Cycling

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

116 km

8 stops

2 days

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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

By taking on this challenging circuit, you’ll be connecting closely with nature, especially as you ride across some of its forest sectors . The route is designed for those wanting to take on a true challenge, with more technical sections and steep inclines, including a 19% descent on soft gravel. Halfway along the route, you’ll find the Mont Expérience Hereford campground. We recommend you stay here if your plan is to complete this 116 km epic ride by way of a two-day adventure getaway. Please note: some sections are far from town centres and require a great deal of autonomy.
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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.
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Savour a Great Tasting Poutine

Cantine le Baumier

Only a few steps from the Ferme Piscicole des Bobines, the Cantine Le Baumier can be found at the entrance of the Hereford baseball field. Unpretentious, but brimming with flavour, this food stand is renowned for its Bobines trout bagels as well as for its not-to-be-missed poutine! As a bonus, you’ll enjoy savouring their local microbrewery beers, the perfect pairing to complete your meal after a great bicycle outing!
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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.
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Set Up Your Base Camp

Camping Mont Expérience Hereford

Nestled in the forest at the foot of Mount Hereford, the Mont Expérience Hereford campground proposes 15 rustic campsites for small RVs and tents, as well as four ready-to camp pods. Outdoor enthusiasts can also head, on foot or on mountain bikes, to the Relais-refuge du Vieux Panache, managed by the campground owners (about 3 km from the main parking lot). An ideal stop for spending the night in the heart of nature at the end of a day filled with adventures! Please note: There are no amenities at the Relais-refuge.
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Continuing Your Cycling Adventure

The Grande Boucle de la Vallée

The adventure continues as you hop on your bicycle and head out on this new day to discover the second half of this ambitious cycling itinerary. Psst... On your way, did you happen to notice these life-size silhouettes dotting the roads of the Coaticook Valley? They’re all local pioneers, emblematic figures who’ve marked the region’s history. You’ll find some of them along the Boucle de la Vallée circuit. Take the opportunity to discover their fascinating stories!
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Offering Yourself a 360° Panorama

The Hereford Community Forest

Hiking (16 km), mountain biking (55 km) and, especially, an abundance of beauty! This natural sanctuary is the result of an entire community’s total commitment to its preservation. On foot, take the 2.5 km Sentier des Géants Trail to the summit of the mountain, where you’ll enjoy a 360° view from the newly installed observation tower. Along the way, enjoy superb panoramic views in an environment bursting with the scent of balsam fir. Then head back down the Urubus trail, because this one is simply spectacular! Mountain biking? Treat yourself to the trail routes developed by Circuits frontières.
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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 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.
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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!
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