If you’re an American cyclist, maybe you have longed to visit Europe for a cycling trip so you can ride the roads of the Grand Tours and Spring Classics. Maybe you’re dreaming about, perhaps, cycling through France, Spain, or Italy, or even visiting another country in Europe to explore on your bike.
Then again, the flight to Europe is expensive, it’s crowded with tourists, and although you could bring your bike, you’ll need to tear it down and pack it in a case, pay a luggage fee to travel with it, then reassemble it once you arrive at your destination. You might wonder if there is a cheaper and easier alternative. Yes, there is and it exists in Quebec, Canada where you can get the feel of Europe and ride the La Route Verte.
What and Where is La Route Verte?
La Route Verte (French for Green Road) is located in the province of Quebec. It evolved out of a partnership between Velo Quebec and the Government of Quebec in 1995. Over the next 12 years, a cycle path was carved out and opened to cyclists in 2007.
La Route Verte has the distinction of being designated as the longest network of bicycle trails in North America (and in the world) at 5,400 kilometers (3,335 miles). Only the newly opened Trans Dinarica in the Western Balkans of Europe can compare at 5,500 kilometers.
The La Route Verte allows cyclists to not only explore Quebec but also allows them to “…travel from region to region with ease [from] Québec to Ontario, New Brunswick and the U.S….” The bike road has featured in many media outlets, including National Geographic.
Is La Route Verte Just for Hardcore Cyclists?
The short answer is no. The route was built to encourage cycling and tourism in Quebec and, in a wider sense, all of Canada. La Route Verte is open for use by every kind of cyclist and all types of cycling.
It not only features bike paths, but La Route Verte also has “… a number of loops, for every type of cyclist: from quiet country backroads to paved shoulders to off-road trails – many of which have breathed new life into abandoned rail lines, far away from motor vehicle traffic and close in touch with nature.”
Along the route, cyclists will encounter many small Canadian towns where they can partake in accommodations, restaurants, and views not available to tourists trapped inside their motor vehicles. These routes are also considered very safe with no vehicle traffic.
Last Thoughts
If you’re thinking about putting that European cycling venture on hold until the state of the world stabilizes, then the choice of Quebec for a cycling adventure is a good alternative. You’ll not only get the environment of a European country in Canada (French is the primary language in Quebec), you’ll also have access to an endless array of cycling.
Plus, if you’re anywhere in America, Canada is easily accessible. Once you’re on La Route Verte and immersed in the act of riding, the thought of riding in Europe will quickly dissipate. Plus, Canada is the second largest country in the world, so even if you grow tired of exploring Quebec and beyond via cycling, there are areas such as Montreal, Banff National Park, and Toronto that are worth your time. I hope you get to check out La Route Verte soon.
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