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.
Location
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
What’s Included in the Cost of Your Trip?
INCLUDED IN REGULAR TRIP
5 nights hotels
Use of a high quality performance hybrid bike and accessories
All breakfasts & 1 dinner
Detailed route instructions & maps
GPS data of the route
Comprehensive Tour Details with detailed pre-trip information
Personal meet & greet with our local Area Manager
All baggage transportation
Area manager services for the duration of the tour
Specifics
TRIP DATES
Custom trips also available and can start any date. Call or email for details.
TOTAL DAYS
ARRIVE / DEPART
ACTIVITY LEVEL
TERRAIN
COST
Classic Accommodation: CAD $1,750*
Single supplement: CAD $450*
Luxe Accommodation: CAD $2,050*
Single supplement: CAD $550*
*Price before tax (Quebec applies a 14.975% tax).
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. Canadian flags are prominently displayed to the north, while American Flags fly proudly to the south. Your destination is another border town—Stanstead (if booking Luxe, the ride continues to Ayer’s Cliff on this day). The Stanstead inn is a lovely Victorian manor house and the Luxe option is a 5-star property on the shores of Lac Massawippi.
Ride Distance: 42km, elevation gain 609m or 64km, gain 580m.*
Day 4
North Hatley
The Classic trip heads north through the lakeside village of Ayer’s Cliff (the Luxe option starts from there) to North Hatley, your destination for today. Along the way you may choose to stop at the birthplace of Louis Saint-Laurent — Canada’s 16th Prime Minister, in Compton (an excellent spot for an ice-cream stop!). Be sure to save some time to 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. You will also want to explore the lovely shores of Lake Massawippi. Founded in 1897, the village of North Hatley is known as one of the most beautiful small towns of Québec. Visit to the artisanal pastry shop Saveurs et Gourmandises. For dinner, dine in the Tap Room of Manoir Hovey. Here, inside a friendly ambiance, you’ll be able to savour simple, but well-mastered dishes, concocted with amazing local products: Abénaki poutines, half-cockerels, lobster rolls, Québec bred Wagyu beef burgers. Bon Appétit.
Ride Distance: 42km, elevation gain 360m or 65km, gain 490m.*
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.
Classic
This beautifully restored heritage building is located downtown, steps from the theatre, art galleries, boutiques and restaurants. Each room has cozy bedding and a fireplace. Enjoy a healthy, gourmet breakfast in the solarium.
This five-acre estate is in the heart of Stanstead. Rooms are furnished with antiques, thick duvets, linen sheets and each has a fireplace; the property also features a therapeutic bath, and an outdoor salt-water pool.
Alt: The Yellow House B&B
Le Cachet B&B is a perfect place if you are looking to get away from the city and enjoy the serene atmosphere of the Eastern Townships. Beautiful rooms that would suit different tastes. You will feel welcomed in this lovely B&B since they truly love to serving their guests and they make sure that everyone leaves North Hatley with grand experience.
Luxe
This historic and luxurious inn and spa is located in the heart of Magog but only minutes walk from a lakeside beach. Recently renovated, this inn is the best in Magog.
Dating to 1945, this refined 5-star hotel is set on the shores of Lac Massawippi. Amenities include a lakeside restaurant (views are superb) serving regional cuisine, a bar and a full-service spa with an outdoor hot tub. You won’t want to leave!
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.
Trip Reviews
“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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