4 Days / 3 Nights | Rating: Easy/Intermediate | Start / End: Burlington, VT
- E-bikes Available
This one-of-a-kind trip begins in Burlington, Vermont and concludes in Montréal, Québec with a festive ride in the famed Tour de l’Île—a recreational ride through Montréal on streets that are closed to traffic specifically for this event. Ride the Island Line Trail north from Burlington to the Lake Champlain Islands. This former rail line is a (mostly) paved trail that follows the Lake Champlain shoreline north to a bike ferry that carries cyclists across a narrow gap in the trail to the islands. An opening reception and dinner overlooking Lake Champlain kicks off the fun at the conclusion of the first day’s ride. The following day we’ll cross the US-Canadian border at a tiny border crossing station and enter the French-speaking province of Quebec. En route to Montréal, rural roads, bike paths, and quite level terrain typify each day of cycling. Lodging ranges from lakeside inns in Vermont’s Lake Champlain Islands, to a full-service hotel in Montréal. You will also enjoy the opportunity to meet the delightfully energetic and personable Madame Boutin—the major promoter of cycling in the region just north of Lake Champlain and the owner of a hotel where the group will stay. Join us for this wonderfully fun cross-border ride and festive tour of both Vermont and Montréal, by bike!
Travel the Sojourn Style
EXPERIENCES, NOT BIKE TOURS
While we love our cycling, it makes up only one facet of what a true Sojourn trip entails. We believe in immersing ourselves in local cultures and discovering the hidden gems of the world.
REGIONAL PLANNING SPECIALISTS
From Vietnam to France to Glacier National Park, we are committed to offering exceptional trips in regions with which we are deeply familiar. We personally design and operate each of our trips.
PREMIER ACCOMMODATIONS
We carefully select from some of World’s renowned hotels. From highly reviewed and acclaimed Hotel de Londres in San Sebastian, Spain or the Reverie Saigon, Vietnam, one of the leading hotels in the World.
UNWAVERING ATTENTION TO SERVICE
Our commitment to provide you with unwavering service starts from the moment you first interact with the Sojourn team. We believe the little details matter and make the Sojourn vacation a life-list worthy experience for our guests.
PROFESSIONAL TRIP LEADERS
Gracious, engaging, and intelligent, our expert team of tour leaders consist of professionals from all walks of life and make exceptional travel companions. Always a step ahead, they are adept at everything from spinning wrenches to whipping up fabulous picnic lunches.
YOUR VACATION, YOUR PACE
We believe that at the end of the day, you are at the helm of your own vacation. We offer an array of day-to-day options to enable you to approach each day at your own pace.
Day 1
Burlington to North Hero – Ride north out of Burlington on the Island Line Trail. This former rail trail enables cyclists to follow the shore of Lake Champlain then cross to the Lake Champlain Islands via a bike ferry operated by Local Motion. The ferry crossing is necessary as the old railroad bridge that once spanned the short gap from the trail’s causeway to the Islands was dismantled many years ago to allow the passage of pleasure boats between Malletts Bay and the broad lake. Enjoy a visit to Vermont’s first vineyard and winery for a picnic lunch hosted by your tour leaders. Ride through the patchwork farmland of the Lake Champlain Islands whose
GOOD TO KNOW
Every Sojourn trip is different in their own unique ways. We want you to be aware of them so that you can only have the best experiences possible. Please know, whichever trip you choose we are committed to make it the trip of a lifetime!
agricultural heritage is firmly rooted in apples and dairy. After settling into your room at North Hero House, enjoy a swim in the lake or visit the tiny village of North Hero and its eclectic general store whose politically divided bench is worth a visit in and of itself. This evening, the group will gather for a welcome reception and dinner overlooking Lake Champlain.
LODGING:
North Hero House, North Hero, VT
802-372-4732
nrothherohouse.com
CYCLING OPTIONS:
32 Miles
Day 2
Cross the Canadian Border – Enjoy a beautiful ride along the lakeshore of the Champlain Islands before crossing the border into Canada. Once across the border, the roads narrow and the landscape flattens as farmland dominates the scenery for much of the ride. The Richelieu River, which flows north out of Lake Champlain on its way to rendezvous with the St-Lawrence, is never far from your route to St-Jean-sur-Richelieu. Break for a delicious picnic lunch served by your tour leaders in the town of St-Paul-de-Île-aux-Noix. The island and fort at Île-aux-Noix were alternately occupied by the British, French, and Americans during the late 1700s
KEEPING YOU POSTED
We’re constantly looking for ways to enhance our trips. We’ll do our best to notify you of any changes in this itinerary. Other changes may be communicated to you on the trip by your leaders.
and early 1800s. The British used it as an important shipbuilding site for the decisive battle of 1814 that would prove to be the final naval confrontation on Lake Champlain. Continue north to Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu where you will lodge at the Auberge Harris, a simple but clean and comfortable hotel which is owned by local legend and enthusiastic regional cycling supporter, Madame Boutin. Take a dip in the pool or a walk the canal path into town. Dinner is on your own this evening, with plenty of delicious local options within walking distance of the hotel.
LODGING:
Auberge Harris, Saint-jean-sur-Richelieu,
450-380-3821
www.aubergeharris.com
CYCLING OPTIONS:
31 Miles
52 Miles
Day 3
St-Jean-sur-Richelieu to Montréal – Today’s ride follows the Path du Canal-de-Chambly north to the charming village of Chambly along an intricate series of locks. The locks enable boats to avoid the unnavigable rapids of the Richelieu River as they pass between Lake Champlain and the Saint Lawrence Seaway. Explore the shops in town or visit Fort Chambly which sits overlooking the rapids and a large basin in the river. The fort serves as another reminder of the battles for control of strategic waterways during Colonial times. The route continues from Chambly to Montréal following bike paths into the city. Early arrival provides the opportunity to explore the city from your hotel located conveniently on the edge of the Latin Quarter and the Quartier des Spectacale (show district), only a few blocks from Old Montréal, or enjoy an additional ride along the city’s bike lanes and dedicated paths to Parc René-Lévesque. This evening, the city of Montréal offers an array of dining options just a short walk from the hotel. The Metro—Montréal’s fabulous subway system—is close by and offers plenty of additional options for venturing out to other sections of the city.
LODGING:
Delta Hotels, Montreal, QC
514-286-1986
www.deltahotels.com
CYCLING OPTIONS:
29 Miles
Day 4
The Tour de l’Île – This morning, join your fellow tour participants and 15,000 others for the Tour de l’Île. This annual ride is a festive event that follows different routes through the Montréal on streets closed to vehicular traffic for this event. The route is often lined with bystanders who cheer for cyclists young and old, slow and fast, those dressed in costume and those who are not. For most of us, it’s as close to imagining that we’re riding in the Tour de France as we’ll ever get. Needless to say, it’s an event that every cyclist should experience at least once in their lifetime. There are rest stops along the route and a carnival-like atmosphere in a city park at the end of the ride. Following the conclusion of the ride the group will be transported back to Burlington, Vermont with anticipated arrival during the late afternoon (4:30-5pm).
CYCLING OPTIONS:
16 Miles
30 Miles
Tour Accommodations
North Hero House, North Hero
The North Hero House was founded in 1891 by James H. Dodds, the descendant of a Scottish family which settled in North Hero in the early 1800’s. . (1 night)
3643 US Route 2
North Hero, VT 05474
www.shoreacres.com | 802.372.4732
Auberge Harris, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu
This spacious property along the Chambly Canal is owned and operated by the region’s most spirited cycling advocate and is a short walk to restaurants in town. (1 night)
576 Rue Champlain
Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC J3B 6X1
www.aubergeharris.com | 450.348.3821
Delta Hotel Montreal
The Delta Hotel Montreal is right in downtown Montreal with easy access to all the Montreal attarctions. (1 night)
475 President-Kennedy Ave
Montreal, QC H3A 1JA
Deltahotels.com 514.286.1986
WHERE TO STAY BEFORE, OR AFTER YOUR TRIP
Hilton, Burlington
60 Battery St
Burlington, VT 05401
$150 - $250 Per Night
www.hitlon.com
802.658.6500
Hotel Vermont
41 Cherry St
Burlington, VT 05401
$220 - $300 Per Night
www.hotelvt.com
802.658.6500
Doubletree Hotel Burlington
870 Williston Rd
Burlington, VT 05401
$200 - $300 Per Night
www.doubletreehotelburlington.com
802-865-6600
REQUIREMENTS FOR ENTRY INTO CANADA
As you will be crossing the border between the US and Canada, appropriate documents are required. All travelers are required to have a valid passport, valid passport card, or other WHTI compliant identification. For further travel document information visit the US Customs & Border Protection website. Please be advised that there are a variety of reasons why Canadian Customs may refuse entry to US citizens. These include prior alcohol related driving infractions in the US. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are eligible to enter Canada. Sojourn is not responsible for anyone who is refused entry into Canada. We suggest a complete review of the information outlined here: Canadian Customs.
Travel & Tour Quick Facts
| TOUR START | 10:00am Day 1 – Meet in Burlington at 175 Lakeside Ave, Burlington in the Champlain College parking lot behind the Miller building. |
| TOUR CONCLUSION | 1:00 pm -- Tour Conclusion in Montreal, 3:00 pm – ETA for the optional shuttle to Burlington. Departure flights should not be scheduled prior to 5:00pm. |
| TRAVEL TO/FROM TOUR | Fly into Burlington International Airport (BTV). Parking is available at the tour start location. Fly out of BTV or Montreal-Trudeau (YUL) |
| DAYS/NIGHTS | 4 Days/3 Nights |
| INCLUDED MEALS | All breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 1 dinner. |
| ACTIVITIES | Cycling, Tour de L’Île. |
| RATING | Easy/Intermediate - This tour has certain days or sections of routes that have gently rolling hills with some longer grades. However, those instances will be few and far between and the overall trip is at an easy level for cyclists who don’t cycle often. Van options are available for those tougher segments if you choose to opt out, with routes averaging 20-55 miles per day. |
What’s Included?
| EQUIPMENT | Road or hybrid bike, helmet, rear light, seat bag for road bike or rack bag for hybrid, map case, water bottle, and jersey. Bring clipless pedals, seat, or helmet for a more personalized fit. |
| VAN SUPPORT | Rides supported by a Sojourn van as well as a tour leader on a bicycle. |
| TOUR LEADERS | Two experienced tour leaders guide each trip from start to finish. |
| RIDE NOURISHMENT | A selection of snacks and refreshments are supplied throughout all rides. |
| RIDE INFORMATION | Detailed route directions, maps, downloadable GPS routes, and a daily briefing are provided. |
| OFFICE SUPPORT | At your service 9:00am – 6:00pm EST, Monday – Friday. 802-425-4771 |
| DETAILED INFORMATION | A full complement of detailed trip and travel information will be provided upon confirmation of reservation. |
| E-BIKES & TANDEMS | Limited Electric Assist Bikes are available on all tours. Tandems are also available on on our US and Canada tours for an additional fee. Call us at 1-802-425-4771 for details |
Weather
| Burlington, VT | May | Jun |
|---|---|---|
| High °F | 68° | 77° |
| Low °F | 44° | 54° |
| Precip. Inches | 3.2 | 3.1 |
WE’RE HAPPY TO CHAT!
Call: 802.425.4771
Write: info@gosojourn.com
Visit: GoSojourn.com
PRICES & SCHEDULE
All prices and schedules are subject to change at any time.
Click HERE to view the latest departure dates & prices.
