Cycling

The Grande Boucle de la Vallée: A 2-Day Cycling Challenge in the Heart of Nature

116 km

8 stops

2 days

Sponsored

Cyclists looking for a great outdoors challenge, the Grande Boucle de la Vallée invites you to immerse yourself in the heart of nature as you explore our dense forests and gravel back roads. Spanning two days and covering more than 100 km, this demanding route will test your calves while offering you some truly amazing stops. Bold descents, panoramic views and a night at the foot of Mount Hereford... Get ready for a memorable cycling getaway in the middle of the Coaticook Valley in the Eastern Townships!

  • Day 1
  • Day 2

Preparing for a Full Day on the Road

The Grande Boucle de la Vallée Loop

Embarking on this loop means connecting with nature, highlighted in particular by stretches along forest roads. This route is designed for those seeking a challenge, as it includes more technical sections with steep elevation changes—including a 19% descent on loose gravel. Midway through, you’ll find the Mont Expérience Hereford campground, where we recommend staying if you’d like to turn this 116 km journey into a two-day adventure getaway. Please note: some sections are far from town centres and require a great deal of autonomy.
Discover

An Immersion in Local History

The Republic of Indian Stream Pavilion

Did you know that there once was an independent republic established right on the Québec-New Hampshire border? Learn more about the Republic of Indian Stream at the interpretation pavilion located on the corner of Route 253 and the Chemin de Coaticook, in East Hereford.
Discover

Savour a Great Tasting Poutine

Cantine le Baumier

Just steps from the Bobines fish farm and the Mon Expérience Hereford campground, Le Baumier snack bar welcomes you at the East Hereford ball field from Friday to Sunday. Unpretentious yet full of flavor, it’s known for its delicious Bobines trout bagels as well as its must-try poutine! As a bonus, you can enjoy a selection of local microbrewery beers, perfect to pair with your meal after a great bike ride.
Discover

Discover the Source of these Local Flavours

Ferme piscicole les Bobines

Did you know that in East Hereford you’ll find an indoor facility rearing rainbow trout inside an eco-friendly, sustainable aquaculture processing plant? Their boutique is temporarily closed, but here’s a great idea for all foodies: They have plenty of outlets for their products! Simply go online to find where you can buy their tasty smoked trout, pâtés, spreads, puff pastries and other Bobines products while you wait for the boutique to reopen.
Discover

Set Up Your Base Camp

Camping Mont Expérience Hereford

Nestled in the forest at the foot of Mount Hereford, the Mont Expérience Hereford campground offers a variety of sites for tents, with or without services, a fully equipped trailer, and a budget-friendly vanlife area. It also features micro-accommodations, including A-frame cabins, pods, and tiny chalets. Outdoor enthusiasts can reach the Vieux Panache shelter—managed by the campground—on foot or by mountain bike (located about 3 km from the main parking area). An ideal stop for a night in nature after a day of adventure! Note: no services are available at the shelter.
Discover

Continuing Your Cycling Adventure

The Grande Boucle de la Vallée

The adventure continues! Hop on your bike and set out to explore the second half of this remarkable cycling route. Psst… Have you noticed those life-sized silhouettes along the roads of the Coaticook region? They’re all Pioneers—iconic figures who have shaped the region’s history. You’ll spot some of them along the Grande Boucle, so take the opportunity to discover their fascinating stories!
Discover

Offering Yourself a 360° Panorama

The Hereford Community Forest

Hiking (16 km), mountain biking (55 km), and above all, an abundance of natural beauty! This природный haven is the result of a community dedicated to its preservation. On foot, take the Sentier des Géants (2.5 km), which leads to the summit, where you can enjoy a 360° view from the brand-new observation tower. Along the way, soak in stunning panoramas in an environment filled with the scent of balsam fir. For the descent, opt for the Sentier des Urubus—it’s truly spectacular! More into mountain biking? Go all out on the trails developed by Circuits Frontières. Note: The Géants–Urubus loop can be accessed from Centennial Road. The trail leading to the summit from East Hereford is called Neil-Tillotson and is 6.5 km one way.
Discover

Taking the Suggested Detour

Resto Chez Matante

Organize your schedule so you’ll arrive in the town of Sainte-Edwidge by noon. This will require you to take a short 2.5 km detour to reach Chemin Tremblay, but we think you won’t be disappointed. Fork in hand, taste any signature dish on the resto Chez Matante menu! Whether it’s a bowl of pulled pork, smoked trout salad, or yet again their decadent homemade fried chicken! All made with lots of love, here, local ingredients and traditional recipes are skillfully prepared to delight your taste buds as you relax in a retro decor. Then, before heading out again, make a quick stop in front of the village church. The original architecture is well worth a look.
Discover

End the Day on a Terrace!

Hop Station Microbrewery

After so much effort, come and unwind at the Hop Station microbrewery, established in the town of Coaticook’s old train station. As you relax on the terrace, savour their amazing craft beers, such as the Train Surfer, a double NEIPA, or La Ferraille, a red beer with notes of caramel and roasted grains. How about a little originality? Try a Shrub, a non-alcohol craft soda drink. In the evening, enjoy the Mexican flavours offered by their food truck, along with a variety of musical entertainment. This friendly venue is the perfect place to celebrate your cycling day!
Discover

You should read

X

Filters

X
Taste the Townships
Arts, culture and entertainment
Shopping
Lodging
Nature, sports and outdoor activities
Restaurants
Tourist routes
Family outing
Spa and wellness
Charging stations