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Cycling

Discover the Coaticook and Mégantic on a Road Bike

183 km

9 stops

2 days

While you discover the Coaticook region’s fascinating secrets about its history and the rich gastronomy of its terroir, the Mégantic region will amaze you with its panoramic views and authentic villages. Here are two road cycling loops in the Eastern Townships designed for the more experienced cyclists!

  • Day 1
  • Day 2

Pedalling on the Pioneer Trail

In the heart of the Coaticook region, you’ll find a tourist and cultural itinerary that is often taken by car. But if you’re a keen cyclist, the Pioneer Trail is the perfect opportunity to complete a 76 km loop on a road bike! Starting in Coaticook, pedal your way towards the other towns established along the hills and fields of this part of the region. As you go, stop by the life-size silhouettes of the Pioneers. These figures left their mark on the region’s history, and recount large chunks of their lives as you travel back in time. A cycling trip offering both a physical challenge and an immersion in the local culture.
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Revisit Your Childhood at Chez Matante

Plan your route so that you arrive at Sainte-Edwidge by noon. Here, as soon as you stick a fork in your dish, you’ll be reawakening all the flavours of your childhood! Whether you choose the Spaghat, the poutine, the burger or the spare ribs, Chez Matante’s cuisine is all about nostalgia. Homemade and lovingly prepared, local ingredients are skilfully combined in traditional recipes to delight your taste buds surrounded by a retro ambiance. Before heading out again, make a quick stop in front of the village church. The building’s original architecture is well worth a look!
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Work on Heading Down to the Hop Station Microbrewery

Once you’ve ended your ride, with your legs at rest, tucked comfortably under the table, you can now activate your elbows to refresh your palate with a great tasting Hop Station beer. This microbrewery in downtown Coaticook is the ideal gathering point at the end of your outing. As well as its colourful and flavourful beers, you’ll find plenty of food and drink to recharge your batteries. For the record, you’ll find yourself within the walls of the town’s old railway station... a fitting last honour for the Pioneers!
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Establish Your Base Camp at Parc de la Gorge

A landmark in the Eastern Townships, the Parc de la Gorge de Coaticook’s suspension bridge is an unmissable stop if you’re in the area. And if you haven’t had a chance to walk across it during the day, you can still explore it at night by booking your access to the immersive Foresta Lumina attraction. The Parc de la Gorge also has more than 180 campsites where you can set up your base camp for a night in the heart of nature. Tents, motorhomes, ready-to-camp accommodations or even shelters, choose your own favourite camping option!
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On Your Way, Make Some Local Purchases

This morning, you’ll set off in the direction of the Mégantic region. It will take you about 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach the starting point of your next cycling circuit. As you go, you’ll be able to admire some of the most beautiful Eastern Townships landscapes. Hidden between the fields and towns, you’ll also discover many local producers. So, for the price of a few stops, you can fill your bag with local specialties. In Compton, pick up some fruit from Le Gros Pierre and Pommalbonne orchards, then complete your provisions with a few artisanal sausages from Charcuterie Scotstown.
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Looping the Lac Mégantic Loop

With the Parc National du Mont-Mégantic on one side and the Appalachian Mountains on the other, Lac Mégantic leaves no one unmoved. Follow the road around the lake and complete the 56 km loop by bike, with a few good climbs and descents. It’s a great challenge, and one that many cyclists come to take up just for the pleasure of admiring the breathtaking views over the lake and the surrounding area. The start and finish point is in front of the Lac-Mégantic tourist information office, the ideal place to learn more about the region before heading out.
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Pause a Moment in Piopolis

After 32 km of cycling, the Piopolis’ Coeur Villageois is the perfect place to stop for lunch. Firstly, because this village is renowned for being one of the most beautiful in the Eastern Townships, and secondly, because its rest stop and marina (with its breathtaking view of the lake!) are well designed for eating outside. By visiting the cheese factory the day before and with this morning’s purchases, you already have enough ingredients to get your picnic going. Missing something? Go to the Magasin Général de Piopolis, where you’ll find everything you need!
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Make a Splash at Baie-des-Sables

At this stage, you can consider your loop around Lac-Mégantic to be complete. You’re only 6 km from your starting point! You can make the most of this late afternoon by the water at the Station Touristique de la Baie-des-Sables. You’ll find plenty of safe parking spaces for your bicycle, so you can enjoy the large, well-maintained beach without worrying about anything. If you still have some energy to burn, you’ll find a water sports rental service on site, and even an Arbre en Arbre (tree-to-tree) adventure centre for your amusement!
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Reserve a Site at Camping de la Baie des Sables

What if you stayed overnight here, at the Station Touristique de la Baie-des-Sables? One thing’s for sure: with 350 campsites available, you’ll have plenty to choose from! So, whether you have your own equipment or vehicle, or prefer the comfort of ready-to-camp accommodations, you’ll truly enjoy a good night’s sleep. Along with a peaceful natural setting, the Baie-des-Sables campground offers an impeccable quality of service and a remarkable variety of activities.
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You should read

Taste the Townships

20 Townships Products to Take on a Picnic

Art, culture & heritage

Pioneer trail

Cycling

5 Fun Cycling Events for All

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Download them for free

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