Canada, Quebec: Eastern Townships Gravel Bike Tour
Six nights; seven days of cycling through L’Estrie – Quebec’s lovely south. 80% on quiet, unpaved roads or bike paths, with luxury lodging, outstanding cuisine, and pretty towns, farms, and forests.
“…spoiled us senseless, preparing the most awesome picnics with all the food I love, cheese from the abbey, wonderful bread, fruits, spreads, and veggies.” - Ilse B.
WHY THIS TRIP?
- Easily accessible from Montreal, ride on bike paths and primarily unpaved roads.
- Québécois tradition with Anglophone culture.
- Cider and cheesemaking at L’Abbaye Saint-Benoît-du-Lac.
- Excellent cuisine, including sweet maple syrup, delicious ice wine, great beer, fantastic cheese, aromatic bakeries, and generally wholesome meals.
- Walk the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the world at Parc de la Gorge de Coaticook.
- Visit Sherbrooke, the largest city in the Eastern Townships, with a rich cultural scene, lively festivals, and vibrant downtown cafes.
- Cycle through Mount Orford National Park, a paradise for nature lovers.
ROUTE EXPECTATIONS:
Click here to learn about our difficulty rating system.
An easy ride with manageable distances and gentle rolling hills. A combination of unpaved secondary roads; usually quite smooth with hardly any traffic, and some easier, traffic-free bike path sections; either paved or with loose stone surfaces. Particularly relaxed riders may opt for e-bikes.
Daily Distance:
- 1: Introductions; cycle from Farnham to Bromont ~38km (+151m / -93m).
- 2: Artria Cultural Loop ~64km (+279m / -279m).
- 3: Bromont to Magog via Parc National du Mont-Orford ~66km (+668m / -579m).
- 4: Grandes-Fourches Circuit ~62km (+263m / -291m); transfer to Ayer’s Cliff (20 min).
- 5: Cameleon Mystic Route ~71km (+739m / -741m).
- 6: Tomifobia Nature Trail Loop ~49km (+321m / -321m); transfer to Sutton (~1 hr).
- 7: La Traverse des Townships ~43km (+363m / -335m).
(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: Montreal, Hotel St. Paul, ~11:00, day one.
Finish: Montreal, ~17:00, day seven.
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:
Introductions; cycle from Farnham to Bromont ~38km (+151m / -93m).
Meet your guides or support person late this morning for a transfer to Farnham. Enjoy a picnic lunch and get fitted to your bike before a short ride to your first inn in Bromont. La Montérégiade bike path, part of the Route Verte and the Trans-Canada Trail, will be your introduction to what to expect for the week ahead. Enjoy an easy cruise on this mostly paved bike path through the rural landscapes of Montérégie and into the Eastern Townships.
Meal Inclusions: Lunch, Dinner.
Auberge Nuits de St-Georges, BromontDAY 2:
Artria Cultural Loop ~64km (+279m / -279m).
Today you’ll ride the traffic-free Artria Cultural Loop route, also partly known as L'Estriade. It is an attractive ride with optional extras, boasting a series of permanent art installations, the beautiful Yamaska Park, and the charming towns of Granby and Waterloo.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch.
Same lodging.DAY 3:
Bromont to Magog via Parc National du Mont-Orford ~66km (+668m / -579m).
Today’s itinerary takes you through the stunning Parc National du Mont-Orford, offering a mix of serene lake views, forested trails, and mountain scenery that showcases the best of the Memphrémagog region. The Route Verte will guide you directly into Magog, where you will be met by your comfortable inn.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Manoir de la Rue Merry; or La Belle Victorienne; Magog.DAY 4:
Grandes-Fourches Circuit ~62km (+263m / -291m); transfer to Ayer’s Cliff (20 min).
Continue out of Magog to connect onto the Grandes-Fourches loop, taking you through Sherbrooke, the regional capital of the Eastern Townships. As you pedal through this city of valleys and plateaus, enjoy the architectural beauty of the historic Domaine Howard gardens and the storied campus of Bishop’s University, each a tribute to the English-speaking community’s rich heritage. End in North Hatley, Québec’s most beautiful village, known for its elegant heritage homes, charming boutiques, and waterfront parks. A quick van transfer will bring you to your luxurious inn in Ayer’s Cliff.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Dinner.
Ripplecove Hotel & Spa, Ayer's Cliff. DAY 5:
Cameleon Mystic Route ~71km (+739m / -741m).
Start cycling on the Caméléon Mystic route directly from your inn. Setting off from Ayer’s Cliff, you'll cycle along tranquil backroads, with Chemin Perrault as a particular highlight—a beautiful stretch offering sweeping views of the countryside unique to this part of the Eastern Townships. Along the way, take a detour to explore the stunning Coaticook Gorge and its suspension bridge, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the gorge and its dramatic waterfalls before continuing your ride through the picturesque region.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast.
Same lodging. DAY 6:
Tomifobia Nature Trail Loop ~49km (+321m / -321m); transfer to Sutton (~1 hr).
Set off directly from your inn and join the Tomifobia Nature Trail, a serene, tree-lined path along the Tomifobia River. This scenic loop takes you to Stanstead at the USA border, with easygoing trails that wind through lush forests, meadows, and wetlands. After your ride, you’ll have a one-hour transfer to Sutton. If time permits, enjoy the option to visit Abbaye de Saint-Benoît-du-Lac, a stunning Benedictine monastery known for its striking architecture, peaceful setting, and locally made cheeses and ciders—a perfect way to end the day before arriving at your inn in Sutton.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Le Pleasant Hôtel, Sutton. DAY 7:
La Traverse des Townships ~43km (+363m / -335m).
Cycle the beautiful 'La Traverse des Townships', starting from Sutton. This scenic route offers sweeping views of rolling hills, vineyards, and peaceful countryside. As you pedal through picturesque villages like West Brome, you’ll pass local markets, orchards, and farms producing artisanal products such as cheese and maple syrup. The Mont Sutton area provides a stunning panoramic view of the region, a perfect end to your cycling adventure.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch.
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 5945 (per person, double occupancy)
Includes 7 days, 6 nights, 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners, luggage handling, maps, route instructions, van and full-time guide support, hybrid bicycle rental, sales taxes
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 5595 (per person, double occupancy)
Includes 7 days, 6 nights, 6 breakfasts, inn to inn luggage transfers, maps, route instructions, essential transfers, on-call emergency support, hybrid bicycle rental, sales taxes
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 1195
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 AL5, 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 suggest you plan to spend one or two days pre-tour in Montreal or post-tour in Ottawa.
If you are arriving by air, we recommend you fly in to Montreal Pierre Elliot Trudeau International Airport YUL . The standard meeting place is Hotel St Paul . This elegant hotel is just a block from the Saint Lawrence River in Old Montreal. This neighborhood offer European charm and proximity to shops, galleries and excellent dining. 355 McGill St.
If you drive:
Meet either in Montreal, where your inn can help arrange parking for the week, or in Granby, where we begin cycling. You can arrive at your convenience, and your room will be waiting. Your guides will meet you the morning of day two. It is 800km from New York, and 800km from Toronto. You can arrange parking at the inn for the week.
AFTER THE FINISH
Return to Granby, the Montreal Pierre Elliot Trudeau International Airport YUL, or a prearranged hotel in Montreal, on the morning of day seven.
BEFORE AND AFTER
If you have one day: Visit Montréal
Montréal is a city of contrasts, yet a well- tempered personality. Its Old-World charm and New World effervescence are unquestionably woven into the fibre of the metropolis, but it’s the wondrous amalgam of cultures that gives Montréal its unique cachet. The largest bilingual city in North America, and the second largest city in Canada (after Toronto), Montréal draws upon the combined strengths of its French and British roots to attract newcomers from around the world. Enjoy the many facets of the city ranging from the cobblestone streets of Old Montréal to the sleek glass towers of the business district.
Definitely try a Smoked Meat Sandwich in Montreal.
Don’t call it pastrami. Montreal’s sandwich of choice bears some similarities to the New York deli specialty, but there are key differences, too, in the process and spices used to cure the beef brisket and in the resulting flavour. Montrealers also swear by their bagels, which are smaller and denser than their famous New York cousins. The Montreal-style bagel is wood-fired, and many of the city’s bagel joints do their baking within view of the seating area.
If you have several days:
Extend your trip without leaving Quebec. You can link this tour with other tours we operate in Quebec.
MORE READING
The Eastern Townships of Québec combine the convenience of access from Montréal with the true pleasures of Québecois tradition and culture, and a largely anglophone culture. Outstanding cuisine is being discovered, and the quiet roads, charming towns and green pastures are a perfect canvas for this exquisite holiday.
The flavours and luxuries will pervade your senses and lead you to a deep appreciation for the townships, known locally as L’Estrie. You will tour through the vineyard region near Dunham, and bicycle through forests and villages past stone churches toward Sutton, stopping for great bowls of café-au-lait and rich croissants at fabulous bakeries along the way. At L’Abbaye St-Benoît-du-Lac, you can try the cider and cheese made by monks in their picturesque lakeshore monastery. Circumnavigating Lac Memphremagog, you will enjoy splendid views on your way to a particularly luxurious final two nights, where the dining is among the most highly rated in Canada. Be careful! Not only will this adventure treat your palate, but the local joie-de-vivre will easily rubs off on visitors, and is likely to send you to new heights of lively appreciation for all the Townships have to offer.
Trip history
Freewheeling directors Cathy and Philip are involved with a bicycle advocacy board, whose mission leads it to follow the excellent example made by Quebec’s bicycle network - la Route Verte. Studying la Route Verte led to the discovery of some wonderful routes, perfectly suited to Freewheeling’s week-long holidays. Some of our past guides came from Quebec and helped us discover the little things that make a trip outstanding. We now frequently travel to Quebec for biking and skiing and having become familiar with some fine inns and cuisine in rural Quebec, have developed five unique itineraries in superbly scenic and fascinating regions.