Loops Starting from Sherbrooke
Today, we’ll take you on a journey to discover the rich variety of landscapes in the Eastern Townships—from the shores of Lake Massawippi to the rolling farmlands of Waterville and Compton, and the winding roads of the Appalachians around Sainte-Edwidge-de-Clifton. Dotted with picturesque villages, forests, fields, and spectacular panoramic views, this route offers a cycling experience that’s as diverse as it is memorable.
Highlights of the Day
Cycling
Departure between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. for this day-long loop hike.
This route alternates between nature, historic sites, and agricultural landscapes, offering a quintessential Eastern Townships experience for both those who enjoy a challenge and those who like to take the time to admire the scenery.
After Cycling
Today we’re hosting a music, culture, and cycling quiz! Form a team, come participate, and try to win one of the prizes offered by our partner, doTerra.
For those who are particularly eager to learn, we also offer a mechanics workshop.
7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.: Show at Yohann Francoz's Bistro
For any emergency, please contact us at 514-292-8356.
Day-by-Day Cycling Itinerary
View today's routes on Google Maps
View today's rides with Ride with GPS
View today's elevation profiles
Standard route, 76 km
On this third day of the Grand Tour, you'll explore the western part of Sherbrooke with some great descents and climbs!
Hold on, it's it’s getting steep! The Eastern Townships are showing off their true mountainous side today, with the toughest climbs at the start and end of the route (Bel-Horizon, St-Roch, Dunant and the famous 3-km climb on Ch. Orr are worth the detour). Be careful on the damaged road surface in St-Roch and North Hatley, but your efforts will be rewarded by breathtaking breathtaking views on Compton Road Compton and Smith Roads. Keep an eye open—the deer like to keep you company on this stretch of road!
View the route on Ride with GPS
Gravel Ride, 79 km
Peace and quiet above all! This route takes you through a peaceful forest of magnificent fir trees, far from traffic (except for a few friendly tractors and possibly some trucks near a quarry on Carrier Road). One section has been adjusted to avoid a trail that has become too rugged, and the descent toward North Hatley requires a bit of caution—but the serene atmosphere of the rest of the route makes it all worth it!
54% gravel trail.
View the route on Ride with GPS
Shortened route, -30 km (46 km total)
This route has a nice elevation gain but is a shortcut and won't take you past the lunch stop. You'll have lunch back in the village.
View the route on Ride with GPS
Refreshment Stop 1, km 28
We welcome you to the Bec Bleu Blueberry Farm. You’ll be able to buy small baskets of blueberries. Cash only.
Optional Route 1, +15 km (91 km total)
A route for cyclists who love breathtaking views! Traffic moves faster on Routes 251 and 206, but the roads are still cyclist-friendly. After a thrilling river crossing and a movie-worthy descent on Boudreau Road, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular panoramic views of the valley from Orr, Boudreau, and Cochrane Roads (watch out for potholes on Route 251 in Ste-Edwidge-de-Clifton).
View the route on Ride with GPS
Lunch stop, km 46
We look forward to welcoming you to Récré-O-Parc in Compton, located at 40 Rue du Parc, Compton, QC J0B 1L0.
The lunch stop is open starting at 10 a.m.
There, you'll find sports therapy ( free) and massage therapy.
Massage therapy rates: $20 for 10 minutes, $26 for 15 minutes, and $33 for 20 minutes (taxes included)
Refreshment Stop 2, km 60
A Refreshing Break at the Capelton Mine!
Please note that the sections of the route that run along bike paths are not accessible to our vehicles, including support vehicles. Staff members will be patrolling the bike paths to assist cyclists who need immediate help.
Attractions along the route
Here are some of the day’s highlights—and there are plenty more to discover! This year, you can make purchases on-site, and we’ll bring everything back to the Village at the end of the day, thanks to a pickup service designed just for you! This service is indicated by this symbol 
Ferland Orchard and Cider House
380 Chem. de la Station,
Compton, QC J0B 1L0
Le Gros Pierre Orchard
6335 Rte Louis-S.-Saint-Laurent,
Compton, QC J0B 1L0
Beaulieu Farmers' Market
3700 QC-147,
Waterville, QC J0B 3H0
Activities and Services
At Le Village, in the heart of the beautiful city of Sherbrooke, you’ll find all kinds of activities to enjoy. Whether you want to unwind, have a drink, or take your mind off things, we’ve got just what you need!
Morning
6 a.m. – 9 a.m.: Festidouches
6 a.m.–11 a.m.: Café Espace
6:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.: Mechanics
8:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m.: Yoga (yoga mats not provided)
At the diner
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.: Sports therapy (free) and massage therapy ($20 for 10 minutes, $26 for 15 minutes, or $33 for 20 minutes; taxes included). To make a reservation, text Alexandre at 450-578-5015 and indicate your preferred time slot.
At all times
6:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.: Information Booth and Gift Shop
7 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.: First Aid
7:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.: E-bike charging
2:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.: Hotel shuttles
Afternoon
When you return to the village, discover today's surprise, courtesy ofLait!
11 a.m. – 11 p.m.: Movie theater
2:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.: Mechanics
2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.: Outdoor games
2:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.: Festidouches
2:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.: Massage therapy ($57 for 30 minutes, $103 for 55 minutes; taxes included). To make a reservation, text Alexandre at 450-578-5015 and indicate your preferred time slot.
11 a.m. – 9 p.m.: Board Games – Social Games
3:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.: Drinks at the bistro, including Siboire, the official beer of the Grand Tour
3:00 p.m.: Quiz!!! Come join us—there are prizes to be won.
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.: Mechanics Workshop with Denise Belzile
5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.: Yoga (yoga mats not provided)
At Your Own Pace: A Tour of Sherbrooke’s Murals
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.: Musical entertainment
7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.: Performance at the Bistro by Yohann Francoz
9:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.: DJ set
Rainy Day – Additional Activities
It's raining today, but we have plenty of activities to make the day enjoyable—and to give our thighs a rest.
At the Village:
Board games: extended hours, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Movie Theater: Starting at 11 a.m.
Things to Do in Sherbrooke:
We have set up a shuttle service:
Village – Science Museum: departs at 10 a.m.
Science Museums – Village: departs at 3 p.m.
This shuttle will take you to museums, cafes, restaurants, and the movie theater.
One-Day Tour
Have you decided to come ride with us just for this one day?
Please arrive early in the morning at our Sherbrooke Village (École du Boisjoli: 6403 Rue du Président-Kennedy, Sherbrooke, QC J1N 2P5) to start the race between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. (breakfast not included).
Parking is available for your vehicles on-site or on the adjacent streets. The wristbands you received in the mail grant you access to all Grand Tour services for the day (including lunch and dinner). You can then hit the road whenever you like.
Weekend Getaway Reviews
Are you leaving after three days? Here is the shuttle schedule for the return trip to Sherbrooke:
- 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.– Drop off bikes in the 53′ truck near the arch, and check in
- 6:45 p.m. – Board the school bus with your luggage.
- 7:00 p. m. – Departure from Sherbrooke
- 7:50 p.m. – Arrival at Ayer’s Cliff. Unloading is expected to be completed around 8:15 p.m.
If you need to return to Ayer’s Cliff and you didn’t sign up for a 3-day pass, stop by the Info booth to reserve a seat on the daily return shuttle for $25. The shuttle also leaves the village at the same time.
