Take your pick: adrenaline packed or slow and contemplative?
Updated on Feb 17, 2025
The Eastern-Townships have an abundance of routes to be joyously discovered on a bicycle. This is known to be true because they offer such magnificent landscapes, they introduce you to some very unique regions, they allow you to meet our many local producers…
We’re presenting you these five bicycle circuits for part-time cycling enthusiasts, who, without being true weekend warriors, have pedaled their way through quite a few outings.
If you enjoy pedalling without making too much of an effort on well-maintained paved roads set in the countryside, while admiring different heritage attractions, you’ll be thrilled with this 42 km circuit. The Walbridge 12-sided barn in the hamlet of Mystic, Cornell Mill and Hodge’s General Store in Standbrige East, the very small Guthrie covered bridge … all attractions you’ll be able to visit on your way. And then, there are all the lovely landscapes you’ll discover as you pass by farmlands, ancestral homes and forestlands! This circuit’s charm is never-ending!
On your way or nearby: The Missiska cheese factory, the Café Rouge, the Missisquoi Museum, the Domaine du Ridge, the Vignoble de l’Ardennais, the restaurant and chocolate factory L’Œuf
Between Magog and Orford, you'll find Mont-Orford National Park, Mont-Orford Ski Resort (get ready for some climbs!), and plenty of local producers and artisans—chocolatiers, vineyards, and more—where you'll definitely want to stop. Pro tip: Bring a bag to fill with delicious local treats! If you're up for a little detour, take the 13e Rang to enjoy one of the most stunning views of the mountain.
On your way or nearby: The Parc national du Mont-Orford, Chocolats Vanden Eynden, the Vignoble d’Orford, the microbrewery La Memphré and Canton Brasse
As the name indicates, this circuit will have you pedal 56 km all around Lake Megantic, sometimes close to the shore, other times in the middle of the woods further away from the lake. Wherever you find yourself, you’ll enjoy many beautiful points of view. Well-designed and safe, this circuit is quite popular with cyclists. And, although there are a few steeper climbs, you don’t need to be a pro to challenge yourself here!
On your way or nearby: the microbrewery La Gare’nison, Camping Aventure Mégantic, Station touristique Baie-des-Sables, lac aux Araignées beach
The Grandes-Fourches Circuit is a combination of the Axe de la Saint-François, the Axe de la Massawippi and the Magog Loop, which together form the Véloroute des Grandes-Fourches. Mostly set on a bicycle path, this 52 km route crosses Sherbrooke and runs along three of the region’s rivers. It will also take you to North Hatley where you’ll enjoy taking a break on the shores of Lake Massawippi.
On your way or nearby: The Golden Lion Pub and Brewery, the microbrewery Le Siboire, La Cie Vilandé, The Capelton Mine, Uplands Cultural and Heritage Centre, Ström Spa, the Marais Réal-D.-Carbonneau marsh.
This 44 km loop, partly set on a bike path but mainly on gravel roads, is a lot of fun to ride and will have you discover some charming places such as Denison Lake, where you’ll find an old Anglican church. You’ll also enjoy Grandmont Road, which looks more like a mountain bike trail than a roadway since it’s located in the middle of the forest. Here, tranquility is guaranteed!
On the way or nearby: Café du Couvent, Burbank Pond, L’Ardoise-Coopérative brassicole, Coeur Villageois de Danville.
