Biking in Gaspésie

Cycling through Gaspésie

In Gaspésie, a bike ride can take many forms depending on the area and the type of experience you’re looking for. In several towns, you’ll find 5 to 10 kilometre bike paths, perfect for stretching your legs or letting the kids ride. Elsewhere, you can pedal right on the sand: fatbiking—available for rent, as part of guided outings, or with your own bike—offers a fresh perspective on beaches and trails, in every season.

For road cycling enthusiasts, the Route verte crosses the peninsula over a long distance, following the route of Highway 132. But the journey doesn’t stop there: many side roads and country lanes allow you to create your own itinerary. And for cyclists seeking a challenge, a bikepacking route crosses Gaspésie from west to east along gravel trails in the backcountry. A grand adventure, rewarded by breathtaking scenery and a sense of pride with every kilometre.

Important Information

The challenging terrain of Route 132 includes nearly 40 climbs with inclines of more than 6%.
An 83 km stretch between Sainte-Madeleine-de-la-Rivière-Madeleine and Rivière-au-Renard is not recommended for cycling due to safety concerns. A public transit service is available.

To read on our blog

Our tips for preparing your bike rides

Explore Gaspésie by Bike

Percé (ville) Percé Municipalities

Credit: Trip Longer

Bike Touring

Traveling from place to place by bike in Gaspésie is a real challenge. The Route verte follows much of Highway 132 and circles the peninsula, with terrain that can be quite demanding. Along the way, 22 “Bienvenue cyclistes” establishments welcome cyclists, including hotels, inns, B&Bs, and campgrounds.
Forillon National Park Gaspé National Park - Paid access, over 70,000 visitors

Credit: Tourisme Gaspésie

Road Cycling

Many side roads and country lanes allow you to create day-trip routes. Depending on the area, you may follow rivers, pass through farmland or forested landscapes, encounter wind turbines, and sometimes cross covered bridges. Exercise caution on Route 132, where shoulders are often gravel and traffic is present.
Réserve faunique des Chic-Chocs

Credit: Trip Longer

Bikepacking

Bikepacking is done in the Gaspésie backcountry, on isolated gravel roads, often using a gravel bike. It is a challenging adventure, without cell coverage and far from services, requiring self-sufficiency and careful preparation. It should not be confused with bike touring, which is more accessible and can also include overnight stays at campgrounds.
Fatbike, Coin-du-Banc

Credit: Roger St-Laurent

Fatbiking

Throughout the region, 17 route ideas are offered, allowing you to ride along the coast on distances of up to 20 kilometres. You need to bring your own bike, except in Percé, where Camp de Base Gaspésie offers guided or self-guided tours. The activity is accessible year-round, even in winter.
Cycle path, Carleton-sur-Mer

Credit: Steve Deschênes

Bike Paths

Gaspésie has several municipal bike paths, on gravel or asphalt. Among the must-visit routes are Parc des Îles in Matane, Forillon National Park, the Gaspé trails, Espace Napaga, the Carleton-sur-Mer barachois, and Parc régional du Lac-Matapédia.