Explore Quebec by bike: Our 15 favourite places to ride
With its 5,300+ km Route verte cycling network and 10,000+ km of bike routes and paths, Quebec has a lot to offer cyclists. Whether you’re looking for cycle touring options or ideas for a short family ride, check out our 15 favourite places to bike—and get ready for some great cycling.
Wild Rose Circuit – Lower St. Lawrence
From its starting point in the charming village of Kamouraska, the Wild Rose Circuit takes you on a 40 km loop that includes a portion of the Navigators’ Route along the St. Lawrence River. Take a side trip to admire the mysterious monadnocks, the impressive rock formations the area is famous for.
Véloroute des Bleuets – Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean
The Véloroute des Bleuets loops around Lac Saint-Jean, passing through 15 municipalities and the Ilnu community of Mashteuiatsh. One of Quebec’s most popular cycling circuits, it’s an ideal bike touring destination, with plenty of local flavour, lovely scenic views, and lots of attractions along the way.
Promenade Samuel De Champlain – Québec City
Promenade Samuel De Champlain is a 4.3 km parkway running between the Pierre Laporte Bridge and Sillery Hill. It can be accessed via the Corridor du Littoral bike path. With its picnic areas, observation tower, splash pads, and brand new infinity pool and beach area, the Promenade is an ideal destination for short family outings.
Sainte-Flore and area – Mauricie
Mountain views and rolling fields make the little village of Sainte-Flore a cyclist’s dream. To get there, take the Shawinigan River linear park past several falls, then turn onto Chemin de Sainte-Flore. Once you’re in the village, take a break at one of the great local restaurants and refuel for the return trip!
Estriade – Estrie
The Estriade is a 97 km network of easy-riding bike paths between Granby and Waterloo, complete with some 60 monumental sculptures dotting the route. Along the way, you can admire the bucolic landscapes of the Eastern Townships, sample local wines and specialty products, and explore some of Quebec’s most beautiful villages.
Lachine Canal Path – Montréal
Opened in 1977, the Lachine Canal path takes you from the Old Port to the borough of Lachine through green space and past skyscrapers and heritage buildings. Seasoned cyclists can do the path in as little as 60 minutes, but we recommend you take your time and enjoy the many foodie spots on the way, including the celebrated Atwater Market.
Voyageurs Pathway – Outaouais
The Voyageurs Pathway stretches 30 km along the north side of the Ottawa River. Once travelled by First Nations, explorers, coureurs des bois and Jesuit missionaries, the river is now a favourite destination for cyclists eager to explore the region on two wheels.
Cyclo-voie de la Ligne du Mocassin – Abitibi-Témiscamingue
This 45 km linear park runs between Angliers and Ville-Marie along an old rail line. The stone dust bike path passes through farmland and forest, crisscrossed by small streams where beaver dams can be seen.
Véloroute des baleines – North Shore
As its name suggests, the “Whale Route” is one of the few cycling routes from which you can see marine mammals. The 330 km route follows Highway 138 along the St. Lawrence River, winding past cliffs, lakes, beaches, mountains, forests, and whales. It’s a paradise for cyclists—and photographers!
Gaspé Peninsula Loop – Gaspé Peninsula
Ready for a real cycling challenge? Then set your sights on the Gaspé Peninsula, with its spectacular scenery and crisp salt air. The Route verte follows Highway 132 over more than 880 km for a complete circle tour of the peninsula. Good to know: Vélo Québec has identified nearly 40 hills with grades of 6% or more in the Gaspé region. In other words, it’s for experienced riders only!
Cycloroute de Bellechasse – Chaudière-Appalaches
Explore the backcountry and beautiful vistas of the Chaudière-Appalaches region on this 74 km bike path. The route runs along two converted rail lines through rich pastures, friendly villages, and farmland stretching as far as you can see.
Saint-Donat Family Bike Path – Lanaudière
For a family outing, pedal the Saint-Donat bike path. This 6.2-km circuit boasts fun activities for young and old alike, including the beach at Lac Archambault and the facilities at Parc des Pionniers.
P’tit Train du Nord – Laurentides
The P’tit Train du Nord linear park and its 234 km bike path between Bois-des-Filion and Mont-Laurier is a magnet for cycling enthusiasts. Elevation gain is minimal, which means cyclists of all levels can explore the Laurentians on two wheels.
Two Richelieu Loops – Montérégie
This charming 59 km route along the Richelieu River winds through some of Quebec’s most beautiful villages. You have two options: use the ferries to complete either of the two shorter loops or opt for the grand tour that combines them both.
Nicolet-Yamaska Countryside Loop – Centre-du-Québec
This easy 62 km loop through the fertile farmland of the St. Lawrence lowlands offers sweeping views of the Nicolet-Yamaska countryside. The route, paved and virtually flat, takes you through small villages and into lovely corners. For a refreshing break, sample a craft beer at Microbrasserie La Flûte à Bec!
Cycling Safety 101
Whether you’re riding a bike or driving a car, it’s smart to follow the rules. The first step to safe cycling is being careful and following the Highway Safety Code. Here are some tips from Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec for a safe and trouble-free ride:
- Make sure you have all the right equipment, including mandatory visibility accessories, a helmet, cycling clothes, a repair kit, a first aid kit, and so on.
- Check the weather before you go.
- Take a moment to do a quick inspection of your bike to check its overall condition.
- Locate any repair stations along your route before you start peddling.
- Be familiar with road signs and be sure to follow Highway Safety Code rules at all times.
- Share the road with other users.
- Use your bike rack and other accessories (e.g., a child trailer) according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Protect against bike theft by properly locking up your bike.
Enjoy peace of mind with our bike insurance!
Did you know that Promutuel Insurance offers generous coverage to protect your bike? Our home insurance offering adapts to the needs of even the most hard-core recreational cyclists. You can add extra coverage as needed on your home insurance policy to insure your bike at its real value.
For more information, contact one of our damage insurance representatives!
