Québec: Bike Bas-Saint-Laurent

The tour starts with a complimentary late afternoon transfer (one hour) from the Québec City Airport or Auberge Saint Antoine (www.saint-antoine.com) to L’Islet, near the gateway to Bas-Saint-Laurent. Introductions and bike familiarization can precede dinner.

D (Meal inclusions provided for guided trips. Self-guided trips include breakfast only)
Auberge des Glacis, L’Islet, or Auberge au Diablo Vert, La Pocatière

Follow quiet country roads to St Pacôme, the first of several of Québec province’s “25 most beautiful villages” you will ride through this week. Follow the banks of the St. Lawrence, one of the biggest rivers in the world, to Kamouraska, famous for its medieval festival and the archipelago off its shores. The water retreats so far at low tide that some of the islands can be reached on foot. Try not to get caught by the rising tide, or you’ll spend the night alone!

BL
Lodging: La Grande Voile, Kamouraska, or La Villa Saint-Louis, Kamouraska

Leave Kamouraska for some coastal and rural riding to St André. Stop for lunch at ‘les Battures Ecologiques’, and enjoy a spectacular view of the Laurentian Mountains. Follow the flow of the river to Notre Dame-du-Portage, another of ‘the Most Beautiful Villages in Québec, and the end of the great canoe portage between the St. Lawrence River and Acadia - the Maritime Provinces.

BLD
Auberge du Portage, or Auberge sur Mer, Notre Dame du Portage, or Le P’tit Paradis, Notre Dame du Portage

Today’s ride takes you to Cacouna, another of Québec’s Most Beautiful Villages. Its name derived from an Indian word for “land of the porcupine’’. Along the coast, you may catch sight of the whales frequently seen offshore. Better viewing is sometimes the reward as you cross the ferry to step back in time on Ile Verte, an island of 45 inhabitants. You will stay in the oldest lighthouse keeper’s residence in the province. The island is renowned for its salt marsh lamb, raised by a resident non-profit co-op. The salt marsh gives the meat a distinctive flavour, unique but similar to that of lamb raised on the salt flats near Mont St. Michel in Brittany, France.

BD
Lodging: La Maison du Phare, Île Verte or Gîte Au Chant du Coq, Île Verte

Enjoy the peaceful roads of Ile Verte, then take the ferry back to the mainland and cycle to Trois-Pistoles, marked by the tall steeple of the enormous church of Notre Dame-des-Neiges. Cycle the green forest path to see waterfalls, and then follow the Trois Pistoles River back to the St. Lawrence. Stop at the government wharf to take in the view of Ile aux Basques, where Basque fishermen rendered whale fat long before Jacques Cartier arrived.

BL
Lodging: Le Gîte la Rose des Vents, Trois-Pistoles

Inland exploration of The Basque Highlands, followed by a stop to stock up on local specialties such as maple-based drinks. Enjoy the spectacular look off on your way to Saint Fabien, home to the wild falcons frequently seen flying from the cliffs. Then cycle to the village of Bic, and enjoy the miles of hiking/biking trails in Le Bic Provincial Park.

BLD
Lodging: Le Mange Grenouille, Bic

Le Bic exploration, or optional trip to Reford Gardens, followed by a return to Québec City by approximately 17:00.

B