Quebec
From the vast Gatineau Park to the untamed Gaspe, the Quebec traverse offers up a remarkable bikepacking adventure. Not one to take too lightly, but also not one that will soon be forgotten. Large stretches of riding in the deep wilds, cruisy trails, coastal views and so much more.
Note: The Quebec route has been broken down into two separate route files to keep the file size smaller and allow for better navigation.
Highlights Include:
- Riding the vast network of trails in the Gatineau Park, the National Capital Region’s expansive conservation park.
- A visit to Quebec City, arguably the most fetching metropolis in Canada
- A wilderness ride through the wilds of Réserve faunique des Laurentides and Parc Natural du Mont-Tremblant
- A good chance to spot an array of wildlife including bear and caribou
- The rugged beauty of the 31,075 square kilometre Gaspe Peninsula.
- A sampling of the large network of well-maintained cycle paths that span the cycle-friendly province.
- A visit to the stunning limestone stack formation known as Percé Rock
At about 2,280 kilometers, the Quebec Traverse is one of the longest sections of the Great Northern Bikepacking Route.
This can be considered a fairly rugged route with places of rougher riding. A solid wilderness experience. There is also a significant amount of climbing on some testy inclines. So is best approached with an appropriate bike set-up. Fatter tires and generous gearing are what you want. Certainly, a touring mountain bike is appropriate here, but so too is an adventure drop-bar gravel bike.
The peak riding season for the Quebec segment of the GNBR is Mid-May to the end of September.
The route files contain several Control Points of Interest symbols that offer up alternative routes to what is plotted. Some of these offer an easier riding option. The most significant route alternative is this ride between Ottawa and Quebec city which is a much easier option than what is plotted for the GNBR through this area. (Note: there is significantly more paved riding and less wilderness riding with this easier alternative.)
Bugs of various forms can certainly be a nuisance throughout the Quebec route. Generally, mid-May to the end of July is the worst of bug season. During these times you’ll probably want to bring bug spray.
There are several areas on the route where cell service is lacking, particularly in Réserve faunique and Park Mont-Tremblant. And in these areas there is plenty of “alone” time. So it’s advisable that riders carry some sort of emergency satellite tracking device.
Consider a water filter as an essential piece of gear. This will let you take advantage of the numerous opportunities to filter water where services are limited.
For a large part of the route you are riding in bear country. So take the necessary precautions such as practicing safe camping which means no food in your tent and ideally on your bike overnight.
Beginning in mid-September the hunting season in Papineau Labelle commences and cycling access is restricted. Rerouting around this area might be necessary.
English is widely spoken throughout this area of Quebec but not universally.
For a shorter bikepacking adventure in the province, it is possible to ride some GNBR micro-routes in Quebec.
If you have any questions about the Quebec segment of the GNBR please feel free to use the contact page
