For road cycling enthusiasts, the Chaudière-Appalaches and Bas-Saint-Laurent regions are must add to your Québec cycling destinations.
This is the land of quiet, paved back roads that offer that sought-after feeling of freedom.
And, not to be forgotten, the river that takes on the appearance of the sea as the hours pass, is always present, caressing your face with its salty air.
Whether solo, with family, or with cycling friends, this is a cycling network that satisfies all styles of two-wheeled adventurers.
Essentially, for this trip, we’ll follow route 132, a route largely abandoned by motorists in favour of Highway 20, which runs parallel.
It’s also known as the “Route des Navigateurs” (Navigator’s Route) up to Rivière-du-Loup.
You’ll go from one picturesque village to another. It’s the perfect place to stop and enjoy numerous historical, cultural, and, of course, culinary attractions. Foodies will be delighted.
A Memorable Sunset
Every evening, at dusk, you’re treated to the most beautiful show there is: a memorable sunset. Just sit on the shore, look west, and relax after a good day of cycling.
One of the first points of interest is the village of Saint-Jean-Port-Joli, the capital of wood sculptors. It’s known for its artists and artisans, its art galleries, and its museums.
La Route des deux pays / Le Cycliste du dimanche
Cyclists can pedal while admiring its old houses and numerous outdoor sculptures scattered throughout the area.
La Route verte number 1 leads us to Saint-Roch-des-Aulnaies, a small village rich in history, notably for its seigneury and its flour mill equipped with a real bucket wheel that can be visited.
We take the Route des deux pays, a bike path that takes us across the border into the Bas-Saint-Laurent region along the river. We get a break at the tourist stop.
Kamouraska
The ride returns to the road until the Kamouraska region, a small municipality with great tourism and resort potential: attractions, good restaurants, and accommodation.
All of this in a setting of agricultural, forestry, and maritime traditions.
At this point, the river widens like a sea. The sunset from its port is not to be missed.
The large open-air terrace of Tête d’Allumette microbrewery. / Le Cycliste du dimanche
Just before arriving at Saint-André-de-Kamouraska, cyclists meet at the Tête d’Allumette microbrewery.
Since 2013, an ancestral country house has been converted to allow visitors to taste beer while observing the river from a large open-air terrace.
Tête d’Allumette, which brews its beer over a wood fire, also welcomes visitors to its tasting room, shop, and brewery, which can be visited.
Notre-Dame-du-Portage
Upon arriving at Notre-Dame-du-Portage, you leave route 132 to cycle on the Route du fleuve. You are now in one of Québec’s most beautiful villages. It’s as if the word peace was invented here.
Notre-Dame, founded in the mid-1850s, attracts vacationers for its inns, health centre, and saltwater pool.
Returning to provincial route 132, it won’t take long to reach Rivière-du-Loup. This service town offers several accommodation options.
Tourists enjoy smelling the river air in the Pointe de Rivière-du-Loup area, from where the ferry departs for the Charlevoix region.