Fall Bicycling in Quebéc’s Eastern Townships

The Eastern Townships (Cantons de l’Est) of Quebéc are a natural getaway destination for family travelers who enjoy bicycling. Terrain varies from flat to gently rolling between Granby and Magog, a popular route passing through Mount Orford National Park.

From Granby, the trail is named L’Estriade, a 12.6-mile ride to Waterloo, all on paved surface. The next leg runs over a dedicated trail system, either paved or well-maintained stone dust, and unpaved sections through Mount Orford National Park and on to Magog.

The Eastern Townships are a rural place laced by small rivers and streams, dotted with large and small ponds and lakes. Towns and villages tend to be small and the cycling route, part of the cross-Canada Trail passes through forests and agricultural lands where imaginative farmers and vintners produce award-winning local cheeses, fine still and sparkling apple wines, and traditional wines.

At either end of L’Estriade, the towns of Granby and Magog are good bases for a trip. Granby Ecomuseum Zoo showcases Québec’s wildlife, with black bear, raccoon, porcupine, river otter, golden eagle, red fox and other native wildlife in their natural settings.

Magog is a busy little town at the head of Lake Memphremagog, a 29-mile-long lake shared with the State of Vermont. While in Magog, take a break with Les Croisières l’Air du Lac, exploring the lake by boat while hearing about its wildlife and history (which includes a bit of smuggling, as the lake is in both Canada and the United States).

Either town offers plenty of lodging, or your family will find campgrounds in Mount Orford National Park, which also has swimming, boating and hiking.