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. 2007 Groups: Jun 24-29; Jul 15-20; Jul 22-27; Aug 12-17; Sep 9-14. Self guided: You choose your own dates. Custom groups any time.
Tour starts: Dunham 5:00pm day 1 Transfer available from Dorval airport $65 return. Tour finish: Dunham 2:00 pm day 6. Transfer available from Dorval airport $65 return. 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: Optional Montreal (Trudeau) airport pickup, or meeting in Dunham, for introductions and bike familiarization and adjustments at Aux Douces Heures (of Soft Hours), followed by dinner just across the street from the inn. Dinner is included on guided trips only. Lodging: Aux Douces Heures B&B, Dunham.
Day 2: 70 km / 43 miles. The first part of today’s ride along the Vineland Route to Sutton is known for its’ orchards and vineyards. You will see five vineyards in the first ten kilometers! The rolling landscape provides progressively hillier riding, as you pass through several quiet townships, cross a covered bridge, and enjoy beautiful tree-lined roads around Pigeon Hill before riding down to Freighlighburg for a picnic or a visit to the bakery. After lunch, ride across to Abercorn and follow “the Scenic Route” along the Canada-US border. Try not to take a wrong turn! Breakfast is included. Lunch and dinner are included on guided trips. Lodging: The Auberge le St. Amour, Sutton.
Day 3: 35 km/22 miles. From Sutton, through Knowlton and back into the country, today’s ride follows sections of the America’s Cup route (the international Master’s bike race). After an independent lunch in Mansonville, ride north along the Missiquoi River. Finish in Bolton Center where you can cool your feet in a pleasant river near your inn. There are mountain biking and hiking options near by at Mont Glen. Breakfast is included. Dinner is included on guided trips. Lodging: L’Iris Bleu, Bolten Centre.
Day 4: 48km/30 miles. From Bolton Centre, to the Abbey of St Benoit du Lac. Everyone must wear long pants and shoulder-covering shirts in the abbey. In the basement you can buy cider and cheese made by the monks. From the abbey, we will head north around Lake Memphremagog, stopping perhaps at the labyrinth in Magog before moving on to the charming town and fabulous Auberge at Georgeville. There is sometimes an option to take a boat across the lake.
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: 30-100km/20–60 miles. Choose between several beautiful loop rides of varying lengths. You can ride the converted railbed to Ayer’s Cliff then coast down a long hill to the top of Lac Massawippi in North Hatley, where the Pilsen restaurant and pub serves its own full flavored excellent draught. The ride back to Georgeville takes you across rolling farmland with tremendous vistas. Breakfast and dinner are included on both guided and self-guided trips. Lodging: The Auberge Georgeville, Georgeville.
Day 6: The morning options include a hike at Mount Orford or a visit to Arbre Adventure for a zip line and challenge adventure high in the trees, before transferring back to Dunham by early afternoon. Breakfast is included. Lunch is also included on guided trips.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Guided Cost: $2295 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: $1995 pp. dbl. (includes 6 days, 5 nights, 5 breakfasts, 2 dinners, luggage handling, maps & route notes)
Also see tour packages in:
Canada
Quebec
Bicycle Touring
Hiking & Trekking
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