By splitting the route over two days on your bike getaway, you’ll get to discover three distinct regions, each with its own personality. The gentle gradient makes the trail a great option for beginners without boring more experienced cyclists. In fact, if you’re looking for an extra challenge, it’s easy to extend each trip so you can get a few more kilometres in.
Base camp: Station Duchesnay
Located halfway between Portneuf and Wendake, Station Duchesnay is an ideal base for your first bike touring experience. It’s a charming location with a variety of accommodations (cabins, shelters, and rooms at the inn), so there’s something for every type of traveller. There’s also a friendly bistro-bar and plenty of different activities to try: hiking, water sports, high ropes courses, and more.
Between bike outings, you’ll have plenty of ways to relax or get moving, whichever you prefer. This is also where you’ll be leaving your bags for both nights during your bike getaway.
Day 1: Heading to Portneuf
Distance: 72.2 km (round trip)
For your first day, you’ll be heading to Portneuf. You’ll be leaving right from Station Duchesnay, so there’s no need to worry about finding parking. Your destination: Centre Vacances Lac Simon, in Saint-Léonard-de-Portneuf.
You can take this journey at your own pace. You’ll start by biking through the trees before riding along the peaceful shores of Lac Sergent. The aim is to reach Saint-Raymond by lunchtime, after about 18.6 km, roughly an hour by bike.
Once you get to Saint-Raymond, there’s no shortage of places to eat: Le Roquemont, Le Mundial, Le Nocturne, La Croquée… or if you’d rather get back on the road quickly, there are a few fast-food restaurants to choose from as well.
After lunch, another hour of cycling will take you to the Centre Vacances Lac Simon. It’s open to day trippers and has plenty to do: you can spend time on the beach, rent watercraft, play volleyball, or even try your hand at archery. Spend the afternoon however you’d like!
On the way back, plan another break in Saint-Raymond and stop off at the Rivière Sainte-Anne bridge to admire the view. Back at Station Duchesnay, round off the day with a good meal at the Bistro des Quatre-Temps.
Have some energy left? See who’s performing at the Chapelle du Lac, a superb venue in Fossambault-sur-le-Lac.
Day 2: Wendake immersion
Distance: 49.8 km (round trip)
Today’s bike getaway is shorter, but takes you on a journey through a rich and inspiring culture: that of the Wendat Nation.
Leave early in the morning for Wendake, a trip that should take around 1 hour and 15 minutes. Once you get to Old Wendake, take time to admire the Fresco and the Onywahtehretsih Square. Continue on to the spectacular Kabir Kouba waterfall, an impressive natural site that’s well worth a visit. At lunch, grab a filling bite to eat at the Usine à frites, an unpretentious local favourite. After that, spend your afternoon enjoying local traditions at Onhoüa Chetek8e, a traditional Huron site. Round off your experience with a bit of shopping in artisan boutiques like the Hannenorak Bookstore and Raquettes et Artisanat Gros-Louis, and make sure to grab some delicious spices at The Warrior Blends.
Tip: In Wendake, Le Pédalier offers a variety of services for cyclists.
Once you’re ready, take your time heading back to Station Duchesnay for a well-deserved sleep.
If you’re looking for a fun introduction to bike touring, this itinerary is the perfect starting point for enjoying a bike getaway!
Follow Tourisme Jacques-Cartier on Facebook
Follow Tourisme Jacques-Cartier on Instagram
À découvrir
