The Eastern Townships of Quebec, rich with charm and European flavor, combines the convenience of access from Montreal with the true pleasures of Quebecois tradition. The quiet, hilly roads, charming towns, and green pastures are the perfect canvas for this exquisite holiday.
Your pleasure will commence as you ride past beautiful stone churches in the vineyard district between Dunham and Sutton. In the hills around Sutton, you will enjoy great bowls of cafe-au-lait and rich buttery croissants from one of the best bakeries in Quebec. At L’Abbaye Saint-Benoit-du-Lac, you can try the cider and cheese made by monks in their picturesque lakeshore monastery. The soul of this very pastoral region will pervade your spirit as you enjoy the spectacular views around Lac Memphremagog, and finish with the last two nights in a particularly luxurious inn with world-class cuisine, and access to some of the best cycling we know of.
Transfers back to Montreal or other connection points will be available on the final day, with an optional enroute stop at Arbre Aventure for a thrilling high-ropes course, or, for those not wanting to conquer their fear of heights, a less frightening walk up or around Mont Orford.
Tour Highlights: Lots of swimming stops, exquisite French cuisine, quiet roads, wonderful culture and beautiful scenery.
2009 Guided Dates: Jun 14-20; Jul 12-18; Aug 9-15; Aug 23-29; Sep 13-19; Oct 4-10. Call to check for updates or to add a new date.
Tour starts: Montreal, Hotel Gault at noon, day one. Pickup available at Montreal Trudeau airport at 11am $35pp.
Tour finish: Montreal, Hotel Gault at 11am, day seven. Transfer available to Montreal Trudeau airport by noon $35pp.
Route Notes: A moderate ride, becoming hillier and more challenging as the trip progresses. Relaxed riders may choose the van over some hilly sections. Advanced riders will enjoy the opportunity to spin. All will enjoy the vistas.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Meet your guides in Montreal at noon for a one-hour transfer to Dunham, introductions, bike familiarization, and an optional 30km loop ride. Lodging: Aux Douces Heures, Dunham
Day 2: 70 km / 43 miles. Ride along the Vineland Route to Sutton, passing five vineyards in the first ten kilometers alone! The rolling landscape becomes progressively hillier as you pass through several quiet towns, cross a covered bridge, and enjoy beautiful tree-lined roads around Pigeon Hill before riding down to Frelighsburg for a picnic and a visit to the bakery. After lunch, ride to Abercorn and follow the scenic route along the Canada-US border. Lodging: Auberge le St. Amour, Sutton
Day 3: 95 km/58 miles. Touch the US border again, as you ride through beautiful Glen Sutton and along the Missisquoi River. In Bolton Centre you can cool your feet in a pleasant river before continuing to the Abbey of St-Benoît-du-Lac where for lunch you can sample and buy cider and cheese made by the monks. Continue riding north around Lake Memphremagog, perhaps stopping at the labyrinth in Magog before finishing in time for dinner at the fabulous Auberge Georgeville, Canada's oldest continuously operated inn, with one of the best wine cellars we have seen. Lodging: Auberge Georgeville, Georgeville.
Day 4: 32-58km /20-36 miles, or golf. This is a day to explore the trails to waterfalls in Mont Orford National Park, the Memphremagog labyrinth at Magog, and the network of cycling paths that connect them. Options include a hike at Mount Orford and a visit to Arbre Aventure for a zip line adventure high in the trees. Punctuate the day with swims in the lake, and prepare for a wonderful dinner indulgence at your gracious inn. Lodging: Same as last night
Lodging: The Auberge Georgeville, Georgeville. This beautiful pink inn is known for its wine cellar and excellent food. It is also the oldest inn in Eastern Canada. Dinner will be at the inn, in the restaurant by the wharf. Breakfast and dinner is included on both guided and self-guided trips. Lunch is also included on guided trips only.
Day 5: 60km/37 miles. Ride the converted rail bed across rolling farmland with tremendous vistas to Ayer’s Cliff, then coast down a long hill to the top of Lac Massawippi in North Hatley, where the Pilsen Pub serves its own excellent draught. Finish at a sumptuous Relais & Chateaux inn. Lodging: Manoir Hovey, North Hatley
Day 6: Ride past two more covered bridges to the Capelton Mines. Follow the rail trail to lunch at yet another covered bridge or the Louis St. Laurent National Historic Site, then return to enjoy your lakefront lodge via Hartley and Massawippi. Lodging: Same as last night.
Day 7: Morning transfer 90 minutes back to Montreal.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Guided Cost: $2695 pp. dbl. (includes 6 days, 5 nights, 5 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 5 dinners, luggage handling, maps & route notes, van and guide support)
Self-Guided Cost: $2195 pp. dbl. (includes 6 days, 5 nights, 5 breakfasts, 2 dinners, luggage handling, maps & route notes)
Bike Rental: Light hybrid - $145 ; Super light road - $195
Also see tour packages in:
Canada
Quebec
Outdoor: Land Rambler
Bicycle Touring
Hiking & Trekking
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