Hotel Verso, Magog
With an outstanding view of Lake Memphremagog, this property was re-designed in 2021 into a boutique hotel with contemporary decor and friendly, attentive service. Downtown Magog is 600m away.
Experience French joie de vivre right here in North America! Step into history and take in the European ambiance in the heart of southern Québec’s Eastern Townships. Nestled in the foothills of the Appalachians, discover a land of enchanted forests, babbling brooks and peaceful lakes. Pedal along undiscovered country roads and specially-designed bike paths through covered bridges, past serene monasteries, and spectacular round barns. Listen for the toll of local church bells. The perfect souvenir awaits your discovery among the many galleries, studios and antique shops that populate the many picturesque villages you’ll encounter. Each night settle into your cozy accommodation and be treated to first-class cuisine. You’ll never forget your visit to this breathtaking corner of Canada.
The Eastern Townships is a beautiful region with a unique charm. Our route choices utilize some hard-packed dirt roads where it makes sense to. If you wish to stay on paved roads entirely, this is possible but may result in a longer route or some light traffic.
Straight Talk
Eastern Townships Biking 6 Days
Magog
Magog, QC, Canada
Day 1+2
Stanstead
Stanstead, QC, Canada
Day 3
Ayers Cliff
Ayers Cliff, QC, Canada
Day 3
North Hatley
North Hatley, QC, Canada
Day 4+5+6
Trip Inclusions
What’s Included
- 5 nights hotels
- All breakfasts and 1 dinner
- Luggage transfers
- Comprehensive Tour Details with detailed pre-trip information
- GPS routes and maps
- Orientation with our Area Manager
- Area Manager available on call throughout the tour
- Access to Loyalty Program and other exclusive benefits
Particulars
Departure Dates
| Start any date between May 1 and Oct 31. |
|---|
| Custom trips are also available and can start any date, call or email for details. |
Total Days
6 days / 5 nights
Arrive/Depart
Magog / North Hatley
Activity Level
Moderate
55 km (35 mi) or 4 to 6 hours of riding
Terrain
Moderately hilly. In general you can expect a number of hills on most routes. It might take about fifteen minutes to ride up some of the hills. Approximately 35% of the route is on crushed rock bike trails and hard packed dirt roads.
Cost
Classic Accommodation: CAD $2,120
Single supplement: CAD $550
Luxe Accommodation: CAD $2,700
Single supplement: CAD $700
Bike Rentals
Hybrid Bikes: CAD $260
E-Bikes*: CAD $400
Prices are per person before tax. Quebec charges (QST) of 14.975%.
*E-bikes are generally available but are on an ‘on request basis ‘ and will be confirmed on receipt of your booking registration. E-bikes provided are the best rentals available in the region. Our regular fleet of hybrid and race bikes are fun to ride and light and fast, but if having an e-bike will make your trip, we’ll do our best to provide. E-bike rentals are non-refundable.
Please note: Final itinerary is subject to revision; any changes made are done so in an attempt to provide the best possible trip given route conditions and available services. Due to the nature of our business and exchange rates, prices are subject to change. If you have any questions before making your reservation, please contact us.
Getting There
Your tour starts in the town of Magog, about 115 km (70 mi) 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/Quebec border via Interstate 91.
1
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.
2
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: 45 km; elevation gain: 340 m or 64 km; elevation gain: 636 m
3
Day 3
Stanstead
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. Spend the night in charming Stanstead. If you are here on a Thursday, Friday or Saturday, you may be able to dine at Auberge Stanstead’s renowned restaurant. Or you can stroll across the border to Vermont to dine there!
Ride Distance: 45-50 km; elevation gain: 450 m
4
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: 42 km; elevation gain: 380 m or 61 km; elevation gain: 470 m
5
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 or a more casual but equally delicious meal at Massawippi Mercantile.
Ride Distance: 51 km; elevation gain: 399 m
6
Day 6
Depart
Take a final stroll around North Hatley or do some last minute souvenir hunting, before departing for another adventure.
Classic
Lee Farm Inn, Stanstead
On a 5-acre estate, this quaint 1810 inn boasts guest rooms with traditional antique-style furnishings and en-suite bathrooms, an outdoor heated swimming pool, hot tub and sauna. Other amenities include gardens and a guest lounge with fireplace.
Auberge La Chocolatière, North Hatley
Nestled on the shores of Massawipi Lake in the centre of North Hatley, this chocolate-themed inn offers a lake view. It features a restaurant with fireplace and an on-site boutique. Enjoy a breakfast of chocolate crepes or waffles!
Luxe
Hotel Verso, Magog
With an outstanding view of Lake Memphremagog, this property was re-designed in 2021 into a boutique hotel with contemporary decor and friendly, attentive service. Downtown Magog is 600m away.
Lee Farm Inn, Stanstead
On a 5-acre estate, this quaint 1810 inn boasts guest rooms with traditional antique-style furnishings and en-suite bathrooms, an outdoor heated swimming pool, hot tub and sauna. Other amenities include gardens and a guest lounge with fireplace. If you wish to upgrade to Ripple Cove Hotel & Spa in Ayer's Cliff, there is a supplement that depends on the room booked (from $100pp). Let us know if you have a preference when you register.
Manoir Hovey, North Hatley
This Relais & Chateaux property is one of the finest in Eastern Canada. Superior rooms are unique and have lakeside views and the restaurant is superb. Located 3 km outside the town of North Hatley.
Tour Reviews
“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.”
“Pinnochio was a fantastic evening. The food was delicious and the service was great!”
“Overall, we enjoyed our first cycling tour very much – and will definitely do another one.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“Great riding in an area I knew little about…great hospitality. Keep up the good work!”
“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.”
“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!”
“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.”
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