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Canada and the Caribbean
Canada
Quebec

Grand Tour 2026

August1–6 – Event has ended

1, 3, or 6 days of fun-filled cycling in the heart of the Eastern Townships

 

 

Events
Is cycling your passion, and do you want to share it with hundreds—or even thousands—of others who are just as passionate as you? Come join us at our cycling tourism events! Every year, many families introduce their youngest children to bike travel during the “ Petite aventure,” while experienced cyclists gather to explore Quebec during the “Grand Tour.” These are summer events you won’t want to miss!

Price TBD

Duration

6 days

5 nights

Level

Level:

4 - Advanced - rolling and mountainous - 50 to 90 km

Thank you for joining us on this wonderful Grand Tour 2026!

It was a real pleasure to explore the Eastern Townships with you. Whether on the roads or in the villages, we feel privileged to have had this experience with so many passionate cyclists.

We're already working on the 2027 edition. Registration will open in December 2026, so check back on this page in the coming weeks for more information!

 

 

The Grand Tour 2026 is…

  • 1, 3, or 6 days of biking at your own pace
  • Every day, routes for road bikes and gravel bikes
  • Exploring the Eastern Townships from Ayer’s Cliff
  • Meetings with passionate cyclists
  • Activities and entertainment in the villages
  • All-inclusive vacations
  • The perfect opportunity to create your most memorable vacation moments!

Includes:

  • Overnight stays at campgrounds or hotels
  • Baggage Handling
  • All meals
  • Marked routes, on-the-road guidance, support vehicles

Not a race. Not a competition. Just the joy of riding together!

 

 

 

 

 

This year, let's head to the Eastern Townships!

 

Starting from Ayer’s Cliff, let yourself be swept away by the rolling landscapes of the Appalachians, scenic roads, and picturesque villages dotted with culinary delights courtesy of the region’s local producers.

From August1 to 6, 2026, casual cyclists and those seeking athletic challenges will have the chance to enjoy a variety of routes—for road bikes and gravel bikes— that showcase the best of the region’s natural, culinary, and historical heritage.

After your daily outings, come back and enjoy the friendly atmosphere of our villages, where enthusiasts gather to eat, dance, celebrate, and even enjoy a quick massage!

The adventure is taking shape… We’ll reveal the detailed itineraries soon.

Sign up for our newsletter so you don't miss a thing!

 

 

Did you know?

  • The Grand Tour is 32 years old! It has been held every year since 1994.
  • In 2025, 95% of participants were satisfied with the event.
  • In 2025, 80% of participants plan to return.

 

 

 

Choose the plan that's right for you

 

Camping Package

 

A Week Under the Stars

📅 August1 –6

6-day camping package including 5 nights of camping; 5 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 5 dinners.

 

 

A Week Under the Stars
4-Person Package

📅 August1 –6

$60 discount on individual registration

 

A Weekend Under the Stars

📅 August1 –3

3-day package including 2 nights of camping; 2 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners. Transfers are included.

 

 

 

One-Day Tour

📅 August 2

Package includes 1 lunch and 1 dinner.

 

One-Day Tour

📅 August 3

Package includes 1 lunch and 1 dinner.

 

One-Day Tour

📅 August 5

Package includes 1 lunch and 1 dinner.

In-person sales only (Wilfrid-Léger School, 185 Lewis O Street, Waterloo, QC, J0W 2N0)

 

Hotel Package

 

 

The "Sous la couette" packages will be available starting February 10, 2026.

Sign up for our newsletter to receive all the latest information.

 

 

Under the comforter
OTL Package

Week – August 1–6

6-day package including 5 nights in a hotel, 5 breakfasts (at the hotel), 6 lunches, and 5 dinners.

3 nights in Sherbrooke: OTL Sherbrooke

2 nights in Bromont: Château Bromont

Shuttles run between the hotels and the villages between 2:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m.

ON REQUEST

 

Under the comforter
Grand Times Package

Week – August 1–6

6-day package including 5 nights in a hotel, 5 breakfasts (at the hotel), 6 lunches, and 5 dinners.

3 nights in Sherbrooke: Grand Times Hotel

2 nights in Bromont: Château Bromont

Shuttles run between the hotels and the villages between 2:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m.

ON REQUEST

Under the comforter
Getaway Package

Weekend – August 1–3

3-day package including 2 nights at a hotel, 2 breakfasts (at the hotel), 3 lunches, and 2 dinners.

2 nights in Sherbrooke: OTL Sherbrooke

Shuttles run between the hotel and the village from 2:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

ON REQUEST

 

Our selection of hotels for the "Sous la couette" package

 

OTL Sherbrooke

Located about 7 km from the village of Sherbrooke

On-site lunch, secure bike parking, indoor pool.

# Accommodation Registration No. 065822

 

Grand Times Hotel

Located about 11 km from the village of Sherbrooke

On-site lunch, secure bike parking, indoor pool.

# 223137 Accommodation Registration

 

Bromont Castle

Located about 13 km from the village of Waterloo

On-site dining, secure bike parking, indoor and outdoor pools.

# Accommodation Registration No. 052824

 

 

 

2026 Price List

 

Check out our special offers

 

 

 

 

 

Additional Information

 

 

 

Day 0: Arrive at your own pace
  • Arrive at your leisure on Friday, July 31
  • Information Booth open starting at 2 p.m.
  • Access to restrooms and showers
  • Bistros, music, and dining options nearby
  • Lunch included on Day 1
  • Price: $35 per person

 

 

 

Shuttle Service for Bike Holiday
  • Get to the next village without driving
  • Book your shuttle at the Info Kiosk for $25
  • Take a day to explore the area or rest your legs!

 

 

 

Extra Baggage
  • For cyclists who want to bring two pieces of luggage
  • Price: $40

 

Tent and Bike Rentals
  • Five types of tents / Quechua and Eureka tents / Select your tent when you register / Tents set up for you in each village / Your luggage delivered to your tent
  • Gravel bike rentals: available in partnership with Bruno Vélo (for 6-day packages only) – contact us or reserve your bike directly when purchasing online
  • Electric-assist (e-bike) or hybrid bike rentals—contact us by email or phone for more details or to reserve your bike

 

Tent Rental

Don't have a tent? We've got you covered! When you make your reservation, select the tent rental option. This option includes setup and takedown, as well as delivery of your luggage to the tent. Sleeping bags and sleeping pads are not included.

Select your rental tent when you make your reservation. Several types of tents are available: 1-person tent (Quechua Fresh and Black), 3-4-person tent (Arpenaz 4.2), 4-person tent (Eureka Space Camp), 6-person tent (Eureka Space Camp), and 12-person tent (Eureka Copper Canyon).

 

Van Packages

Want to come to the Grand Tour in your van? You can! 

 

 

Learn more about our van packages

Add this option when you make your reservation online or by phone.

 

Price: 

Weekend Van Package: $159

Weekly Van Package: $289

 

Our Van packages guarantee*:

  • A parking space for your van at the departure site and in the villages
  • A shuttle service that allows you to transport your van from the departure site to the first village, then to the second village, and finally to the arrival site on the last day.

Important notes:

  • There is no oil-change service.
  • There is no access to water.
  • There are no electrical outlets.
  • Your vehicle must not exceed themaximum length of 22 feet (7 meters).
  • Vehicle category: van (no trailer).

 

Package includes

 

The "Under the Stars" packages include nights spent camping.

 

The "Sous la couette" packages include hotel stays;

 

Most packages include meals;

 

Luggage transport (1 bag per person, including camping gear. Max 22 kg for camping under the stars; 15 kg for staying in a tent);

 

Supervision, mechanical troubleshooting, and access to support vehicles;

 

Activities in the village;

 

The Traveler's Guide;

 

GPX data, maps, and daily itineraries;

 

 

 

Package includes

 

The "Under the Stars" packages include nights spent camping.

 

The "Sous la couette" packages include hotel stays;

 

Most packages include meals;

 

Luggage transport (1 bag per person, including camping gear. Max 22 kg for camping under the stars; 15 kg for staying in a tent);

 

Supervision, mechanical troubleshooting, and access to support vehicles;

 

Activities in the village;

 

The Traveler's Guide;

 

GPX data, maps, and daily itineraries;

 

 

 

ROAD BIKE ROUTES

Day-by-Day Cycling Itinerary

 The routes and elevation gains are provided for informational purposes only and are subject to change.

 

1

Day 1 - Saturday, August 1, 2026 - From Ayer’s Cliff to Sherbrooke

Starting point: Ayer’s Cliff Agricultural Fair – 1070 Westmount Street, Ayer’s Cliff, QC J0B 1C0

Village in Sherbrooke: École du Boisjoli & Parc Central – 6403 Rue du Président-Kennedy, Sherbrooke, QC J1N 2P5

 

 Course Information

Regular: 74 km (elevation gain +870 m, elevation loss -827 m) 

Short: 46 km (+450 m/-411 m)

Optional long route: 96 km (+1,120 m/-1,078 m)

Cities along the route: Compton, Waterville, North Hatley

2

Day 2 - Sunday, August 2, 2026 - Loop starting from Sherbrooke

Village in Sherbrooke: École du Boisjoli & Parc Central – 6403 Rue du Président-Kennedy, Sherbrooke, QC J1N 2P5

 

 Course Information

Regular: 87 km (elevation gain +877 m, elevation loss -877 m) 

Short: 49 km (+347 m/-347 m)

Optional long route: AM 103 km (+993 m/-993 m), PM: 99 km (+979 m/-979 m)

Cities along the route: Bonsecours, Racine, St-Denis-de-Brompton

3

Day 3 - Monday, August 3, 2026 - Loop starting from Sherbrooke

Village in Sherbrooke: École du Boisjoli & Parc Central – 6403 Rue du Président-Kennedy, Sherbrooke, QC J1N 2P5

 

 Course Information

Regular: 80 km (elevation gain +969 m, elevation loss -969 m) 

Short: 46 km (+636 m/-636 m)

Optional long route: 91 km (+1,058 m / -1,059 m)

Cities along the route: Waterville, Compton, Racine, St. Edwidge-de-Clifton, Martinville

 

4

Day 4 - Tuesday, August 4, 2026 - From Sherbrooke to Waterloo

Village in Waterloo: Wilfrid-Léger School – 185 Lewis St. W., Waterloo, QC J0E 2N0

 

 Course Information

Regular: 82 km (elevation gain +710 m, elevation loss -719 m) 

Short: 58 km (+412 m/-422 m)

Optional long route: AM 113 km (+984 m / -992 m), PM 102 km (+850 m / -858 m)

Cities along the route: Magog, Eastman, Bonsecours

5

Day 5 - Wednesday, August 5, 2026 - Loop starting from Waterloo

Village in Waterloo: Wilfrid-Léger School – 185 Lewis St. W., Waterloo, QC J0E 2N0

 

 Course Information

Regular: 87 km (elevation gain +538 m, elevation loss -541 m) 

Short: 58 km (+365 m/-365 m)

Optional long routes: AM 106 km (+614 m / -614 m), PM 110 km (+679 m / -682 m), and the Mont Shefford Challenge 101 km (+839 km / -842 km)

Towns along the route: Warden, Roxton Falls, St-Valérien de Milton, Roxton Pond, Shefford

6

Day 6 - Thursday, August 6, 2026 - From Waterloo to Ayer’s Cliff

Village in Waterloo: Wilfrid-Léger School – 185 Lewis St. W., Waterloo, QC J0E 2N0

Destination: Ayer’s Cliff Agricultural Fair – 1070 Westmount Street, Ayer’s Cliff, QC J0B 1C0

 

 Course Information

Regular: 88 km (elevation gain +739 m, elevation loss -769 m) 

Short: 51 km (+389 m/-427 m)

Optional long route: AM 113 km (+1,029 m / -1,060 m), PM 111 km (+964 m / -995 m)

Cities along the route: Knowlton, Austin, South Bolton, Magog

GRAVEL BIKE ROUTES

Day-by-Day Cycling Itinerary

 The routes and elevation gains are provided for informational purposes only and are subject to change.

1

Day 1 - Saturday, August 1, 2026 - From Ayer’s Cliff to Sherbrooke

Starting point: Ayer’s Cliff Agricultural Fair – 1070 Westmount Street, Ayer’s Cliff, QC J0B 1C0

Village in Sherbrooke: École du Boisjoli & Parc Central – 6403 Rue du Président-Kennedy, Sherbrooke, QC J1N 2P5

 

 Info

Route: 58 km (elevation gain +672 m, elevation loss -631 m) 

Gravel: 69%

2

Day 2 - Sunday, August 2, 2026 - Loop starting from Sherbrooke

Village in Sherbrooke: École du Boisjoli & Parc Central – 6403 Rue du Président-Kennedy, Sherbrooke, QC J1N 2P5

 

 Info

Itinerary: coming soon

Gravel: coming soon

3

Day 3 - Monday, August 3, 2026 - Loop starting from Sherbrooke

Village in Sherbrooke: École du Boisjoli & Parc Central – 6403 Rue du Président-Kennedy, Sherbrooke, QC J1N 2P5

 

 Info

Route: 79 km (elevation gain +913 m, elevation loss -913 m) 

Gravel: 54%

4

Day 4 - Tuesday, August 4, 2026 - From Sherbrooke to Waterloo

Village in Waterloo: Wilfrid-Léger School – 185 Lewis St. W., Waterloo, QC J0E 2N0

 

 Info

Route: 75 km (elevation gain +580 m, elevation loss -588 m) 

Gravel: 47%

5

Day 5 - Wednesday, August 5, 2026 - Loop starting from Waterloo

Village in Waterloo: Wilfrid-Léger School – 185 Lewis St. W., Waterloo, QC J0E 2N0

 

 Info

Route: 75 km (elevation gain +393 m, elevation loss -392 m) 

Gravel: 76%

6

Day 6 - Thursday, August 6, 2026 - From Waterloo to Ayer’s Cliff

Village in Waterloo: Wilfrid-Léger School – 185 Lewis St. W., Waterloo, QC J0E 2N0

Destination: Ayer’s Cliff Agricultural Fair – 1070 Westmount Street, Ayer’s Cliff, QC J0B 1C0

 

 Info

Route: 80 km (elevation gain +972 m, elevation loss -1,005 m) 

Gravel: 51%

Watch the replay of the video conference on our summer events: “ Petite Aventure ” and “Le Grand Tour”

Get the official 2026 Grand Tour jersey

The online store is now closed.

A limited number of T-shirts will be on sale on the day of the event at the information booth.

Designed for the road and built to last, over time it becomes much more than just a piece of gear: it becomes a symbol of your adventure. On the back, the 2026 route—a record of your journey through the valleys of the Eastern Townships.

 

A Grand Tour Essential 

  • Get recognized instantly on the road
  • Join the community
  • Keep a tangible memento of your challenge

This is THE jersey you'll be seeing all week.

Technical Specifications

  • A high-performance cut by Castelli
  • Extremely breathable, even in the heat
  • Rapid moisture wicking
  • Slim fit, comfortable for long-distance wear

 

Details That Make a Difference

  • "Parcours 2026" printed on the back (one-time edition)
  • 3 pockets + 1 zippered pocket
  • High-end YKK zipper
  • Silicone strap for a perfect fit

 

Available in men's and women's sizes for pre-order through April 30 – $99 + tax

Jerseys will also be on sale on the day of the event, in limited quantities, at the information booth.

They explain it better than we do

 

Martine

" The joy of riding without having to worry about anything else."

 

Clara

“The Grand Tour de Vélo Québec offers an unforgettable week for people of all ages. I made many friends there, and our friendships have continued well beyond the week ofcycling.”

 

Annie

" Way to go—great organization!! We're already looking forward to next year!!"

 

Gaétan

" I'm impressed by the number and caliber of the people involved in an event like this. Congratulations to everyone, and well done."

 

 

 

They explain it better than we do

 

Martine

" The joy of riding without having to worry about anything else."

 

Clara

“The Grand Tour de Vélo Québec offers an unforgettable week for people of all ages. I made many friends there, and our friendships have continued well beyond the week ofcycling.”

 

Annie

" Way to go—great organization!! We're already looking forward to next year!!"

 

Gaétan

" I'm impressed by the number and caliber of the people involved in an event like this. Congratulations to everyone, and well done."

 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions – The Grand Tour

 

Is there a group discount available for the 2026 edition?

Yes! The group offer will be available very soon.

 

Is parking at the departure site included?

No. If you’re coming by car, please bring $20 in cash for parking at the meeting point, which will be announced later. This amount covers parking for your car at the departure site for the entire duration of your Grand Tour.

 

Is it possible to ride the Grand Tour on an e-bike?

Yes, electrical outlets are available in the villages during events.

 

Is it possible to have a gluten-free menu for people with gluten intolerance?

A gluten-free menu is available at mealtimes. However, due to the large scale of the meal service logistics involved in the Grand Tour, we cannot guarantee 100% that there will be no cross-contamination of food.

The gluten-free menu is therefore available to participants who are gluten-intolerant, but is not recommended for participants with celiac disease.

 

Is it possible to change the Grand Tour package?

No, the plans are offered according to the packages and durations listed on our website, and they cannot be modified.

 

Is it possible to use the Grand Tour's meal service without paying for lodging?

The packages offered are non-modifiable and therefore include lodging and meals. However, you may bring your own meals, but you cannot deduct the cost of meals from your package price.

 

Does the Grand Tour go on even if it rains?

In the event of rain, the Grand Tour will proceed as scheduled. If more severe weather conditions arise—such as high winds or thunderstorms—Vélo Québec reserves the right to move up or delay the start times in order to avoid these conditions.

If extreme circumstances were to force the cancellation of a day, shuttle service will be provided to take you to the next village, except on loop days, when you can simply stay in the village for the day.

If you're unsure about the weather before heading out, stop by the INFO kiosk and we'll be happy to help.

 

What should you do if the air quality is unsafe?

The safety of our participants is our top priority, and if air quality were to reach a level that is hazardous to vulnerable individuals (those with heart or lung conditions, pregnant women, young children, etc.), shuttle service will be provided to the next village, if necessary.

Today’s air quality will be posted daily at the INFO booth and on Le Déchaîné. If you’d like to learn more about air quality, or if you don’t feel comfortable riding, stop by the INFO booth and we’ll work with you to find the right solutions.

 

When will the Grand Tour journal be sent?

The booklet containing all the information you need to properly prepare for your Grand Tour will be mailed sometime in the summer of 2026.

 

Is it possible to arrive the day before departure?

If you'd like to arrive on July 31, you can!

The departure site will be ready to welcome you with the following services:

  • Information Booth open starting at 2 p.m.
  • Camping area at the starting point
  • Access to restrooms and showers
  • Bistros, music, and dining options nearby
  • Lunch is included on August 1 before departure

 

What is the registration deadline?

You can register online through July 30, inclusive. On-site registration will also be available. On-site registration will take place at the INFO booth at the starting point for the 3- and 6-day “Sous les étoiles” packages. Debit and credit cards only.

 

What should I do if my bracelet breaks?

If one of your wristbands is broken when you receive it, or as a result of handling it afterward, please stop by the INFO booth and we can repair it or give you a replacement.

 

What model are the rental tents?

This year, we have five tent models available for rent:

  • Quechua Fresh and Black – 1 person
  • Arpenaz 4.2 – 3 or 4 people
  • Eureka Space Camp – 4 people
  • Eureka Space Camp – 6 people
  • Eureka Copper Canyon – 12 people

Another new feature: You can now choose the tent model you'd like to rent when you register!

 

Thank you to our partners