Québec

Bicycling: Day Trips To Paradise

Program No. 2760RJ
Bike through quaint towns, over covered bridges and rolling hills as you discover the charm of Vermont and Québec, learning local history from expert cyclists along the way.

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Protecting the Environment

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more

At a Glance

Enjoy the way cycling was meant to be as you explore the exquisite natural beauty of quaint rural communities, rolling green hills and the rich heritage of French Canada and Vermont along paved, idle roads. Experience the culture and delights along the way, as you pedal the unhurried, high-quality biking roads on both sides of the U.S.-Canada frontier.
Activity Level
Outdoor: Spirited
Daily rides on varied terrain, paved and rural roads and converted rails-to-trails, with modest inclines. Cycling around 25 miles per day over the course of approximately 5 hours, with frequent stops. Please be comfortable on a bike and with the use of gears. Please see photos and video above for examples of terrain and be prepared for days of vigorous exercise.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

What You'll Learn

  • Enjoy a variety of riding options over quiet, paved rural routes and converted rails-to-trails with scenic landscapes.
  • Explore historic towns, French cafés, local cheeses and wines, covered bridges and the charm of lovely Vermont and Québec villages.
  • Gain deeper insight into the history and natural wonders of the region from expert cyclists.

General Notes

Participants may bring own bikes or choose bike-rental option (standard or e-bike) at added cost. Helmets must be brought from home. Any participant-induced bicycle damage will be repaired at participant expense. Due to the nature of this program, listening devices will be unavailable
Featured Expert
All trip experts
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Stephen Giesler
Stephen Giesler lives for the outdoors and all the sporting pleasures that can be found there. As an instructor and active participant in Road Scholar’s outdoor programs, he is the person you want with you when you’re ready for an adventure. He has been downhill skiing since he was three, is a multiple Gold Bar Canadian Ski Marathoner, and has white water kayaked on four continents. Along with his wife Joy, they organize outdoor experiences in the countryside of southern Quebec and northern Vermont.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Stephen Giesler
Stephen Giesler View biography
Stephen Giesler lives for the outdoors and all the sporting pleasures that can be found there. As an instructor and active participant in Road Scholar’s outdoor programs, he is the person you want with you when you’re ready for an adventure. He has been downhill skiing since he was three, is a multiple Gold Bar Canadian Ski Marathoner, and has white water kayaked on four continents. Along with his wife Joy, they organize outdoor experiences in the countryside of southern Quebec and northern Vermont.
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Year
2024
  • 2024
Date
Oct 13 - Oct 18
  • Jun 16 - Jun 21
  • Jul 14 - Jul 19
  • Aug 11 - Aug 16
  • Aug 25 - Aug 30
  • Oct 13 - Oct 18
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Select trip year and date
2024
  • 2024
Oct 13 - Oct 18
  • Jun 16 - Jun 21
  • Jul 14 - Jul 19
  • Aug 11 - Aug 16
  • Aug 25 - Aug 30
  • Oct 13 - Oct 18
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
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6 days
5 nights
14 meals
5 B 4 L 5 D
DAY
1
Check-in, Registration, Welcome Dinner, Orientation
Glen Sutton, QC
D
Outdoor Lodge in Glen Sutton

Activity note: Lodge check-in available from 3:00 p.m. Remember to bring your nametag (sent previously).

Afternoon: Due to the remote location of this program, a scheduled complimentary shuttle is available from the airport in Burlington, VT, departing promptly at 3:30 p.m. Check-in time is 3:00-5:00 p.m. for those arriving independently. All levels of cyclists are welcome. Meet your hosts and fellow cyclists in the commodious Great Room with its fireplace and extensive library that provides a casual and comfortable spot for refreshments and lively conversation.

Dinner: At the Lodge in the open format kitchen and dining room. Enjoy high-end homestyle cooking with menus designed and prepared by our team of chefs. Bring your own alcoholic beverages if desired; alcohol is not served on site. In this age of fast cuisine, we think you’ll appreciate the effort that the dining team puts into their “from scratch” delicacies. Special dietary needs must be noted on the Participant Information Form. If you do not advise us of your requirements or special needs well in advance of your program, we may not be able to accommodate your requests once you arrive on the program.

Evening: Orientation: 7:30 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. We'll cover riding technique and safety, and outline the ride choices (we choose from 20 ride options (choosing one for each day) ranging from fairly flat to fairly hilly). Afterwards, there will be a talk about Glen Sutton, the Eastern Townships and the general scene in this part of the world. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

DAY
2
Bicycling Quebec’s Townships and Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom
Glen Sutton, QC
B,L,D
Outdoor Lodge in Glen Sutton

Activity note: Daily rides average 25 miles; some do more, some do less. People cycle at their own pace in small groups and may do more mileage depending upon ability. Getting in/out of a van; transfers to the start of cycling routes are between 20-50 minutes depending on selected routes. Cycling routes, with modest inclines, are nearly completely paved, with some others on Rails-to-Trails conversions (crushed limestone).

Breakfast: At the Lodge.

Morning: We will gather on the porch for the Tour du Jour Map at 9:00 a.m. We’ll choose from 20 different day rides (we pick one of them for each riding day) and get underway at 9:15 a.m. People cycle at their own pace in small groups and may do different mileage depending upon ability. Sag wagon always on patrol. Rides are almost always on pavement (good shoulders, very low traffic densities) which often sees more bicycles than cars on any given day.

Lunch: Bag lunches at a predesignated spot.

Afternoon: We will continue the day’s cycling. There is some time throughout the day for museums, country stores, local swimming holes, milkshakes, antiquing, etc. We are normally back at the Lodge between 3:30 and 4:30 p.m. where there is plenty of time for a swim, a snooze, or a snack.

Dinner: At the Lodge.

Evening: Evening lectures commence at 7:30 p.m. Topics might include Heart Healthy Living, Canadian History, American Invasions of Canada (1775 - 1871), Quebec Politics Since the Quiet Revolution, The Gerry Bull Story, Natural History, Native Canadian History, International Adventure Travel Tales.

DAY
3
Bicycling Quebec’s Townships and Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom
Glen Sutton, QC
B,L,D
Outdoor Lodge in Glen Sutton

Activity note: Daily rides average 25 miles; some do more, some do less. People cycle at their own pace in small groups and may do more mileage depending upon ability. Getting in/out of a van; transfers to the start of cycling routes are between 20-50 minutes depending on selected routes. Cycling routes, with modest inclines, are nearly completely paved, with some others on Rails-to-Trails conversions (crushed limestone).

Breakfast: At the Lodge.

Morning: We will meet on the porch, hand out the map of the day, and get underway on our day of cycling.

Lunch: Bag lunches at a predesignated spot.

Afternoon: Cycling continues.

Dinner: At the Lodge.

Evening: We will meet for our evening lecture at the Lodge.

DAY
4
Bicycling Quebec’s Townships and Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom
Glen Sutton, QC
B,L,D
Outdoor Lodge in Glen Sutton

Activity note: Daily rides average 25 miles; some do more, some do less. People cycle at their own pace in small groups and may do more mileage depending upon ability. Getting in/out of a van; transfers to the start of cycling routes are between 20-50 minutes depending on selected routes. Cycling routes, with modest inclines, are nearly completely paved, with some others on Rails-to-Trails conversions (crushed limestone).

Breakfast: At the Lodge.

Morning: We will meet on the porch, choose our ride, and get underway with our cycling.

Lunch: Bag lunches at a predesignated spot.

Afternoon: Cycling continues.

Dinner: At the Lodge.

Evening: At leisure. Each week has one free evening where guests can sample our world-class movie collection, play bridge, or sample some local theatre.

DAY
5
Bike Rides Continue, Lecture
Glen Sutton, QC
B,L,D
Outdoor Lodge in Glen Sutton

Activity note: Daily rides average 25 miles; some do more, some do less. People cycle at their own pace in small groups and may do more mileage depending upon ability. Getting in/out of a van; transfers to the start of cycling routes are between 20-50 minutes depending on selected routes. Cycling routes, with modest inclines are nearly completely paved, with some others on Rails-to-Trails conversions (crushed limestone).

Breakfast: At the Lodge.

Morning: We will meet on the porch, choose our ride, and get underway with our cycling.

Lunch: Bag lunches at a predesignated spot.

Afternoon: Cycling continues.

Dinner: At the Lodge. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.

Evening: We will meet for our final evening lecture. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.

DAY
6
Program Concludes
Glen Sutton, QC
B

Activity note: Lodge check-out by 10:00 a.m.

Breakfast: At the Lodge.

Morning: Departures after breakfast according to individual travel plans. The airport transfer will depart from the lodge at 9:00 a.m.; approximate arrival at the Burlington airport is 10:30 a.m. Check-out is 10:00 a.m. for those departing independently. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!






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