Your Program

Come and live a maritime experience on La Route des Navigateurs. An itinerary that runs alongside the powerful St. Lawrence River that is both spectacular and captivating. In addition to enjoying splendid views, you will be charmed by the old houses and churches architectural heritage scattered on your route. Shoals, parks, fields of culture, museums and interpretation centers sculpt the landscapes of this region which is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in Quebec to admire glorious sunsets. Along the way, take the time to taste cheeses, beers or breads, proudly prepared by the local artisans. Bring it all to the dock for a delightful moment and an extraordinary view of the river. An ideal route for cyclists of different levels who want to travel together. Daily itinerary offered for active AND sporty cyclists.

Here the St. Lawrence becomes the sea with its salty fresh air. To the rhythm of your bike, to the rhythm of the tides and the great outdoors. The St. Lawrence by bike!

Itinerary: 6-day Self-Guided Tour - Active or Demanding

Route description: tour on paved roads (95%) or dirt roads (5%). Cycle mainly on the secure Route Verte and Route 132 which offers large shoulders. Quiet secondary roads and bike path are also part of the itinerary.

Day 1: Québec/Lévis - Montmagny (58/65 or 85/73 km)**

The departure point for this trip is Québec City or Lévis. You can add an exotic touch to your stay by using the train or the bus to get to your starting point!

Depending on where you live, sleep in Québec City or Lévis the night prior to tour departure. Luggage carrier is expecting you around 9 a.m., before you hit the road. Once your car is parked and your luggage in the transport vehicle, off you go to Montmagny! To get you in the St. Lawrence River mood, from Québec, aboard the ferry leaving from Petit Champlain district. Once on the other side, you take the bike path to cross the urban area. This is also where the route begins if you start from Lévis. Then, you continue your journey on Route Verte and Route 132. For the latter, the shoulder width makes cycling very safe. You must take a break at the Saint-Michel-de-Bellechasse's dock near the church to admire the river. Then, ride on Route des Navigateurs where you cross the Saint-Vallier and Berthier-sur-Mer villages before your arrival in Montmagny. Along the way, indulge yourself in a local cheese and visit the potter. You spend the night in Montmagny, a small town of about 11,500 inhabitants. Several choices are available to you to enjoy your evening, taste a local beer, visit a museum to discover the history or visit the city using the short municipal paths (on foot or by bike) including Circuit des 3 ponts and Promenade du bassin.

From Lévis:

Active itinerary: 65 km, + 293 m.

Demanding itinerary: 73 km, + 293 m. When you arrive at Berthier-sur-Mer, you enter the land and leave route 132 as well as the riverside.

Departing from Québec/Lévis ferry:

Active itinerary: 58 km, + 257 m.

Demanding itinerary: 85 km, + 467 m.

Day 2: Montmagny - La Pocatière (63 or 98 km )**

Today starts off on Chemin des Pionniers (route 132). The first third of the day's route, Île aux Grues presents itself to you with the Charlevoix cliffs in the background. Sculpture is the spotlight in this section of the trip. For amateurs, you have the opportunity to discover several craftsmen from yesterday and today. Don't miss the Parc des Trois-Bérets outdoor sculptures in Saint-Jean-Port-Joli. This city is the perfect place to take a lunch break. You can even taste a local beer at the village's microbrewery. Before getting back on the road, start your discovery of the architectural heritage with the church of Saint-Jean-Port-Joli, otherwise opt for that of Saint-Roch-des-Aulnais. During the second part of the day, you ride slightly inland. A beautiful hilly section for your cycling enjoyment. End your day on a path along the river to reach the goal of the day, La Pocatière.

If you want more, continue your journey with a thirty six kilometers inland loop. The Appalachian plateau welcomes you after a two kilometer climb. The quiet side roads open the doors to forest and farmland. Then return to La Pocatière to spend the night.

Active itinerary: 63 km, + 333 m.

Demanding itinerary: 98 km. + 690 m. Active itinerary plus an inland loop around La Pocatière.

Day 3: La Pocatière - Rivière-du-Loup (75 or 80 km)**

A beautiful day ahead of you! This section of the Bas-Saint-Laurent takes you to Kamouraska County where the sea, plain and mountain meet. This part of the country is rich thanks to its agriculture, nature and the presence of well-preserved old buildings. After the first thirty kilometres, a stop in Kamouraska is a must. An ideal place to stop for a break. Taste the famous regional fish soup as well as the bread from the bakery. The wharf is an ideal place to admire the river's beauty. If you are in the mood, plan a dip in Notre-Dame-de-Portage municipal swimming pool. Salt water is heated! Once refreshed, you only have ten kilometers left to reach Rivière-du-Loup where you stay for the night.

Active itinerary: 75 km, + 373 m.

Demanding itinerary: 80 km, + 426 m.

Optional Day: Rivière-du-Loup - rest day or return trip on Petit Témis (variable distance)

Enjoy the area by adding an extra night in Rivière-du-Loup, for a seven day Bas-Saint-Laurent visit.

Today, choose one of the several options available. Take a day to explore the city and the surrounding area. Create your daily program; cultural visit, gourmet food, microbrewery tasting and hike in parc des Chutes. Those options will please you. You can also choose to board a whale watching cruise and admire the Saguenay – St. Lawrence Marine Park marine mammals. A great way to experience the river. If you prefer, hop on your bike for a round trip on the Petit Témis interprovincial linear park. It's up to you to choose the distance to cover. The bike path, covered in rock dust, is an old railway that leads to Edmundston. In any case, end your day at Parc de la Pointe where the cycle path leads you towards one of the most beautiful sunsets of your stay!

Suggested itinerary: 58 km, + 294 m.

Day 4: Rivière-du-Loup - Trois-Pistoles (43, 53 or 81 km)**

After a good breakfast, the road leads you to Trois-Pistoles, which is today's destination. Cycle along fields, forests and villages. In Isle-Verte, take a break at the municipal stopover or at the dock. A few kilometers before Trois-Pistoles river, the road becomes busier. It is the end of Highway 20! For more enjoyment, turn on the Route Verte and ride up to your final destination. Trois-Pistoles welcomes you for the night. You must visit Notre-Dame-des-Neiges church, esteemed as the jewel of the Bas-Saint-Laurent or if you prefer the Saint-Laurent museum for antiques lovers.

For those who prefer more mileage and more hilly terrain, opt for the inland route. You ride through the forest on the Appalachian plateau, crop fields on the plain as well as small friendly villages.

Active itinerary: 43 km, + 179 m - 53 km along the shore. + 310 m

Demanding itinerary: 81 km inland. +795 m

Day 5 | Trois-Pistoles - Rimouski (63, 77 or 69 km)**

Today, you cross and visit the Bic National Park, a must-see during your trip. Cycle paths in the park are covered with rock dust. You can admire the park's beauty and maybe spot seals basking in the warmth of the sun. The western part of the park, access from Saint-Fabien-sur-Mer, hills are to be expected. If you prefer to stay on the paved road and avoid climbs, continue your journey to Rivière-du-Sud-Ouest entrance. Le Bic village is a great place to have a snack before continuing your journey to Rimouski. You end your day on the Route Verte for a smooth arrival in town!

Active itinerary: 63 km, + 419 m. (plus optional cycle route in the Bic National Park + 14 km)

Demanding itinerary: 69 km, + 638 m. (plus an additional 40 km loop after Rimouski)

Day 6 | Rimouski - Québec (40 or 67 km loop)**

Enjoy one last morning bike ride  before heading back home. For those who wish to ride the 40-kilometer loop  and didn't have the time yesterday today is the day. A beautiful section to end your trip along the St. Lawrence River to Pointe-au-Père maritime historical site. The return transfer to Québec/Lévis is scheduled in the afternoon between 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. Expect the return trip to be about  3 h 30.

Active itinerary: 40 km, + 273 m

Demanding itinerary: 67 km, + 382 m

* Photo courtesy of Tourism Bas-Saint-Laurent

** The above mileage varies according to your lodging location. Plan a +/- 5 kilometer difference with daily distance indicated.