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Quebec is a dream destination for cycling enthusiasts, offering breathtakingly diverse landscapes, stimulating athletic challenges, and peaceful rides for the whole family. With more than 12,000 kilometers of bike paths, the province is truly a playground for all types of cyclists. Whether you prefer road biking, fat biking, mountain biking, or city biking, you’ll find routes suited to every level. Here’s a selection of the 11 best places in Quebec to ride, sure to inspire your next two-wheeled adventure.
5 Must-See Destinations for Road and City Cycling
Quebec is crossed by the Route Verte, one of the largest marked cycling networks in North America, spanning over 5,300 kilometers. This route offers varied landscapes and optimal safety.
Le Petit Train du Nord (Laurentians)
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- This former railway, transformed into a linear park, stretches for over 200 km, crossing bucolic landscapes and picturesque villages. It’s a landmark for cyclists of all levels—perfect for families and long-distance riders.
- The trail is smooth and winding, with numerous rest stops and facilities, including water fountains and restrooms. A 19.2 km section near Sainte-Marguerite and Val-David provides a more challenging ride, with stunning lake and mountain views. It also features one of the region’s highest elevation gains.
- Best suited for road bikes, city bikes, and hybrids, thanks to its versatility.
Île d’Orléans (Capitale-Nationale / Quebec City)
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- A true gem, Île d’Orléans offers a 67 km scenic route encircling the island. Cyclists will be enchanted by views of the St. Lawrence River, heritage homes, farmland, and numerous gourmet stops to sample local products.
- It’s a contemplative and easy route, perfect for a leisurely ride.
- Best for road bikes and city bikes.
Lachine Canal National Historic Site (Montreal)
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- Right in the heart of the city, this urban route is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. The Lachine Canal bike path, which has been open since 1977, is one of Montreal’s oldest and most popular cycling trails, offering 13.5 km of pure enjoyment. Riders can admire waterfront architecture, old factories, and luxury condos.
- The path is well-maintained, flat, and dotted with benches, picnic tables, lounge chairs, and water fountains. Despite its urban setting, it offers a refreshing and relaxing ride.
- Perfect for city biking and casual rides.
La Véloroute des Baleines (Côte-Nord)
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For cyclists seeking spectacular coastal views, Véloroute des Baleines on the North Shore is a delight. Over 60 km between Tadoussac and Les Escoumins, Route 138 alternates between inland stretches and the shores of the St. Lawrence. A stop in Les Bergeronnes offers the chance to spot whales.
A contemplative and rewarding ride, great for road cyclists and bike tourers.
Ideal for road cycling and cyclotourism.
La Route du Fleuve (Charlevoix)
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- Renowned as one of the most beautiful scenic roads in North America, Route du Fleuve (Route 362) stretches 78 km from Baie-Saint-Paul to La Malbaie, passing through charming villages. It offers a breathtaking window onto the Charlevoix coastline.
- This trail presents a solid challenge, featuring a series of demanding climbs and a total elevation gain of nearly 2,000 meters. Despite summer traffic, the wide shoulder and frequent rest stops make it possible to refuel and soak up the dazzling views.
- Best suited for experienced road cyclists and road bikes.
6 Routes for Mountain Bikes, Gravel, and Fatbikes
Thousands of kilometers of trails, ranging from rugged to smoother paths, await thrill-seekers and explorers who prefer off-the-beaten-path adventures. Whether it’s mountain biking—perfect for wooded and technical trails—gravel biking, which handles dirt roads or easy cross-country “green” trails, or fatbiking for more adventurous terrain, the ride is yours to enjoy:
La Mauricie National Park (Mauricie)
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This park is an ideal base camp for cycling adventures. It features paved roads for road bikes, but also a 55 km cycling network on forest roads, perfect for gravel bikes. The calm atmosphere makes it especially appealing.
Routes include a 27 km round-trip along Lake Isaïe and Lake à la Pêche, with a stop at Parker Falls, or a shorter 16 km round-trip along Lakes Édouard and Marie. The park also offers trails for mountain biking enthusiasts.
Excellent for gravel bikes and mountain biking.
Forillon National Park (Gaspésie)
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Beyond its short coastal hikes, Forillon also provides challenges for both kids and adults—the intermediate-level Portage Trail winds through forests and fields, perfect for those seeking a test of endurance.
Cyclists may spot moose, bears, or porcupines, adding a wild touch to the adventure.
Suitable for fatbikes and mountain bikes, especially on intermediate trails.
Gatineau Park (Outaouais)
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Located near the city, Gatineau Park is renowned for its scenic paved drives. But it also offers a dream network of gravel-style routes, ideal for riders who enjoy unpaved roads and unconventional trails.
The park offers options for those seeking elevation gain, as well as for those looking for safety and tranquility, all within a pleasant natural setting. Its gravel paths are perfect for exploring the forest.
Excellent for gravel bikes, and also for road cycling on its paved roads.
Pin Rouge Tourist Station (Gaspésie)
- The Gaspé Peninsula is experiencing remarkable growth in mountain biking, and the Pin Rouge Tourist Station is emerging as a new must-visit destination.
- Recommended explicitly for fatbikes and mountain bikes.
Mont-Tremblant National Park (Laurentians)
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- Though the challenging Chemin Duplessis road leads to the park, Mont-Tremblant National Park itself offers excellent trails for mountain biking.
- This park is a must for nature lovers, with spectacular panoramas of lakes and dense forests. It’s an excellent place to work your legs, both climbing and descending.
- Suitable for fatbikes and mountain bikes.
Mont-Orford National Park (Eastern Townships)
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- Mont-Orford National Park is a well-known destination in the Eastern Townships, where mountain bikers seeking new trails will feel right at home. The region is recognized for its expert-level challenges, notably around Bromont and Mont-Bellevue.
- The park is considered a key spot for mountain biking, offering a well-suited trail network for this demanding activity.
- Also suitable for fatbikes.
Conclusion
Quebec offers an incredible wealth of cycling routes tailored to every type of bike and every rider profile. Whether you prefer paved roads, forest trails, or gravel paths, there’s a route for everyone. The key is to select an itinerary that aligns with your riding style, equipment, and level of experience. By varying your rides, you’ll discover new landscapes while enjoying a safe and rewarding cycling experience. On a bike, every outing becomes a unique adventure.