Getting There
Your tour starts in the town of Magog, about 115 km (70 miles) east of Montréal.
It is possible to reach Montreal by air from all major Canadian cities and most major American cities.
Magog can be reached by bus from Montreal. Or a private transfer from Montréal to the tour start can be arranged.
If travelling by car, it is possible to leave your car in Magog, where you will be able to pick it up at the end of your cycling trip.
If you are coming from the United States, Magog is only a short drive north of the Vermont /Canada border via Interstate 91.
Day 1
Magog
Arrive in Magog, known as the ‘jewel box of the Townships’. Take the time to discover the vibrant main street, filled with boutiques and restaurants. You may also choose to explore the lake-front walking and biking paths. This afternoon you will meet your area manager and get fitted to your bikes.
Day 2
Magog
Pedal along the shores of Lake Memphrémagog en route to the lakefront Abbey Saint-Benoît-du-Lac — where Benedictine monks have worked and lived since the early part of last century. Be sure to pick up a few supplies for a picnic lunch at the monastery, which is famous for excellent cheeses and apple cider. It is then off to take up the challenge of biking through Mount Orford Provincial Park along the Trans-Canada Trail. This wonderful park is noted for the beauty of its scenery. Ending your day in Magog, with a relaxing dip in one of its many beaches.
Ride Distance: 64 km, elevation gain 636 m.*
Day 3
Stanstead/Ayer’s Cliff
Leave Magog to cycle through the rolling foothills of the Appalachians, encountering a postcard-picturesque covered bridge and scenic little hamlets. Reach the American border town of Beebe Plain, where the main street straddles the border. Enjoy lunch in Standstead and then continue north to Ayer’s Cliff and Lac Massawippi. * The Luxe trip stays in Ayers Cliff at Ripplecove Inn; the Classic trip stays in Stanstead at Domaine Les Boises Lee Farm.
Ride Distance: 65km, elevation gain 580m (45-50km; 450m when staying in Stanstead).*
Day 4
North Hatley
As you wind your way north, stop and learn how cheese is made at a farm that has been doing so for 4 generations. The family farm also has a sugar shack where they make organic maple syrup from their 6000 maple trees on the property. In Comptom, investigate the many studios and antique shops in the area. This village has long been a haven for artists and artisans, and is renowned for its wonderful antiques and art. Arrive to North Hatley, founded in 1897 and one of the most beautiful small towns of Québec. Visit the artisanal pastry shop Saveurs et Gourmandises.
Ride Distance: 42km, elevation gain 360m (40km-60km options when staying in Standstead).*
Day 5
North Hatley
Your day ride out of North Hatley takes you through a diversity of experiences – beautiful countryside with quiet forests, rolling pastures and stunning vistas, to a riverside bike network through the City of Sherbrooke – the 7th largest city in Québec. Take the time to explore the delightful architectural heritage, amazing art galleries and excellent museums, before you weave your way back to North Hatley via the university town of Lennoxville and an amazing Capleton copper mine. Back in North Hatley, treat yourself to dinner in Manoir Hovey’s fine dining room for an exquisite meal.
Ride Distance: 51km, elevation gain 399m.*
Day 6
Departure Day
Take a final stroll around North Hatley or do some last minute souvenir hunting, before departing for another adventure.
*Distance and elevation gains may vary depending on hotels chosen for specific departure.
Trip Reviews
“We had a great trip! The countryside was beautiful and the bike paths were wonderful. The lakes and great hotels were outstanding. The small towns each had some character and the accommodations were world class.”
“We had a fabulous trip. It helped that the weather was perfect but the scenery was amazing, the roads were mostly very accessible/safe, food was great, and the accommodations were lovely. Loved the gravel paths and routes. North Hatley and Magog were sweet little towns. Our Travel Advisor was lovely, responsive and very organized!”
“The accommodations and routes were excellent. The mix of bike paths and quiet back roads were great for biking. Our Travel Advisor was prompt, responsive and helpful.”
“Great riding in an area I knew little about…great hospitality. Keep up the good work!”
“It was a seamless experience. The routes were very safe for bicycling, car drivers friendly and ample ability to stop at small bakeries for food. Our Area Manager was a great host.”
“The B&Bs were all excellent. The Boisee de Lee Farm was spectactular. For all of the B&Bs, the food in particular was fabulous. Really excellent breakfasts, gourmet fare.”
“I thoroughly enjoyed staying at Le Maison Drew. The hosts were very helpful and friendly, and the breakfasts there were superb. It’s location was also ideal with an easy walk to the lake or the main streets of Magog.”
“All the breakfasts were fine. All had nice gathering areas to relax after the days ride. The dinner at Pinnochies in Magog was excellent & likely our best meal, keep that as part of the package.”
“Overall, we enjoyed our first cycling tour very much – and will definitely do another one.”
“Pinnochio was a fantastic evening. The food was delicious and the service was great!”
“The cycling was lovely with beautiful scenery. It was a little harder than I had anticipated with many more steep hills. I live in a hilly area and thought I was prepared but not prepared enough. I loved the wide open vistas along some of the routes. I also loved the bike trail we did, the Tomifobia. The covered bridges and the little farms we wonderful. The hotels were superb. We enjoyed the visit to the monastery and the chanting monks. We also visited a lavender farm and cheese factory and enjoyed them both. The bikes were excellent. We also had no technical issues. Our luggage was always at the next hotel, waiting for us.”
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