4 Places to Go Bikepacking in Quebec
Bikepacking–in other words, riding and camping while carrying your gear–combines the joys of cycling and adventure. Quebec is a real goldmine for bike trips. Here are five places to go bikepacking in Quebec.
Route Planning Tools
Before even starting to plan an itinerary, it’s important to be aware of the planning tools available. The most popular ones like Strava, Ride with GPS, and Komoot allow you to create customized routes or use those recorded by other users.
These planning tools are invaluable for cyclists. They give you the exact distance, road surfaces, elevation gain, and gradients of the hills you’ll climb. Additionally, routes can be downloaded for offline use or exported to a GPS device. Google Maps is also very useful for putting the finishing touches on your route planning with possible food resupply points, accommodations and other services available along the route.
List of Must-Remember Essentials
- Flat repair kit, including a hand pump
- Inner tubes (note the plural here, especially if you venture into remote areas!)
- Battery for charging electronic devices
- Water, water, water!
- Chamois Butter (a true must-have in your panniers!)
- Adequate quantities of food and snacks
- Water filter and water treatment tablets
- Bike lights
- Chain lubricant
- Spare chain links
- First aid kit
- Tie-wraps and ski straps (you never know!)
Credit SÉPAQ
1. Bikepacking in the Laurentians — Parc National du Mont-Tremblant
SÉPAQ’s national parks are excellent options for a first bikepacking experience. Parc National du Mont-Tremblank is no exception! It’s a can’t-miss adventure for outdoor enthusiasts with its vast forests, crystal-clear lakes, and mountains. The park offers many options for backcountry and developed camping that are perfect for a wilderness experience. Bike routes vary between gravel trails, dirt roads and paved roads, allowing cyclists of all levels to enjoy the scenery.
Many routes are possible through the park and surrounding areas. Some sections can be ridden on the park road or gravel bike paths. The various routes take you through spectacular viewpoints, such as Lake Monroe and Croches Falls, with camp sites at La Sablonnière, Lac-Chat, and in the Pimbina sector. The leisurely pace and numerous scenic stops make this route an outstanding choice for a bikepacking getaway in the great outdoors.
Note that Route 3 towards the Pimbina sector in St-Donat will be closed in 2024 due to road repair work. Inquire at Parc National du Mont-Tremblant for more information.
2. Bikepacking in the Lower Saint Laurence Region
Bikepacking in the Lower Saint Laurence region is an unforgettable experience that combines pastoral landscapes and gourmet discoveries. The most popular route is the Route Verte, with sections ranging from 100 to 150 kilometers, often on paved surfaces and gravel roads. It’s perfect for a three- to four-day adventure. You’ll pass through charming villages such as Kamouraska and Rivière-du-Loup with breathtaking views of the Saint Lawrence River.
Camping options are plentiful, with developed campsites along the road, especially at Parc national du Bic or Camping de la Batture SEBKA in Kamouraska. On the way, stop at local microbreweries, such as Tête d’Allumette in Saint-André or Le Secret des Dieux in Pohénégamook for a refreshing break. Local snack bars, such as Chez Octave in Kamouraska, are perfect for enjoying regional dishes. Also keep the new Pépita pizzeria in mind. It’s well worth a visit. It’s a wonderful getaway blending nature, culture and local flavours!
Credit SÉPAQ
3. Bikepacking in the Eastern Townships
Bikepacking in the Eastern Townships is an exceptional adventure for outdoor enthusiasts. The region abounds in a wide array of bikeways, with surfaces ranging from asphalt to gravel roads, making it the perfect destination for short or long itineraries. The Wine Route is a classic itinerary perfect for cycling enthusiasts and foodies. Additionally, the Vélo d’aventure des Cantons collective offers several must-ride routes in the region. The Eastern Townships are brimming with camping options. For example, you can pitch your tent at one of the campsites at Mont-Orford or at the Huttopia campground, which offer quiet spots deep in the woods.
On the way, be sure to visit tourist attractions, such as Parc National du Mont-Orford or the picturesque villages of North Hatley and Knowlton. The rolling landscapes, gravel roads, and charming villages make the Eastern Townships a bucket list bikepacking region.
4. Bikepacking in the Saguenay
The Saguenay region can be an outstanding first bikepacking experience. With well-maintained paved and gravel roads, the region has varied routes through mountains, fjords and rivers. The Véloroute des Bleuets and the Véloroute du Fjord are the region’s iconic itineraries. These two routes feature various itineraries based on experience level and the time you have. These routes alone total about 600 kilometers, 256 for the Véloroute des bleuets and 400 for the Véloroute du Fjord to be exact. You won’t be short of options!
Possibilities for camping vary based on the chosen itinerary. The Véloroute des Bleuets itineraries are especially well put together. They can be excellent choices for experiencing bikepacking as a family. The region is also renowned for its tranquility and natural beauty, which makes it a prime destination for those seeking an escape far from the noisy city.
