La Véloroute Gourmande Offers a New Journey in Flavour on the Trail in Quebec

What do you see when you imagine a visit to Quebec’s Montérégie and Eastern Townships regions? Your mind may wander to gentle bike paths, deeply rooted heritage and a vibrant local food scene.    

As luck would have it, the Véloroute Gourmande provides all of this and more. Following sections of the Trans Canada Trail and la Route Verte, the initiative highlights local restaurants, bars, and other epicurean attractions between Montreal and Sherbrooke.  

Trans Canada Trail is proud to have supported the development of the Véloroute Gourmande, in partnership with Destination Canada, the Culinary Tourism Alliance, Tourisme Montérégie and Tourisme Cantons-de-l’Est. Here are our highlights of this exciting new adventure for cyclists.  

Photo credit: Cantons-de-l’Est GouvQC, Jessica Aquino

Culinary hotspots in Chambly 

Built on rich military history, Chambly, Quebec, is home to several bars and restaurants that draw on heritage and contemporary cuisine.  

Fuel up for the next leg of your journey at Bistro Bonté Divine, which serves classic yet seasonally inspired breakfasts and lunches. For a lakeside mid-afternoon break, stop for coffee at Café MJ et Cie or a refreshing pint at Microbrasserie Délires et Délices.  

Staying the night? Treat yourself to dinner at Nord Laboratoire Culinaire, which uses the finest local ingredients to create awe-inspiring gourmet cuisine.    

Once you’ve had your fill, discover the fascinating past of this charming town at Fort Chambly National Historic Site, or cycle along the beautiful Chambly Canal.  

Trail sections: Ville de Chambly, Lieu historique national du Canal de Chambly 

Photo credit: Bich-Anh Nguyen

Locally grown goodness in Granby and Farnham 

As the Trail winds its way farther east, you’ll go even deeper into Quebec’s culinary heartlands, along La Montérégiade.  

Stop at the Fromagerie des Cantons in Farnham, which uses rich Jersey cow milk from local farms for its delicious cheeses. Right next door, you’ll find the perfect beer to accompany your purchase at Farnham Ale and Lager Pub. For something sweeter, head to Yamaska Café, Épicerie Fine for some European-inspired coffee and buttery pastries.  

Continue to Granby and eat at Bistro Kapzak, where chef Jason Kacprzak channels traditional Polish cuisine with the help of carefully selected local ingredients.  

If you’re cycling on a Saturday, you’re in luck! Farnham and Granby host weekly public markets, where you can buy fresh fruit, vegetables and artisanal goods from the producers themselves. Alternatively, try some autumnal apple-picking at Verger Kessler, located off the Véloroute, just outside Farnham.  

Trail sections: La Montérégiade, L’Estriade 

Photo credit: Amy Schwartz

Distilled delights between Bromont and Magog 

A journey through the Eastern Townships wouldn’t be complete without a visit to one of the region’s many cidreries.  

Approaching Bromont, stop at Autour de la Pomme, located just off the Véloroute. Offering cider and spirit tastings on weekends, it’s the perfect place to learn about the care and craft that shapes their organic products.  

For another kind of tipple, follow the Véloroute through Parc national du Mont-Orford toward Magog, where you’ll find Distillerie Cherry River. Sample some of their gins, liqueurs and non-alcoholic options, or buy a bottle to take home.  

Later, grab a table at Bistro Kóz, a Mediterranean-style restaurant on Magog Bay, before ending the day with ice cream and a stroll along the shores.  

Trail sections: L’Estriade, La Campagnarde, Chemin de la Diligence, La Montagnarde 

Photo credit: Amy Schwartz

Supporting sustainable tourism with the Trail Destination Framework 

The Véloroute Gourmande was one of the first projects supported through our new Trail Destination Framework.  

Designed to enhance trail-based tourism across Canada, the framework helps communities and partners elevate trail experiences, improve infrastructure, and ensure readiness to welcome local, provincial and international visitors.   

This initiative is made possible by our wonderful supporters across Canada. Find out more about how you can get involved to support the Trail! 

Visit the Véloroute Gourmande website for more inspiration and to explore its interactive map.