The Ultimate Bike Touring Destination

What makes a great bike touring getaway? Great scenery, great cycling culture, great lodging and camping, and great routes for every type of rider. Québec has all that, plus a totally unique blend of charming villages and wild terrain. Here’s what makes this vast Canadian province so special for cyclists—and a place where you can really find your further.

A Bonanza of Scenery

Nature is in showoff mode here. That’s because it’s so well-preserved and so diverse. Québec covers more than 15 percent of Canada’s surface, harboring an immense natural wonderland of lakes, rivers, mountains, forests, and coastlines. The landscape encompasses dramatic fjordlands to the east and starkly beautiful arctic tundra in the province’s northern reaches. And it’s all stitched together by charming villages, making every route a blend of wild terrain and relaxing stopovers.

With more than 200 national parks and protected territories, Québec is a haven for anyone who wants to experience raw wilderness. You’ll find world-class scenery all over the destination, from the mighty rivers and ancient forests of Parc national du Mont-Tremblant, Québec’s first and largest national park, to the majestic fjord of Parc national du Fjord-du-Saguenay. The St. Lawrence River alone is a showstopper of magical scenery, whale sightings, and more.

Welcoming Cyclists 

The infrastructure here has been developed with cyclists’ safety and comfort in mind. With that emphasis, it should be no surprise that Québec is home to the Route Verte (Green Route), the largest cycling route in North America, with more than 3,000 miles to explore. The route shows what it means for an entire community to embrace cycling, from the standardized paths and thorough signage to bike-friendly accommodations to cafés with integrated bike shops.

In fact, all over the province, you’ll find bike-friendly lodging and services through Québec by Bike. All locations in the directory are guaranteed to have key features like secure bicycle storage, information on local riding, and a pump and basic repair tools. Also welcome: It’s easy to find local companies that offer baggage transfers. With such comprehensive services making cyclists feel safe and comfortable, it’s easy to focus on the trip ahead.

Discovering What’s There

One common thread runs through any bike tour in Québec: the villages you’ll encounter along the way. These vibrant communities are part of the landscape, just like lakes and rivers, with architecture and traditions that reflect generations of living in sync with the terrain. Whether you’re overnighting or just stopping for lunch, these towns serve as the ultimate aid stations for any ride.

A key tip when planning your trip? Give yourself plenty of time to savor all there is to see and do on a cycling trip through Québec. Use Québec by Bike to create a personalized itinerary, and consider organizing your ride around a theme. That could mean hopscotching between villages with a gourmet food and drink lineup. Or riding through a blueberry-growing region during prime berry-picking season. Or historic railroad towns, wildlife refuges, waterfalls, or big-view camping. The possibilities are endless, but one thing is certain: Wherever you ride in Québec, you’ll wish you had more time to go just a little bit further.

Bonjour Québec promotes the destination internationally by showcasing the province’s regions, culture, and outdoor experiences. Through inspiring storytelling and partnerships with local tourism organizations, Bonjour Québec positions the province as a world-class destination for adventure, culture, and nature.