Quebec Biking, Canada ~ Butterfield and Robinson · Biking and Walking Since 1966

Activity Level: M
Start / Finish: Montréal / Québec City

Breathtaking in Every Language

Worlds both old and new meet in Québec. From cosmopolitan Montréal to history-rich Québec City (by way of the Eastern Townships, a Loyalist enclave of beautiful woodland biking), the synthesis is seamless. United by bike, we’ll sample Canada’s most European of provinces through its cheeses, wines, sparkling lakes and charming city streets. In Montréal, we’ll ride along the famously picturesque Lachine Canal. Then, with the St. Lawrence River guiding the way, we’ll visit the historic battlefields of the Plains of Abraham and take in glimpses of Old Québec in all its fortified, UNESCO-protected glory before resting up at a world-class auberge with history in its walls. Same province, different worlds.

Day 1 Ride the bike trails of Montréal’s Old Port, Mont-Royal and Latin Quarter districts
Day 2 Sleep over at the Eastern Townships’ Manoir Hovey after sampling delicious vintages at the award-winning Chapelle Ste-Agnes winery
Day 3 Pedal through unforgettable countryside, and dine in the laid-back elegance of North Hatley's finest bistro
Day 4 Bike the “route of freshness,” an epicurean delight in the heart of Québec’s agricultural region
Day 5 Visit the bucolic Ile d’Orleans: an island in the St. Lawrence, and home to charming architectural remnants of New France
Day 6 Breakfast and au revoir in Québec City


		Hôtel le St-James, Montréal This five-star luxury property opened in 2002 and is housed in a converted historic Merchant’s Bank (circa 1870) amidst the cobblestone streets of Old Montréal. Le St-James has consistently been voted one of Condé Nast Traveler’s Top 50 Hot Hotels in North America.
		Manoir Hovey, North Hatley This elegant property was a private summer residence before being converted to a hotel just after the American Civil War. Tucked away at the northern end of Lake Massawippi and mere minutes from the galleries, antique shops and cafés of North Hatley, the Manor has just achieved R&C status.
		Auberge Saint-Antoine, Québec City Travel + Leisure voted Auberge Saint-Antoine one of its Top 100 Best Hotels on the Planet, while Condé Nast Traveler hailed it as “Canada’s Best.” This 94-room hotel, built along the historically significant St. Lawrence River, doubles as an archaeological museum, with artifacts thoughtfully incorporated into its design. In the heart of Québec City’s Old Port, we’ll enjoy rooms that meld Quebec traditions with modern amenities.

French Twist: Old World Meets New in Québec

“Québec,” Wilfrid Laurier once said, “does not have opinions, only sentiments.” While Canada’s seventh Prime Minister was talking about politics, his words speak deeply to his native province’s unique and timeless character. This is a place where everything—be it food, culture, architecture or language—is not merely seen, heard or tasted; it’s felt.

Much of Québec’s allure comes from its past; walking the cobblestoned streets of Québec City, a charming 400-year-old walled fortress now protected by UNESCO instead of cannons and New French troops, you could be forgiven for momentarily forgetting you’re just a few hours from New York. But as much as the province cherishes its history, it’s anything but old-fashioned. Spend a few hours in the boutiques, cafés and parks of beautiful, bustling Montréal (especially on a Saturday night when the beloved Canadiens are in town) and you’ll discover a lively, vibrant city where the past, present and future are all happening right now.

Language barriers aside, first-time visitors will no doubt be struck by the disarming friendliness of the Québécois. They’ve certainly had practice; ever since explorer Jacques Cartier claimed it for the King of France, Québec has been a magnet for visitors. The likes of Samuel de Champlain, Benedict Arnold and General James Wolfe—whose historic 1759 victory over French forces on the Plains of Abraham all but secured the North American continent for the British crown—have all passed through here at one time or another in search of land and treasure.

And oh what wonderful land it is! The rolling farmlands of the St. Lawrence River valley are easily among the most beautiful in all of North America; still virtually unspoiled after all these years, they’re tailor-made for biking. Québec’s Eastern Townships—a stunning region of lush forests near the US border settled by American Loyalists fleeing the Revolution in the late 18th century—are drop-dead gorgeous, too.

And treasure? Well, no discussion of Québec is complete without mention of its incredible food and drink. Boasting some of the finest cheeses (buffalo-milk mozzarella), game (caribou and Charlevoix lamb), sweets (sugar pie and maple sugar), and spirits (crisp beers, ciders and delicious ice-wines) anywhere, virtually every meal is an adventure in itself.

We could rhapsodize about our adventures in la belle province all day, but as with any good destination, you’re better off experiencing it for yourself. Join B&R this summer and form some lasting opinions—sorry, sentiments—of your own.

Bring the kids this summer! Our Québec With the Kids trip for ages 8 and up, serves up tons of fun—for both young and old(er).

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