Canada?

[bikerbarb]

Thanks, these are great leads!

[Grog]

Do check out Vélo Québec's web page (pointed above by ShootingStar). If by any chance you are interested in a supported tour, DO check out the Grand Tour (on Vélo Québec's web site). It's similar to Cycle Oregon: week long, 75-110 km a day, including shortcuts and detours, they carry your gear, you tent out (there are b&b spots but they must all be taken by now). Around 2,000 cyclists. They cook all your meals including lunch, and the food is fantastic. There is a bistro and you can dance until midnight and get up bright and early to ride the next day. It's an UNBELIEVABLE experience, and this year the itinerary takes you along really interesting routes. Highly, highly recommended. A not very expensive considering all the spectacular amenities. Oh and I didn't tell you about the mechanics. They'll even loan you a bike (or a wheel or whatever) if you have an issue with yours.

A great, no-brainer way to discover the province.

[bikerbarb]

Thanks, will look at it. I have done several tours where gear was carried and meals provided, and they have been great, but I was never on one (besides an MS 150) with so large a group as 2,000 riders. Most have been less than 100. Over the last few years I've worked toward the self contained touring I did in my youth, where we were more spontaneous and responsible for our own support. But this will be a first tour for my husband, and we'll see what he is up for! He may like the supporte option.

[Grog]

Thanks, will look at it. I have done several tours where gear was carried and meals provided, and they have been great, but I was never on one (besides an MS 150) with so large a group as 2,000 riders. Most have been less than 100. Over the last few years I've worked toward the self contained touring I did in my youth, where we were more spontaneous and responsible for our own support. But this will be a first tour for my husband, and we'll see what he is up for! He may like the supporte option.

It is quite big, think summer camp for adults. But it doesn't feel extremely crowded. Different from self-supported touring in the bush, though!

One thing I must say though: I don't know how old you are, but at 30-ish we were among the youngest a couple of years ago. The average age is 47. Lots of people who "finally" have teenage kids they can leave home alone for a week.

Also, obviously, all services are in French. People will gladly try to speak English if needed though. My husband speaks very little French but he LOVED it regardless.

If you follow this link: http://www.velo.qc.ca/grandtour/index.php?jour=1 you can check out last year's Grand Tour newsletter (distributed every morning). The menu is on the right-hand side. You can check out the other days at the top (Jour 2, Jour 3, etc.). It rained more than a bit last year though.

[coldfeet]

I have one comment, if in Montreal, and not vegetarian, you HAVE to try Schwatze's smoked meat. It's a nothing looking place, doesn't serve alcohol, the steak platter is a heart attack on a plate, but the flavour!

[ginny]

um... I just posted in the Canada section... but I too am hoping to go to Canada (Nova Scotia) and tour and (not to thread hijack), but I would welcome any info too. I contacted the Nova Scotia tourism dept and bike Nova Scotia web site... any other info would be very welcome... thanks!

[e.e.cummings]

I don't know if you have already started travelling but I will throw in my two cents.

I live in Montreal and it is a great cycling city. There are bike paths everywhere. It is particularly fun to end up on the Gilles Villeneuve race track (where Formula One used to race) and take a good spin on the bikes. You have a lot of great references in the posts already. Get yourself a good guide to the Route Verte, which runs throughout the province.

We want to try the Petit Train du Nord in the Laurentians this year. We just bought our hybrids yesterday and this will be our first big trip on them. It is about a 200 km ride.

Have fun - if you have specific questions, I would be more than happy to help!