Canada, Quebec: Saguenay and Charlevoix Bike Tour
Seven nights, seven days of challenging bike touring in the hills of Charlevoix and along the majestic Saguenay Fjord.
"The bike path was fantastic. Very pleasing to whizz down the highway to Tadoussac so quickly on a slight downhill.” - Jean O.
WHY THIS TRIP?
- Experience challenging yet rewarding rides along Quebec’s renowned Route Verte, with breathtaking views of the Saint Lawrence River and the Saguenay Fjord.
- Tadoussac, where the majestic fjord meets the Saint Lawrence River. Take a day off biking to discover this charming village, known for its natural beauty and optional activities like sea kayaking, whale watching, and relaxing by the riverside sand dunes.
- Ride alongside the dramatic Saguenay Fjord, one of the world’s longest fjords and home to white beluga whales. Watch them from shore or paddle out to see them up close.
- Locals affectionately call this region "The Kingdom" for its unparalleled beauty, rich history, and warm hospitality.
- L’Anse Saint-Jean is a beautiful cove on the fjord, with delightful dining and a serene atmosphere.
- Cycle through Charlevoix, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve formed by a massive meteorite impact millions of years ago.
ROUTE EXPECTATIONS:
Click here to learn about our difficulty rating system.
A challenging ride on paved roads, with long distances and hilly terrain. There are significant climbs and descents, and the scenery is constantly fantastic. Relaxed cyclists will need vehicle support.
Daily Distance:
- 1: Arrival and independent exploration of Québec City.
- 2: Isle-aux-Coudres to Baie-Saint-Paul ~48km (+710m / -715m).
- 3: Baie-Saint-Paul to La Malbaie ~61km (+735m / -730m).
- 4: La Malbaie to the Saguenay Fjord ~87km (+1110m / -1100m).
- 5: L’Anse-Saint-Jean to La Baie ~81km (+1230m / -1245m).
- 6: Saguenay to Tadoussac via Sainte-Rose-du-Nord ~97km (+990m / -970m).
- 7: Hike Mont Adéla-Lessard Trail ~8km (+345m / -350m); cycle Tadoussac Dunes Loop ~14km (+175m / -160m); optional afternoon activities available.
- 8: Montmorency Falls to Québec City ~13km (+60m / -60m).
(Click image to enlarge)
Activity Levels
The easiest routes we offer, these are generally flat and cover relatively relaxed distances. You will be comfortable riding a hybrid bike, walking in sneakers, or paddling a light kayak, and will normally have time to take many photos and enjoy extended lunches.
This is primarily an easy route, but some days may fall into the moderate category. You can expect time to stop and smell the roses, but some of the rides may be on more hilly terrain.
Requiring moderate fitness levels, these cover terrain with hills and valleys, and tend to include distances of 50-80km (30-50mi.)/day cycling, or 3-6 hours of walking per day. Most Freewheeling Adventures fall into this category, and are suitable for most ability levels.
This is primarily a moderate route, suitable for most ability levels, but some days may be a little more challenging. You can expect some long distances, and/or some big climbs/descents.
The most challenging trips, these include longer distances, bigger hills, long hikes, exposed paddling, and full days of activity. We recommend a higher degree of fitness and training to make the most of the experience.
There is also a rare double black diamond, reserved for only the most difficult adventures.
Start: Québec City, Hôtel Château Laurier, day one. You will meet your guide here or another pre-determined location at 09:00 on the morning of day two.
Finish: Québec City, 14:00, day eight.
Meal inclusions: Listed for guided trips only, please see dates & pricing section for accurate inclusions per support level.
Please contact us to arrange alternate meeting and departure plans, if necessary.
DAY 1:
Arrival and independent exploration of Québec City.
Arrive at Québec City at your leisure. Your pre-arranged room awaits, and your guide(s) will meet you early tomorrow morning to begin cycling. You can enjoy the art shops, galleries, historical quarters, and cafés of Old Québec. Other highlights include the Musée de la Civilisation, Le Château Frontenac, and La Citadelle de Québec (North America's largest fort).
Hôtel Château Laurier, Québec City.DAY 2:
Isle-aux-Coudres to Baie-Saint-Paul ~48km (+710m / -715m).
Meet in Quebec City this morning for a 90-minute transfer to Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive, where you'll catch the 11:30 ferry to Isle-aux-Coudres. This quiet island boasts 23 km of cycling paradise. You can visit a windmill museum or an award-winning orchard to taste their rare ice cider. Enjoy lunch at the bistro, then take the 15-minute ferry back to Saint-Joseph and cycle the 20 km to Baie-Saint-Paul, with its many charms.
Meal Inclusions: Dinner.
Domaine Belle Plage; or Maison Otis, Baie-Saint-Paul.DAY 3:
Baie-Saint-Paul to La Malbaie ~61km (+735m / -730m).
Approximately 450 million years ago, a 2 km-wide asteroid struck the Earth, leaving behind concentric rings that form an impact structure in this region. Though the crater is now shallow and barely visible without the aid of topographic maps, your ride takes you along and through the central crater to the seaside town of La Malbaie, famously known as 'Canada’s first vacation destination.' Take in panoramic views of the Saint Lawrence River as you approach your inn, situated at the crater’s center. Don’t worry - meteors rarely strike the same place twice!
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Auberge des Falaises, La Malbaie.DAY 4:
La Malbaie to the Saguenay Fjord ~87km (+1110m / -1100m).
Today's long and scenic ride takes you along the coast, beginning in Cap-à-l'Aigle—one of Quebec's most picturesque villages. From there, continue along the coastline to Saint-Siméon before turning inland. You'll pass through delightfully rural Quebec and ride alongside the Petite Saguenay River, eventually reaching the majestic Saguenay Fjord.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Auberge du Jardin; or Auberge Les Deux Pignons, Petit-Saguenay.DAY 5:
L’Anse-Saint-Jean to La Baie ~81km (+1230m / -1245m).
Your first stop today is at Saguenay Fjord National Park, where picnic tables by the water provide a vantage point to admire the fjord from beneath its towering walls. From there, your ride continues to your inn, which also offers beautiful views of the fjord, near the town of Saguenay.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Auberge des Battures, Saguenay.DAY 6:
Saguenay to Tadoussac via Sainte-Rose-du-Nord ~97km (+990m / -970m).
Enjoy a leisurely start this morning with a short ride to the ferry, which will take you across the fjord to Sainte-Rose-du-Nord, offering spectacular views of the steep mountains on either side. A challenging climb awaits as you leave Sainte-Rose, but the effort is well rewarded with a picnic lunch and a long, gently rolling road - mostly downhill - that leads to Tadoussac. Here, your exceptional lodging awaits, ready to provide a warm welcome.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch.
Hotel Tadoussac; or Maison Hovington, Tadoussac.DAY 7:
Hike Mont Adéla-Lessard Trail ~8km (+345m / -350m); cycle Tadoussac Dunes Loop ~14km (+175m / -160m); optional afternoon activities available.
Guided groups will embark on an intermediate 8 km hike from Tadoussac, following a steady climb to the Adéla-Lessard Mountain lookout and back. The sloping rock slabs at the lookout provide a perfect spot to enjoy views of the fjord's mouth. Energetic hikers can extend their adventure by continuing an additional 9 km on the hilly trail to Cap de la Boule, with a transfer arranged for the return to Tadoussac. Those opting for an earlier return will have time to enjoy optional activities such as sea kayaking, whale watching, zodiac excursions, or a short 14 km ride to explore Tadoussac’s remarkable riverside sand dunes. Alternatively, you may choose to simply relax and soak in the charm of the village.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Same lodging.DAY 8:
Montmorency Falls to Québec City ~13km (+60m / -60m).
Following breakfast, you will be transferred to Boischatel, where you can explore Montmorency Falls. Options include walking the suspension bridge, taking a cable car, ziplining, or experiencing a via ferrata for incredible views of the 270-foot falls. For those up for a challenge, climb the 487 steps to the top, where breathtaking vistas await. Enjoy lunch at one of the charming bistros before cycling the final 12 km into the heart of Old Quebec City, where your adventure concludes mid-afternoon.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast.
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice.
SELECT A DATE BELOW TO RESERVE, OR START A NEW DATE
2026 DATES:
2027 DATES:
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(Inclusions & pricing are listed below)
PRICING
Our tour costs are ALL IN, including fees & taxes.
Guided: C 5975 (per person, double occupancy)
Includes 7 days, 6 nights, 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners, ferry La Baie to St. Rose du Nord, van and guide support, luggage handling, maps, route instructions, hybrid bicycle rental, 15% sales tax.
Small groups or private tours, fully supported with drivers/guides and vehicles, all lodging and most meals included. Choose from existing dates or request new departures. Read more on our “What to Expect” page.
Self-Guided: C 5575 (per person, double occupancy)
Includes 7 days, 6 nights, 6 breakfasts, inn to inn luggage transfers, all ground transportation as outlined, emergency on call support, maps, route instructions, hybrid bicycle rental, 15% sales tax.
Semi-supported, independent tours including welcome briefing, lodging, luggage transfers and necessary vehicle transfers. Choose from existing dates or request new departures. Read more on our “What to Expect” page.
Single Occupancy: Add C 1395
Tour cost excludes airfare and travel to and from the starting point, costs for activities listed as optional, bar and beverage bills, meals not shown as included, gratuities for your driver and/or guides.
Bike Rentals:
Hybrid: Included
Flat bars. Trek FX 3 or similar, with rear rack/trunk bag. Lowstep frames available by request.
Change to Road/Gravel: C 150
Drop bars. Trek Domane AL 5 Disc, or similar, with rear rack/trunk bag.
Change to E-bike: C 300
Flat bars. Trek Verve+ 2 or similar, with rear rack/trunk bag. Lowstep frames available by request.
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice.
Please see above for accurate pricing and inclusions, unless we have proposed a customized trip for you and those details are provided in your custom proposal.
1. Choose an advertised date to join a small group, or see our Join a Group page to see where groups are already forming.
2. Pick your own dates. We will confirm quickly and are happy to talk with you as you make your choice. If you would like a private guided departure, this usually involves a surcharge depending on the details. Those who prefer to travel self-guided typically need only two participants to initiate a new date at the advertised price, and we can sometimes offer reduced rates for larger groups. Please get in touch for more information.
BEST TIMES
The best time to enjoy this tour is mid-June to mid-October.
- Spring daytimes warm up to 10 to 20 °C (50 to 70 °F) by mid June. Note that seasonal businesses may still be closed, or on off-season hours, until late June.
- Summer, mid June to mid September, is normally 20 to 25 °C (70 to 80 °F). Freshwater and saltwater swimming is encouraged.
- Autumn, mid September to mid October, daytimes 10 to 20 °C range (50 to 70 °F). Nights can be chilly, but rarely down to freezing. Mid-October is the best time to see spectacularly colorful fall foliage.
GET TO THE START
We recommend planning to spend one or two nights in Québec City before or after your Freewheeling Adventure. Québec City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers many worthwhile attractions, restaurants, and shopping opportunities. For more information, visit Québec City Tourism.
Festivals to Consider
You may also want to coordinate your trip with some of Québec City's fantastic festivals:
- Québec City Summer Festival: An 11-day international music festival held in July.
- Grands Feux Loto-Québec: A pyromusical fireworks festival taking place in August.
If You Fly
We recommend flying into Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB): www.aeroportdequebec.com/en. If you are staying at a hotel in Québec City before your trip begins, ask if they offer a shuttle service to and from the airport. Alternatively, you can use one of the following transportation options:
- Taxi Coop Québec: 418-525-5191
- Taxi Coop Sainte-Foy: 418-653-7777
- Taxi Laurier: 418-651-2727
Another option is to fly into Montreal Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL): www.admtl.com. From there, you can:
- Take a Via Rail train to Québec City (travel time: 3–4 hours, with up to 8 departures daily).
- Rent a car and drive to Québec City (approximately 2+ hours).
If You Drive
If you are driving, plan to meet in Québec City. Reserve your own lodging, or call us for assistance. We will pick you up or arrange a rendezvous point at approximately 9:30 AM on day two and deduct the first night’s lodging cost from your package. Québec City is approximately 800 km from both New York City and Toronto.
AFTER THE FINISH
Finish in Quebec City mid-afternoon on day eight. We can help you get to the airport or to your choice of independent lodging.
BEFORE AND AFTER
If you have one day:
Explore Quebec city. See the recommendation in the “Getting to the Start” section, and call us for more detail. There is good hiking and sightseeing, for example, within half an hour at the Chutes de Montmorency. For a nice day’s ride, consider cycling the perimeter of Ile d’Orleans, just north of Quebec city. The bridge to the island is not cyclist friendly, but the cycling on the other side is divine!
If you have several days:
Extend your trip without leaving Quebec. You can link this tour with our Bas-Saint-Laurent Bike tour. The two can be customized to make a two-week loop.
MORE READING
This bike tour takes you through one of Quebec’s most beautiful regions. The Saguenay region is so vast that for generations people have called it “the Kingdom”. A unique sanctuary of culture and breathtaking beauty, it is rich with discoveries and warm, welcoming people, and is ideal for bicycle touring. Tracing the shores of the Saint Lawrence, your journey leads inland to the dramatic Saguenay Fjord before crossing the water to Tadoussac. This region’s nutrient-rich waters remain a summer gathering place for whales, including the distinctive white belugas. Whether by kayak, on foot, or from the shore, the chance to spot these graceful creatures adds to the experience of exploring Tadoussac’s remarkable landscapes.
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