Vélo Québec has launched a new interactive platform aimed at making it easier for cyclists to plan routes across the province.
The digital tool, called “Québec à vélo,” is available on the organization’s website and features an interactive map highlighting road routes, bike paths, gravel roads, as well as mountain biking and fatbiking centres. Officials say the platform includes both day trips and multi-day itineraries, with details on distance, difficulty level, elevation gain, nearby accommodations, attractions and essential services.
“Tools such as Québec à vélo play a key role in raising awareness and structuring Quebec’s cycling offer, by allowing visitors to plan trips that reflect their image,” said Isabelle Charlebois, Executive Director of Tourisme Cantons-de-l’Est. “In the Eastern Townships, this platform is becoming a concrete lever for discovering the entire cycling network in the region and appreciating all its diversity. With the great diversity of circuits through varied landscapes and an offer that combines the outdoors, local flavours and human encounters, cycling is a privileged way to explore the territory.”
Users can also create personalized routes using a built-in planner, break them into stages and discover suggested stops tailored to their journey.
In addition, the platform offers a comprehensive tourism directory, showcasing services, activities and points of interest in each region.
The launch comes amid growing interest in cycling tourism in Quebec. More than 1.2 million people explore the province by bike each year, generating an estimated $803 million in tourism spending, over three million overnight stays and supporting nearly 6,400 jobs.
“This project demonstrates our industry’s commitment to developing the tourism sector in a more responsible and sustainable way,” said Amélie Dionne, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Bas-Saint-Laurent region and the Gaspésie-Îles-de-la-Madeleine region. “It is thanks to projects like this one that tourism is positioned as a lever for intervention to contribute to the development of our territories and the vitality of the regions.”
Officials say the tool was developed in collaboration with 12 founding regional tourism associations, including those representing Cantons-de-l’Est, Destination Québec Cité, Montérégie, Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, Bas-Saint-Laurent, Gaspésie, Outaouais, Charlevoix, Centre-du-Québec, Chaudière-Appalaches, Lanaudière and Mauricie.
“With Le Québec à vélo, Vélo Québec is finally offering a unified showcase to showcase Quebec’s entire cycling offer – a true national jewel! – and strengthen Quebec’s positioning as a world-class cycling destination,” said Jean-François Rheault, CEO of Vélo Québec. “This is a mobilizing project that reflects our determination to promote the collective commitment of the bicycle and tourism industry and strengthens Quebec’s leadership in this area.”
Vélo Québec says the platform is intended to help structure and grow the province’s cycling tourism sector in a sustainable way.
