Cycling

The Tour du Lac Mégantic by Bike: Two days to View, Savour and Immerse Yourself in the Region

74 km

9 stops

2 days

Head out on a cycling adventure to discover the Mégantic region, a corner of the Townships where you’ll find spectacular scenery, amazing culinary stops and surprising new experiences. This two-day cycling trip will take you around Lake Mégantic, through some charming villages, enjoying well-deserved pauses for a swim, visiting a microbrewery or having a picnic by the water... All of which will make every pedalling effort that much more enjoyable! With well-developed routes, a variety of rest areas and a place to sleep nearby, this trip promises a perfect balance between effort and pleasure.

  • Day 1
  • Day 2

Try a Popular Cycling Route

The Grand tour du Lac Mégantic

Start your cycling adventure by heading out on the well-known Grand Tour du Lac Mégantic, a 56 km circuit allowing you to embrace all the splendour this region has to offer. You can head out either from the Town of Lac-Mégantic or directly from the Hébergement aux Cinq Sens, where we suggest you reserve your lodging. One reason why this circuit is so popular with cyclists can be explained by how well the route is designed. Plus, it’s safe, and it offers amazing panoramas. Time and again, you’ll enjoy absolutely breathtaking views of the mountains and the lake. You don’t need to be a pro to take on the circuit’s sometime challenging sectors, but you must be aware that the route includes different climbs and descents typical of the region.
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Fall Under the Charm of the Region

The Municipality of Piopolis

Less than 2 km from your departure point (if you’re leaving from Hébergement aux Cinq Sens), you’ll be instantly captivated by the picturesque village of Piopolis. Nestled between Lake Mégantic and the surrounding mountains, this little town with its 400 residents is truly a treasured gem. Stop by the Halte des Zouaves, in the heart of the village, to learn more about the fascinating story of Piopolis being the Pope’s Town. Then walk a few metres to the fire tower, a historic building with a particularly original architectural style!
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Find a Swimming Spot

Spider Lake Beach

After 28 km of cycling across the surrounding hills, take a well-earned break on the beach at Lac aux Araignées, Spyder Lake. Don’t panic, there are no spiders in this lake - its name is purely due to its shape! With its golden sand and Mount Megantic as a backdrop, this is the perfect spot for a refreshing dip in its shallow waters. Take this opportunity to stretch your legs, breathe in the fresh air and savour a moment of peace and quiet in the middle of nature before grabbing your handlebars again.
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Savour a Refreshing Pint!

The Microbrasserie la Garnison

Ride 18 km along the shores of Lac Mégantic before grabbing a bite to eat at La Garnison, a microbrewery firmly rooted in the Lac Mégantic landscape. Its menu focuses on comforting pub meals, where a number of revisited dishes pair perfectly with their house beers. To try when you visit this microbrewery: the Marilyn, an easy-drinking lager, or the Churchill, an Irish-style red, or their exotic IPA with tropical fruit flavours, or... In short, try them all!
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Stay Tuned to Nature

Hébergement Aux Cinq Sens

End your day by relaxing in a natural setting at the Hébergement aux Cinq Sens. Situated on ancestral Abenaki and Huron-Wendat lands, this eco-responsible site immerses you in an extraordinary experience: from yurts and hammock tents to chalets and mini-homes, you’ll enjoy a unique moment inspired by Aboriginal values. Enjoy the region’s forest trails, hammocks and star-filled skies, also designated an International Dark Sky Reserve. Indeed, the perfect venue for a good night’s sleep before embarking on your second cycling day.
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Enjoy a Leisurely Bike Ride

The Baie-des-Sables Bike Path - Rivière Chaudière

Hop on your saddle once again for this new day’s outing, taking you all the way along the Lake Mégantic bike path. Linking the downtown sector of Lac-Mégantic to the Baie-des-Sables vacation resort, this well-developed route offers you an 18.8 km (round-trip) linear trail. You’ll experience pure joy as you ride safely on a well-marked path following the lakeshore and passing through a peaceful forest. An ideal trail for enjoying the landscapes and, with a bit of luck, you might even encounter a deer along the way!
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Spark Your Scientific Curiosity

The Lac-Mégantic Microgrid

Start your day with a fascinating stop at the Lac-Mégantic microgrid, the first of its kind in Québec. A true open-air laboratory, this innovative project powers part of the new town centre with 2,200 solar panels, storage batteries and an intelligent energy management system. Hard to spot at first, this revolutionary network blends into the background, but fortunately, there are friendly guides on hand to explain how it works and its impact on the future of energy in Québec. It’s a free, informative tour that will teach you about electricity and the town of Lac-Mégantic from a whole new perspective!
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Getting the Feel of the Local Scene

The Parc des Vétérans

After your visit, why not spend some time in the Parc des Vétérans, a relaxing space right in the heart of the city. Located on the shores of Lake Mégantic, this park offers a beautiful view looking out over the water, with majestic Mount Mégantic in the background. You can also walk along the Marcheur d’Étoiles trail, a deeply moving trail featuring impressive sculptures created in the wake of the 2013 rail tragedy.
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Take Advantage of a Sunny Afternoon

The Station Touristique Baie-des-Sables

At the end of the bike path, stop at the Station Touristique Baie-des-Sables. With its beach, vast green spaces and magnificent Lake Mégantic as a backdrop, it’s the ideal spot to take a break and have a picnic before turning back. The more adventurous can even extend the fun by renting a canoe, kayak or paddleboat to enjoy the lake in a whole new way. Definitely a great ending to your stay before heading home!
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