With its mountains, lakes, vineyards, inns, and charming homes, the Eastern Townships region has everything you need for a delightful bicycle trip in Québec. It’s crisscrossed by an extensive network of cycling routes, offering itineraries that are all unique and interesting. Here is a bike touring route that will please you, with Granby as both the starting and ending point!
From Granby to Waterloo: L’Estriade
In the morning, head to the town of Granby, near Lac Boivin. You will find plenty of parking spaces for your car, as well as everything you need to start your adventure on the right foot: a tourist information office, restaurants, restrooms, a pharmacy, and a bike shop (sales, maintenance, repair, and rental), which is very convenient.
After inflating your bike tires and stocking up on water, snacks, and bandages (you can never be too careful), it will be time to start cycling! Take the Estriade bike path towards Waterloo. This 21-kilometre trail is one of the most popular in the Route Verte network, the largest bike route in North America. Paved and with a very low gradient, it is an ideal novice bicycle path for family destination.
If you leave Granby around 10 a.m., you should arrive in Waterloo by noon. You'll probably be hungry, so take the time to eat at one of the town's restaurants, such as La Fourchette Blanche, L'Express, or Chez Maurice Pizzeria. A great way to recharge your batteries!
From Waterloo to Yamaska National Park: La Campagnarde
With a full (but not too full!) stomach, you are now ready to get back on your bicycle. This time, ride on La Campagnarde path towards Drummondville. Also part of the Route Verte network, this gravel bike path offers an authentic experience of the rural landscapes. Several rest stops are accessible along the way for breaks and encounters.
Keep your eyes opened for a wide variety of sculptures along the path, which will spark the imagination of children. You can discover the works of the Artria route, which is part of the region's culture and the Route Verte.
The beauty of these landscapes will surely make you want to take a few photos… An urge that will likely continue upon your arrival at Yamaska National Park!
From Yamaska National Park to Granby: From the Forest to the City
Located around the Choinière Reservoir, Yamaska National Park has a cycle path network that is worth the trip. Indeed, it is laid out in crushed stone and offers several charming viewpoints, much to the delight of cyclists. Note, however, that an entrance fee applies if you wish to fully enjoy the facilities (beach, camping, hiking, etc.).
Otherwise, follow the signs towards Granby at your own pace. You will then return to your starting point, near Lac Boivin. Upon your return, it will probably be dinner time. How about a well-deserved stop at a restaurant serving regional beers and wines, as well as local products? The city of Granby offers plenty of options, with restaurants like La Table à Mo, L'Attelier Archibald, or Le Grimoire.
After eating and drinking, and after handling the handlebars all day, don't hesitate to book a room at one of the many tourist accommodations in the area. Many of them offer cyclists packages that perfectly combine bike routes, overnight stays, dinner, and breakfast!
3 Tips for Safe Bike Transport
That said, it would be a shame to ruin this beautiful bike trip with a car accident… Here are a few tips for safely transporting your bikes by car.
- If you transport your bikes on a roof rack, make sure you know the total height of your vehicle with the bikes on top, so you won't be caught off guard if you need to pass through a height-restricted area.
- If you've attached your bikes to a trunk rack, check the visibility of your license plate and taillights. If necessary, add a licence plate holder.
- Lock your bikes when they are attached to the bike rack. This way, you'll have a bit more peace of mind if you need to leave the bikes on the car, unattended, for a while.
Of course, no matter how you transport your bikes, always follow road safety rules! If you run into any issues, contact us, and we'll be happy to assist you.