Trail Profile: La Montérégiade

It’s bike month in Quebec, and what better reason to discover an award-winning Trail section in Quebec’s beautiful Montérégie region? La Montérégiade spans over 50 kilometres and takes trail users from Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu in the Montérégie to Granby in the Eastern Townships, via several charming communities. The Montérégiade is part of Quebec’s celebrated Route Verte (and also on the Trans Canada Trail, of course). It’s ideal for walking and cycling in the warmer months and is open from April through October. 

Photo credit: Jennifer Mahon

What we love about this trail section 

• It’s an ideal biking route for the whole family. 

• It follows the Véloroute Gourmande, where culinary options abound! 

• It features several exceptional cultural and historical stops en route. 

Beautiful views and historic buildings 

Along the route, trail users can take in views of the Montérégiennes hills and Mont-Saint-Grégoire, plus beautiful farmland, corn fields and wooded areas. On the western side of the Trail section, the trail links with the Lieu historique national du Canal de Chambly, then meanders through Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, home to great parks, a microbrewery, cafés and more.  

Continuing east to Farnham, be sure to stop at the Saint-Romuald Church, built in 1903. The church houses a collection of works by renowned artist Ozias Leduc. Also in Farnham, stop to sample fresh cheese at the Fromagerie des Cantons, or visit the Nature Centre, just to the east of the Richelieu River, to stop for a walk, a picnic or simply to enjoy the water views.   

Photo credit: Hayden Soloviev

Learn about the region’s history via a self-guided circuit and podcast 

Another great way to explore the region on the trail is through the self-guided itinerary and podcast, Circuit d’un cheminot à vélo (available in French). Created by the Comité Pro-Piste, who manages the trail, the tour takes users to 10 points of interest and shares stories of the region’s history, the former railway and much more. 

Photo credit: Jennifer Mahon

Taste your way through the Montérégie on a section of the Véloroute Gourmande 

Running for over 200 kilometres, the Véloroute Gourmande offers cyclists and trail users a whole new perspective of the region through exceptional culinary experiences, and the route along the Montérégiade is no exception. Be sure to check out gastronomical offers via the Véloroute Gourmande’s interactive map, and plan your stops accordingly. 

Explore the Montérégiade on our interactive map. 

Learn more about Quebec bike trails here. 

Main photo credit: Jennifer Mahon