If May is known as Bike Month, September is the month for cycle touring.
At Voyager à vélo, the coming weeks are shaping up to be especially busy.
More and more cyclists are
Mario Belley
choosing September for their two-wheeled vacations and taking advantage of the many services offered by the company specializing in cycle tourism.
The trend had been noticeable for some time, says Mario Belley, founder of Voyager à vélo. There has been a shift from August to the following month, he explains.
“I noticed it last year,” says Belley.
“August used to be our busiest period. But now it’s September. This month accounts for nearly a third of my business for the year. In 2025, we even ran out of rental bikes.”
There’s a reason why the fleet was recently expanded in preparation for the busy season.
Children and Grandchildren
It’s difficult to pinpoint exactly why things have changed, but Mario Belley believes it has something to do with the fact that his clientele is made up primarily of retirees.
“It’s as if their children and grandchildren’s vacations are over, and they take advantage of the opportunity to go on vacation themselves,” he explains. “Our clients have had the chance to spend time with their families during the summer, and in September, when everyone goes back to work or school, they can plan their cycling trips.”
Cyclists are therefore taking to the road—or rather, the bike paths—in large numbers to enjoy the last weeks of pleasant weather before autumn arrives. Without the humidity and sometimes oppressive temperatures of summer, conditions become ideal for cycling, he adds.
In September, temperatures are often more comfortable for spending several hours on a bike. Mornings are crisp, afternoons are pleasant, and the landscapes slowly begin to change colour.
Local Producers
Ideal time to plan a cycling trip.
It’s an ideal time to plan a cycling trip lasting several days, whether as a couple, with friends, or even on your own. With students back in school and the summer vacation season coming to an end, bike paths are sometimes less crowded and many destinations return to a more relaxed pace.
“It’s also harvest season. Autumn is a great time to visit local producers. There is strong demand for the Véloroute gourmande, which runs from Montérégie to the Eastern Townships,” says Mario Belley.
“September is also when the fall colours begin to transform the landscape. Everything is in place for memorable rides!”
Routes are sometimes less crowded, villages are still lively, and tourism services remain available. You can take your time, stop for a coffee, or extend a break to admire the scenery without feeling as though you’re racing against the end of your vacation. It’s also a time to rediscover the pleasure of slow travel.
A Season That’s Far From Over
It would be a shame to put your bike away as soon as the calendar turns to September. On the contrary, there are still plenty of weeks ahead to discover new routes.
In fact, October is also shaping up to be quite busy, Mario Belley notes. Reservations already extend well beyond the middle of the month.
Luggage transportation, shuttle services, vehicle transfers, or bike rentals: Voyager à vélo’s services are there to help you make the most of your trip without having to worry about all the logistics. All you have to do is choose your destination and your itinerary.
September goes by quickly. And before putting your bike away for the season, there are still plenty of kilometres to ride and landscapes to discover.
So why not take advantage of what may be the best month of the year for cycle tourists?