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Maximum Distance: 142.4 km (round trip)

What makes cycle touring so rewarding is the incredible sense of freedom it offers. Ride along traffic-free paths, take in breathtaking scenery, and travel at your own pace. Whether you’re a casual cyclist or simply enjoy the outdoors, this route connecting Wendake to Portneuf, through La Jacques-Cartier, delivers an unforgettable adventure. It’s the kind of journey that makes you want to hop on your bike and start exploring.

Not an experienced cyclist? No problem!

The good news is you don’t need years of cycling experience to enjoy this route. The only real requirement is a love of riding. The trail is well maintained, easy to follow, and suitable for cyclists of all levels. Along the way, you’ll find accommodations, attractions, and plenty of places to eat, so you’re never far from services. Should anything unexpected happen, repair stations, charging points, and assistance are readily available. Whether you ride a road bike, hybrid, or gravel bike, this route welcomes them all.

Day 1 | Arrival in Wendake

Your adventure begins in Wendake at the Hôtel-Musée Premières Nations. Arriving the day before allows you to start your cycling trip well rested while enjoying everything the destination has to offer.

Take time to visit the Huron-Wendat Museum, where admission also includes access to the Ekionkiestha National Longhouse. Together, these sites offer a fascinating introduction to the history, culture, and traditions of the Huron-Wendat Nation.

Guest rooms are available from 4:00 p.m. Before dinner, unwind in the hotel’s heated indoor pool. For the evening meal, reserve a table at La Traite Restaurant, where refined cuisine inspired by First Nations ingredients sets the tone for the journey ahead.

A good night’s sleep is highly recommended because tomorrow’s ride is worth every ounce of energy.

Day 2 | Morning: Toward La Jacques-Cartier

After a hearty breakfast at La Traite, it’s time to get on your bike. You can leave your vehicle in the hotel parking lot since the cycling trail is directly accessible from the property.

Spend the morning riding towards Shannon, where lunch at Chez Denise is a must. Their famous Philly steak sandwich is a local favourite.

As you continue, stop near the historic Shannon Bridge besides the restored Caboose (former railway car), located at 4 kilometres of the cycling trail. Here you’ll find picnic tables, a rest area, and drinking water.

Then, the route carries you through the magnificent Grande Tourbière de La Jacques-Cartier, a peaceful and unique peat bog landscape.

For a sweet break, stop at La Sainte-Crème in Sainte-Catherine-de-la-Jacques-Cartier and treat yourself to one of their decadent ice cream sandwiches, their signature specialty.

By this point, you’ll have completed nearly half of the journey.

Day 2 | Afternoon: Toward Portneuf

Continue your ride at a comfortable pace through the afternoon.

One worthwhile stop is Alexis de Portneuf Cheese Factory, a perfect place to discover local flavours.

Need a break? At 14 kilometres of the trail, you’ll find a rest area equipped with picnic tables and bicycle repair facilities.

Your day ends at Escale au Lac in Rivière-à-Pierre, conveniently accessible directly from the cycling trail. Choose between staying in the loft or one of the two wilderness cabins.

Your stay includes access to the thermal experience featuring:

• Dry sauna
• Hot and cold baths
• Relaxation area

It’s the perfect way to recover after a full day of cycling. For a complete carefree stay, choose the meal package.

Services Available along the Portneuf Section

• Composting toilets
• Rest areas with picnic tables
• Drinking water stations
• Bicycle repair stations
• Electric bike charging stations
• Electric bike rentals at Frenette Bicyclettes

Day 3 | Return to Wendake

Start your day early to enjoy the cooler temperatures.

If you’re feeling adventurous, make a short detour to Chute à l’Ours, a hidden waterfall near Saint-Léonard-de-Portneuf.

Your lunchtime destination is Ti-Oui Snack Bar, famous for serving one of the region’s best poutines. Their ­”galvaude” and crispy fried chicken are also local favourites. After all, you’ve earned it, and you still have a few kilometres left to ride.

From there, it’s about a two-hour ride back to Wendake.

To celebrate the end of your cycling adventure, enjoy dinner at La Sagamité Restaurant, renowned for traditional Wendat cuisine, including the famous sagamité soup and the signature potence.

As night falls, conclude your journey with Onhwa’ Lumina, an immersive multimedia experience through the forest where light, sound, and storytelling come together to celebrate Wendat culture.

It’s the perfect finale to your adventure before spending one last night at the Hôtel-Musée Premières Nations.

Ready to escape the everyday?

Hop on your bike and discover a route that’s as scenic as it is unforgettable. Sometimes the best way to slow down is to spend three days pedalling. We have a curious way of calling that a vacation, and somehow it works.