A Biking Guide for Quebec’s Eastern Townships
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History of the Eastern Townships
Biking the Eastern Townships is a great way to experience the area. The Eastern Townships include the historical region of south-eastern Quebec that was first inhabited by the native Abenaki people. After the American Revolution in the late 1700’s, Loyalists moved into the area and were granted 200 acre lots. Now the area is the playground for Montrealers, home to people looking for a more laid back lifestyle and a year round tourist destination.
Location
The Eastern Townships lie south of the St. Lawrence River and roughly one hour east of Montreal by car. To the south, is the US, specifically the State of Vermont. There are lots of small towns including some of Quebec’s Most Beautiful Villages to explore while biking the Eastern Townships.
The largest city in the townships is Sherbrooke with a population of 173,000. The city is located close to the midway point on the Chemin des Cantons, a driving and on- road biking route through the townships.
Highlights
A week long biking trip in the Eastern Townships on a combination of mostly quiet backroads and dedicated bike paths is a great way to get a sense of the place and the delightful locals. La Route Verte, otherwise known as The Green Route, traverses the area for a total of 225 kilometres and could be accomplished over a long weekend.
Then there are additional loops to cycle which include the wine region, the hilly but beautiful ski country near Sutton, a ride on both sides of Lake Memphremagog which can incorporate a side trip to Saint Benoit’s Abbey, a visit to Stanstead on the US/Canada border to admire the magnificent 19thcentury buildings and the towns of Ayer’s Cliff and North Hatley on Lake Massawippi.
Inside the Eastern Townships biking guide you’ll find the following:
- How to get to the Eastern Townships
- A suggested one week itinerary
- Detailed route notes
- Trip highlights
- Accommodation and restaurant options
- Where to find bike rentals
- Packing lists
- Useful websites and links
Biking Eastern Townships 2024 Update
The biking guide to the Eastern Townships was written some time ago. The actual route information should still be accurate, but appreciate that after a decade many B&B’s, hotels and restaurants have closed or changed orders. But it will still be useful in planning a biking trip in the Eastern Townships – something that is ideal to do in the fall.
Some changes
- Green Mount Cottage B&B is actually called Vert Le Mont B&B in Sutton. The address is incorrectly listed as 8 Maple. It should be 18 Maple.
- St. Armour Inn has new owners. It is now called Le Pleasant. Rates are $150-$250.
- Chemin Brookfall is renamed Chemin Schweizer.
- Sutton is an alternative start point. There is an excellent bike repair and rental store called La Vie Dehors on rue Principale Nord.
- Sutton is served twice daily by the Veolia bus service from Montreal.
