Mountain biking and road biking in the Saguenay: the best spots

The region is fortunate to be blessed with a number of great places for mountain biking. Here's a practical guide based on three levels: beginner, family and sports.

Beginner

When it comes to mountain biking, it's important to start with trails that are suitable for beginners. The good news is that there are several beginner trails in Saguenay and the 13 municipalities of the Fjord-du-Saguenay.

First, there's the Centre plein air Le Norvégien, located in the Jonquière borough. Offering 13 varied trails, the center has been constantly renewing itself over the past few years to offer new routes for all levels. Truly, Le Norvégien is a great place for those looking for an introduction to mountain biking.

If you go there, don't forget to cross the skills area. Made up of wooden modules and jumps, you can learn the basics of mountain biking, as the track has been designed for all levels, from beginner to expert.

Family

It's so much fun to take the whole family mountain biking! To make sure you can look after the kids and that the level of difficulty is accessible to all, we once again recommend Centre plein air Le Norvégien.

Over the past few years, the center has expanded its mountain bike offering. As a result, the center now offers a wide variety of accessible and fun trails.

To keep the little ones entertained and introduce them to mountain biking, start the day by trying out La Skole, a short, easy trail created especially for kids.

Sports

Sports enthusiasts are sure to enjoy a visit to Mont-Bélu. This mountain bike center in the borough of La Baie offers thrilling descents and a unique experience. It's a popular meeting place for mountain bikers!

During the summer season, the bike park opens its lift every Wednesday evening and every Sunday during the day. In the meantime, the center is open and you can take the ascent trail to the summit.

Please note! This center is for intermediate and expert cyclists only. The trails require a certain agility and a minimum of experience.

Another interesting center for experienced cyclists is Mont-Édouard. This mountain is popular with skiers in winter and cyclists in summer. We love it for its diversified offer, its technical side, its flow and its spectacular views over the Saguenay Fjord.

For regular mountain bikers, Mont-Édouard is a great way to spend a day!

Saguenay Fjord is blessed with a number of great places for road biking. Here's a practical guide for three different levels: family/beginner, intermediate and sporty.

Family and beginners

What better way to learn to ride a road bike, or to spend some quality time together as a family? In fact, they're a safe place to learn and ride, without having to worry about car traffic. Saguenay boasts a wide range of cycling trails, thanks in particular to the Véloroute du Fjord du Saguenay, which stretches over 400 kilometers.

In the Jonquière borough, it's best to head for the section of cycle path near the Rivière-aux-Sables park. It offers a fun circuit right in the heart of the borough, close to the river.

How would you like to enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the Saguenay Fjord on a magnificent bike path? That's what section #21 offers you, along the Baie des Ha! Ha! For an even more memorable experience, we recommend a late-day sunset.

Between the boroughs of La Baie and Jonquière lies Chicoutimi. From there, you can take section #19A, which runs all the way to Jonquière. You'll be able to ride on a magnificent urban bike path for 27 kilometers.

Intermediate

If you're at an intermediate level, here's a suggestion for a road bike excursion in Saguenay. We suggest you take section #29 first, then a short stretch of section #28. You'll then be cycling along the Véloroute du Fjord du Saguenay, a route that stretches for hundreds of kilometers and takes in some of the region's most beautiful attractions.

For the return trip at the end of the day, you can retrace your steps or board the Navettes maritimes du Fjord.

Sports

If you're a regular road cyclist and are looking for a nice tour to occupy your day, here are a few ideas. For a unique road biking experience, we suggest you leave from Sacré-Coeur and take section # 27A. This 65-kilometer route leads to Sainte-Rose-du-Nord.

On the other side of the Saguenay Fjord, we suggest you take section #25A, which runs from Petit-Saguenay to Saint-Siméon. This 55-kilometre route will let you discover the charm of the Bas-Saguenay region, set against a magnificent mountain backdrop.

Both of these excursions are roadside. Caution and experience are therefore called for on these trips.