realskiers

Jim, Lynn,

We have little experience cycling in Quebec, but we have visited the province many times, both to Montreal and Quebec City.  In general, you will find no shortage of good biking trails and routes wherever you go.  There are many rails-to-trails gravel paths through the countryside, rural roads, urban bike paths....whatever you fancy, it's there.  The people there are avid cyclists, so you will feel right at home.

Some specifics...

Montreal:  I can't give better advice than what you posted above.  The sector of Old Montreal, the waterfront, Lachine Canal, and east to the rapids are great.  If you want to leave your bikes and go exploring on foot, away from where most tourists go and into an area where locals congregate, the Rue St. Denis from about Blvd. Maisonneuve north to Ave. du Mont Royal E. is really great -- lots of neat boutiques, cafes, restaurants.  I will send you some restaurant recommendations by email for some authentic French cuisine.

Quebec City:  the areas you posted are must-see, esp. the old town below the Chateau Frontenac.  Very charming.  But also check out the lower town at the east end of the city center, near the harbour.  There are some really interesting little streets with wonderful local bistros...again, locals only.  For cycling in the area outside of town, drive a bit east to the island Ile d'Orleans which is in the middle of the St. Lawrence river.  Very charming farm country, with some great views of the big river from the high land.  Pack a picnic.

When in Quebec City, I would highly recommend getting out of town into some of the small towns inland and along the river to see some of the countryside.  There is a 68 km rail trail just north of the city called the Velopiste Portneuf / Jacques Cartier.  Check out this link for maps:  http://www.quebecregion.com/en/what-to-do/ideas/cycling?a=vis

For rural roads along the shore, head east to Beaupre (about 30 min.), and a bit further to Baie St. Paul.  The latter is in the Charlevoix region, which is very scenic and charming.  And close to the Le Massif ski area!

Surrounding Quebec City there are the Piste Jacques Cartier/Portneuf, the Corridor des Cheminots as well as the Corridor de Littoral. Further east the Petite Timis connects the province to New Brunswick through a 130km link from Riviere du Loup to Edmunston. The paths through Gatineau provide the Hull/Ottawa region access to beautiful Gatineau Park while north of this the Pontiac PPJ streatches for 72km along the shores of the upper Ottawa River. [/b]

Ignore that bit of advice -- those places are hours of driving from the city.  Riviere du Loup and New Brunswick are way to the east.  Gatineau and Hull/Ottawa are about 4-1/2 hours drive west and north, in the other direction, past Montreal.

Enjoy the trip, and let me know if you need more details.....like what to eat!