Quebec

Note: The file above is not the correct one for navigation. 

Distance: 2,195 kilometres
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From the vast Gatineau Park to the untamed Gaspé, 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, along cruisy trails, among tranquil 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.

To gain access to the detailed route files for Quebec, go here.

Note: This detour in Trembant National Park is required for 2026 because of major road construction.
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/56147686

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 bears 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 spans the cycle-friendly province.
  • A visit to the stunning limestone stack formation known as Percé Rock.
  • Wandering along some tranquil rivers, including Gaspé's Rivière Saint-Jean 
Need to Know

At about 2,200 kilometers, the Quebec Traverse is the second-longest section of the Great Northern Bikepacking Route.

For more information about cycling the Gaspé Peninsula, you can check out the Le Grande Gaspesie route. 

This can be considered a fairly rugged route with several places of rougher riding. Undeniably, a solid wilderness experience. There is also a significant amount of climbing with some steep inclines. It' can be said that Quebec does not mess around with hills. Riders can expect the most climbing (and descending) since British Columbia and the Rockies. So it's 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-style 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 which offer an easier and quicker riding option. The most significant route alternative is this ride between Ottawa and Quebec City, which is an easier option than the regular 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 the bug season. During these times, you’ll probably want to have some bug spray handy.

There are several areas on the route where cell service is lacking, particularly in Réserve Faunique and Park Mont-Tremblant. In these areas, there is plenty of “alone” time. So it’s advisable that riders carry some sort of emergency satellite tracking device. Some would say Quebec offers the most "wilderness" riding since British Columbia. 

Consider a water filter as an essential piece of gear. This will let you take advantage of the numerous opportunities to filter naturally occurring 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.

Some dirt roads, especially those through the wilderness reserves, can be sandy during dry conditions. 

Beginning in mid-September, the hunting season in Papineau Labelle commences and cycling access is restricted to certain areas. Rerouting around this area might be necessary. 

English is commonly spoken throughout this area of Quebec, but not universally.

If you have any questions about the Quebec segment of the GNBR, please feel free to use the contact page