Bicycle touring in Quebec

Gaspésie

(~650km short loop, ~1000-1200km complete tour)
A classic among bicycle tourists, the Gaspé peninsula has a lot to offer. Quite hilly, especially on the northeastern part where it's a constant roller-coaster. A few flat sections and never boring. Lots of places to visit, lots of services for tourists. The short loop cuts across the Cascapedia river valley on highway 299 while the complete Gaspésie tour closes the loop through the Matapédia valley on highway 132.

Ottawa > Montreal > Quebec City

(~500km one-way)
Excellent ride for beginners and those who want to put on distance in a short time. Take highway 148 from Gatineau to Montreal and highway 138 for the rest. The route is part of the Route Verte (Green Way). Very flat with a few bumps near Quebec City. Unless you're very unlucky, you should have the wind at your back. Services are found in the many villages on the road.

Le P'tit train du Nord

(200km one-way) (website)
Very popular rail-trail running from St-Jérôme to Mont-Laurier, through the Laurentians hills north of Montreal. It's also possible to start in Montreal. The northern half is paved and the southern is well-packed crushed stone. Many ride southbound, or "downhill", although there are no difficult climbs. It's an old railroad after all. Lots of services on the trail. There are also shuttle services that bring you and your gear at the northern departure point. Those with time should enjoy riding the trail twice, south to north and back again. Very nice trail.

Véloroute des Bleuets

(256km loop) (website)
Another very popular bike route, although this one uses quiet roads and paved shoulders on highway 169 at times. It is quite flat and it can be windy. The "blueberry bike route" is a big part of Lac St-Jean life in the summer and is very well serviced with lots of places to visit and activities to do. A must.

Véloroute du Fjord

(~330km)
Not an official bike route, at least not yet. The route takes highway 172 and 170 on either side of the Saguenay river between the St-Lawrence river and Chicoutimi (now Ville de Saguenay) and the loop is closed on highway 138 between St-Siméon and Tadoussac. Very hilly, few paved shoulders and long distances between services. Not for beginners. Allow more time to ride into villages along the Saguenay river.

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