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Cycling

Bicycling in the Eastern Townships Countryside

305 km

8 stops

2 days

Looking for a cycling getaway? Discover this two-day itinerary which combines the beauty of Val Saint-François’s gravel roads with the paved roads of the Coaticook Valley in the Eastern Townships. Enchanting landscapes, gourmet treasures and relaxation in nature are all on the agenda!

  • Day 1
  • Day 2

Pedalling on the Grande Champêtre

Ready for a 51.2 km gravel surface cycling loop in Val Saint-François? Starting in the village of Racine, you’ll cycle along pretty country back roads offering magnificent views of Mount Orford. After a short stop in the village of Bonsecours, you’ll come to the Sentier de l’Ardoise, a little-known stone dust bike path. Here you can renew your spirit in the forest and even greet some friendly herds of cows on the way! After this ten-kilometre section, you’ll discover the magnificent gravel roads of the municipality of Maricourt before returning to your starting point. If you prefer to shorten the ride, you can also opt for the La Petite Champêtre circuit, which takes you directly from Valcourt to Racine, without leaving the bucolic Sentier de l’Ardoise.
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Visit the Local Merchants

In Racine and the surrounding area, a number of culinary artisans are well worth taking a short detour. These include the Nouvelle-France cheese factory (try the Zacharie Cloutier), the Douceurs de Lory chocolate factory, the Au Cœur du pain bakery and the Un Brin d’ail self-service vegetable stand. That said, you’ll find many of these merchants on Saturdays, between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., at the popular Locavore public market.
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Enjoy a Quiet Night’s Sleep at Lao Cabines

With their large picture windows, the small, contemporary cabins at Lao Cabines offer you a comfortable immersion in nature. You’ll have a front-row seat to admire the lush nature all around you. Set far apart from each other, the cabins are only accessible on foot and offer absolute tranquility. They’re all fully equipped for cooking as well as for renewing your own energy. Intimate wooded camping areas are also available if you prefer to sleep in your own tent! As a bonus: jacuzzis, kayaks and paddleboards are available on site for a relaxing evening.
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Quietly Waking Up and off You Go Again

In the morning, leave your cocoon at Lao Cabines (not without some regret) to set off towards the Coaticook Valley. It will take you just over an hour to reach the Coaticook town centre, its Coeur Villageois, where you’ll find the start of today’s bike route. As you’re driving through fields and valleys, keep your eyes wide open at the wheel of your car, because the roads here are truly breathtaking!
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Stocking Up at the Ô Terroir Bakery

Start your day with a pastry and coffee from Boulangerie Ô Terroir in Coaticook. Croissant, Nutella cruffin, blueberry danish, cinnamon brioche... indulge in one of these amazing delicacies. And don’t forget to pick up a sandwich, wrap or salad for your lunch break.
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Enjoy Riding beyond the Border

After a restful night in the middle of nature, you’ll be ready for the Wallace Frontières circuit, a 72 km loop, mostly on the road, starting in Coaticook and with an elevation difference of 768 m. The first section, from Coaticook to the US border at Stanhope, can be ridden without too much effort, but once you’ve passed through customs, you’ll have your first long climb, followed by a good descent. You’ll cycle for another twenty kilometres or so on this road, parallel to the border, before crossing back into Canada through the Hereford customs. A few kilometres later, with a quick detour onto the Chemin du Père Roy, you can take a break at Wallace Lake and cool off with a swim at the beach... You’ll certainly need it to climb the steep slope and to complete the route!
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Relax Your Calves at the Hop Station Microbrewery

After all that physical effort, you’ve earned a moment to relax. Head to the Hop Station microbrewery located in Coaticook’s old railway station. On their terrace, you can celebrate your day with a home-brewed beer. Try Train Surfer, a double NEIPA, or Ferraille, a red ale with caramel and roasted grain flavours. For a touch of originality, order a “Shrub”: a house syrup served in the form of a non-alcoholic craft soda. In the evening, you’ll enjoy ordering from the food truck (with Mexican flavours) as well as the varied musical performances presented here!
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Let Your Mind Drift Off at Auberge du Changement d’Ère

Did you know that Coaticook has an inn like no other? With its Ultra-yurts, unique models designed by the founding artist-architects, the Auberge du Changement d’Ère invites you to enjoy a utopian night in a range of eco-futuristic accommodations. New for 2024: the Gouttes d’Air are the perfect choice for a comfortable night’s sleep, suspended in mid-air. With their teardrop shape and many windows, admire the view from your cocoon. Here you’ll truly be in the heart of nature!
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You should read

Accommodations

Perfect Cabins for a Nature Getaway

Taste the Townships

5 public markets that stand out

Cycling

Unmarked tours (Bike circuits) and cycling trails PDF

Guide and Maps

View our guide and our maps online.

Download them for free

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