Un avant-goût de la Route Verte - July 2026
Serge and Pierre loaded the bikes into the Ram cargo van that Serge rented for the weekend. We're planning to buy a high-top cargo van over the next year for the Adventure Project. Right now we're trying the three finalists: Ram, Ford Transit and Mercedes Sprinter.
The Ram has lots of cargo room. We fit three bikes plus all of our luggage and still had room left over.
We can easily fit several bikes.
But that's about all I liked.
The seats were uncomfortable after a while. The cargo area is completely separated from the cab, so if you forget something you're stopping and getting out. The locks drove us crazy. We never seemed to know which doors were actually locked. By the end of the weekend I had crossed it off my list. Next test will be either the Transit or the Sprinter.
We drove to Lennoxville and unloaded the bikes - Lise was guiding us on a segment of La Route Verte. La Route Verte is Québec's incredible network of more than 5,300 kilometers of interconnected cycling routes. It weaves together small villages, farmland, forests, lakes, and major cities using bike paths, converted rail trails, and quiet country roads. Whether you're looking for a leisurely afternoon ride or a multi-week bicycle tour, it's one of the best places in North America to explore by bike.
La Route Verte
Serge led the way on his recumbent. People either give him a thumbs up or do a double take when they see him coming down the trail.
We stopped at historic Mine Capelton, an 1863 copper mine that once employed hundreds of miners. Today it's a fascinating heritage site—and a convenient rest stop right on La Route Verte
The section between Lennoxville and North Hatley is beautiful. Mostly crushed stone. Lots of shade. Hardly any hills. The trees closed in over the trail most of the way and it stayed surprisingly cool despite the warm day. After about 10 miles we stopped for Lunch in North Hatley.
Easy riding on the well groomed trail.
North Hatley is exactly the kind of town I like. Old buildings. Little independent shops. People walking instead of rushing. Everything centered around the lake.
Cute shops in N. Hatley
We had lunch on the patio overlooking the river. I had a burger. Lise spread the Route Verte map across the table while we looked at where we'd ridden and where the trail continues. I could spend weeks riding this system.
While we were eating, Guy called. He and Linda were already out on his boat on Lake Massawippi. So we locked the bikes near the dock and met them. Pierre joined us a little later and the six of us spent the afternoon cruising the lake. Massawippi is gorgeous. Long, narrow and surrounded by wooded hills. We wandered down to Ayer's Cliff before turning around.
Linda on Lake Massawippi
By the time we got back to North Hatley the sun was getting low behind the hills. The ride back felt completely different from the morning. The light had gone soft and most of the trail was in shade. The mosquitoes, however, were fully awake. We laughed and took off. I don't think any of us planned to ride that fast, but suddenly it became a race to outrun the bugs all the way back to Lennoxville.
One brief stop and 9 mosquito bites.
Back in Coaticook we made one last stop for ice cream. I don't think I've ever been to Coaticook without getting ice cream. Then it was back to Maryse's house for the night. Tomorrow we point the van toward home.
