Bicycle Tours in Canada: Cycling Ottawa to Montreal

Day 1: Burlington, Vermont

Make your way to downtown Burlington and the Marriott Courtyard Burlington Harbor. This is a newer Courtyard and overlooks Lake Champlain in Burlington - Vermont's vibrant and cosmopolitan small city that features an active arts and outdoors culture. The hotel is just a few blocks from the Church Street Marketplace, Burlington's pedestrian-friendly commercial district. Numerous shops and restaurants, complete with the works of local artisans and fresh, locally sourced foods, await your discovery. Stroll to the waterfront and enjoy views extending over the sparkling waters of Lake Champlain to the Adirondack Mountains that frame the skyline. The sunsets over Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks rival those anywhere. Enjoy dinner on your own at one of many outstanding restaurants in town.

Day 2: Ottawa

Your tour leaders will pick you up at the Courtyard at 8 am for the scenic four hour drive through the countryside of upstate New York to Ottawa. Upon arrival at the Lord Elgin Hotel, an elegant Ottawa landmark, your leader will fit you to your bike, conduct a route review, and provide an introduction to Ottawa. Loosen up your legs with an afternoon spin along bike paths looping around the city. Watch boats navigate the locks on the Rideau Canal and stop to visit impressive Parliament Hill, Canada's government seat. The Bytown Museum, overlooking the locks on the Rideau Canal where the canal meets the Ottawa River, is Ottawa's oldest stone building and houses over 7000 artifacts dating to the city's origins in 1826. Following your afternoon ride, return to your lodging for the next two nights at the Lord Elgin, ideally located in the heart of downtown. Join your tour mates for dinner this evening at the Hotel's outstanding restaurant, Grill 41. Cycling Options: 20 and 35 miles.

Day 3: Ottawa

Ottawa rolls out its best on Sundays when several major parkways in the downtown area are open only to bicycles and pedestrians. Spin through the wide streets or cross the Ottawa River to ride the famed Gatineau Park road bike loop - free of vehicular traffic! For those who want to spend the day cycling, opt for the longer loops and hilly terrain in the wilderness of Gatineau Park on the Quebec side of the Ottawa River. Immerse yourself in the best of Ottawa by spending the morning on your bike and then visiting the city's finest sites in the afternoon. The Byward Market is one of Canada's oldest public markets and is just a few blocks from the Lord Elgin. What began as a rough working class neighborhood in the 1830's has evolved into one of Ottawa's trendiest neighborhoods. The Market features a farmer's market, artisans, shops and restaurants. The National Gallery of Canada is located on the edge of the Market. Dinner this evening is on your own in the city, with an array of fine options just steps from the Hotel. Cycling Options: 15, 30, 50 or 88 miles.

Day 4: Montebello

Leave the Capital City behind as you follow bike paths east along the Ottawa River. The suburbs soon give way give way to farmland and fields of sheep, dairy cows, and seas of grain. Enjoy a stretch of riding on a rail trail that bisects fields and woodlands. Rejoin the Ottawa River along a remote section of road where the miles just seem to fly by. Cross the river on a small locally owned ferry to the Fairmont Montebello, an immense and historic log lodge - the largest in the world - where "old world charm meets nature's splendor." Built on the site of a 17th-century seigniorial estate, this stunning property has earned a well-deserved reputation as one of Canada's top luxury resorts. Relax on the grounds, in the pool, or enjoy a massage or treatment in their luxurious spa. Immerse yourself in the finest of rustic elegance. Dinner this evening is in the Montebello's dining room or on the terrace overlooking the river. Cycling Option: 66 miles.

Day 5: St-Marthe

Quiet back roads and small hamlets of eastern Ontario and western Quebec rule the day as you continue east toward Montreal. Today marks your introduction to more consistently French-speaking locals. Following a leisurely start to the morning, you will return across the Ottawa River to continue cycling through farmland. The rural nature of the region makes for peaceful and relaxing cycling during your final day before arriving in the bustling city of Montreal. Rejoin the rail trail for a segment of the ride before entering St-Marthe and arriving at Auberge des Gallants. This country oasis features gourmet dining and a spa in a quiet peaceful setting. Relax in the pool or Jacuzzi before dinner or indulge in a massage in the Auberge's spa. Please make reservations directly with the Auberge for massage or spa treatments (after 3:00 pm). On a clear evening the stargazing from the patio is tops. Cycling Option: 53 miles.

Day 6: Montreal

Begin the day on country roads as you continue east toward Montreal. Wind you way along the Chemin du Canal - a bike path that parallels the Saint Lawrence River. Follow bike paths into Old Montreal to the chic St-Sulpice Hotel. This boutique hotel is located on a quiet cobblestone street in the heart of Old Montreal, just around the corner from Notre-Dame Basilica and just steps from some of the city's finest restaurants. The Saint Sulpice perfectly blends old world charm with modern style and amenities. Spacious suites feature French windows - that actually open - as well as large flat screen televisions and Nespresso machines. Guests of the Hotel receive privileged rates at Spa Scandinave which features Scandinavian baths and massage. The Old Port has transformed into a vibrant neighborhood where people live, work, and play, and boutiques, markets, restaurants and galleries line the narrow streets. This evening enjoy dinner on your own in one of Old Montreal's restaurants. Cycling Option: 65 miles.

Day 7: Montreal

This morning your Montreal-based guide will lead you by bike on a tour of several of the city's sites and provide you with an insider perspective of this colorful internationally flavored city. Ride your bike on the Formula One Grand Prix race track - an experience that ads a whole new dimension to your cycling! Climb the gradual and winding route up Mont Royal and enjoy a ride through the city's charming neighborhoods and parks. This afternoon you can continue cycling with your tour leader or venture off to explore the streets of Old Montreal or perhaps take the Metro to visit Atwater Market or points beyond. The Notre Dame Basilica, just around the corner from the St-Sulpice, is a historic and beautiful architectural masterpiece whose history dates to the mid 1600's. This immense, twin-towered Gothic structure features similarities (by design) in interior design to Sainte-Chapelle in Paris. Cycling Options: 15-45 miles.

Day 8: Burlington, Vermont

Cross the river and pedal out of the city to Chambly where you can visit the historic fort that sits along the rapids. Ride the canal bicycle path south paralleling the Richelieu River to St-Jean-sur Richelieu where following a farewell picnic lunch, you will be transferred back across the border to Burlington airport. We recommend that you not schedule a flight out of BTV any earlier than 6:00 pm this evening. Post-tour lodging arrangements are available for those wishing to spend an additional night in Burlington. Those extending their stay in Burlington will be transported to their lodging following the airport drop-off. Cycling Options: 30 miles.