Summer Fun for All Ages on l’Estriade in Bromont and Granby
Running from Granby to Waterloo, Quebec, l’Estriade is a popular cycling route that welcomes one million visitors annually. Not only is it part of Quebec’s celebrated Route verte, some sections are also part of the Trans Canada Trail. Plus, it’s also an excellent family-friendly cycling option for all ages and skill levels — even training wheels! Check out our recommendations for family fun in and around the Bromont and Granby areas of this trail section. Note that l’Estriade is close to 100 kilometres long; this family fun piece examines only a portion of theroute.
L’Estriade in beautiful Bromont
Bromont is known for its beauty, excellent ski hills and mountain-biking trails. It’s also got a charming old town area with shops, restaurants and cafés, climbing walls and much more. You can access the trail just outside of town, past the entrance to Highway 10. From there, continue west towards Granby along a lovely, paved route, enjoying the birdsong and lush greenery in the summer months. This Trail section is appropriate for beginner-level cyclists, with minimal grade changes and lots of space for more seasoned cyclists to pass.
Chocolate, water park, wave pools and more
After your ride, head to Bromont for a treat at the chocolate museum — a sure hit with the little ones and any chocolate enthusiasts in your group. On a warm day, head over to the water park. Featuring 23 slides, 4 heated pools and a wave pool, your kids will love it (and possibly refuse to leave). Your entrance fee also includes access to the gondola, a climbing wall and a slackline area. On the mountain, older kids may also want to check out one of several mountain biking trails on offer. The Mount Oak trails are a good starting point for younger kids.
Family fun in Granby: animals, nature centres and parks
Granby’s famed zoo is definitely worth a visit with the younger set. In addition to being home to 1,500 animals, the Zoo de Granby also includes a water park and amusement park!
In downtown Granby, stop at Parc Daniel-Johnson and let the kids loose at the playground and splash park. Continue to the Lac Boivin nature interpretation centre — which you’ll find right on a section of the cycling route network, so it’s easy to combine a bike ride and a visit — and stop for a walk around the lake, keeping an eye out for birds along your route. Fun fact: more than 260 bird species have been spotted at the nature interpretation centre!
Along the trail, check out some public art! The Artria loop features close to 60 outdoor sculptures and artworks, some of which can be found right on the Trans Canada Trail!
Another great family-friendly option: Parc national de la Yamaska, which offers a great beach, playground and picnic area, plus campsites if you’re looking to extend your stay.
