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Three incredible family biking adventures in Quebec! Imagine the wind in your hair as you pedal through beautiful, scenic trails, while the sound of your kids’ laughter is blending with the chirping birds. Imagine the sun casting a warm glow on the picturesque landscapes of Quebec while you pedal away in awe of yet another perfect day. For families looking to create memories that last a lifetime, a day-long biking adventure offers the perfect blend of fun, exploration, and bonding time.
In this two-part guide, we provide you with everything you need to plan and enjoy a seamless and delightful biking trip. From selecting the ideal trail to packing the essentials and keeping your kids entertained, we’ll have you covered. An unforgettable adventure on the trails of Quebec awaits – you ready?! 🙂
Choosing the Right Trail
Selecting the perfect trail is the cornerstone of a successful family biking trip. When biking with kids, the right path ensures safety, enjoyment, and allows for moments of spontaneous adventure. Quebec is a haven for biking enthusiasts, offering a myriad of trails that cater to families with young kids. Here are some of the top family-friendly biking trails in this beautiful province:
Three Marvelous Family-Friendly Trails in Quebec
Le P’tit Train du Nord
- Distance Le P’tit train du Nord : 232 km (chose any segment of your choice, from short to long depending on your family’s muscle power)
- Terrain: Flat, gravel-covered old railway bed
- Highlights and Features: Running through the stunning Laurentian region (YouTube video), this trail utilizes an old railway bed, providing a flat and even surface perfect for families. For a manageable family day trip, consider the stretch from Mont-Tremblant to Saint-Faustin-Lac-Carré, approximately 12 km one way. This portion offers breathtaking views of both forests and lakes, making it ideal for getting young bikers’ eyes to pop up in awe and delight.
- Expert Tips:
- Amenities: Notably, P’tit Train du Nord offers numerousous rest areas, picnic spots, and even small cafes are located along the trail, ensuring plenty of spots for breaks.
- Rentals and Repairs: Bike rental shops and repair stations are conveniently located, notably in Mont-Tremblant and Saint-Jérôme
- Historical Insight: As you ride, look out for old train stations converted into museums or cafes offering historical context about the route.
Véloroute des Bleuets
- Distance Véloroute des bleuets: 256 km (chose any segment of your choice, from short to long depending on your family’s muscle power)
- Terrain: Mostly paved paths around Lac Saint-Jean
- Highlights and Features: This trail encircles the beautiful Lac Saint-Jean (YouTube Video), simultaneoulsy providing mostly flat, paved paths that are easy for family rides. Select a shorter segment, such as the stretch from Saint-Gédéon to Alma (around 20 km one way). Consequently you can experience the breathtaking lake views and the fragrance of local blueberry fields.
- Expert Tips:
- Amenities: Plenty of rest areas and picnic tables along the route, and several small towns like Alma offer cafes, restaurants, and shops.
- Blueberry Delights: During blueberry season, roadside stands sell fresh local produce – a fun and tasty break for the family.
- Attractions: The area boasts several cultural sites, including the Musée amérindien de Mashteuiatsh, which offers a glimpse into the Indigenous history of the region.
Lachine Canal Bike Path
- Distance Lachine Canal Bike Path: 14.5 km (one way – or shorter depending the segment of yor choice)
- Terrain: Paved and flat
- Highlights and Features: An urban bike trail situated along a canal in Montreal, extending up to the pictoresque village of Sainte-Anne de Bellevue, perfect for families who wish to enjoy a mix of nature and cityscapes. The easy path follows the historic Lachine Canal, with numerous parks, picnic spots, and cafes along the way for breaks.
- Expert Tips:
- Amenities: Frequent rest stops, benches, and public restrooms are located close to key areas like the Atwater Market.
- Historic Landmarks: Along the route, you’ll find interpretive panels and restored industrial buildings that tell the story of the canal’s history.
- Water Activities: Consider scheduling a brief break to explore kayaking or paddle boating in the canal. Rental facilities are available near the Atwater Market area.
- Food and Refreshment: The Atwater Market is a fantastic stop for fresh produce, snacks, and delicious treats like local cheeses and pastries.
Factors to Consider
When choosing a trail, keep the following factors in mind to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone:
Safety Features
- Well-Marked Trails: Especially when biking with younger kids, opt for trails with clear signage and dedicated bike lanes. The good news is, both Le P’tit Train du Nord and the Lachine Canal are exemplary in providing child-friendly, well-marked routes!
- Gentle Terrains: Again, flatter, more even paths to accommodate ‘small-leg cyclists’ are better. Gravel or paved surfaces are preferable for stability and ease of biking as well. Bboth Le P’tit Train du Nord and the Lachine Canal have what it takes in the “Gentle Terrains” department.
Family Biking Adventures in Quebec Can Include Scenic and Educational Value
Varied Landscapes: Aim for trails that traverse different types of scenery.
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- Véloroute des bleuets offers lake views, blueberry fields, and small towns. For instance, be sure to visit Ferme Michel Rivard et Fils, which is along the route and offers an excellent opportunity for families to pick fresh blueberries. Or visit Bleuetière touristique St-François-de-Sales, a fantastic stop for families to pick fresh blueberries and enjoy a picnic. The blueberry picking season in Quebec typically runs from mid-July to late August. This is the best time to enjoy ripe, fresh blueberries straight from the field. So, if you’re planning your family biking trip along Véloroute des bleuets (Google Map), aim for this period to make the most of the blueberry picking experience! Additionally, you can visit Ferme Tournesol in Saint-Félicien for strawberry picking during the summer. Check the links provided above for opening hours and plan accordingly.
- Meanwhile, Le P’tit Train du Nord meanders through forests and past lakes, providing a blend of nature and culture. Along the way, consider stopping for a scenic picnic at the Parc Linéaire Le P’tit Train du Nord, or even taking a quick swim in one of the clean, clear lakes to refresh and rejuvenate. Moreover, you can visit Ferme la Fille du Roy in Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts for a delightful strawberry picking experience. Again, you may want to check their website for opening hours and time your bike ride to avoid disappointment.
- And while you are at it, why not introduce your family to some musical culture with a famous Beatles song, honoring the stunning beauty of “Strawberry Fields Forever (YouTube) 🙂 ?
Educational Stops: Include trails with interpretive panels or nearby museums for educational elements.
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- For example, the Lachine Canal features historical markers and industrial heritage sites. The Lachine Canal, built in 1825, was originally constructed to bypass the treacherous Lachine Rapids and facilitate the transportation of goods to and from the Great Lakes. This significant engineering marvel played a crucial role in Montreal’s industrial era, transforming the city into a bustling trade hub. It was also used to transport valuable goods such as beaver pelts and weapons during the period of trade with Indigenous peoples. While younger kids might not necessarily appreciate the historic details, it’s exciting to explain that the ‘Canal’ was made by man to make it easier for boats to travel without having to face dangerous rapids.
Family Biking Adventures in Quebec – Amenities
- Frequent Breaks: Ensure trails have regular rest areas, picnic spots, and amenities like cafes or public restrooms. The segments recommended in this article offer plenty of such stops, so no worries, you’re covered 🙂
- Access to Attractions: Look for trails that allow easy diversion to local attractions, playgrounds, or historical sites, adding more fun and engagement to your trip.
- Le P’tit train du Nord:
Along Le P’tit Train du Nord, you can visit the Mont-Tremblant Village, which offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and a playground. Another great stop is the Val-David-Val-Morin Regional Park, where your family can enjoy hiking trails, picnic areas, and beautiful views. - Véloroute des Bleuets:
Along the Véloroute des Bleuets, you can stop at the Zoo Sauvage de Saint-Félicien, which offers a unique opportunity to see local wildlife. Another interesting attraction is the Village Historique de Val-Jalbert, a restored 1920s pulp mill village that provides a fun and educational experience for the whole family. - Lachine Canal Bike Path:
Along the Lachine Canal Bike Path, you can visit the Atwater Market for fresh produce and delicious treats. Additionally, the Fur Trade at Lachine National Historic Site offers interactive exhibits and activities that explain the history of the fur trade in Canada.
- Le P’tit train du Nord:
Expert Tips for Each Trail of Your Family Biking Adventures in Quebec
1. Le P’tit train du Nord
- Utilize the numerous rest areas along the trail for picnics and nature breaks, and in case of a bike failure, visit local bike shops in Mont-Tremblant for rentals, repairs, and gear.
- Another great stop is Parc régional Val-David-Val-Morin, where your family can enjoy hiking trails, picnic areas, and beautiful views.
2. Véloroute des Bleuets
- Plan for plenty of breaks at picnic tables and roadside stands, especially during blueberry season.
- Explore cultural sites like the Musée amérindien de Mashteuiatsh for a deeper educational experience.
- Enjoy the well-maintained paths that encircle the picturesque Lac Saint-Jean.
3. Lachine Canal Bike Path
- Take advantage of interpretive panels and historic buildings for a compelling family biking Adventures in Quebec that includes storytelling.
- Consider a break at the Fur Trade at Lachine National Historic Site, offering interactive exhibits and activities that explain the history of the fur trade in Canada.
- Engage in water activities along the canal, such as kayaking or paddle boating (H2O Adventures, near the Atwater Market), adding variety to your biking adventure. Additionally, watch hobbyist fishers casting their lines near Parc René-Lévesque or observe the intricate operation of the locks at Écluses de Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue (Parks Canada).
By thoughtfully selecting your trail based on these factors and utilizing the detailed tips provided, you can ensure that your family enjoys a smooth, safe, and enriching biking adventure.
With the trail selected, the next critical step is packing all the necessities to keep your family safe, comfortable, and happy throughout the journey. In the next section, we’ll dive into what to pack for a day-long biking trip, covering everything from safety gear to nutritious snacks. Stay tuned and get ready to pack like a pro!
Also, don’t overlook the importance of a reliable bike rack for safe transportation of your precious bicycles. At our trusted CAA Québec auto garage, we understand the significance of choosing a bike rack that best suits your family’s needs. Our skilled technicians are here to help you select and install the ideal bike rack, ensuring a secure and stress-free journey for your family and your bikes.
Don’t risk damage or inconvenience during your travels. Contact us now to schedule an appointment and let our experts guide you towards the perfect bike rack solution.
In the coming sections of this installment, we’ll explore games and activities to ensure your family is well-entertained for the adventure.
So let’s get ready to ride through Quebec with confidence and joy!