megram - Index

megram - 55JulGTA - Index

views as you ride along the paved trail
on the other side of the river. I found
lots of bikes and bike racks on the
ferry as this recreational path is very
popular. I could head east or west
from the docking area, and the paved
trail is about 15 kilometres from one
end to the other.
Further afield
In addition to these bike paths, I
also discovered some nice routes in
the Quebec City area. I particularly
liked the 67-kilometre ride around Île
d’Orléans, the island known as the
Garden of Quebec. I had a tough
climb upon arrival to the island, but
then it was relatively flat and pleasurable
after that.
I passed several interesting villages
en route. Saint-Pierre is
renowned for its cheese. Saint-
François has one of the oldest rural
schools in Quebec. Sainte-Famille has
a genealogy center that tells the story
of the families who originally settled
on Île d’Orleans. Saint-Laurent has a
boat-building interpretation centre.
Saint-Jean has Mauvide-Genest Manor,
an architectural relic of 18th-century
New France, and its naval cemetery
records generations of sailors who
lived and worked along the St.
Lawrence.
Other worthwhile cycle trips just
east of the city include the 55-kilometre
Marie-Hélène-Prémont Route
along the picturesque Côte-de-
Beaupré and the 11-kilometre Cap
Tourmente Loop through a very
popular bird-watching area via quiet
roads. And no mountain biker would
want to miss the cross-country trails
and thrilling downhill runs at nearby
Mont-Sainte-Anne.
Canada’s oldest city and its surrounding
area offer a variety of
cycling opportunities with all facilities
nearby. And there are no worries
at all riding the trails solo.
John Smith is an avid cyclist and
writer from Carrying Place, Ontario.
For more information
Quebec City Tourism
www.quebecregion.com
1 418 641-6654
July/August 2008 • 55 • Fifty-Five Plus Magazine