Experience the thrill in Bas-Saint-Laurent

Writing

Laura Martin, she shares her crushes and discoveries with us for our greatest happiness!

Article published on June 22, 2026

Why settle for riding in just one mountain bike trail network when you can discover two or three… or even seven in a single trip? Go ahead, tell me! In just a few years, Bas-Saint-Laurent has built a charming network of sites, each with its own identity, yet all driven by the same goal: to give you the ride of your life!

Whether you feel like spinning along the river at Sentiers du Portage or heading into the mountains at Mont-Saint-Mathieu, tackling technical trails or more family-friendly routes, you’ll find plenty to keep both your legs… and your pedals busy during your vacation!

Mountain biking in Bas-Saint-Laurent is a recent development. Most of the trails have been built or revamped over the past few years.

“As with many outdoor activities, interest in mountain biking exploded during the pandemic,” says Alexandre Bibeau, development advisor at Tourisme Bas-Saint-Laurent, whose role is to create synergy among these playgrounds.

The result: today, every corner of the region boasts at least one small paradise for adrenaline seekers.

Because these trail networks are new, they meet current Vélo Québec development standards and reflect modern trends, with wooden boardwalks, jump features and progression zones.

“Our trail centres were designed based on the needs and interests of today’s riders. You’ll still find some slightly more old-school sections, with rustic trails and exposed roots.

However, the focus is now more on targeted experiences and skill development, for a clientele made up more of young parents than thrill-seeking teens.”

Another advantage: most of the infrastructure has been developed right in the heart of towns and villages, rather than deep in the woods. This means cyclists can easily reach some of the best microbreweries and pizzerias to reward themselves after a few hours of riding.

“People who come here to bike can also take the opportunity to discover the region’s other attractions and mix things up, in a way that reflects the Bas-Saint-Laurent lifestyle.

Everything is close by! And there’s nothing quite like riding in front of a sunset…”

Sentiers du Portage, Notre-Dame-du-PortagePatric Nadeau

Several sites are also managed by highly motivated clubs that organize numerous events to spread the word and bring more enthusiasts on board. Don’t hesitate to check out their Facebook pages to discover their programming!

(And if you pass a girl with a purple face on the climb, that’s me.)

Vélo de montagne Mont-Saint-Mathieu

121, chemin du Lac Sud,
Saint-Mathieu-de-Rioux,
Québec G0L 3T0

T. 4187382298

Website

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Les Sentiers du Portage

220 Côte de la Mer (entrée devant la rue des Îles),
Notre-Dame-du-Portage,
Québec G0L 1Y0

T. 4188629163

Website

See the card

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