Looking to go cycling while on vacation in Quebec City?
An easy drive from my home in Toronto, going to Quebec City for a cycling vacation is something I do frequently. Use this helpful guide to plan your own visit.
A Quebec City cycling vacation offers great food, excellent bike routes, and history in the only walled city in North America. Our group of cyclists stayed at the Auberge du Littoral, as it was located close to the old city but right across the street from a major bike path.
1. Cycling Ile D’Orleans
I drove across the bridge to the island of Ile d’Orleans, stopping at the tourist office for a map. They directed me to a nearby parking lot where other cyclists were already getting ready. I started my ride heading down a small hill, passing the chocolate shop and great views of Quebec City sitting on the heights above the St. Lawrence River.
The full ride around the island is 66 km long, but the tourist office also has 3 shorter loops as you ride across the center of the island.
Turning the corner at the western end of the island, I started a gradual climb past interesting homes, many with the red steel roofs traditional to this region. Continuing, I passed fields of strawberries with rows of berry pickers working under the hot sun, and of course, fruit stands selling these and other fruit from the island.
After about 10 km, it was a quick descent into Saint-Laurent, my first stop, where I checked out the church in the center of town. The next 17 km was fairly flat with constant views of St. Lawrence on one side and brightly colored houses on the other. We were a group of 13 cyclists, but I saw numerous other riders and small groups along the route.
In Saint-Jean, across from the church, local artists had displayed in a local park, which I viewed after visiting the neighboring pastry shop. There was a bit of hilly terrain leaving town, but I was rewarded with sweeping views of the east end of the island before arriving in quaint Saint-François after about 11 km.
I continued up a small hill to a park with washrooms, picnic tables, and a snack bar, which was about halfway through our journey. However, the main feature was a wooden tower that offered views of the Mount St. Anne ski resorts, the Laurentian Mountains, and the St-Lawrence River.
While I did this ride with friends, there is a guided bike tour with tastings included available.
Continuing around the eastern tip of ILE D’Orleans, it was a very slight incline passing fruit farms, wineries, stores with local cheese, roadside stands, and other local products. The prevailing wind may make it slightly harder at this stage of the bike ride. The last section was downhill, completing our 67 km ride. This entire tour is along paved shoulders; best to visit mid-week.
Note: it is difficult to cycle across the bridge to the island as the bike lanes disappear on this busy road. In 2026, there is construction on this bridge.
2. Corridor des Cheminots & VeloPiste Jacques-Cartier
Next up on my Quebec City cycling vacation was a ride north of Quebec City along the Corridor des Cheminots bike path. The first 3 km of this route features a lot of traffic lights as you ride through the city, but heading to the northwest, you start a gradual climb with a bit of elevation gain along a tree-lined bike path (with lots of other cyclists), passing the Native Centre at Wendake after about 11 km. Continue the gentle climb of this 22 km route.
This route connects with the VeloPiste Jacques-Cartier, which is part of the Verte Green bike route system and is a 68 km bike path passing lakes and rivers as you head northwest. This route is suitable for cyclists of all abilities, and we stopped along with many other riders after about 4 km, where there is a train caboose with a washroom and water tap, plus a nearby picnic shelter.
This scenic route is also where the pavement ends, with the remainder of the route on a hard-packed surface as you pass pristine lakes.
3. Cycling to Montmorency Falls
An easy ride from Quebec City, as you head east on the very flat Corridor du Littoral cycling path with the magnificent Montmorency Falls on your left for a 25 km return journey.
I stopped and walked up the stairs beside the falls for a great view, but many used the cable car to reach the top, where there is a suspension bridge over the falls. Also on the far side was an interpretation center, plus a restaurant and cafe with views of the falls.
Montmorency Falls is 272 feet (83 meters) high and flows into the pond below before going into the nearby St. Lawrence River. Interesting because it is nearly 100 feet (30 meters) higher than Niagara Falls.
4. Velo Route Côte de Beaupre
Again, I headed east from Quebec City, this time passing Montmorency Falls.
Just past the bridge to Île d’Orléans, this route, also signed as La Route Verte 5, continues on Avenue Royale. This is a very narrow street with little traffic, which winds amidst historic homes until you reach Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré. This is a major tourist site with many people visiting the historic shrine.
Continue to the Mont-Sainte-Anne area before returning.
5. Corridor du Littoral & Old Quebec
When biking in Quebec City, you will want to head into the heart of the city. Head into Old Quebec along this Corridor du Littoral, a major bike path we come to the St. Charles River, where it is possible to take a side trip for about 9 km on each side, passing old buildings before continuing along the original route.
The Corridor du Littoral continues along the St. Lawrence River and lower town with the imposing Old Quebec on the heights above you. It is best to explore the narrow streets of the Old City on foot, which is what we did. We then went to the Upper Town, walking along the city walls, the Dufferin Promenade next to the Château Frontenac, and stopping in some of the shops along the way.
Founded by Samuel de Champlain, this pedestrian-friendly city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
If you continue along the bike path, you will see the Plains of Abraham on the heights to your right, the historical area where the Battle of Quebec was fought many years ago. There are bicycle paths with switchbacks taking you up to the park, which you can explore by bike.
6. Chemin du Roy Cycling
Cycling the Chemin du Roy is a great way to explore the beautiful villages and stunning countryside of Quebec. It’s an easy ride, so you can really take your time to appreciate the views. You’ll pass through many small towns, each with its own unique history and culture.
This bike trip follows one of the original highways in North America, built in 1737 by the governor of New France, and takes you along the Saint Lawrence River, past old churches, vineyards, and historic villages and sites, although today it is largely along Highway 138.
Where to Rent Bikes near Old Quebec City for Sightseeing
- Quebec City Bike Rental – for 4 hours, choose between a regular bike or a sports bike
- Quebec City Electric Bike Rental – for 4 hours, including helmet
- Quebec City Bike Rental – for a full day
- Quebec City E-Bike Rental – for a full day
Quebec City Bike Tours
- Electric Bike Tour of Quebec City – for 3 hours with a guide
- Bike tour to Montmorency Falls – including admission and cable car ride
- E-Bike tour to Montmorency Falls – for 4 hours
- lle d’Orleans bicycle rental – self-guided for 4 hours
- Île d’Orléans E-bike tour with tastings – taste delicious local products, wine, chocolate, berries, cheese, and nougat during the ride
Quebec City Accommodation
Chateau Frontenac – seen in almost every photo of the city, this iconic hotel is right in the center of the old city.
Monastère des Augustines – a former monastery from the 17th century, promoting relaxation and tranquility in a great location
Auberge du Littoral – the hotel where I stayed, just to the east of the city, but along several major cycling routes. Has large rooms so easy to store bicycles.
HostelWorld – There are several hostels in Quebec City with bicycle parking
booking.com – Lots of hotel options in the old city and outside the walls
FAQs: Quebec City Cycling
Is Quebec City bike-friendly?
Quebec City is great for cycling for visitors and local citizens alike, with a network of bicycle paths, a great way to see the city.
When to go cycling in Quebec City?
May/June or September/early October is best, as it can get crowded in the summer months, with accommodation difficult to find. Expect lots of cyclists on the signed bike paths.
Looking for more information on Quebec Cycling?
If you’re planning a cycling trip to Quebec and looking for more information, consider reading some of my other articles:
- A great ride through the Laurentians on the long-distance Le P’tit Train du Nord rail trail
- 21 Best Cycle Routes in Canada, which includes others in the province of Quebec
Final Thoughts: Quebec City Cycling Vacation
You may also wish to check out the Quebec City Tourism website for area attractions.
A Quebec City cycling vacation is for anyone looking for a short getaway with scenic bike paths, historical attractions, and great food with a European flair while still being in North America.
