Retrace the Route of Early French Explorers from Burlington, Vermont to Quebec City on a Bike Tour with Sojourn
Burlington, VT, May 02, 2010 --(PR.com)-- Back by popular demand, this bike tour from Burlington, VT to Quebec City debuted by Sojourn in 2009 will again be offered this July and August. The trip was first planned as a specialty tour in celebration of the 400th anniversary of the discovery of Lake Champlain in 1609. This unique bike tour is a Sojourn exclusive, following a route that passes through charming villages and rural farmland along the major rivers of Canada's French-speaking province of Quebec.
Cyclists meet in Burlington, VT and venture north into Canada on country roads and bicycle paths on a route that closely traces the one sailed by French explorer Samuel de Champlain as he extended his exploration from Québec City and the settlement he established there nearly 300 miles to the lake that bears his name.
The tour parallels waterways throughout its entirety; first following the shores of Lake Champlain through the Champlain Islands and continues along the Richelieu River to its confluence with the mighty Saint Lawrence, one of the great rivers of the world. From there, cyclists will follow the St. Lawrence along its north shore, biking the entire route to Quebec City. The route covers relatively level terrain, provides uncompromising views and there’s a good chance of a prevailing tail wind.
Much of the Canadian portion of the trip follows portions of La Route Verte, North America’s longest bicycling route extending over 4000 kilometers. The Route Verte is comprised of bicycle paths, secondary or rural roadways with lighter traffic specially designated for bicycling use, and main roads that have a wide shoulder suitable for safe cycling.
The Sojourn bike tour also includes sections of the Chemin du Roy which is the oldest road in Canada having been constructed in the 1730’s. The road is the land-based counterpart to the St. Lawrence River and is the historic route between Montreal and Quebec City, along which the heritage of Quebec was formed.
Cyclists will have endless opportunities to explore noteworthy points of interest such as Forts Lenox and Chambly. Fort Lenox, located on an island in the mouth of the Richelieu River, was captured by the Americans in 1775 and then used by the British in the War of 1812. Fort Chambly was lost to the British in the French and Indian Wars and then captured by the Americans in their 1775 invasion of Canada.
Picturesque small villages, cideries, cheese producers and the longest pier in Canada are all part of the bike tour route. The final section of the tour will travel along the spectacular Promenade Samuel-de-Champlain into the most European of all North American cities—Quebec City. This small city perched on the shores of the great river retains its French roots in its language, architecture, and culture. Visiting Quebec City is the easiest way for Americans to get a dose of European culture minus the overseas travel.
Participants will tour historic Quebec City with an engaging local guide. The intimate Le Saint Pierre, a lovely country inn in the heart of the Old Port, is the perfect base from which to explore the City. Narrow streets are lined with bistros and boutiques in classic European style in the Petit-Champlain and neighboring historic Place Royale, North America's oldest commercial market. The culture and cuisine of this historic and biking-friendly city is unparalleled.
Québec is a cycling-friendly province and routes are primarily a combination of rural roads and bike paths. In addition to being a cycling-friendly province, Québec is also French-speaking province. While many Québécois also speak some English, they always appreciate attempts to communicate in French. One of the tour leaders who will be guiding this trip hails from Québec and is fully bilingual. At the conclusion of the trip, guests will be transported back to the airport in Burlington.
About Sojourn Bicycling and Active Vacations:
Sojourn specializes in extraordinary bike tours and active vacations throughout North America. Choose from destinations artfully selected for breathtaking scenery, unique points of interest, fabulous cycling, and distinctive lodging. For more information visit, www.gosojourn.com
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Cyclists meet in Burlington, VT and venture north into Canada on country roads and bicycle paths on a route that closely traces the one sailed by French explorer Samuel de Champlain as he extended his exploration from Québec City and the settlement he established there nearly 300 miles to the lake that bears his name.
The tour parallels waterways throughout its entirety; first following the shores of Lake Champlain through the Champlain Islands and continues along the Richelieu River to its confluence with the mighty Saint Lawrence, one of the great rivers of the world. From there, cyclists will follow the St. Lawrence along its north shore, biking the entire route to Quebec City. The route covers relatively level terrain, provides uncompromising views and there’s a good chance of a prevailing tail wind.
Much of the Canadian portion of the trip follows portions of La Route Verte, North America’s longest bicycling route extending over 4000 kilometers. The Route Verte is comprised of bicycle paths, secondary or rural roadways with lighter traffic specially designated for bicycling use, and main roads that have a wide shoulder suitable for safe cycling.
The Sojourn bike tour also includes sections of the Chemin du Roy which is the oldest road in Canada having been constructed in the 1730’s. The road is the land-based counterpart to the St. Lawrence River and is the historic route between Montreal and Quebec City, along which the heritage of Quebec was formed.
Cyclists will have endless opportunities to explore noteworthy points of interest such as Forts Lenox and Chambly. Fort Lenox, located on an island in the mouth of the Richelieu River, was captured by the Americans in 1775 and then used by the British in the War of 1812. Fort Chambly was lost to the British in the French and Indian Wars and then captured by the Americans in their 1775 invasion of Canada.
Picturesque small villages, cideries, cheese producers and the longest pier in Canada are all part of the bike tour route. The final section of the tour will travel along the spectacular Promenade Samuel-de-Champlain into the most European of all North American cities—Quebec City. This small city perched on the shores of the great river retains its French roots in its language, architecture, and culture. Visiting Quebec City is the easiest way for Americans to get a dose of European culture minus the overseas travel.
Participants will tour historic Quebec City with an engaging local guide. The intimate Le Saint Pierre, a lovely country inn in the heart of the Old Port, is the perfect base from which to explore the City. Narrow streets are lined with bistros and boutiques in classic European style in the Petit-Champlain and neighboring historic Place Royale, North America's oldest commercial market. The culture and cuisine of this historic and biking-friendly city is unparalleled.
Québec is a cycling-friendly province and routes are primarily a combination of rural roads and bike paths. In addition to being a cycling-friendly province, Québec is also French-speaking province. While many Québécois also speak some English, they always appreciate attempts to communicate in French. One of the tour leaders who will be guiding this trip hails from Québec and is fully bilingual. At the conclusion of the trip, guests will be transported back to the airport in Burlington.
About Sojourn Bicycling and Active Vacations:
Sojourn specializes in extraordinary bike tours and active vacations throughout North America. Choose from destinations artfully selected for breathtaking scenery, unique points of interest, fabulous cycling, and distinctive lodging. For more information visit, www.gosojourn.com
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Contact
Sojourn Bicycling and Active Vacations
Susan Rand
802-425-4771
www.gosojourn.com
Susan Rand
802-425-4771
www.gosojourn.com
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