Some places seem to have been made for gravel cycling. Quebec’s Eastern Townships are certainly one of them.
Leave the paved highways behind and venture onto quiet, rolling back roads.
Some are covered in crushed stone, others in fine gravel, but all are framed by open landscapes. Gentle hills, farmland and dense forests unfold at an unhurried pace. Slow down—or find your rhythm.
This is where gravel riding truly comes into its own: long climbs rewarded by sweeping views from the top.
Exploration over performance
This isn’t about extreme riding. It’s about discovering new places at your own pace.
Regions such as Coaticook, Memphremagog and Val-Saint-François each offer outstanding gravel routes, giving cyclists plenty of options. Countless loops allow riders to tailor each day to their interests.
Looking for lake views? Head to Memphremagog.
Prefer rural scenery? Coaticook’s countryside won’t disappoint.
Enjoy shaded forest roads? Val-Saint-François has you covered.
Gravel cycling in Quebec’s Eastern Townships. / Le Cycliste du dimanche
Every turn can reveal a scenic lookout, a hidden lake or a charming village you hadn’t planned to visit. The possibilities seem endless.
In many areas, you’re more likely to meet a tractor than a car. The region has also preserved many traditional roadside crosses, reminders of its rich cultural and religious heritage. Together, these elements create an authentic destination where memorable cycling vacations are easy to build.
The gravel routes accommodate riders of all abilities, but they all have one thing in common: the pleasure of cycling far from traffic.
Climbs for those who crave a challenge
Cyclists looking to test themselves won’t be disappointed. The Eastern Townships are home to plenty of demanding climbs.
Tourisme Mégantic.
The ultimate challenge? Mount Mégantic.
One of Quebec’s toughest road climbs, it leads to the renowned observatory perched at the summit. With an average gradient of 9.6 percent and sections exceeding 15 percent, it is a legendary ascent that rewards every ounce of effort.
For an even bigger day in the saddle, many riders begin in Piopolis, about 40 kilometres away, adding a scenic warm-up before tackling the mountain.
The perfect finish to the day
After hours on the bike, you’ve earned a memorable evening.
Throughout the Eastern Townships, welcoming villages offer countless restaurants, pizzerias, craft breweries and distilleries. The region is also famous for its vineyards, making local wine tasting a perfect way to end the day.
Above all, take your time.
Perhaps that’s the greatest luxury of gravel cycling in the Eastern Townships: the freedom to choose your own route at every intersection.