Now that the snow is melting and the days are getting warmer, it’s time to gear up (pun intended!) for the cycling season. At this time of year, temperatures in the Eastern Townships rise very quickly—so as early as May, many of the cycling trails are open, ready for your first outing by bike!
Time to saddle up. Stunning landscapes, heritage sites, local food producers and of course, Mother Nature herself, are just waiting to be discovered!
The following are five scenic bike routes in the Eastern Townships, all of which can be explored from the first days of spring, right through the summer to the fall, when the autumn colours are aflame in all their glory…
The Magog-Orford Circuit
You can set off from Merry Point (or even right at the hotel!) to ride along the Magog-Orford loop. Several stretches of this bike circuit run through scenic Mount Orford National Park, ending up along Country Road 13 from which you can view beautiful Mount Orford in the distance, stretching across the horizon—an iconic landmark to be sure!
If you’re not staying in the region for very long, the Magog-Orford Circuit is a good choice for an outing by bike. The cycle trail begins and ends at the hotel, and it’s relatively short.
For more information, click here for a map of the cycling trails in the Memphrémagog MRC (Regional County Municipality) region.
La Montagnarde
Another bike trail that passes right by our hotel is La Montagnarde—a route that takes in some of the most spectacular views in the area.
This 55-km network—it connects to the Route Verte #1 (Green Route)—offers lookout points over picturesque Lake Memphremagog, the Magog River and the Magog cityscape, then flanks the Rivière-aux-Cerises marsh, against a backdrop of the omnipresent Mount Orford.
The Coaticook Valley Circuit
Do you like to meander at your own pace through the countryside? This 100-km circuit through the Coaticook Valley takes you through most of the communities in this corner of the Townships. Along the way, you can stop for a gourmet snack and don’t forget to visit the region’s most popular attraction: the Laiterie de Coaticook. This dairy makes the most heavenly ice cream, and their cheese is delicious too!
The Heritage Circuit
This 41-km loop takes you past heritage sites, churches, and historic buildings from a bygone era. They conjure up a time when the Eastern Townships was welcoming settlers who established the many charming communities now found throughout the region. Worthy of note is the 12-sided Walbridge Barn (built in 1882) and the Missisquoi Museum, housed in a former grist mill.
La Lanterne Rouge
If you want to pick up some local produce while you’re out on your bike, this is the route for you! The 51-km “Red Lantern” Route (intermediate level) winds around picturesque Brome Lake, through Shefford and Knowlton, two of the region’s most attractive villages.
The route is dotted with wineries (such as famous Léon Courville), microbreweries, cheesemakers, and other food producers. If you try to visit them all, you might run out of time to cycle to the end of the route!
Ideas for Planning Your Bike Trip
Leave your luggage at Versō hotel and use the hotel as a base to explore these trails—fantastic bike rides to invigorate body and mind! Because the hotel is in downtown Magog, the trails can be accessed right outside the building or via a short trip by car.
After a day of pedaling in the great outdoors, relax for a while in your comfy, welcoming room, then treat yourself to a Mediterranean-inspired meal in Kóz bistro—a great way to recharge your batteries!