Vermont to Québec City Bike Tour

Itinerary Details

1. Day 1Arrival Day in Burlington

   Arrive at your leisure and make your way to downtown Burlington and the hotel. Burlington is a small but vibrant and cosmopolitan city, featuring a rich arts culture and a population of avid outdoor enthusiasts. It has been voted as one of the best places to live by numerous magazines. Plentiful shops and restaurants, complete with the works of local artisans and fresh, locally sourced foods, await your discovery. Stroll to the waterfront and enjoy views across the sparkling waters of Lake Champlain to the Adirondack Mountains that frame the skyline. Enjoy dinner on your own at one of many local restaurants.
   
   

   • Hotel Vermont or similar, Burlington
2. Day 2The Lake Champlain Islands

   Meet your tour leaders and fellow guests following breakfast at the hotel this morning. After a bike fitting and overview of the day, ride north out of Burlington on the Island Line. This former rail trail enables cyclists to ride along Lake Champlain to a bike ferry that transports them across “The Cut” to the Champlain Islands. The cut in the Island Line has been kept open since the railroad’s demise so boats can pass between a sheltered bay and the broad lake. Enjoy a visit to Vermont’s first vineyard and winery for a tour, tasting, and picnic lunch. It might be a bit tough to get rolling after this relaxing break however the lure of a visit to one of Vermont’s iconic general stores should get you going. Ride through the patchwork farmland of the Lake Champlain Islands which retain much of their agricultural heritage so firmly rooted in apples and dairy. After settling into your room at Shore Acres Inn, enjoy a swim in the lake or visit the village and its eclectic general store. This peaceful lakeside oasis features tennis courts and an expansive lawn overlooking the lake. Dinner this evening is in the inn’s dining room overlooking Lake Champlain.

   • 31.1 miles
   • Shore Acres Inn, North Hero
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

   • 

     Shore Acres Inn, North Hero

     Nestled in a quiet setting overlooking Lake Champlain, this lovely property features its own dock, tennis courts, and restaurant

   • 

     Shore Acres Inn, North Hero

     Nestled in a quiet setting overlooking Lake Champlain, this lovely property features its own dock, tennis courts, and restaurant

   • 

     Shore Acres Inn, North Hero

     Nestled in a quiet setting overlooking Lake Champlain, this lovely property features its own dock, tennis courts, and restaurant

3. Day 3Cross the Border into Canada

   Enjoy a beautiful ride along the lakeshore of the Champlain Islands before crossing the border into Canada. Once across the border, the roads narrow and the landscape flattens as farmland dominates the scenery for much of the ride. The Richelieu River, which flows north out of Lake Champlain on its way to rendezvous with the St-Lawrence, is never far from your route to St-Jean-sur-Richelieu. Break for a delicious picnic lunch served by your tour leaders in the town of St-Paul-de-l’Île-aux-Noix. The island and fort at Île aux Noix were alternately occupied by the British, French, and Americans during the late 1700s and early 1800s. The British used it as an important shipbuilding site for the decisive battle of 1814 that would prove to be the final naval confrontation on Lake Champlain. Continue north to Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu where you will lodge at the Auberge Harris, a simple but clean and comfortable hotel which is owned by local legend and enthusiastic regional cycling supporter, Madame Boutin. Take a dip in the pool or a walk the canal path into town. This evening, join your fellow travelers for dinner at a lively local bistro in town.
   

   Cycling Options:  48km (30mi) and 83km (52mi)
   

   • 29.8 miles
   • Auberge Harris, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

   • 

     Auberge Harris, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu

     This spacious property along the Chambly Canal is owned and operated by the region's most spirited cycling advocate and is a short walk to restaurants in town

   • 

     Auberge Harris, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu

     This spacious property along the Chambly Canal is owned and operated by the region's most spirited cycling advocate and is a short walk to restaurants in town

4. Day 4Chambly Canal to the Saint Lawrence Seaway

   Wave au revoir to Madame Boutin and follow the Canal-de-Chambly north along an intricate series of locks enabling boats to avoid the unnavigable rapids of the Richelieu River. Visit Fort Chambly which sits overlooking the rapids and a large basin in the river. The fort serves as another reminder of the battles for control of strategic waterways during Colonial times. Follow the Richelieu north to beautiful Eglise de St-Marc-sur-Richelieu where you can visit the first of many imposing churches along the route. Enjoy lunch along the route and continue cycling through small villages and past tidy farms and imposing churches as you follow the Richelieu north. The miles seem to fly by along this fabulous route and before you know it, you’ll be entering the city of Sorel and witnessing the Richelieu’s confluence with the mighty Saint Lawrence Seaway. Hotel de la Rive is located in a quiet section of the city overlooking the Saint Lawrence Seaway. Enjoy a dip in the pool or grab a drink in the tavern before a delicious dinner in the hotel’s highly regarded dining room.
   

   Cycling Option: 50km (31mi) and 98km (61mi)
   

   • 31.1 miles
   • Hotel de la Rive, Sorel
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
5. Day 5The Route Verte to Trois-Rivieres

   Leave the south shore behind on a ferry trip across the Saint Lawrence. In a few short kilometers you’ll be spinning through peaceful countryside past brightly painted barns and stone houses along Quebec’s famed Route Verte, the longest network of bicycle routes in North America. The Route Verte also follows sections of the Chemin du Roy (King’s Road) for much of the ride. The Chemin du Roy, completed in 1737, is one of the oldest routes in North America and was the first road to link Quebec City and Montreal. Initially, a fur trading post, Trois- Rivieres boasts a dynamic downtown full of museums, galleries, boutiques, cafés, and historic 18th-century buildings. The city overlooks the north shore of the St. Lawrence Seaway and is eminently walkable from your hotel which is situated on the edge of the charming historic district. Your tour leaders will recommend to you their favorite restaurants for dinner this evening.
   

   Cycling Option:  67km (42mi) and 85km (53mi)
   

   • 41.6 miles
   • Gouverneur Hotel, Trois-Rivieres
   • Breakfast

   • 

     Gouverneur Hotel, Trois-Rivieres

     Four-star hotel in the heart of the historic district. Walk to hip restaurants, shops and attractions from the city’s top accommodations. Restaurant, bar, and swimming pool

   • 

     Gouverneur Hotel, Trois-Rivieres

     Four-star hotel in the heart of the historic district. Walk to hip restaurants, shops and attractions from the city’s top accommodations. Restaurant, bar and swimming pool

6. Day 6The Chemin du Roy to Quebec City

   Today’s ride – the longest of the trip – is a guest favorite and culminates with an impressive arrival in your ultimate destination. Cross the Riviere Saint- Maurice from Trois-Rivieres to Cap-de-la-Madeleine and return to more rural cycling routes. Visit an organic cheese producer that operates like an estate winery, using milk sourced only from their own cows and handling every step of the cheese making process. The route follows the Chemin du Roy through numerous historic and small villages, as it parallels the St. Lawrence River. Visit the charming village of Deschambault whose beautiful church overlooks its own lovely gardens at the edge of the river. Watch huge ships passing on from the 600’ wharf in Portneuf. A van shuttle is available from the outskirts of Québec City to the start of the Promenade Samuel-de-Champlain bike path for those not wishing to ride the full route. The ride along the Promenade Samuel-de-Champlain is a stunning route by which to enter the city and leads almost to the door of Le Saint Pierre, your lodging for the next three evenings in the heart of the Old Port. This evening, celebrate your achievement with fellow travelers at one of our favorite restaurants in the city which happens to be just steps from the inn.
   

   Cycling Options: 45km (28mi), 77km (48mi), and 136km (85mi).
   

   • 28 miles
   • Le Saint Pierre, Quebec City
   • Breakfast and Dinner

   • 

     Le St. Pierre, Québec City

     Contemporary, boutique hotel in a lovely 19th Century Heritage Building nestled in the heart of the Old Port surrounded by cafes, galleries, and shops

   • 

     Le St. Pierre, Québec City

     Contemporary, boutique hotel in a lovely 19th Century Heritage Building nestled in the heart of the Old Port surrounded by cafes, galleries, and shops

   • 

     Le St. Pierre, Québec City

     Contemporary, boutique hotel in a lovely 19th Century Heritage Building nestled in the heart of the Old Port surrounded by cafes, galleries, and shops

7. Day 7Explore Quebec City

   Your lodging at Le Saint Pierre provides the perfect base for exploring this fabulous European-style city. Begin the morning touring the sites and gaining insight into its fascinating history with an engaging and extremely knowledgeable local guide. The cobblestone streets of Quartier Petit Champlain and the old market square of Place Royale form a scenic backdrop for photos as the imposing Chateau Frontenac looms above. This afternoon and evening, pursue your own interests and culinary tastes in this pedestrian-friendly city where so many sites are within easy walking distance of the inn. Visit the Plains of Abraham, the Museum of Civilization, explore the narrow streets of the Old Port or venture beyond the heart of the historic district for a more modern taste of today’s lifestyles. For those of you who can’t bear to be off your bike for a day, your guides will lead an afternoon ride along the city’s extensive bike paths. This evening, dinner is on your own in order to enable you to experience the plethora of dining options nearby.
   
   

   • 16.8 miles
   • Le Saint Pierre, Quebec City
   • Breakfast

   • 

     Le St. Pierre, Québec City

     Contemporary, boutique hotel in a lovely 19th Century Heritage Building nestled in the heart of the Old Port surrounded by cafes, galleries, and shops

   • 

     Le St. Pierre, Québec City

     Contemporary, boutique hotel in a lovely 19th Century Heritage Building nestled in the heart of the Old Port surrounded by cafes, galleries, and shops

   • 

     Le St. Pierre, Québec City

     Contemporary, boutique hotel in a lovely 19th Century Heritage Building nestled in the heart of the Old Port surrounded by cafes, galleries, and shops

8. Day 8Cycling Île d’Orleans

   Begin the morning with a short van shuttle over the towering bridge that crosses the Saint Lawrence River to the rural oasis of Île d’Orleans. The island was one of the first colonies of New France and offers a taste of traditional maritime and agricultural culture. Known as the “Garden of Quebec”, rolling farmland covers much of the island and its agricultural roots are evident in abundant local products. Île d’Orleans has a rich cultural heritage and the island’s architecture adds a sense of history to the pastoral setting. Many artists live here, drawing inspiration from the island’s quiet and almost mystical setting. Pause along the route to view artisan works ranging from traditional crafts to abstract sculpture. Roadside stands offer ample opportunities to sample local wine, hard cider, berries and other fresh produce. The island’s friendly inhabitants, scenic beauty, and local products are true to the historic motto of Île d’Orleans: “I welcome and I nourish.” This evening, join your fellow travelers for a delicious meal at one of the city’s most renowned restaurants, just a short walk from your accommodations at Le Saint Pierre.
   

   Cycling Options: 43km (27mi) and 59km (37mi)
   

   • 26.7 miles
   • Le Saint Pierre, Quebec City
   • Breakfast and Dinner

   • 

     Le St. Pierre, Québec City

     Contemporary, boutique hotel in a lovely 19th Century Heritage Building nestled in the heart of the Old Port surrounded by cafes, galleries, and shops

   • 

     Le St. Pierre, Québec City

     Contemporary, boutique hotel in a lovely 19th Century Heritage Building nestled in the heart of the Old Port surrounded by cafes, galleries, and shops

   • 

     Le St. Pierre, Québec City

     Contemporary, boutique hotel in a lovely 19th Century Heritage Building nestled in the heart of the Old Port surrounded by cafes, galleries, and shops

9. Day 9Return to Vermont

   Following breakfast at the hotel, you will be transported back to the airport in Burlington, Vermont. Travel time is roughly four hours, however, border-crossing times may vary. Following the airport drop-off in Burlington, tour leaders will transport those extending their stay in town to Hotel Vermont.
   

   • Breakfast