A cycling trip along the St. Lawrence River is well worth considering when planning a bike touring getaway.
Quebec’s South Shore offers plenty of attractions for cyclists looking to follow the water for long distances while enjoying a relaxing multi-day adventure.
From the city of Lévis, across from Quebec City, cyclists can follow a section of the Route verte along Highway 132 heading northeast — an ideal route for escaping summer heat. At several points, the itinerary leaves the provincial highway in favor of quieter local roads.
That is especially true in Beaumont. Cyclists can take Chemin du Domaine into the heart of the village and its small cove directly connected to the river. Take a deep breath — the salty air already hints at the sea.
Next stop: Saint-Michel-de-Bellechasse. Residents here proudly preserve a rich heritage. The route leaves Highway 132 to follow Rue Principale through the village. A few side streets bring cyclists closer to the waterfront, including Rue des Remparts, which leads to a marina.
The village wharf, built along a sheltered inlet, offers sweeping 180-degree views of the St. Lawrence.
Just before Montmagny lies Berthier-sur-Mer. Here, the Route verte branches off toward the local marina via Route de la Marina, where boat cruises depart for nearby islands scattered across this section of the river.
Montmagny
Montmagny is the first major town encountered along the route. The cycling corridor avoids the heavier traffic found on Boulevard Taché.
The town offers numerous services for visitors, including restaurants and accommodations.
Further along, the landscape still reflects the land division system established during the French colonial era of New France. The St. Lawrence Valley was once divided into long rectangular strips grouped into seigneuries.
As cyclists travel from village to village, they will also notice many charming heritage homes that have stood the test of time.
Kamouriska / Le Cycliste du dimanche
That is particularly true in Saint-Jean-Port-Joli, a village renowned for its wood sculptors. Visitors can browse local shops for souvenirs in this community, which will celebrate its 350th anniversary in 2026.
Along the way, roadside farmers’ markets frequently offer fresh local products. Small cottages overlooking the river are also available for rent — with plenty of fresh river air included.
Starting in Saint-Roch-des-Aulnaies, cyclists can access a true off-road cycling path. The Véloroute des Aulnaies follows the shoreline and tidal flats toward Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pocatière, leading riders into the beautiful Kamouraska region.
Expect spectacular sunsets, excellent restaurants and welcoming microbreweries. One standout stop is Tête d’Allumette, a rustic brewery set on a former farm. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a beer while relaxing on a large terrace overlooking the St. Lawrence. The view alone is worth the stop.
Notre-Dame-du-Portage may well be the highlight of the journey — truly in a class of its own.
Tête d’allumette microbreweries.
Cyclists leave the main route to follow Route du Fleuve, a quiet road that inspires calm and relaxation. Visitors love this picturesque village for its inns and B&Bs located in historic buildings. Notre-Dame-du-Portage also features a saltwater pool where swimmers can relax while enjoying river views just steps away.
Finally, Rivière-du-Loup, the region’s administrative center, offers numerous services and attractions for cycling tourists, including trendy restaurants, hotels and extensive shopping options.
With its heritage villages, spectacular sunsets and gourmet stops, this route is even more enjoyable without heavy panniers. Voyager à vélo’s luggage transport service allows cyclists to travel more comfortably from one accommodation to the next.