, small farms, and along Lake Massawippi before reaching the artsy lakeside village of North Hatley. The path is mostly paved with a few packed gravel sections. Once there, grab a lakeside lunch or ice cream and chill before the return ride.
Roundtrip: 46 km
Difficulty: Intermediate (some hills)
Highlight: Lake views and calm roads
Stop: Le Pub du Village (great terrace!)
Canton de Hatley countryside circuit
This 35 km loop leaves from Sherbrooke and rolls through Hatley, Waterville, and charming rural landscapes. It’s a quiet ride with a few climbs, making it great for more seasoned riders. Expect covered bridges, cows, small town cafés, and golden fields. Bring snacks and enjoy one of the most peaceful circuits in the Eastern Townships.
Rock Forest and Parc Lucien-Blanchard ride
For a solid half-day trip, ride out to the Rock Forest district and loop back via Parc Lucien-Blanchard. It’s about 25 km roundtrip, and the terrain is mostly flat with sections of forest trails and riverside paths. The park has a small beach and kayak rentals, so it’s perfect for mixing in some water time with your cycling adventure.
Pro tip: Pack a towel in your pannier—post-ride dips are legendary here in the summer.
Cycling tips for Sherbrooke tourists
Sherbrooke is a cyclist-friendly city, but it’s got some quirks you should know before rolling out. Here are some practical tips to make your two-wheeled tour safe, smooth, and full of good vibes.
Stay aware of hills
Sherbrooke is not flat. Some climbs can sneak up on you, especially if you're coming from the river up into the downtown core or heading toward Lennoxville. A bike with gears is your best friend here. Don’t be afraid to stop and walk it—nobody’s judging.
Bike shops and rentals
If you need a rental or repairs, head to Cycles Sherbrooke or Sport Léo. Both offer touring and e-bike rentals, plus tools, tubes, and local maps. If you're doing a multi-day ride, ask about pannier setups—they’ve got them, and they know what works for the region’s terrain.
Best Local Shop: Cycles Sherbrooke
Rental Option: E-bikes available
Tip: Reserve in advance during summer
Where to eat and rest mid-ride
From classic poutine stops to organic cafés, Sherbrooke has lots of mid-ride fuel options. A few must-tries: Café Aragon (downtown, great patio), Siboire microbrewery (perfect post-ride pint), and Le Tassé (for excellent espresso). For picnics, grab local goods at Marché de la Gare before your ride and find a riverside bench to enjoy them.
Also, always bring water and a backup power bank for your phone if you’re using GPS. The trails may feel close to town, but some sections can feel delightfully remote.
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