8 Bicycle Outings to Enjoy with your Family

The Estriade Bike Path and Artria’s Cultural Loop

A completely paved bike path between Granby and Waterloo, an elevation of barely more than 2%, many rest areas throughout the route … it’s not surprising that l’Estriade is so popular with families! To return to your starting point, two options: simply ride back by the same path for a total of 44 km; or, continue your way towards the Boucle culturelle Artria which will take you across the Parc national de la Yamaska for a total of 56 km. A note to art amateurs: You’ll discover about sixty giant size works of art spread throughout these two circuits.

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!

©Susan Elizabeth Driscoll

The Tomifobia Nature Path

This 26-kilometre 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.).

Those more curious among your crew will surely be very happy to visit the Standstead library, where they’ll find a Canada-U.S. border crossing right in the middle of the building! Quite unusual, indeed! And if you like French crêpes bretonnes, two restaurants offer these delicious pancakes: the Café Folies in Ayer’s Cliff, and Le Tomifobia in Stanstead.

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!

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.

Do the children still have a bit of energy left? Take them to the “Vivant en bibitte !” exhibit at the Maison de l'eau of the Parc Lucien-Blanchard!

©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-kilometre 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 – Warwick

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 39 kilometres 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 the Marie-Victorin park, in Kingsey Falls, with its six theme gardens, its giant mosaic cultures and its recycled metal insect sculptures. It’s all about pure pleasure!

Parc régional du Marécage-des-Scots

8.5 kilometres 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. At the end of your adventure, visit the Parc national du Mont-Mégantic, in the Franceville sector, where you’ll enjoy many family activities.

©Ian Roberge

The Baie-des-Sables Bike Path—Rivière Chaudière

This short 6.5-kilometre 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 : tree-top adventures, swimming at the beach, nautical equipment rentals… Plus, the site is magnificent!