This intermediate-level, 77-kilometer bike route in the Bas-Saint-Laurent runs entirely on paved roads, unlike Vélo Québec’s Églantiers loop (55 km), which includes a 14-kilometer gravel section. The cycling tour follows a sort of elongated rectangle running parallel to the St. Lawrence River.
To get there by car, take the St-Pascal exit and head toward Kamouraska. Parking at the village church is free.
The bike route begins heading southwest, first along Route 132 toward Saint-Denis-De La Bouteillerie. Cyclists are treated to beautiful views along the way, whether of ancestral houses, flower-filled or plowed fields, farms, monadnocks, the river, or the mountains in the distance. When I was there, a massive drone controlled from the roadside was spraying crops.
Once you reach Saint-Denis-De La Bouteillerie, turn left onto Route 287 and continue toward Saint-Philippe-de-Néri. Eventually, you’ll pass under Highway 20 and reach Route 230. There, turn left again and ride along Route 230 to Saint-Alexandre-de-Kamouraska. Generally speaking, the route heads northeast.
In Saint-Alexandre-de-Kamouraska, a left turn brings you onto Route 289, which you follow until you reach Route 132, near the river. Along the way, a long downhill stretch allows for a bit of a break and allows to reach a speed of 60 km/h. For reference, by the time you turn onto Route 289, you’ll have already covered about 50 kilometers.
Once you reach Route 132, turn left to ride along the river and head back toward Kamouraska. At this point, there are between 15 and 20 kilometers left to go. A possible stopover is the small lighthouse in Saint-André de Kamouraska.
Throughout this hike, there are several opportunities to take a shortcut inland to reach Kamouraska more quickly. This can be helpful if you’re tired, injured, or for any other reasons.
Once you’re back in the village of Kamouraska, there are a few interesting spots worth visiting to grab a bite, pick up some unique souvenirs, and even take a walk near the beach.
Have a great trip!
Seaside and flowers at Kamouraska
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