8 Bicycle Outings to Enjoy with your Family

The Estriade and Artria’s Cultural Loop

Looking for an easy and inspiring cycling getaway? The Estriade, offers 22 km of safe, mostly paved bike paths with gentle inclines. Stretching from Granby to Waterloo, through Roxton Pond and Bromont, it’s perfect for families, casual riders or long-distance cyclists. What makes it unique? The Artria Cultural Loop — a 56 km route dotted with nearly 60 monumental art installations set in nature. This open-air museum beautifully blends art and the outdoors. Rest stops along the way invite you to pause, take in the artwork and enjoy the scenery.

A jumping in the water is a must at the Parc national de la Yamaska, where you can also rent a boat to explore the Choinière Reservoir. The highlight of your outing? Discover this still well-hidden secret: the amazing Pumptrack, in Waterloo. Your more adventurous kids will simply love it!

©Caroline Fontaine

The Tomifobia Nature Path

This 26 kilometers long bike path linking Ayer’s Cliff to Stanstead runs along the magnificent Tomifobia River and will have you discover a rich flora and wildlife. Ponds, marshes, many bird species… You won’t believe your eyes! The trail begins in Ayer’s Cliff (150 Tyler St.).

Your little explorers will surely be fascinated by the Tomifobia River Marsh, where turtles, herons, kingfishers, and beavers can be spotted in their natural habitat. A nature stop you won’t want to miss!

Grandes-Fourches Cycling Network - St. François Axis

From the Park Jeffrey-Gingras all the way to Bishop’s University, this overall 24  km linear route will take you along the Saint-François River as well as the nearby Sherbrooke downtown area. In fact, you could spend a little time here and discover two magnificent murals revealing a slice-of-life depictiction of the history of Sherbrooke.

To enhance your outing, don’t miss visiting the Réal-D.-Carboneau marsh and its amazing biodiversity. Need a boost of energy? Go taste a plate of fish and at the Siboire Dépôt microbrewery!

©Daphné Caron

Grandes-Fourches Cycling Network – The Magog Loop

This loop runs along the Lac des Nations and the Magog River in Sherbrooke and is perfect for your younger ones. With its 13 kilometres and a flat landscape, it offers nevertheless some fine views of the city and the surrounding nature. Start your outing at the Lucien-Blanchard park. Halfway, drop by the Marché de la Gare, where you’ll find delicious cheeses, charcuteries and breads. Then, just head out and savour your purchases at one of the vast picnic areas of the Parc Jacques-Cartier.

Still have some energy after the ride? Set off to discover the Murals of Sherbrooke! It’s a fun and colourful way to explore the city and its life-sized artworks.

©Ian Roberge

Grandes-Fourches Cycling Network – The Massawippi Axis

By starting out at Halte-Vélo in Lennoxville and returning to North Hatley, this 14.5 kilometers circuit, set on an old railway track, runs along the quiet Massawippi River offers only a little elevation. Perfect for younger cyclists!

On the way, a visit to the Capelton Mine is a true must! Your family will love going underground and pretend to be prospectors searching for gold in the surrounding creeks! Once you’ve arrived at your destination, don’t forget to go for a dip in the lake at the North Hatley municipal beach.

Richmond – Danville

Head out to the old train station in Richmond. You can start your outing on this circuit set on an abandoned railway track that will take you inside a luxuriant nature landscape. The 21 kilometers (One-way) that you’ll pedal across these farmlands for sure will have you savour amazing moments of true plenitude!

There are two not-to-be-missed stops you must make. First, the Burbank Pond in Danville, which shelters and exceptional fauna; Then there’s L'Ardoise, coopérative brassicole, in Richmond.

Parc régional du Marécage-des-Scots

8.5 kilometers long, this circuit will have you discover an impressive biodiversity. Because your departure point is located in the Walter-McKenzie municipal park, in Scotstown, begin by filling your basket with a few provisions at the Charcuterie Scotstown. Their delicious artisanal sausages will calm those little cravings you might feel on the way! Throughout your ballad, notably by the Rivière au Saumon and the McLeod Creek, you’ll find these lovely halts where you can relax and reenergize.

And to end the day on a high note, head to Mont-Mégantic National Park, Franceville sector. In the evening, don’t miss the chance to admire the starry sky in this first International Dark Sky Reserve, where the night sky is truly spectacular. A perfect place to introduce kids (and grown-ups!) to stargazing.

©Ian Roberge

The Baie-des-Sables Bike Path—Rivière Chaudière

This short 6.2 kilometers trail runs through a wooded area and will offer you a delightful view overlooking Lake Mégantic. To star your outing, choose the Station touristique Baie-des-Sables. Then, head out towards Lac-Mégantic, where your family can experience Le Marcheur d’étoiles, a historic and cultural circuit presenting 15 different points of interest set throughout the town. When you return, there are plenty of activities waiting for you at the Station touristique Baie-des-Sables : beach, hiking trails, swimming at the beach, nautical equipment rentals… Plus, the site is magnificent!