The Best Mountain Biking Trails in Québec City

Distance from downtown: 42 km (26 mi.)
Maximum elevation gain: 619 m
Nearly 165 km of singletracks and forest roads

Why ride the trails at Mont-Sainte-Anne?

• Vast selection of cross-country and downhill trails, some with spectacular views of the St. Lawrence River
• Fantastic facilities for the whole familyincluding a pump track, playground, and a fitness trail
• Regular venue for international events such as the Mountain Bike World Cup
• Plenty of great activities nearby: hiking, paragliding, Nordic spas, via ferrata, canyoning, and agro-tourism
• New 4.5 km long enduro track accessible to beginners from the top of the mountain.

The world of mountain biking has no shortage of epic trails, but for racing, there’s nothing quite like Mont Sainte Anne, just thirty minutes from Québec’s city centre. Mont-Saint-Anne is the only mountain in Québec City where it is possible to practice 3 styles of mountain biking: downhill, enduro and cross-country. The trail network is huge and deserves to be explored.

Which trails to ride?

The downhill sector is among the most difficult and technical terrain in the province. In recent years, the resort has chosen to make riding accessible to all cyclists, by developing 2 downhill trails adapted for beginners and intermediates. 
 
The enduro and the cross-country areas are basically filled with trails where endurance, adventure and technical challenges meet. Some of the “old school” ones are strewn with rocks and roots, while others have been designed to make the descent smooth and flowy. One definitely worth trying out is the Bouttaboutte, which is the only trail that crosses the whole mountain, from the campground to the base. 

Where to sleep?

The newly renovated Delta Marriott Mont-Sainte-Anne, welcomes visitors at the foot of the trails and their bike in/bike out formula is perfect to experience the mountain at its best! For a more rustic stay, the Mont-Sainte-Anne campground is located at the head of the cross-country area and is perfectly adapted to cyclists, especially families. 

Where to eat and drink?

The Shack à Patate in St-Ferréol-les-Neiges has become a local’s favourite. They serve good fast food and have a small fridge with some local craft beers, available to drink on the spot. It is located near the exit of the Mont-Sainte-Anne campground and is definitely worth a stop. The new Brasseur des Monts craft brewery is also popular for a drink after an epic ride.

What to do in the area?

The surrounding nature, especially from Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area all the way to Canyon Sainte-Anne, is amazing. 

Distance from downtown: St-Raymond sector 57 km (35 mi.) / Shannahan sector 84 km (52 mi.)
Maximum elevation gain: 538 m
110 km of singletracks

Why ride the trails at Vallée Bras-du-Nord?

• A series of long, narrow, fast trails with magnificent riverside stretches
• Plenty of gentle, rolling trails perfect for beginners
• A great variety of onsite activities: canoeing, hiking, canyoning and Via Ferrata

It is a beautiful and amazing outdoor destination! The center features a network of mainly cross-country mountain bike trails, renowned for their exceptional quality. 

Which trails to ride?

The Shannahan sector is a gorgeous wild valley, where many rivers and waterfalls add to the charm of the landscape. The long rolling singletracks are very well-maintained, making it easy to experience epic long rides. "Les Sucrées" is a famous area of the park with low gradient and hardened sand surface, which is fun and very easy to ride for everyone. The Saint-Raymond sector is the country side of the valley. It is located close to the village and the services. Trails are shorter and more technical, both uphill and downhill, which makes short & quick rides accessible for more experienced cyclists.

Where to stay?

Vallée Bras-du-Nord offers lodging for all tastes in the Shannahan sector: cottage, yurt, shacks and a campground. In Saint-Raymond, the Roquemont Hotel is located at the welcome center, right next to the resto-pub.

Where to eat and drink?

To discover the best poutine in the area, a detour to Ti-Oui in the village of Saint-Raymond is totally worth it! Looking for a more diversified menu? The Microbrewery Resto-Pub Le Roquemont is definitely your best option, as they support mountain biking, on the top of serving delicious food and very tasty craft beers! In fact, each sale of their “Singletrack” beer, raises funds for the park’s trail maintenance and their “Légende” beer, is exclusive to the merchants of St-Raymond. We suggest you try it out, since it’s the most popular one among riders!

What to do in the area?

The Shannahan sector is full of activities: hiking, river rafting, canyoning and via ferrata. In addition to that, there are several beach accesses available along the river, if you wish to relax and take it easy at the end of a long day out riding. 

Distance from downtown: 25 km (16 mi.)
Maximum elevation gain: 253 m 
More than 60 km of singletracks

Why ride the trails at Sentiers du Moulin?

• Closest biking area to downtown, perfect for combining a ride with another activity
• A network of fun, technically challenging trails
• Several trails run along the side of the mountain
• Modern reception chalet offering all services and fun after-bike.

Recognized as one of the most challenging and technical bike parks in the Québec City’s region, Les Sentiers du Moulin (SDM) offers the ultimate enduro experience, even though it also abounds in cross-country and freeride trails.

Which trails to ride?

The SDM area has been welcoming riders since 2010. The trails are natural and technical, and the presence of rocks and roots increases the level of difficulty and challenge. The famous Super G, the most ridden trail in Québec, is found at Sommet 1.

The Maelstrom sector, which was recently developed, offers a mix of highly technical natural trails and fast rolling descents. Make sure to study the map and to look at recommendations before trying out the expert sections and trails.
 
Two jump lines and a paved pump track are found near the Welcome Center, which makes them easily accessible to anyone wanting to practice and improve their riding skills.

Where to stay?

The Entourage sur-le-Lac Hotel, located only a few kilometres away from Les Sentiers du Moulin, is very welcoming to cyclists. Located on a private beach on the shores of Lac-Beauport, the hotel combines modern design and comfort, while offering a wide range of activities and entertainment, to ensure you have an amazing stay. It is the perfect destination in Québec City to have a good time after a big day out riding.

Where to eat and drink?

Les Sentiers du Moulin experience won't be complete without trying out La Buvette’s terrace, which is located at the foot of the trails. The relaxed atmosphere, the simple & healthy menu, as well as their great offer of Québec’s local craft beers, is a very popular & awesome way to end a fun day of riding.

What to do in the area?

The Sibéria Spa will definitely be your best option, if you wish to pamper yourself and relax your whole body and mind, after a long day out on the trails. Located right by a river in the middle of nature, it is the ideal place to enjoy outdoor Scandinavian-style whirlpools, saunas and even get a massage. For a more lively and animated evening, Les Sentiers du Moulin is located less than a 30-minute drive from downtown Old Québec, which offers many options for amazing dining & a fun night out!
 

Distance from downtown: 30 km (19 mi.)
Maximum elevation gain: 266 m
Nearly 75 km of singletracks 

Why ride the trails at Empire 47?

• A networks of trails perfect for beginners with few steep uphills
• Some technically challenging trails
• Jump lines to practice your skills
• On-site accommodation and recreational activities

The variety of the network makes Empire 47 a destination of choice, for just about every type of mountain bikers. Families, beginners, experts, as well as cross-country, enduro or freeride enthusiasts, will all find something to meet their needs and expectations.

Which trails to ride?

The family sector located at the bottom of the mountain has low variation in elevation and many kilometres to pedal, which makes it fun for all ages. 
 
The summit 1 (150 meters of elevation gain) is an excellent compromise between uphill and downhill. It will give you access to many beautiful enduro-style trails and lots of fun options.
 
It requires a good climbing effort to reach the summit 410 (270 meters of elevation gain), but the reward of the descent is totally worth it! A pretty cool skills park, as well as the largest pump track found Quebec's region, are both located next to the Welcome Center... if you wish to warm up while practicing your skills, or to end your day in a fun & playful way!

Where to stay? 

Manoir du Lac-Delage is the immediate neighbour of E47, but the bike park’s proximity with downtown, makes a wide range of accommodations available within about 20 minutes' drive.

Where to eat and drink?

La Souche Microbrewery offers delicious craft beers and as well as a small and tasty menu. Their famous "Boules du bûcheron" is the perfect gourmet combo after a day out mountain biking. For more of a European flavour in your choice of menu, we recommend you try the breads and the delectable pastries of Pascal le Boulanger, located right next to the highway’s exit.

What to do in the area?

A few kilometres away from the center, you will find the Marais du Nord park, which is an exceptional natural environment to visit. Walking trails and boat rentals allow visitors to discover the unique flora and fauna found in the area.

Distance from downtown: 80 km (50 mi.) to the summit / 95 km (59 mi.) to the base of the mountain
Maximum vertical drop: 700 m 
Nearly 40 km 

Why ride the  trails at Massif de Charlevoix?

• New site offering a breathtaking view of the St. Lawrence River and the Charlevoix mountains
• Highest elevation east of the Rockies allowing very long descents
• Majority of rolling trails, perfect for beginners and intermediates
• Accommodation on site and various outdoor activities nearby

The largest vertical drop east of the Rockies is found less than an hour’s drive from downtown Québec City. Le Massif is where you will find nice long flowy descents, filled with fun turns, following one another... All while having a breathtaking view of the St. Lawrence River.

Which trails to ride?

This growing network offers a nice diversity of progressive trail options. While the long, mechanically-made ones are very flowy and will seduce beginners and intermediate riders, new and more difficult natural trails will totally charm those seeking a higher level of challenge.

Where to sleep?

Le Massif offers lodging at the top of the mountain, close to the trails, or in a condo at the bottom of the slopes, near the lifts and the river. 

Where to eat and drink?

Located in the middle of nature with a breathtaking panoramic view of the river and the surrounding mountains & villages, L'Effet Papillon Buvette de Montagne restaurant is definitely worth grabbing some food and drinks there. Baie-Saint-Paul, a nearby village, is also an amazing option to dine out and have a few drinks. The Saint-Pub restaurant of the Charlevoix Microbrewery is a great place for the epicureans visiting the region. It is located in the heart of the village and offers a simple menu of homemade beers and very high-quality food, mainly made with local regional products. Also, in July, Le Festif! is an amazing venue gathering local and international music artists... not to be missed.

What to do in the area?

In the evening, ride the chairlift over nearly 6 km (3.7 miles) and see a whole new side of the mountain on a gravity-defying journey full of light, sound, and emotion. L’Oiseau Mécanique (The Mechanical Bird) is the world’s first nighttime mountainside carousel. Baie-Saint-Paul is a place where arts and gastronomy meet. Always very lively, the village is a pleasant place to wander around. You can walk to the waterfront, where there is a beach area, visit a bunch of art galleries or simply stay around the main street and enjoy its fun, social & artsy vibe. It is a very charming place and you will absolutely love it!

Québec City is a winter capital, so it’s no surprise that biking in the snow is catching on fast on local trails. Special bikes with super wide wheels, known as “fat bikes", are the perfect ride for winter conditions, and a great way to stretch out the cycling season.