The Navigators | Quebec City to Rivière-du-Loup

Summary

Cycle a segment of The Navigators Route from Quebec City to Rivière-du-Loup and admire the majestic St. Lawrence River. Discover breathtaking panoramas where the Charlevoix form a backdrop. Encounter varied landscapes: tidal flats, parks, fields, and villages. At dusk, the sky is ablaze, offering a flamboyant spectacle that you will remember for a long time.

Information

Duration : 4 days
Distance: 195 km
Level of difficulty: 2

Day 1: Quebec City to Montmagny | 60 km
Day 2: Montmagny to Saint-Jean-Port-Joli | 40 km
Day 3: Saint-Jean-Port-Joli to Kamouraska | 55 km
Day 4: Kamouraska to Rivière-du-Loup | 40 km

Detailed Overview

Day 1: Quebec City to Montmagny (60 km)

Start your day exploring the historic Old Quebec City. Then, hop on the ferry to Lévis for a scenic crossing across the St. Lawrence River, offering stunning views of the city skyline and the iconic Château Frontenac. In Lévis, the bike path awaits you along the river. Follow Route Verte #1 towards Montmagny, through charming villages and agricultural landscapes. Take breaks at the Saint-Michel-de-Bellechasse wharf, Saint-Vallier or the Berthier-sur-Mer marina. Don’t forget to taste the regional delicacies along the way!

Possible attractions/stops: Fromagerie du terroir de Bellechasse (Saint-Vallier), le Domaine Pointe-de-Saint-Vallier, Parc fluvial de Berthier-sur-Mer, Bassin et chutes de Montmagny, Musée de l’Accordéon, microbrasserie Côte-du-Sud (Montmagny)

Night in Montmagny

Day 2: Montmagny to Saint-Jean-Port-Joli (40 km)

Today, your journey offers breathtaking views of Île-aux-Grues and the majestic St. Lawrence River, with the Charlevoix mountains as a backdrop. Enjoy the country landscapes and picturesque villages, such as Cap-Saint-Ignace and L’Islet-sur-Mer. Your final destination, Saint-Jean-Port-Joli, is renowned for its crafts and maritime atmosphere. Admire the outdoor sculptures of Parc des Trois-Bérets, take the time to stroll through the streets and visit the artisan workshops to soak up the unique atmosphere of this village. Don’t forget to visit the church, an architectural gem that bears witness to the region’s rich history.

Possible attractions/stops: Musée maritime du Québec Capitaine J.E. Bernier (L’Islet-sur-Mer), Musée de la mémoire vivante (Saint-Jean-Port-Joli), Vignoble du Faubourg (Saint-Jean-Port-Joli), La Roche à Veillon – dinner theatre (Saint-Jean-Port-Joli)

Night in Saint-Jean-Port-Joli

Day 3: Saint-Jean-Port-Joli to Kamouraska (55 km)

You leave Saint-Jean-Port-Joli towards Saint-Roch-des-Aulnaies. Then, you cycle on a bike path that runs alongside the St. Lawrence River to La Pocatière. Your journey takes you through the region of Kamouraska, where the sea, plains and mountains meet. This region is rich in agriculture and natural beauty. Kamouraska has an exceptional built heritage, must-see sunsets and a bucolic landscape. Don’t miss visiting the wharf to admire the picturesque beauty of the river. Kamouraska is also the ideal place to savour local flavours.

Possible attractions/stops: Manoir seigneurial des Aulnaies, Jardin floral de La Pocatière, Microbrasserie La Baleine Endiablée (Rivière-Ouelle), Kamouraska wharf, Poissonnerie Lauzier/Bistro de la Mer (Kamouraska), Côté Est (Kamouraska)

Night in Kamouraska

Day 4: Kamouraska à Rivière-du-Loup (40 km)

Your journey continues along the Route des Navigateurs, following the curves of the majestic St. Lawrence River. A unique spectacle will enchant you: the mysterious monadnocks, locally known as ‘cabourons’—small, isolated mountains rising near the river. As you pedal through these formations, you will be struck by the wild beauty of nature and the vastness of the panorama.

Possible attractions/stops: Le Petit Phare in Saint-André de Kamouraska, saltwater pool in Notre-Dame-du-Portage, Glacier des battures (Notre-Dame-du-Portage), Parc des Chutes (Rivière-du-Loup) and Parc de la Pointe (Rivière-du-Loup), Musée du Bas-Saint-Laurent (Rivière-du-Loup)

Night in Rivière-du-Loup