Duration
5 nights
Level
4 - Advanced - hilly and mountainous - 50 to 90 km
The Grand Tour 2026 is…
Includes:
Not a race. Not a competition. Just the joy of riding together!
Starting from Ayer’s Cliff, let yourself be swept away by the rolling Appalachian landscapes, 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 a sporting challenge will have the chance to enjoy a diverse selection 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 about to begin… We’ll be sharing the detailed itineraries soon.
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📅 August1 –6
6-day camping package including 5 nights of camping; 5 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 5 dinners.
📅 August1 –6
$60 discount on individual registration
📅 August1 –3
3-day package including 2 nights of camping; 2 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners. Transfers are included.
📅 August 2
Package includes 1 lunch and 1 dinner.
📅 August 3
Package includes 1 lunch and 1 dinner.
📅 August 5
Package includes 1 lunch and 1 dinner.
The "Sous la couette" packages will be available starting February 10, 2026.
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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
Shuttle service between hotels and villages is available between 2:00 PM and 11:00 PM.
Last few spots available
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
Shuttle service between hotels and villages is available between 2:00 PM and 11:00 PM.
Weekend – August 1–3
3-day package including 2 nights in a hotel, 2 breakfasts (at the hotel), 3 lunches, and 2 dinners.
2 nights in Sherbrooke: OTL Sherbrooke
Shuttle service between the hotel and the village is available between 2:00 PM and 11:00 PM.
Last few spots available
Located about 7 km from the village of Sherbrooke
On-site dining, secure bike storage, indoor pool.
Located about 11 km from the village of Sherbrooke
On-site dining, secure bike storage, indoor pool.
Located about 13 km from the village of Waterloo
On-site dining, secure bike storage, indoor and outdoor pools.
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).
Shuttle serviceLooking for a way to get to the start of the Grand Tour? Travel to the region with other participants and make new friends before you even start pedaling… or take a nice nap to get ready for the challenges ahead! Need a break from cycling? On days when we move to a new village, we offer a shuttle service that will take you and your bike and luggage to the next village without you having to ride! The shuttle costs $25, and you can reserve your spot the day before at the Info booth. |
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More information will be available in the coming weeks.
Want to come to the Grand Tour in your van? You can!
Learn more about our van packages
Please select this option when booking online or by phone.
Price:
Weekend Van Package: $159
Weekly Van Package: $289
Our van packages guarantee*:
Important notes:
The "Under the Stars" packages include camping nights.
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; 15 kg for indoor stays);
Supervision, mechanical troubleshooting, and access to support vehicles;
Activities in the village;
The Traveler's Guide;
GPX files, maps, and daily itineraries;
The "Under the Stars" packages include camping nights.
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; 15 kg for indoor stays);
Supervision, mechanical troubleshooting, and access to support vehicles;
Activities in the village;
The Traveler's Guide;
GPX files, maps, and daily itineraries;
The routes and elevation profiles are provided for informational purposes only and are subject to change.
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
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
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
Moderate: 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
Day 4 - Tuesday, August 4, 2026 - From Sherbrooke to Waterloo
Village in Waterloo: Wilfrid-Léger School – 185 Lewis Street West, 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
Day 5 - Wednesday, August 5, 2026 - Loop starting from Waterloo
Village in Waterloo: Wilfrid-Léger School – 185 Lewis Street West, 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 Mont Shefford Challenge 101 km (+839 m / -842 m)
Towns along the route: Warden, Roxton Falls, St-Valérien de Milton, Roxton Pond, Shefford
Day 6 - Thursday, August 6, 2026 - From Waterloo to Ayer’s Cliff
Village in Waterloo: Wilfrid-Léger School – 185 Lewis Street West, 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
The routes and elevation profiles are provided for informational purposes only and are subject to change.
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
News
Route: 58 km (elevation gain: 672 m, elevation loss: 631 m)
Gravel: 69%
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
News
Route: Coming soon
Gravel: coming soon
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
News
Route: 79 km (elevation gain: 913 m, elevation loss: 913 m)
Gravel: 54%
Day 4 - Tuesday, August 4, 2026 - From Sherbrooke to Waterloo
Village in Waterloo: Wilfrid-Léger School – 185 Lewis Street West, Waterloo, QC J0E 2N0
News
Route: 75 km (elevation gain: +580 m, elevation loss: -588 m)
Gravel: 47%
Day 5 - Wednesday, August 5, 2026 - Loop starting from Waterloo
Village in Waterloo: Wilfrid-Léger School – 185 Lewis Street West, Waterloo, QC J0E 2N0
News
Route: 75 km (elevation gain: +393 m, elevation loss: -392 m)
Gravel: 76%
Day 6 - Thursday, August 6, 2026 - From Waterloo to Ayer’s Cliff
Village in Waterloo: Wilfrid-Léger School – 185 Lewis Street West, Waterloo, QC J0E 2N0
Destination: Ayer’s Cliff Agricultural Fair – 1070 Westmount Street, Ayer’s Cliff, QC J0B 1C0
News
Route: 80 km (elevation gain: 972 m; elevation loss: 1,005 m)
Gravel: 51%
Designed for the road and built to last, over time it becomes much more than just gear: it becomes a symbol of your adventure. On the back, the 2026 route—a trail marking your journey through the valleys of the Eastern Townships.
A must-have for the Grand Tour
This is THE jersey you'll be seeing all week.
Technical Specifications
Details that make all the difference
Available in men’s and women’s sizes for pre-order through April 30 – $99 + tax
Jerseys will also be available for purchase on the day of the event, in limited quantities, at the information booth.
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 lasted well beyond the week ofcycling.”
Annie
“Great job—the event was exceptionally well organized!! We’re already looking forward to next year!!”
Gaétan
“I’m impressed by the number and caliber of people involved in an event like this. Congratulations to everyone, and well done.”
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 lasted well beyond the week ofcycling.”
Annie
“Great job—the event was exceptionally well organized!! We’re already looking forward to next year!!”
Gaétan
“I’m impressed by the number and caliber of people involved in an event like this. Congratulations to everyone, and well done.”
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 complete 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 high volume of food 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 with a gluten intolerance, but is not recommended for participants with celiac disease.
Is it possible to change the Grand Tour package?
No, the packages are offered according to the plans and durations listed on our website, and these cannot be modified.
Is it possible to use the Grand Tour meal service without paying for accommodations?
The packages offered are non-customizable and therefore include both lodging and meals. However, you may bring your own meals, but the cost of those meals cannot be deducted from your package price.
Will the Grand Tour go ahead 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 weather conditions were to force the cancellation of a day’s activities, shuttle buses 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 poses a risk to vulnerable individuals (those with heart or lung conditions, pregnant women, young children, etc.), shuttle buses will be provided to transport them 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’re not comfortable riding, stop by the INFO booth and we’ll work with you to find the best solution.
When will the Grand Tour booklet be sent out?
The booklet containing all the information you need to properly prepare for your Grand Tour will be mailed out sometime in the summer of 2026.
Is it possible to arrive the day before departure?
If you'd like to arrive on July 31, that's possible!
The starting point will be ready to welcome you with the following services:
What is the registration deadline?
You can register online through July 30. 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 upon arrival or as a result of subsequent handling, please stop by the INFO booth and we can repair it or provide you with a replacement.
What model are the rental tents?
This year, we have five tent models available for rent:
Another new feature: you can now choose the tent model you’d like to rent when you sign up!
