Veloroute Gourmande | from Montreal to Sherbrooke 4 days
From Montreal to Sherbrooke
Immerse yourself in an exhilarating cycling adventure, where you’ll discover bike paths that connect Montreal to Sherbrooke, guaranteeing unparalleled serenity. Following the Route Verte and the Trans Canada Trail, the 240 km between Montreal and Sherbrooke reveal stunning views of the Montérégie and the Eastern Townships. With a gentle incline up to Granby and a steeper ascent between Eastman and Orford, this route offers a harmonious blend of challenges and breathtaking landscapes. You’ll also be delighted by the many gourmet stops, varied attractions, and welcoming accommodations that line the Véloroute. Explore this marvel at your own pace, safely, and enjoy every moment of this delightful experience!
Summary:
Date You can choose from mid-May to mid-October
Formula: self guided or fully autonomous
Trip length: 4 days
Distance: 240 km
Surfaces: 65% paved and 35% unpaved
Level of difficulty: 3
Day 1 : Montreal to St-Jean-sur-Richelieu | 55 km
Day 2 : St-Jean-sur-Richelieu to Granby | 50 km
Day 3 : Granby to Magog | 70 km
Day 4 : Magog to Sherbrooke | 65 km
Detailed Overview
🛏️ Overnight in Montreal
Day 1 : Montreal to Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu (55 km)
🚴From Montreal, cross the St. Lawrence River via the Samuel De Champlain Bridge to reach the South Shore. Rest assured: you will be cycling on a dedicated path for cyclists and pedestrians. Take a moment to admire the view of Montreal before continuing your route through numerous parks and green spaces towards Chambly, a perfect spot for a gourmet break by the water. Several charming restaurants and boutiques await you near the Chambly Basin. Also visit Fort Chambly, a National Historic Site dating back to 1711, to understand its strategic importance. Then, get back on your bike and take the cycling path along the Chambly Canal to Vieux-St-Jean, where gourmet temptations are numerous!
🌟 Possible attractions/stops: Fort Chambly, Musée du Fort St-Jean, Musée du Haut-Richelieu
🛏️ Overnight in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu
Day 2 : Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu to Granby (50 km)
🚴Leaving Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, you will take the Montérégiade, a bike path that goes through wooded areas and peaceful agricultural fields. Upon arriving in Farnham, take a gourmet break to savour local flavours. This town offers a cheese factory, a microbrewery, cafes, and restaurants. The route continues through bucolic landscapes and tree-lined paths until you reach Granby. Granby welcomes you with its rich heritage and lively main street, where excellent chefs await you!
🌟 Possible attractions/stops: Fromagerie des Cantons, Yamaska Café, Lac Boivin, Granby Zoo, La Table à Mo, Bistro Kapzak
🛏️ Overnight in Granby
Day 3 : Granby to Magog (70 km)
🚴From Granby, you will take the Estriade, a bike path that is part of the Route Verte. You will ride along Lake Boivin, where you can admire artworks from the open-air museum Artria. You will pedal to the village core of Waterloo and explore its heritage circuit. The route then takes you onto the Chemin de la Diligence to reach Eastman, located at the foot of the majestic Mont Orford. The elevation becomes steeper, but you are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views! The day ends beautifully with your arrival in Magog, situated on the shores of the majestic Lake Memphremagog. Enjoy the long beach to refresh your muscles, but not for too long, as the festive main street of Magog is full of irresistible bistros, cafes, and restaurants.
🌟 Possible attractions/stops: The open-air museum Artria, Waterloo heritage circuit, Mont-Orford National Park, beaches (Lake Stukely, Magog), Pointe-Merry Park
🛏️ Overnight in Magog
Day 4 : Magog to Sherbrooke (65 km)
🚴This section of the Véloroute Gourmande begins with fantastic mountain views, tranquil wooded areas, and runs along the Massawippi and Saint-François rivers. The gentle inclines provide a pleasant respite for your legs. Stop in North Hatley, an earthly paradise, to enjoy its tranquility and refuel before heading to Sherbrooke, the largest city in the Eastern Townships. Celebrate the end of your Véloroute adventure by exploring Sherbrooke’s microbreweries, cafes, and fine dining establishments!
🌟 Possible attractions/stops: North Hatley, Capelton Mine, Lac des Nations, Sherbrooke trompe-l’œil murals
🛏️ Overnight in Sherbrooke
