Cycling Quebec City to Lac Saint-Jean
Trip Overview
(Biking) This bike tour is in one of Canada's most culturally rich provinces, Quebec. In 7 days we cycle 256 km / 160 mi through a variety of landscapes from the peaceful island of Île d'Orléans known for its farms, orchards, and vineyards to the Saguenay Fjord region of Lac-Saint-Jean with its rugged mountains, boreal forest, and lakes.
We'll have slow food experiences tasting and discovering some of the local products from blueberries and cheese, to microbrewery beers and ice cream! We'll also learn about the economic importance and energy source that water has on Quebec as a province.
This all-encompassing bike tour in Quebec is an adventure not to be missed.
WOW FACTORS
- Cycle through Pointe-Taillon National Park with its lakes, forest, peat bogs and wildlife
- Experience the region's spectacular microbreweries and locally grown produce
- Explore Quebec City, a historic and culturally rich city located alongside the St. Lawrence River
Itinerary & Map
Day 1
Quebec City
Arrival
Make your way to Quebec City today, or come in a day or more earlier to explore this culturally rich city located alongside the St. Lawrence River. The city has a fortified core and winding cobblestone streets filled with outdoor cafes. Quebec City definitely has a European flair. Late afternoon there will be a group meeting with your guide who will welcome you over a cocktail and give an orientation of what the upcoming week entails.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: None
Day 2
Île d’Orléans to Alma
Biking
After breakfast we drive 30 minute to Île d’Orléans, the starting point of our ride. Here we'll get sized for our bikes and have a safety briefing before setting off on a peaceful ride around the Island. At the end of the ride we'll head to a microbrewery for a well deserved local beer. The final stretch is a 3 hour drive to our hotel in the small town of Alma. There will be time for a shower and a rest before meeting for a group dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Biking: 67 km / 41 mi
Day 3
Alma to Dolbeau-Mistassini
Biking
This morning we'll start with a short drive to Pointe-Taillon National Park. Here we'll get on our bikes and spend the day riding on dirt and paved paths inside the beautiful protected park. If we're lucky, we may even spot a moose in the wilderness. We'll definitely make time to stop on the beach for a refreshing dip in the lake. Riding on a series of country roads and cycle paths that are lined with blueberry fields, we'll make it to the village of Sainte-Jeanne d'Arc where we can visit the old mill. There is just a little bit of riding left today before we get to our hotel for the night in Dolbeau-Mistassini. We highly suggest ending the ride at the city's microbrewery for an ice cold local beer. The evening is on your own.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Biking: 55 km / 34 mi
Day 4
Dolbeau-Mistassini to Saint-Félicien
Biking
Today is another great day of biking on quiet roads, past fertile fields of vegetables and into a Boreal forest. We'll stop for a quick visit in Delices, a family-owned business that specializes in producing jams and other products made from wild blueberries. A little further on we'll stop in Normandin for lunch and have a chance to see the cheese factory. At the end of the ride we'll drive to Saint-Félicien, where we'll spend the night. Dinner is on your own tonight, and there are some good options to choose from including the town's microbrewery.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Biking: 60 km / 37 mi
Day 5
Saint-Félicien to Val-Jalbert
Biking
We'll discover Lac Saint-Jean today biking through the city to the Saint-Prime Marina where it's possible to go for a swim. We continue riding to The Uashassihtsh, Ilnu Cultural Transmission site for a chance to hear stories and learn about the First Nations communities. We'll have a break in Roberval and then it is the final stretch to the ghost village of Val-Jalbert where we'll overnight. Dinner tonight is a group gourmet dinner at the old mill.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Biking: 40 km / 25 mi
Day 6
Val-Jalbert to Quebec City
Biking
Our final day of biking is very scenic and we'll be rewarded with many beautiful views of the lake. There is another opportunity to go for a swim on Rigolet Beach before pedaling alongside the Saguenay River to Alma! Our final night is back in beautiful Québec City where we'll have a farewell dinner and celebrate our successful week of riding the beautiful Saguenay Fjord region.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Biking: 60 km / 37 mi
Day 7
Quebec City
Departure
After breakfast make your way to the Québec Airport for your way back home.
Meals: Breakfast
What's Included
TRIP INCLUSIONS:
All accommodation, meals as indicated (B-breakfast, L-lunch, D-dinner), land transportation, equipment, and English-speaking guides.
TRIP DOES NOT INCLUDE:
International or domestic airfare, gratuities, meals not included, airport transfers and items of a personal nature.
MEALS:
6 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 3 Dinners
ACCOMMODATION:
Hotel: 6 Nights
Trip Facts
Weather in Quebec, Canada
The climate of Quebec is comprised of four distinct seasons with cold and snowy winters and hot and humid summers. The temperature in each area is determined by its latitude, elevation and maritime influences.
Lac Saint-Jean Region
Mid-May to Mid-September: Summer season. Warm weather. The average daily temperature in July is 24'C / 75'C during the day and 12'C / 54'F in the evening.
Travel Documents
US citizens require a passport to enter Canada. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your date of arrival. Citizens of other nations should contact the nearest Canadian embassy or consulate for entry requirements.
Food
Canadian cuisine is made up of traditional cuisines from around the globe. Uniquely Canadian foods include fresh and seasonal ingredients found throughout the country like seafood and berries. Wild game, such as Bison, Moose, and Buffalo are also popular. Some traditional meals include a Montreal smoked meat sandwich, poutine, roasted root vegetables, and Wild Sockeye Salmon. Quebec also offers many regional specialties such as tourtière, pea soup, cretons, baked beans and sugar pie.
FAQ
Our adventures are built for small groups, with a maximum of 12 travellers on each guided tour. Each group is diverse, comprised of men and women of many different nationalities and ages. By travelling in small groups we leave minimal ecological impact, cause less disruption and are able to gain a better appreciation for our surroundings. Small numbers also allow greater flexibility and spontaneity: a dinner in a local home, an impromptu wedding invite and any such experiences that can become among the most memorable experiences of your BikeHike adventure.
We understand that people come in many fitness levels, so we've graded our trips accordingly. There are four difficulty levels on our trips: Easy, Moderate, Challenging, and Strenuous.
This is a “moderate” trip. These trips include 4-5 hours of physical activity throughout the day, with many breaks along the way. Most of the days are biking, and the biking portions require cardiovascular fitness to sustain the riding distances, but there are always support vehicles available on this trip. Our travellers don’t have to carry anything on their backs as any packs can be carried in the support vehicle. During the hiking portion of this trip, the most you would have to carry on your back is a daypack.
BikeHike Adventures has been operating since 1994. We are also Canadian based, and our office is in Vancouver, the city where this trip begins.
Also note that the logistics of organizing tours can be very complex. Our trip development department spends long hours researching destinations, routes, ground operations and equipment. All itineraries are screened without clients before they are added to our growing repertoire of adventures. Nothing is untested.
Our travellers share a common love for outdoor adventure. Most are looking for a physical adventure and are in good physical condition, exercise regularly and are invigorated by a personal challenge. The age range on this trip is typically from 35-55, although we occasionally get younger and older travellers as well.
We only offer this trip during summer months, as this is the prime time to cycle in Canada.
This trip starts in Quebec City where there is an international airport (YQB). On day 1 of the trip, you can arrive at anytime, but keep in mind there is a welcome meeting that evening at the hotel. On day 7 of the trip, you can depart at anytime.
We have prepared a packing list that you can download by clicking the link to the right on this page.
Can I take this trip if...
This is a popular trip with singles. Many of our travellers (both men and women) join as singles. Unlike many adventure travel companies, we don't charge single supplement fees to solo travellers. Instead, we pair you with another traveller of the same gender. If we can't find you a roommate, you get your own room at no additional charge. A single private room supplement fee is only required if you specifically request a confirmed private room for the duration of the trip. Learn more about solo travel with BikeHike.
We will do our best to accommodate special dietary requests (e.g. vegetarian, gluten free, etc.), but ask that you please discuss your request with us when signing up for a trip.
While most of our trips are created with adults in mind, many of our itineraries are suitable for strong and active teenagers. This trip is generally not a family focused trip unless the children are teenagers. This trip is generally suitable for families that include strong and active older teenagers. However, we do offer many other Family Focused trips, some of which are able to accommodate children as young as six.
Accommodation
Most of our trips include comfortable mid-range accommodations. This includes accommodation that provides a clean and comfortable experience in characterful surroundings that reflect the destination. To build stronger connections with the communities and support the local economies, we avoid using large international chain brands on BikeHike trips.
This trip includes the following types of accommodation:
HOTELS
In an effort to keep money in the communities we visit around the world, BikeHike prefers small hotels and Bed and Breakfasts that showcase the character and local flair of each destination.
Click HERE for more information about accommodation styles.
Trip At A Glance
| Day | Destination | Activity | Distance | Lodging | Meals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Quebec City
|
Arrival
|
— |
Hotel
|
— |
| 2 |
Île d’Orléans to Alma
|
Biking
|
67 km
41 mi
|
Hotel
|
b,
l,
d
|
| 3 |
Alma to Dolbeau-Mistassini
|
Biking
|
55 km
34 mi
|
Hotel
|
b,
l
|
| 4 |
Dolbeau-Mistassini to Saint-Félicien
|
Biking
|
60 km
37 mi
|
Hotel
|
b,
l
|
| 5 |
Saint-Félicien to Val-Jalbert
|
Biking
|
40 km
25 mi
|
Hotel
|
b,
l,
d
|
| 6 |
Val-Jalbert to Quebec City
|
Biking
|
60 km
37 mi
|
Hotel
|
b,
l,
d
|
| 7 |
Quebec City
|
Departure
|
— | — |
b
|
