By Jean-Philippe Guay – Sur deux roues
In my opinion, Montérégie is one of the most beautiful cycling regions in Québec. The Greater Montréal cycling community has practically adopted the region for its charm, landscapes and the quality and diversity of its routes. It’s a great spot to visit and rediscover an area that reminds me of my youth, complete with Parc Safari and orchards. Haut-Saint-Laurent is a spot that’s full of history, culture and flavours.
With the US border to the south and the Ontario border to the east, this rural destination, where agriculture is the main industry, is just one hour from Montréal. Cycling routes are primarily on little-used secondary highways and will take you on a journey back in time through Loyalist settlements. British culture and heritage are everywhere you look. Get transported by the English countryside-inspired stone walls, the place names, colonial homes and dairies, and antique farmhouses.
During the fall, the views are even more picturesque. The region’s many trees trade out their green leaves for red, yellow and orange. Draped in fall colours, the landscape is like an impressionist painting. It’s a sight that’s worth the detour!
Thanks to the area’s practically immaculate asphalt roads, you’ll be able to log major mileage comfortably and safely. In terms of difficulty, Haut-Saint-Laurent doesn’t have many steep slopes. It’s mostly flat with a few small valleys. But it’s hard to miss the only hill in sight: Covey Hill. If you’re a seasoned cyclist, you’ve probably heard about this hill named after Samuel Covey, a Loyalist with a significant influence on the local community.
The famous hill is located on the road of the same name that runs parallel to the US border and is one of the most well-known hills in Montérégie. A long 2.66 km incline unfurls before you. It boasts a 159-metre hill with an average gradient of 5.9%. Far from impossible, the challenge is accessible to cyclists of all skill levels. It’s a great way to test yourself and take pride in your accomplishment, or to earn a beer!
And don’t skip the “après-vélo”—the cyclist’s equivalent of an après-ski—which is a fundamental part of the sport and practice. Haut-Saint-Laurent is one of the best areas in the region for foodies thanks to its cider, microbreweries, wineries, orchards and local markets. You can’t miss out on these delicious destinations after a good ride. Personally, last fall, I took full advantage at Livingstone Brewing, known for its craft beer brewed with alternative and non-traditional ingredients from their farm; Vignoble du Marathonien, an ideal spot to recuperate amid enchanting decor with a thirst-quenching glass of wine; and Vergers Petch, a popular destination known for its exceptional cider, including for its Illicit Moonshine aperitif cider that literally tastes like apple pie.
To wrap up, it’s hard to choose just one route. Haut-Saint-Laurent offers so many adventures that you can make your own, whether you’re looking to cycle 180 to 200 km from Montréal or a 60 to 120 km loop in the region. If you want an easy ride or you want to push yourself, there’s something for cyclists of every skill level in Haut-Saint-Laurent!
