Eastern Townships Biking 7 Days

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.

Straight-talk: 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. The Classic level Accommodations here are somewhat more modest than in some other regions; the Luxe options are quite luxurious in Ayer’s Cliff, at Ripplecove Hotel & Spa and in North Hatley at Manoir Hovey, a Relais & Chateaux property that is one of the finest in Canada.

Location

Magog

Magog, QC, Canada

Day 1+2

Ayers Cliff

Ayers Cliff, QC, Canada

Day 3+4

North Hatley

North Hatley, QC, Canada

Day 5+6+7

What’s Included in the Cost of Your Trip?

INCLUDED IN REGULAR TRIP

6 nights hotels
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

Start any date between May 15 and October 31
Custom trips also available and can start any date. Call or email for details.

TOTAL DAYS

7 days / 6 nights, with 5 days of biking

ARRIVE / DEPART

Magog / North Hatley

ACTIVITY LEVEL

Average daily distance is 55 km (35 miles). This usually requires 4 to 6 hours of pedaling per day.

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 $2,550*
Single supplement: CAD $650*

Luxe Accommodation: CAD $2,950*
Single supplement: CAD $750*

*Prices before tax. Province of Quebec applies 14.975% GST+QST.

Bike Rentals

Hybrid Bikes: CAD$280

E-Bikes: CAD$480

The price of e-bike rentals takes into consideration the additional cost for delivery and pick-up as we source the best available in the region, which may not be convenient to the trip start and/or finish.

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 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: 45km; 340m or 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 Stanstead and then continue north to Ayer’s Cliff and Lac Massawippi.

Ride Distance: 65km, elevation gain 580m (45-50km; 450m when staying in Standstead).*

Day 4

Ayer’s Cliff

Ride through rural landscapes and farming country to the village of Coaticook whose name was inspired by the word “Koatikeku,” from the Abenaki name of the river that runs through the territory. The bridge spanning the gorge just outside of town is the highest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America. There are plenty of lunch options but save room for the famous Coaticook ice cream while here and cycle back to Ayer’s Cliff afterward.

Ride Distance: 55km, elevation gain 500m.*

Day 5

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 6

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 Quebec. 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. After a final night reception, we’ll dine in the Tap Room of Manoir Hovey. Typical of Eastern Township restaurants, you’ll find a friendly ambiance and enjoy imaginative dishes featuring local products such as Abénaki poutines, half-cockerels, lobster rolls, Québec bred Wagyu beef burgers and more. Bon Appétit.

Ride Distance: 50km, elevation gain 400m.*

Day 7

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

Verso Boutique Hotel, 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.

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 Boutique 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.

Ripplecove Hotel & Spa, Ayer’s Cliff

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!

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.