6-Day Quebec Eastern Townships Bike Tour

We’ll offer an optional biking fitting, and a welcoming reception at 5:30pm. When you arrive, settle in at the Phineas Swann in Montgomery Center, Vermont. This beautifully restored 1880s farmhouse is now considered one of the most romantic inns in America (Trip Advisor). If you arrive early, stroll this small town or kick back at the inn and enjoy their homey atmosphere — or buy a drink and sample the free snacks in the living room. Meet your leaders and group for a 6 p.m. dinner.
Accommodation: Phineas Swann Inn & Spa, Montgomery Center
Meals: Dinner

Cycle north into Canada, passing some of Montgomery’s famous covered bridges before arriving in French-speaking Frelighsburg. From here, you ride to Pigeon Hill, have a special lunch and wine tasting at Domaine du Ridge, visit the fascinating Musee Missisquoi and then begin to follow Quebec’s famous “Route des Vins.” You have several opportunities to stop and sample the wines and ciders at some of Quebec’s most famous vineyards, including Opailleur, Union Libre Cidre & Vin, and Domaine des Côtes D’Ardoise — where you enjoy and enjoy a tasting.

You will be a welcome guest tonight at the beautiful Auberge & Spa West Brome. Access to the sauna, gym and indoor heated pool are also included with your visit.
Accommodation: Auberge & Spa West Brome, West Brome
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Biking: 47 miles (75.6 kilometers)
Elevation Gain/Loss: 2,119 feet (646 meters) ascent, 2,179 feet (664 meters) descent
Terrain: Intermediate

This is a special cycling treat! 35 miles of today’s ride is on a section of the province’s Route Verte, a sprawling cycling network ranked as one of the “10 best cycling routes in the world.” Your ride includes 25 miles of pristine, paved bike path along with 10 miles of hard-packed gravel rail trail. The path takes you past many sculptural displays, lake shores, and a beautiful provincial park. Lunch can be enjoyed in the bicycle-hub town of Granby. After your ride, enjoy soaking in the hot tub back at the Chateau with a view of the mountain. Dinner is on your own, with options and shuttles available to local restaurants.
Accommodation: Chateau Bromont or Hotel Vallea, Bromont
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Biking: 37.5 miles (60.3 kilometers)
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,193 feet (364 meters) ascent, 1,202 feet (355 meters) descent
Terrain: Easier to Intermediate

You start out cycling toward Lac Brome and then along the lakeshore road with an option to add a 5-mile extension along a quiet bike path, before entering the charming Victorian town of Knowlton. The downtown section of this historic town has a number of lunch options plus antique stores, all housed in some fabulous 19th century buildings. Mystery book buffs know this as the home to famous mystery writer Louise Penny, who has used various locations in Knowlton (and along our route) in her novels.

Your cycle route continues past a unique duck farm company store and a beautiful boutique winery before entering the town of Sutton, your destination for the afternoon. This town has a vibrant main street of sidewalk cafes, galleries, craft stores, and specialty shops. A celebratory dinner is with the group at a lovely craft brewery within walking distance of your hotel.
Accommodation: Le Pleasant Hôtel & Café, Sutton
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Biking: 38.6 miles (62.1 kilometers)
Elevation Gain/Loss: 2,276 feet (694 meters) ascent, 2,358 feet (719 meters) descent
Terrain: Easier

Your final ride takes you south through the tiny mountain community of Abercorn, where you might indulge yourself at the great little bakery, Boulangerie Abercorn, before re-entering the United States at Richford. Cycling options include a possible gravel bike path for a number of miles or a challenging roller coaster “short cut” into the town of Montgomery. The standard route is gentle, with your last few winding miles passing by covered bridges before arriving back at the Phineas Swann Inn in Montgomery Center between noon and 1 p.m. with showers available before we say "Au revoir!"
Accommodation: Not applicable
Meals: Breakfast

Biking: 20.8 miles (33.5 kilometers)
Elevation Gain/Loss: 685 feet (209 meters) ascent, 754 feet (230 meters) descent
Terrain: Easier