Launched in 2022, the path threads Québec’s bucolic villages and lake-laced landscapes, passing more than 100 culinary stops from Montréal to Sherbrooke.
Cycling the Véloroute Gourmande: A 235km Culinary Journey Through Québec
In 2019, perched on a borrowed, oversized bike, I set out on a windswept, gravel causeway across New England’s Lake Champlain, covering 42km along an old train line. That experience – and a recent, relaxed 32km pedal around my Vermont home – sparked an idea: a more ambitious cycling adventure. So, I packed my bags, grabbed a Greyhound to Montréal, and set off with my sister, an experienced biker, to tackle the Véloroute Gourmande, a 235km culinary cycling trail connecting Montréal to Sherbrooke, Québec.
A Soggy Start to a Delicious Ride
Soon enough, I found myself soaked from unrelenting rain, layered up in bike shorts, running tights, and a rain jacket. I dripped onto the floorboards of one of the most charming coffee shops I’d ever encountered, Yamaska Café in Farnham, Québec. A stubborn beginner and a hungry one, I was certainly in the right place.
The Véloroute Gourmande, launched in April 2022, threads through the idyllic villages and lake-studded landscape of southern Québec, passing over 100 culinary stops. From farmers’ markets and vineyards to casual pubs and elegant restaurants, this unique trail offers a foodie’s paradise for cyclists. As a food writer and chef, I was excited to explore the culinary heritage of the Québecois countryside, leaving behind my own garden of heirloom tomatoes and edible flowers for new flavors.
A Culinary Trail Like No Other
Much of the Véloroute Gourmande follows Québec’s Route Verte, a 5,300km network of cycling paths – North America’s longest. But what sets the Véloroute apart is its focus on food. Cyclists can savor Québec’s diverse flavors, stopping to enjoy treats like poutine, blueberry jam tarts, maple-syrup laced coffee, and drinks infused with boreal herbs or forest mushrooms.
The route’s interactive map features 120 icons – think forks, beer mugs, and jam jars – marking delicious stops along the way. Expect to find panini stuffed with house-cured ham and cheese, ales scented with spruce tips, and artisanal cheeses perfect for a roadside snack.
More Than Just Food
Beyond food, the Véloroute Gourmande highlights culturally significant stops like Le Vieux Clocher concert hall in Magog and a historic copper mine offering underground tours. Cyclists can also find recommendations for cozy B&Bs, elegant hotels, and bike repair shops – essential for any long journey.
While the trail can be cycled in either direction, the Véloroute website suggests beginning in Montréal and heading east. This approach makes it easier to start with flatter terrain before tackling the hillier sections, providing a chance to build up endurance. Plus, it may mean a helpful tailwind, though it adds 150m to the climbing.
