Experience French joie de vivre right here in North America! Step into history and take in the European ambiance in the heart of southern Québec’s Eastern Townships. Nestled in the foothills of the Appalachians, discover a land of enchanted forests, babbling brooks and peaceful lakes. Pedal along undiscovered country roads and specially designed bike paths through covered bridges, past serene monasteries, and spectacular round barns. Listen for the toll of local church bells. The perfect souvenir awaits your discovery among the many galleries, studios and antique shops that populate the many picturesque villages you’ll encounter. Each night settle into your cozy accommodation and be treated to first-class cuisine. You’ll never forget your visit to this breathtaking corner of Canada.

Only Great Explorations:

· Small groups, extraordinary guides, and authentic experiences
· Order off the menu at restaurants you won’t find in guidebooks
· Distinctive, charming hotels too small for larger groups
· We design and operate our own trips so there are only good surprises


The hotels on this trip at the Luxe level include a 4-star hotel on Lake Memphremagog in Magog, a charming and lovely B&B in Stanstead and a Relais & Chateaux property in North Hatley (we always like to finish at the best). Keep in mind that we use what we believe to be the best hotels and lodgings given available options and hope you’ll find them enjoyable.

Straight Talk

Eastern Townships Biking

Magog

Magog, QC, Canada

Day 1+2

Stanstead

Stanstead, QC, Canada

Day 3

Ayer's Cliff

Ayer's Cliff, QC, Canada

Day 3

North Hatley

North Hatley, QC, Canada

Day 4+5+6

Sherbrooke

Sherbrooke, QC, Canada

Day 5

Trip Inclusions

What’s Included

  • Services of one or more experienced Great Explorations guide(s)
  • Support vehicle
  • 5 nights lodging
  • All breakfasts, 2 lunches, and all dinners but 1
  • Entrance fees for selected historical sites and museums
  • GPS routes and maps
  • All baggage transportation
  • All transportation from initial meeting point to final drop-off

What's Not Included

  • Bike rental

Particulars

Departure Dates

2026 2027
May 30-Jun 4 May 29-Jun 3
Jun 6-11 Jun 5-10
Jun 13-18 Jun 12-17
Aug 27-Sep 1 Aug 26- Aug 30
Sep 3-8 Sep 2-7
Sep 10-15 Sep 9-14

Trip can start at any date. Self-guided and custom trips also available. Call or email for details.

Trip Size

4-16 participants

Total Days

6 days / 5 nights

Arrive/Depart

Magog / North Hatley

Activity Level

Moderate. Average daily distance is 55 km (35 miles).

Terrain

Rolling hills. Expect a few climbs (and descents) each day of moderate length.

Cost

Land Cost:
CAD $3,500
Includes 5B/2L/4D

Single Supplement:
CAD $880

Bike Rentals

Hybrid Bikes: CAD $260

Gravel Bikes: CAD $420

E-Bikes*: CAD $420

*E-bikes are generally available but are on an ‘on request basis ‘ and will be confirmed on receipt of your booking registration. E-bikes provided are the best rentals available in the region. Our regular fleet of hybrid is fun to ride and light and fast, but if having an e-bike will make your trip, we’ll do our best to provide. E-bike rentals are non-refundable. 

Prices subject to GST+QST (14.975%) on all trips in Quebec.

Please note: Final itinerary is subject to revision; any changes made are done so in an attempt to provide the best possible trip given route conditions and available services. Due to the nature of our business and exchange rates, prices are subject to change. Due to cancellations and waiting lists, trip availability fluctuates daily. If you have any questions or would like to confirm space on this trip before making your reservation, please contact us at info@great-explorations.com or by telephone at 604.730.1247.

Getting There

It is possible to reach Montreal by air from all major Canadian cities and most major American cities. Magog can be reached by bus from Montreal. Or a private transfer from Montréal to the tour start can be arranged. If you are coming from the United States, Magog is only a short drive north of the Vermont / Canada border via Interstate 91. If travelling by car, it is possible to leave your car in Magog, where you will be able to pick it up at the end of your cycling trip.


1

Day 1

Magog

Arrive in Magog, known as the ‘jewel box of the Townships’. We meet at 2pm to allow time for a warm-up ride north of Magog towards Mount Orford, perhaps stopping for a chocolate tasting on the way back into town. There is an option for a gravel ride or almost all-paved loop into Park National du Mont-Orford stopping at an idyllic lake. Prior to dinner, take the time to discover the vibrant main street, filled with boutiques and restaurants.

Distance: 17 km; 170 m gain or 32 km; 340 m gain

2

Day 2

Magog

Pedal along the shores of Lake Memphrémagog en route to the lakefront Abbey Saint-Benoît-du-Lac — where Benedictine monks have worked and lived since the early part of last century. Be sure to pick up a few supplies for a picnic lunch at the monastery, which is famous for excellent cheeses and apple cider. It is then off to take up the challenge of cycling through Mount Orford Provincial Park along the Trans-Canada Trail. This wonderful park is noted for the beauty of its scenery. Ending your day in Magog, with a relaxing dip in one of its many beaches.

Distance: 69 km; 636 m gain or 88 km; 794 m gain

3

Day 3

Stanstead

Leave Magog to cycle through the rolling foothills of the Appalachians, encountering a postcard-picturesque covered bridge and scenic little hamlets. Reach the American border town of Beebe Plain, where the main street straddles the border. Spend the night in charming Stanstead. If you are here on a Thursday, Friday or Saturday, you may be able to dine at Auberge Stanstead’s renowned restaurant. Or you can stroll across the border to Vermont to dine there!

Distance: 50 km; 450 m gain

4

Day 4

North Hatley

As you wind your way north, stop and learn how cheese is made at a farm that has been doing so for 4 generations. The family farm also has a sugar shack where they make organic maple syrup from their 6000 maple trees on the property. In Comptom, investigate the many studios and antique shops in the area. This village has long been a haven for artists and artisans, and is renowned for its wonderful antiques and art. Arrive to North Hatley, founded in 1897 and one of the most beautiful small towns of Québec. Visit the artisanal pastry shop Saveurs et Gourmandises.

Distance: 42 km; 360 m gain

5

Day 5

North Hatley

Your day ride out of North Hatley takes you through a diversity of experiences – beautiful countryside with quiet forests, rolling pastures and stunning vistas, to a riverside bike network through the City of Sherbrooke – the 7th largest city in Quebec. Take the time to explore the delightful architectural heritage, amazing art galleries and excellent museums, before you weave your way back to North Hatley via the university town of Lennoxville. After a final night reception, we’ll dine in the Tap Room of Manoir Hovey. Typical of Eastern Township restaurants, you’ll find a friendly ambiance and enjoy imaginative dishes featuring local products such as Abénaki poutines, half-cockerels, lobster rolls, Québec bred Wagyu beef burgers and more. Bon Appétit.

Distance: 50 km; 400 m gain

6

Day 6

Depart

Take a final stroll around North Hatley or do some last minute souvenir hunting, before departing for another adventure.

Hotel Boutique Verso, Magog

With an outstanding view of Lake Memphrémagog, this property was re-designed in 2021 into a boutique hotel with contemporary decor and friendly, attentive service. Downtown Magog is 600m away.

Lee Farm Inn, Stanstead

This historic and charming inn is located on a 200 year old estate with a rich Canadian history. This 5-star B&B is the perfect balance of luxury and tranquility.

Manoir Hovey, North Hatley

This Relais & Chateaux property is one of the finest in Eastern Canada. Superior rooms are unique and have lakeside views and the restaurant is superb. Located 3 km outside the town of North Hatley.

Tour Reviews

December 1, 2025

“Really appreciate pre-trip planning support provided by our Travel Advisor. I also loved the Travelogue. Great to have info on region and detailed ride info close at hand during the trip. Beautiful region; excellent trail systems & secondary roads.”

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