The best regions for fall cycling in Quebec
WHERE TO RIDE by Velozone Shop 8min read

The best regions for fall cycling in Quebec

Autumn is the most beautiful season for a road trip in Quebec. The air is crisp, it’s peaceful, and the maple trees turn red. Here’s where to go, from the Richelieu Valley to Lac-Saint-Jean.

Why fall beats summer for riding

In summer, it's hot, the tourist roads are congested, and there are mosquitoes in the woods. Fall solves all three at once. For long rides, a temperature around 12 to 18 °C is pure bliss, and that's exactly what September and October bring to Quebec.

The foliage peaks roughly between September 25 and October 15, depending on the region. The further north you go, the earlier it is. Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean and northern Laurentides often turn in mid-September. Montérégie, on the other hand, keeps its colors until early October.

Two things to manage. The days shorten quickly: you lose about 2 to 3 minutes of daylight per day in October, so a ride that ended in the sun in August ends in the twilight. And the mornings are cold. We'll come back to that in the gear section.

One important point. We're talking about road cycling, gravel riding, and bikepacking on trails here. Mountain biking trails in the fall are another topic for another article.

Close to home

Montérégie and the Richelieu Valley

This is our backyard, and it's perfect for an autumn ride. The route is flat and paved for the most part, and you can start from Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu without having to load the bike into the car.

The Canal-de-Chambly trail is 20 km long and connects Chambly, Carignan, and Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu along the historic canal. The surface is crushed stone for about 14 km and paved for 6 km, so a hybrid or gravel bike is perfect. It is part of the Route verte and the Trans-Canada Trail.

Want something longer? The Montérégiade runs 48 km from Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu to Granby, almost entirely on asphalt. By combining the Montérégiade, the Route des Champs, and the Canal-de-Chambly, you can ride a loop of about 110 km on quiet roads.

The autumn bonus: the orchards in Rougemont and on Mont Saint-Grégoire are in full harvest. Plan an apple or cider stop along the way—you'll be in the right place at the right time.

The color spot

The Eastern Townships

If you had to choose just one region for colors, this would be it. The hills, lakes, and density of maple trees make the Eastern Townships literally explode with color at the end of September.

On the road, the areas around Sutton, Bromont, Orford, and Lac-Brome offer serious climbs with viewpoints that are worth the effort. It's hilly, so prepare your legs.

For gravel, the region has become a benchmark in Quebec. The Traverse des Townships is about 47 km of gravel roads that pass through tree tunnels and the village centers of Sutton and Lac-Brome. A gravel bike with 40 mm tires is the ideal tool for it.

The terrain is demanding at times. That’s exactly what makes the scenery so rewarding once you’re at the top.

  • AUTUMN COLORS
  • SEPT 25 – OCT 15
  • FOLIAGE PEAK
  • QUEBEC
The classic

The Laurentians and the P'tit Train du Nord

The P'tit Train du Nord is the most famous bike path in Quebec, and for good reason. 234 km of former railway tracks transformed into a trail, stretching from Saint-Jérôme all the way to Mont-Laurier.

Since it’s built on an old railroad, the grade is gentle almost everywhere. No massive hills, just steady riding, which makes it accessible even if you're not a hardcore athlete. The surface changes along the way: about 120 km of asphalt and roughly 82 km of stone dust. A hybrid or gravel bike can handle it all, and a road bike is fine on the paved sections.

In the fall, the stretch between Val-David, Sainte-Agathe, and Mont-Tremblant becomes a literal tunnel of colors. The old train stations have been converted into cafes and service points, so the route is perfect for a two- or three-day cycling trip.

The grand tour

Lac Saint-Jean and the Blueberry Route

The Véloroute des Bleuets is the premier cycling tourism circuit in Quebec: a 256 km loop that goes all the way around Lake Saint-Jean. Mostly paved, it passes through 15 municipalities and the Innu community of Mashteuiatsh.

Since it is further north, the autumn colors arrive earlier, often by mid-September. If you are aiming for the foliage, plan your trip before the end of September rather than in October.

The full tour is generally completed in 3 to 5 days, with villages and accommodation well-spaced around the lake. It is one of the rare routes where you can ride from morning to night without ever covering the same stretch twice.

For the legs

Charlevoix, if you like to climb

Charlevoix is sometimes called the little Alps of Quebec, and for good reason. The climbs are long and steep, but the view of the St. Lawrence River once you reach the top is priceless.

Route 362 between Baie-Saint-Paul and La Malbaie stretches about 50 km along the river, with descents into the villages and climbs that will wake you right up. It’s a route for cyclists who already have some miles under their belt, not for a first big outing.

In the fall, the combination of the river, mountains, and colorful forest is hard to beat in Quebec. If you're more the easygoing type, Baie-Saint-Paul offers bike-sharing to explore the surroundings at your own pace.

Equipment

What it takes to ride in the fall

Three things make all the difference between a great autumn ride and one you'll regret.

  • Lights. The days are getting shorter fast, and you can get caught in the dark long before you're home. A good set of front and rear lights is no longer optional in October.
  • Fenders. Wet fallen leaves and puddles will turn your back into an abstract painting. A pair of fenders keeps your clothes clean and your backside dry.
  • Layers. Starting at 4°C in the morning and finishing at 16°C in the afternoon is manageable with clothing you can shed along the way. Check out our cycling apparel: windbreakers, arm warmers, and long gloves do the trick.

For multi-day bicycle touring, add panniers and a rack to carry your gear without having a backpack digging into your shoulders.

Not sure what you're missing? Stop by the shop, we'll take a look at your bike and tell you what to add in 5 minutes.

Come gear up for fall

Lights, mudguards, warm layers: we have what you need to extend your season until the very last fall colors. Come see us at 688 Bd du Séminaire N in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu or give us a call.
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Your questions, our answers

Frequently asked questions about fall cycling in Quebec

Basically, between September 25 and October 15, but it varies by region. The north (Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, northern Laurentians) turns as early as mid-September, while the Montérégie and Eastern Townships keep their colors until early October. Aim for the last week of September to maximize your chances.
It depends on the route. The Véloroute des Bleuets and the Montérégiade are paved, so a road or hybrid bike works fine. The P'tit Train du Nord and the Chambly Canal have sections with stone dust: a hybrid or gravel bike is more comfortable. For the gravel in the Eastern Townships, a gravel bike with 40 mm tires is ideal.
Yes, but watch out for two things: it gets dark early and wet dead leaves are slippery, especially on descents and in corners. With lights, mudguards, and tires that aren't overinflated, you'll be fine. Some trails stop maintenance or close towards the end of October, so check before you head out.
The Chambly Canal starts directly in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu. It’s 20 km along the canal to Chambly, flat and quiet. It’s perfect for an autumn afternoon outing without having to load your bike into the car.
Most people complete the 256 km circuit in 3 to 5 days. The villages and accommodation are well-spaced around the lake, so you can adjust your stages according to your fitness level. Experienced cyclists finish it in 2 days over a busy weekend.
Most of the Route Verte trails are free to access. The P’tit Train du Nord, however, requires a daily contribution of a few dollars or a seasonal pass from cyclists. For bicycle touring, book your accommodation in advance: autumn is a popular time and spots fill up quickly.

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