Memphrémagog

Lakes and Border Gravel Route

Starting in Newport, this four-day loop traces a full crossing of the Eastern Townships, through rolling roads, lively villages, and well-chosen stops along the way. From Mansonville to Sutton, then on to Magog and Ayer’s Cliff, the itinerary blends athletic challenges, gourmet breaks, and privileged access to the water—from Lake Memphremagog to Lake Massawippi. With sustained climbs, cycling paths, vineyards, national parks, and village cafés, each day finds its own balance. This route is designed for experienced cyclists looking to both ride and truly enjoy the territory, before closing the loop back in Newport.

  • Unpaved road 132.5km
  • Paved road 88.4km
  • 221 km

On the road

Starting point: Prouty Beach
386 Prouty Beach Rd, Newport, VT 05855, United-States

DAY 1

Les Bleuets Bio du Marquis

From Newport (Vermont) to the Municipality of Potton (47 km)

Starting in Newport, at the southern tip of Lake Memphremagog, the pace settles in quickly with an initial 25 km stretch before crossing the border and giving way to the rolling landscapes of the Eastern Townships. The terrain gradually becomes more defined as you approach Mansonville, an ideal stop for local heritage (the round barn), a specialty coffee at Appalaches Torréfacteur, or a refreshing break at Pineapple Bar. Then comes the challenge: the climb up West Hill Road, demanding yet exhilarating, rewarded with outstanding viewpoints at the top. The descent feels like a victory lap—especially if you stop at Les Bleuets Bio du Marquis, where sweet berries and sweeping views make the perfect pairing. The first day ends at Camping Nature Plein Air, along the Missisquoi River—a peaceful and welcoming riverside retreat to rest your legs, with on-site dining options available.

DAY 2

From the Municipality of Potton to Lac-Brome (60 km)

This second day begins gently in Potton, with a 13 km stretch along Missisquoi Valley Road, following the river of the same name. The tone shifts as you approach Sutton, where the roads rise into a more mountainous setting. Just before the halfway point, the village centre offers a strategic break to refuel: microbreweries, cafés, and restaurants provide plenty of options. A special mention goes to Mo’Café, certified Bienvenue Cyclistes. The route continues with more sustained sections before reaching Knowlton. Along the way, a tasting stop can be added either at Château Ste-Agnès, at the entrance to Sutton, or at Vignoble Sugar Hill near Knowlton. Finally, head to Douglass Beach for a waterside pause before joining the Lake Brome cycling path, which leads to Domaine Jolivent—an ideal place to enjoy the evening on the terrace before spending the night.


Cœur villageois de Sutton ©Dominick Ménard
DAY 3

©Charles et Annie Photographie

From Lac-Brome to Ayer’s Cliff (64 km)

A change of pace as you leave Lac-Brome: the terrain softens and the kilometres flow more easily. Chemin des Diligences gently winds its way between Waterloo and Eastman, before joining the La Montagnarde trail toward Orford. There, a 7 km climb gives the legs a wake-up call (the only real one of the day). In the heart of Parc national du Mont-Orford, the scenery invites you to slow down: Lake Stukely beach, with its clear water, is the perfect place to stop. Food lovers may want to plan ahead with a takeaway box from Huit5Quatre Table d’hôte, picked up late morning along Chemin des Diligences, for an improvised lakeside lunch. Back on the road toward Magog, it’s hard to resist a stop at Le Cornet: ice cream in hand, overlooking Lake Memphremagog, with that feeling of having truly changed shores. A few more kilometres lead to Ayer’s Cliff and Camping du lac Massawippi, where the day ends simply—swimming, relaxing, and poutine at Casse-croûte du pêcheur.

DAY 4

Parc du Quai - Ayer's Cliff ©Daphné Caron

From Ayer’s Cliff to Newport (63 km)

The final stretch of this great cycling adventure! Leaving Ayer’s Cliff, the day feels more demanding than it seems at first glance. It’s best to stock up on snacks before leaving the village (a few provisions are easy to find in the centre) and take time for a stop at Parc du Quai to enjoy the view over Lake Massawippi. Those with a sweet tooth may also take a short detour to La Pinte for a milk-based treat before hitting the road. The route then winds through country roads and scenic viewpoints, including Brown’s Hill Road and Magoon Point. There are few resupply options along the way, except for a must-stop at the Georgeville General Store—both for restocking and for its timeless atmosphere. Along the route, the Narrows covered bridge adds a touch of heritage to the ride. Before closing this four-day journey, a final break at Weir Memorial Park offers the perfect place to rest your legs, before heading back to Newport, where this crossing between lakes and border comes to an end.

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