The Québec City region is home to five amazing trail networks that boast some of the best mountain-biking trails anywhere in the world.

Vallée Bras-du-Nord features 100km of superb singletrack on two trail systems. Shannahan’s 70km of trails welcome beginners and families on the Delaney Falls route, while advanced riders can stretch their legs on Boréale, Légende and Neilson. The new Gravity sector, with its Bikepark-style trails, features jumps, berms and technical descents.

Intermediate to advanced riders will love Saint- Raymond’s 30km of well-cut narrow paths near the village, with short climbs and descents that are sure to bring a smile before enjoying a well-deserved pint at a microbrewery.

Mont-Sainte-Anne (MSA) has a global reputation. The trail network claims to be the largest in Eastern Canada with 137 kilometres of cross-country trails, 32 kilometres of downhill trails — all reachable by chairlift.

The award-winning Mountain Bike Park features a variety of trails, also offering a huge pump track, a new dual slalom, a mini-zone shore and two skills parks.

In October, MSA will host its 29th UCI Mountain Bike World Cup and celebrate its 32nd year of UCI events.

Sentiers du Moulin is a mountain biker’s paradise that’s only 20 minutes from Québec City. With 70km of mountain- bike and all-mountain trails for riders of all skill levels, a highlight is the unique “Slab City” trail where you can ride exclusively on porous granite for over one mile.

In partnership with Bikeskills, an exclusive mountain- bike coaching academy for beginners and experienced riders, Sentiers du Moulin offers a full range of clinics, private lessons, as well as corporate and guiding services.

Le Massif de Charlevoix delivers unique and unforgettable mountain biking experiences on nearly 40km of mountain-bike trails. Discover the longest vertical drop east of the Rockies, along with 23 downhill enduro-style trails.

A new upper-skill zone allows you to progress on turns and jumps. At the base of the mountain, a second zone allows you to learn the skills required for mountain biking. Plus, Le Massif has also teamed up with the Sentier des Caps to offer nearly 6km of adventure bike loops, while families can enjoy the 3km in the Cerise sur le Sundae trail with breathtaking views of the river.

Located near Lac Delage, only 20 minutes from Québec City, Empire 47 is the ideal place for families and school groups. The venue features more than 70km of well-maintained mountain-bike trails for riders of all levels. Their new MTB school, Evolution 47, is great for beginner, intermediate and advanced riders.

A relatively easy loop connects most of the trails with intermediate-level routes. A second summit features the new Nosferatu, a unique, expert, freeride trail with more than 40 gaps and jumps. More than 40 dedicated, professional and trained patrollers offer valuable advice, with assistance available in case of emergency.

The Adirondack region of New York State is a cycling mecca with fabulous scenic country roads, impressive landscapes and sparkling waters.

The latest addition to their stunning array of cycling opportunities is the new 34-mile Adirondack Rail Trail (ART) that is destined to be one of the nation’s premier, year-round recreation trails for bicyclists, runners, walkers, birders and wheelchair users, as well as for snowmobiles, snowshoeing and skiing in winter.

The rail trail is a key component of the recently completed 2020 Remsen-Lake Placid Travel Corridor Unit Management Plan (UMP) Amendment, which provides a blueprint for sustainably developing the picturesque 119-mile travel corridor as both a rail trail and a scenic railroad to bolster tourism and further recreation opportunities.

Phase 1 of the ART from Lake Placid to Saranac Lake, a 9.9-mile section, has been completed. Lake Placid, home to two Winter Olympics, is a major tourist destination, and Saranac Lake is the largest village in the Adirondacks. Both offer many restaurants, inns, hotels, historical sites and outdoor recreation opportunities.

Phase 2, from Saranac Lake to Floodwood, features 15.25 miles and a change in scenery as the terrain becomes wilder, with lake crossings, wetlands, woods and open fields. The Floodwood area has opportunities to swim, fish or picnic.

The final 8.4-mile section takes you from Floodwood to Tupper Lake where you’ll find the Wild Center, formerly known as the Natural History Museum of the Adirondacks. This delightful museum has amenities for all ages, a cafeteria and a gift shop.

The planned super-smooth bike surface will initially end here and is slated to be completed in 2025. Featuring no more than a 2% grade, the trail is open to people of all ages and abilities, and Class 1 e-bikes are allowed.

Founded in 2010, the Adirondack Rail Trail Association (ARTA) is a trail-town not-for-profit organization that represents and promotes the business and municipal interests along the trail and represents over 13,000 citizens, 400 businesses and six representative governments. ARTA is funded by grants, donations, member dues, underwriting, sponsorships and merchandise sales.

At 1,050km, the Meuse Cycle Route is one of the shortest members of the EuroVelo family. It’s also one of the newest routes, joining the network in 2019. Following one of the most important rivers in Europe through France, Belgium and the Netherlands, this attractive EuroVelo 19 cycling adventure, featuring three UNESCO World Heritage sites, has quickly become one of the top five most popular routes.

Welcoming cyclists of all levels, your journey begins at the source of the Meuse River on the Langres Plateau in the village of Pouilly-en-Bassigny in Haute-Marne. Ride to Neufchâteau, an area that boasts rich architectural heritage, and then head through Joan of Arc territory as you pass numerous fortifications, to the Verdun Battlefield.

As you exit Verdun, try the Vélo Rail in Forges-sur-Meuse and make a stop at the European Museum of Beer in Stenay. Then it’s on to Le Chateau Fort de Sedan to take in the largest fortified castle in Europe before reaching Charleville- Mézières, the gateway to the Ardennes.

The Meuse has cut its path between Monthermé to Givet, as the route takes you through the wildest part of the French Ardennes with remarkable viewpoints and rock formations.

As you enter Belgium en route to the imposing fortifications of the Namur Citadel, explore Hierges with its medieval château and Givet dominated by the Fort Charlemont. Take time to visit Namur, the region’s largest city and the capital of Wallonia, as you head to Liège.

Along the way, don’t miss the Ramioul Prehistomuseum, one of the largest museums of prehistory in Europe. In Liège, an impressive new cycle-pedestrian bridge connects the Guillemins district to the recently opened “La Boverie” Museum.

The Dutch part of the Meuse Cycle route features ferries that allow you to cycle from the Netherlands to Belgium and back in an afternoon — an absolute must. Then it’s on to the historical city centre of Roermond across Northern Limburg, as you pass the dragon’s village of Beesel where, every seven years, the legend of St. George and the dragon is acted out.

At Den Bosch, known as a magnificent fortress city that hosts many nationally renowned cultural events, explore the many cozy restaurants and cafés. From Den Bosch, head to the fortified town of Woudrichem before continuing on through the Biesbosch National Park.

Visit the island of Dordrecht, and then cycle on top of dykes through the Hoeksche Waard National Landscape and view ships along the New Waterway known as the “Gateway to Rotterdam” as you reach the end of this stellar cycling adventure. Rotterdam is part of a cycling junction network with more than 600km of bike paths to explore.