Self-guided ToursQuebec - Canada
Montréal-Sherbrooke :
Véloroute Gourmande and Bike Paths
Set out to discover Québec by bike by following the itinerary from Montréal to Sherbrooke, the Queen of the Eastern Townships. This self-guided route takes you across Montérégie and its picturesque villages, across the St. Lawrence River and along the Richelieu River. You ride quiet bike paths, at your own pace, enjoying panoramas of the agricultural and forest landscapes typical of the region.
Each stage combines nature, culture and local gastronomy, with possible stops to discover the heritage of the towns you pass through, such as Granby and Magog. The final section offers a gentle descent toward Sherbrooke, at the confluence of the Magog and Saint-François rivers.
Highlights
Chambly Canal and its nine still-functioning locks, historic heritage by bike
Lake Memphrémagog, an inland sea straddling Québec and Vermont
North Hatley and the Eastern Townships, vineyards, cheese makers and postcard villages
Itinerary
The markers on the map locate each stage approximately. They do not correspond to the exact address of your accommodation. The overnight stays indicated in the itinerary may change depending on availability. The exact address appears in your travel booklet.
Day 1 | Montréal/Brossard to Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu (37-52 km)
The tour begins on the bike paths of Montréal (or Brossard), which you leave in the direction of the St. Lawrence. Pass through Chambly and Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, two towns among the first inhabited places in what would become Canada, both bordered by the Chambly Canal and the Richelieu River. The canal’s nine locks are still in operation. Fort Chambly, a National Historic Site built in 1711, is deserves a stop along the way.
Day 2 | Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu to Granby (57 km)
You take the Montérégiade, a bike path integrated into the Route Verte, across agricultural Québec and its open landscapes to Haute-Yamaska. Arrival in Granby, a lively town with fine heritage homes and a main street that invites you to stroll.
Day 3 | Granby to Magog (68 km)
You ride on the Estriade and then the Montagnarde through Mont-Orford Park, where a few climbs and descents await you. Arrival is planned on the shores of Lake Memphrémagog, a 48 km-long lake stretching into Vermont. Swimming is possible on Magog’s long beach before reaching the main street and its many patios.
Day 4 | Magog to Sherbrooke (66 km)
Today, the route passes through North Hatley, a small village on the shores of Lake Massawippi that Quebecers know well and never tire of rediscovering. From there, only a few kilometers are needed to reach Sherbrooke, the large city of the Eastern Townships, at the confluence of the Magog and Saint-François rivers.
Day 5 | Departure from Sherbrooke
End of stay after breakfast. The morning is free to visit downtown or take a loop on the Lac-des-Nations promenade. In the afternoon, the carrier brings you back to Montréal with your bike and luggage.
Option | Urban Loop in Montréal (45 km)
Want to start the trip one day earlier? This Montréal loop passes through Atwater Market, the Lachine Canal and the banks of the St. Lawrence. Îles Sainte-Hélène and Notre-Dame, in the heart of the river, offer a beautiful counterpoint of nature in the city. If the season allows a ride on the Gilles-Villeneuve circuit is a must.
Overnight in Montréal not included, to be booked with your specialist.
Dates and pricing
All prices are indicated per person and in CAD. They vary depending on the period and availability at the time of booking.
Possible departures : every day, from May to October
Double Occupancy Package :
- Starting from $1,395 + taxes (GST and QST)
Single Occupancy Supplement :
- On request
Bike Rental :
- On request
Options Offered :
- Additional nights in Montréal before or after the stay
The Price Includes
- 4 nights in a double room with private bathroom, breakfasts included (charm inns and 3-4* hotels)
- Accommodation taxes
- Return transport from Sherbrooke to Montréal including your suitcase, your bike and you
- Transport of one 20 kg bag per person, from one accommodation to the next
- GPX tracks to follow the itinerary by bike
- A digital travel kit 30 days before departure, including the essential logistical details for your trip
- An assistance service with an emergency number
- Participation in the Fonds Plein Air 1% for the Planet program: Ekilib donates 1% of its revenue to support nature protection projects in Québec
The Price Does Not Include
- Transport and all costs associated with transporting your bike to the departure and return location
- Bike rental
- Transport of additional luggage
- Personal expenses, including drinks
- Meals not mentioned in the “The price includes” section
- Transport costs to Montréal as well as parking fees in Montréal, about $6 per day, if applicable
- Entrance fees to monuments and activities not mentioned in the inclusions
- Tips
- GST and QST taxes, if applicable
- Travel insurance
- File processing fees of CA$50, plus taxes
- Financial protection from the Compensation Fund for Customers of Travel Agents (free of charge as of January 1, 2024)
Practical information
Bike Type and Equipment Provided
The bikes provided are adapted to the type of route offered and are regularly maintained by our local partners. Each bike is generally equipped with a rear pannier (except carbon bikes) to carry your personal belongings during the day, a lock and a repair kit for punctures. Travelers are responsible for simple puncture repairs during the stage. Helmets are not always provided, so we recommend bringing your own helmet for greater comfort and safety.
It is generally possible to bring your own bike; we encourage you to contact us to verify. This option is generally possible for standard bikes. E-bikes are not accepted when the trip requires air transport, due to battery-related restrictions.
Guidance
On self-guided trips, you are autonomous in your progress, but never alone. A local partner remains available throughout the stay, and an emergency number is accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week if needed. This assistance makes it possible to respond quickly to any logistical question or unexpected situation.
Luggage transport
Throughout your trip, a luggage transfer service is organized between accommodations. Each morning, your main bag is left at the accommodation reception and transported to the next stage. The usual limit is one bag per person of about 20 kg. You therefore ride with only your personal belongings for the day, generally in the pannier provided with the bike.
Formalities
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is essential to participate in an Ekilib trip. It must notably cover emergency medical expenses abroad, assistance, and repatriation. Coverage for trip cancellation and interruption is also strongly recommended. Traveling by bike involves physical activity and daily travel. Appropriate insurance allows you to deal with unexpected events with peace of mind. Before departure, check that your policy covers cycling as part of a trip. We also recommend checking the protections offered by your credit card or insurance company.
Flights
For this trip, international flights are not included in the price of the stay. We recommend waiting for official trip confirmation before booking your flights. You can make this booking yourself or ask our team to assist you with the process. In all cases, it is advisable to check arrival and departure times to facilitate the transfers planned in your program.
Let's talk about your cycling trip
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