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Vermont & Quebec Biking New!
- Two countries and cultures; one trip of idyllic mountains, valleys and lakes
- Bike quiet rolling roads past classic New England farms, maple syrup stands and covered bridges
- Québec's enchanting Eastern Townships, where artisans abound and French is spoken
- Taste maple syrup, fresh cheeses, foie gras, apple cider and other local delights
- Québec City, with impressive architecture and French heritage - why not extend your trip to see it?
From the Northeast Kingdom to the Eastern Townships & Quebec City
Perfection cannot be rushed. Just ask anyone in Vermont or Québec. They know their sublime Northern Appalachian landscape didn't turn up overnight. It took eons. Continents collided. Glaciers scraped. Weather scoured. Each step doing its part to create a masterpiece of rolling hills, lush serene valleys and pristine lakes. And these locals know their cheddar and Ermite Blue wouldn't be so perfectly delectable without the right attention and aging. Logical really, that the best things in life take time. Like biking through this untouched part of North America. Savoring fresh air. Hand-pressed apple cider. Winding roads. Handicrafts. The perfect vacation.
Day 1 Bike through quintessential Vermont, with classic New England farms and covered bridges 
Idyllically set Stowe invites you into its historic downtown, full of handcrafted furniture and specialty foods.
Days 2-3 Taste maple syrup at a family farm - it's been made here for generations! Pedal quiet country lanes past beautiful Caspian Lake to Craftsbury Common Looking for a gift? Mill Village Pottery tempts you with ceramics by local artists Stunning views of Lake Willoughby and the Green Mountains line your bike route north.
Day 4 Spin through Québec's enchanting Eastern Townships, where artisans abound and French is spoken Trace the western shore of 27-mile-long Lake Memphrémagog, rumored to house a sea creature Need a snack? Stop at Abbaye de Saint-Benoît-du-Lac to try Ermite Blue made by Benedictine monks Mont Orford rises above this verdant glacier-carved landscape magnifique!
Days 5-6 Warm Québecois culture and mouthwatering cuisine, including fresh cheese, apple cider and duck foie gras Ride south through gorgeous valleys and past shimmering lakes, picturesque farms, craftsmen's stores and quaint villages In North Hatley, browse delightful galleries and antiques shops Shuttle back to Burlington or on to Québec City, North America's only remaining fortified city, with impressive architecture and French heritage.
Guests Reviews About This Trip
We've combined two of our all-time favorite regions - northern Vermont and Québec's Eastern Townships - into a trip we're certain you'll love. You'll bike on quiet back roads, enjoying classic New England countryside and charming villages with a distinct Gallic flair. And you'll savor delectable local cuisine and elegantly welcoming inns. At the trip's end, we encourage you to extend your vacation with some extra time in Québec City.- Regional Manager
Premiere Inns*
Topnotch Resort & Spa
Stowe (1 night) This "120-acre resort has turned itself into the most sumptuous in Stowe," says Condé Nast Traveler. (pool, spa, tennis)
Inn at Mountain View Farm
East Burke (1 night) A landmark farm estate, with the finest example of classic barn architecture in Vermont.
* Casual Inn
Tram Haus Lodge
Jay (1 night) Old chairlift towers, sheave wheels and tram cable are cleverly incorporated into the décor of this welcoming modern lodge at the base of Jay Peak Resort. (spa, golf)
* Casual Inn
Manoir Hovey
North Hatley (2 nights) Set on the shore of pristine Lake Massawippi, this luxurious 1899 Georgian inn was modeled after George Washington's home in Mount Vernon. Relais & Châteaux. (pool, tennis)
South Carolina & Georgia: Charleston to Savannah Multisport
Authentic Charm & Natural Beauty in the Coastal South
Classic:
This Trip Is Rated Level 2-5
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of
interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one
day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat
from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each
day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Road Bike Average | Mountain Bike Average* | Walk & Hike Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 10-15 miles | 2-5 miles |
| Level 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 16-20 miles | 5-7 miles |
| Level 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 21-25 miles | 7-9 miles |
| Level 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 26-30 miles | 9-11 miles |
| Level 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 31+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
*Mountain bikes are used in locations where the best riding is on a combination of dirt and paved roads. View trip locations
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Levels 1 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 20, 37, 50 miles
- 850 - 3000 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 4 to 5 3 Route Options Available
- 41, 55, 77 miles
- 1500 - 3800 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 2 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 30, 50, 55 miles
- 800 - 3500 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 3 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 31, 42, 51 miles
- 1400 - 2000 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 2 to 5 3 Route Options Available
- 25, 44, 58 miles
- 1400 - 2500 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- 16 miles
- 700 feet elevation gain
More Recommended Trips
For 33 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the Quebec & Vermont tour experts. See our award-winning Canada biking tours, Canada walking and hiking tours and Canada multisport tours.
