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 $1,875*
Single supplement: CAD $470*
Luxe Accommodation: CAD $2,295*
Single supplement: CAD $580*
*Prices before tax. Province of Quebec applies 14.975% GST+QST.
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
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.
Ride Distance: 65km, elevation gain 580m.*
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.*
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 historic and charming auberge boasts 10 guest rooms, each with ensuite bathroom, a popular restaurant and large outdoor terrace, which hosts musicians on Thursday nights in the summer. The location is ideal as it is a short stroll to anywhere in town.
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
Set in a Colonial-style house, this warm bed-and-breakfast has 4 cozy rooms with wooden floors have en-suite bathrooms. Breakfast is served in the intimate wood-floored bistro, which also offers dinner. The B&B has a lounge with a fireplace and a porch with seating.
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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