Recommended Bike Routes of the Eastern Townships of Quebec

I can’t think of an area more designed for cycling than the Eastern Townships of Quebec. The curated bike routes of the Eastern Townships are an excellent way to see this stunning area. Tourism Eastern Townships has an excellent website and booklet of cycling routes across the area. There are bike rides for all levels of difficulty and distance.

Besides road biking, lift-serviced mountain biking is the rage in Bromont while the hills of Mount Sutton have 45 km of mountain bike trails. Similarly, the gravel roads of the townships offer a bucolic biking experience past farms, wineries, and forests.

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Where are the Eastern Townships?

The Eastern Townships are located in south-central Quebec between Montreal and Quebec City. In French, they are known as Cantons de l’Est. The area has a fascinating history of colonization.

Loyalists who sided with the British in the American Revolution built houses in the Eastern Townships as a retreat from conflicts. Many tribes of the Abenaki people were the original inhabitants and still live on the land. Abenaki names for lakes, mountains, and rivers are reminders of their home including places such as Magog, Memphremagog, Massawippi, Missisquoi, Megantic, Tomifobia, Coaticook, and Yamaska.

The area is broken up into nine regions, each with unique outdoor adventures. Several townships have their own carefully designed bike routes. Brome-Missisquoi and Memphremagog townships publish helpful cycling maps you can pick up at the local tourism office.

Related Post -> Amazing Outdoor Adventures of the Eastern Townships of Quebec

Bike Routes of the Eastern Townships

I will focus on the bike routes of the Eastern Townships along paved and gravel roads and rail trails. I followed the designated cycling routes I found in widely distributed biking maps to give you suggestions for rides. Ideas for family-friendly bike trails are in the second part of the post.

Amuse-bouche

An amuse-bouche is a tiny, bite-size appetizer served by the chef as a surprise during the meal. I found unexpected bonuses on each of my bike rides. Therefore, I highlight a metaphorical amuse-bouche I discovered on each cycling circuit.

Traverse the Townships Loop: Cycle to Three Pines

This loop through two charming towns in the Eastern Townships is a delight for its forest and farmland scenery along quiet roads. It’s also an opportunity to cycle into the mythical village of Three Pines.

Three Pines is a fictional town dreamed up by the popular Canadian murder mystery author Louise Penny. Penny’s many books follow the life of Chief Inspector Gamache, who lives in Three Pines, as he solves the latest murder. The village of Knowlton and its surrounding areas inspire Louise Penny’s locations in her books.

Fans of Louise Penny’s books flock to the area to see these inspirations on a popular tour.  However, few take the opportunity to bike into the town.

Related Post-> In Search of Three Pines: A Fascinating Tour of Louise Penny’s Inspirations

Traverse the Townships bike route

The Traverse the Townships bike loop starts in Sutton, another quaint Eastern Townships village. Park at the library or any of the many parking spaces in Sutton. Pick up a picnic lunch at the local boulangerie, La Rumuer Affamee. The business is one of Louise Penny’s inspirations for her books and is a delightful mouthwatering place to find the best charcuterie. Conversely, just pick up some tasty snacks there for the ride and stop for lunch in Knowlton at one of the many luscious bistros.

The bike ride starts with a hill climb out of town. The cycling loop is 47 km or 31 miles. The terrain is up and down with a combination of gravel roads and pavement. It’s a perfect ride for an e-bike to assist on the inclines. 

The route heads toward Knowlton on a primarily gravel road. The roads are well-maintained and easy to ride. You will travel past working farms and ride through tunnels of trees enfolding the way. Wild apple trees dot the roadside. The first half of the loop into Knowlton is about 20 km. It took me about an hour on an e-bike with lots of stops.

Amuse-bouche

Visit the Brome Lake bookstore to learn more about Louise Penny’s books and Three Pines. A whole corner of the store is dedicated to Three Pines and Penny. Be sure to buy a licorice pipe, Chief Inspector Gamache’s favorite candy. 

The return 27 km to Sutton offers some tremendous scenery. You will ride over a hill and see stunning views of Mount Sutton. The fast downhills add to the adventure. Near the end of the tour is the family-owned Domaine Bresee winery. Stop and enjoy some of the marvelous Quebec wines. It’s only a 5 km ride, mostly downhill, back to Sutton.

Ride the Traverse the Townships loop if you want a gravel road front seat to some of the best views in the area. Even if you are not a Louise Penny and Three Pines follower, you will marvel at the charm of Knowlton.

Tour des Bolton: Cycle to a Spa

What is better than finishing one of the bike routes of the Eastern Townships by soaking in a spa? You can do just that on this ride. This 31 km/20-mile loop travels mostly on gravel. However, do not fear the gravel as it is a silky smooth hard-packed surface. The gravel leads you through magnificent bucolic countryside.

I suggest starting in Bolton center instead of the starting point of Saint-Etienne-de-Bolton recommended on the map. In this way, you don’t start your ride by tackling the steepest hill on the route. Plus, you end at the Bolton spa for an “apres-cycle” experience. There is parking in the town park in Bolton.

A Quebec spa is a unique partaking in a three-part cycle. First, you dip in the hot tub or sauna. Next, you do a quick cold immersion in one of the icy pools. Finally, you rest in one of the comfy lounges available. Then you do the cycle all over again. The whole experience takes place in complete silence.

Amuse-bouche

A delight of this bike trip was the jaw-dropping view as I crested the high point of the route. The expanse of Lac Brome appeared nestled in the valley. That view was more than worthy of the climb.

Circuit du Patrimoine: Cycle to a Winery

The 42 km/26-mile route starts in the town of Bedford. Park across from the St. Damien Presbytery church. The large parking lot on the river has bike tools, picnic tables, and a restroom.

From the church parking lot, head north toward the tiny hamlet of Mystic. Look for the Walbridge barn, a dodecagonal barn, the only one of its kind in Canada. As the French name for this ride is the “heritage circuit”, enjoy discovering the history and design of this unique building.

The bike route follows along quiet paved roads past farm fields of corn and soybeans. The road traces the Pike River for part of the journey until you arrive in Stanbridge East.

Amuse-bouche

The surprise on this ride was the village of Stanbridge East. Stop to see antique shops, a pottery shop, a bistro, boutiques, a historic general store, and a museum that interprets the fascinating history that has shaped the area over the past 200 years. It is worth it to spend an hour or so exploring the nooks and crannies of the picturesque village. 

The most beautiful part of the bike route is the ride along Ridge Road. Here you will find vineyards framed against the distant mountains. This area is an important part of the Eastern Townships wine route, so you will not be disappointed by the wineries you encounter.  

Wine Route

There are two on Ridge Road, Domaine du Ridge and Vignoble de l’Ardennais. Another winery, Clos de l’Orme Blanc is a bit further on the route. I saw workers in the field, picking the grapes. I even tasted a few–they were very sweet. Enjoy a wine tasting or a beverage while you relax at the winery with stunning views surrounding you.  

After the vineyards, there is a cute covered bridge in the middle of nowhere. It is another of the historic structures on the cycling circuit.

If you want a shorter route, you can cut across Chevalier Road. But if you are staying on the whole route you will continue south toward the US border, however, you will turn north right before you touch it. This is an area of sweeping farm fields and panoramic views.  You’ll see several sugar bushes along the way as well.

Finally, the route heads north along a paved road and a section of gravel road back into the village of Bedford. 

Overall, this was one of my favorite bike routes in the Eastern Townships.  It is mostly flat so it lives up to its designation as an easy route. The scenery is rural with the feeling that you have slowed down and stepped back in time. Traffic is light along the roads, just a few tractors here and there.

With a many-sided barn, gorgeous wineries, charming villages, a covered bridge, and views for miles, this route can’t be beaten. 

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Mystic Chameleon: Cycle to a Cheese Museum

The quiet roads and bucolic farmsteads of the Coaticook Valley are a prime biking destination. I rode an E-bike over the rolling gravel roads with enough scenery to take my breath away. I did one of the Tourism Eastern Townships recommended routes called Mystic Chameleon. Indeed, it was mystic and the scenery changed color like a chameleon. It’s listed as difficult due to the rolling hills, however, on an E-bike, it’s a breeze.

One highlight along the route is a historic round barn built in 1907 that has been carefully preserved. Make sure to stop to say hi to the friendly farm animals along the way, too.

Amuse-bouche

You’ll develop an appetite from cycling all those hills and past all that beauty. Stop at the Fromagerie La Station in Compton. Don’t miss the grilled cheese sandwich compete with a side of maple jelly. Likewise, take the tour and marvel at the cheese museum. The guided tour includes all things cheese and includes a tasting.

Once you are back on the road, you may be biking straight out of Compton, however, the scenery will look like something straight out of Tuscany.

Recommended Family Bike Routes of the Eastern Townships

Tour du lac d’Argent: Cycling around a Lake

This bike route is for the whole family. It’s short and sweet with spectacular scenery. It starts at a cyclists’ parking lot at the intersection Khartoum and Diligences Roads. La Route Verte winds across Quebec intersecting here for those who want to ride part of a long-distance bike trail.

The 6 km cycling route goes around Lake Argent. It starts on a bike path on the east side of the lake. The bike path takes you into town where you can pick up lunch or snacks for the kids. You might enjoy visiting some of the charming little shops along the main street.

 It continues on a road on the west side of the lake, the way is marked for bicycles so seems very safe. The views of Mount Orford over the lake are spectacular from various waypoints along the way. 

Amuse-bouche

Make a stop at the greenhouses on the west side of the lake. Look for the word Tomate on a gray barn. This idyllic setting has whimsical statues fabricated out of car parts. The views of Mount Orford are a plus, too. The finest local produce and fruit can be found at the farmstand. Grab a juicy apple or pear to give you energy for your bike ride. Be sure to pet the resident dogs lying in the sun waiting for attention.

After one more view of Mount Orford from the back of the greenhouses continue on your way back to the bicycle parking area. If the family is still game for more adventure, continue up the trail to Lake Stukely for a swim. The up-and-back ride to the beach will add 20 km to your total bike ride.

Tomifobia Bike Path: Cycle in Nature

This wonderful linear rail trail runs from the US border to Ayer’s Cliff. I was first interested in this bike path when I did the Bebee Spur Route starting near Newport in the US. When I got to the Canadian border, I couldn’t go further because I didn’t have my passport with me. I wondered what lay beyond the border. So on this trip, I started in Canada near where I left off last time and headed up the Tomifobia Nature Trail.

The nature trail part of the promise certainly delivers. I saw a beaver swimming in the river, a deer snacking in a farm field, and a huge flock of Canada geese resting on their journey. The trail runs along the Tomifobia River through quiet water and whitewater sections. Even if you aren’t into dendrology, the variety of trees along the trail is amazing. Majestic black spruce, colorful maples, beech, and every kind of evergreen highlight this northern boreal forest.

The nature trail is part of a longer 87-kilometer/54-mile route that crosses the border to travel to Newport, Vermont. However, for families looking for short bike ride, the nature trail is perfect. There are parking areas at most places where roads cross the rail trail. I recommend starting in the middle as that is the most beautiful part of the trail. If you want to do the whole trail, you can park at Memorial Park in Beebe. Ride to Ayer’s Cliff and backtrack for a pleasant bike trip. Take a picnic as there are picnic tables and benches along the trail.

Amuse-bouche

A medicine wheel designed by a Metis Algonquin–Anishnabe elder is a prominent rest stop on the trail. Four large engraved stones stand in a circle in the shape of a turtle to depict Turtle Island, the original name of the earth. Each stone is inscribed with one of the four directions of the medical wheel and an associated animal. I enjoyed reading the wisdom written on the stones of this indigenous structure.

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Artria Cultural Loop

The Artria Cultural Loop is an enjoyable trail in the Granby area with rural, waterfront, and small city sights. Over 60 artists have pieces along the trail, each one a unique surprise as you ride along. The paved bike path is 34 km, however, you can continue on a 21 km gravel path to ride through the Parc National de la Yamaska. There is parking and amenities to access the bike path at Waterloo, near Shefford, and Granby.

For a shorter 22 km ride, the Estriade Bike Path between Waterloo and Granby has less than a 2% climb so it’s very family-friendly.

Amuse-bouche

You will find a cute little art park right before you enter the city of Granby on the bike path. There are benches to sit and contemplate the artistic sculptures surrounding you.

Related post -> Best Bike Trails in Vermont

Lake Brome Bike Path

This convenient walking and bike path from Knowlton to Lake Brome is a perfect way to explore the area. The beginning of the Coldbrook Path is at the parking lot behind the bookstore in Knowlton. It winds through the woods to the lake. After crossing the Coldbrook River two times it heads toward Lake Brome.

After joining the Lake Brome Bike Path, the gravel trail reaches Douglass Beach on the lake. The lifeguarded municipal beach has swimming, picnic facilities, and a playground. Continuing on the path brings you close to the lake from some fabulous views. The Lake Brome path is over 11 km, ending near Foster.

Amuse-bouche

The colorful structures and birdhouses at the beginning of the Coldbrook Path will enthrall kids of all ages. These hand-constructed fairy houses line the trail like an art gallery. You will want to ride slowly along to see all the intricate touches on the birdhouses.

Related Post-> Best Bike Trails in Western Massachusetts

Logistics of Enjoying the Bike Routes of the Eastern Townships

Bikes for Bike Routes of the Eastern Townships

You can easily bring your own bikes to the Eastern Townships. Amenities for cyclists include top-rated bike shops, bike racks near where you want to park, biking-specific parking areas with tools and air stations, and bathrooms.

I used my Aventon e-bike for the longer routes and my Trek hybrid for the easy, family routes. I saw about as many electric bikes as regular touring bikes on the circuits. E-bike usage has expanded the number of riders who are older or don’t have the fitness they once had.

There are also a number of places across the townships to rent bikes. Many rental companies are near some of the best bike routes in the Eastern Townships.

Accommodations on Bike Routes of the Eastern Townships

Each of the picturesque towns in the Eastern Townships has comfortable and classic accommodations. In North Hatley, Hovey Manor on Lake Massawippi is the only Michelin-rated hotel in Quebec. The superb lodging and restaurant are a wonderful place to treat yourself. Hilary and Bill Clinton stay here when they visit Quebec.

If you want to stay in the charming town of North Hatley, the Auberge La Chocolatiere is a chocolate-themed inn set on the lake offering a breakfast of chocolate crepes or waffles in the morning.

Knowlton, a village of Lac-Brome, is an excellent base for a cycling tour. The Alberge Knowlton is an in-town alternative that keeps you close to all the walkable sights in Knowlton. If you want beautiful spacious grounds with a pool, Domaine Jolivent B&B is a 10-minute drive to Knowlton. It is an excellent place to stay to explore the whole Lac-Brome area.

Sutton is another great place to stay. It has the inimitable La Rumuer Affamee boulangerie for a delightful repast. Plus, two microbreweries in town and several stops on the wine route nearby make it an excellent base for explorations. Le Pleasant Hôtel & Café is a Victorian mansion converted to a hotel in a perfect location in Sutton.

Budget accommodations in Magog include the delightful Auberge de Jeunesse Magog-Orford Hostel. The hostel has simple private rooms or beds in a dorm room. The vibe here is very welcoming of all ages. Common areas are spacious and very clean. Visit the attached coffee shop for yummy treats and beverages.

Glamping on Bike Routes of the Eastern Townships

I stayed in a few glamping accommodations on my trip through the Eastern Townships. Glamping is glamorous camping. Glamping is for folks who want to stay close to nature without roughing it.

Station Chene Rouge

Station Chene Rouge resort features rustic cabins and deluxe safari tents in the woods near Sherbrooke. A stylish clubhouse and pavilion for lounging and making meals look out over the mountains. A saltwater pool, lounge chairs, and outdoor barbeques occupy the spacious lawn.

Lao Cabines

Lao Cabines is a glamping and camping area north of Orford National Park. The modern cabins have a kitchen, composting toilet, a propane heater, and lights. In addition, the central welcoming area has showers, toilets, two hot tubs, and a sauna for campers’ and glampers’ use. There are nine cabins nestled in the woods on hiking and biking trails. In addition, a lake on the property has kayaks and paddleboards to enjoy.

Auberge du Changement d’Ere

The glamping experience at Auberge du Changement d’Ere is in the Air Drops (Goutte d’Air), shimmering metal-encased tear drops seemingly suspended in the air. The interior has a clever table that folds down into a bed. The net loft has a ladder for kids to explore and sleep in the top of the Air Drop. A nearby restroom with showers and an outdoor kitchen for cooking is shared with other Air Droppers.

It is located a short walk from Parc de la Gorge in Coaticook.

Huttopia

While staying in a tent at Huttopia, you forget you are camping. That’s because the tent has a bathroom with a hot shower, a kitchen with running water, and a wood stove inside.

The central reception area has a cafe, camp store, lounge area with games, and a swimming pool. Nearby hiking trails connect to the Mont Sutton trail system.

Au Diable Vert

Au Diable Vert in Glen Sutton is a mountaintop property with the feeling of the Swiss Alps. It is a dog-friendly four-season outdoor center with unique accommodations.

There are seven kinds of four-season ecolodges at Au Diable Vert including cute little pod cabins, cliff-side cabins, treehouses, rustic cabins, and modern mountain view suites. There are cozy two-person cabins and ones that house up to eight people for larger groups. Most of the cabins encircle the alpine meadow. They are situated for maximum views of the jaw-dropping scenery.

Wrap Up of the Bike Routes of the Eastern Townships

The Eastern Townships are a biker’s paradise. The quiet country roads, the mountain bike trail networks, and the dedicated bike trails all draw riders from all over Canada and the U.S. In short, there were many times when there were more cyclists on the roads than cars.

To sum it up, you will find delightful surprises on any of the bike routes of the Eastern Townships. I can’t wait to get back to the area to ride more of the perfectly curated bike routes. For example, the Veloroute Gourmande is perfect for foodies as it takes you to the most delectable stops. In addition, several bike touring companies offer multi-day trips from Montreal through the Eastern Townships. Likewise, you can do a self guided multi-day trip by combining several routes. However when you travel the Eastern Townships by bike, you will pleasantly surprised with your own amuse-bouche.

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