7 Days / 6 Nights | Rating: Intermediate| Start / End: Burlington, VT
- E-bikes Available
Join us for this exciting adventure encompassing two of Canada’s most cycling-friendly and culturally rich cities! Ottawa, Canada’s capital city, boasts an enviable network of scenic bike paths that parallel the city’s waterways and lead to major points of interest such as Parliament Hill, the locks of the Rideau Canal, and lively ByWard Market. During the region’s “Sunday Parkways,” ride a beautiful loop through Gatineau Park—completely free of vehicular traffic! Visit Ottawa during the height of their fabulous tulip season. The peaceful countryside between Ottawa and Montréal offers miles of uninterrupted cycling through farmland and small villages, both in Ontario and Québec. An exclusive two-night stay at Fairmont’s Le Château Montebello—the world’s largest log cabin— feels like a trip back in time. Luxuriate in their spa or take to country roads. Ride the fabulous Lachine Canal bike path into Montréal where your boutique lodging in Old Montréal provides the perfect base from which to explore this vibrant city.
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
Transfer to Ottawa and Explore the City By Bike – Meet your tour leaders at Hotel Vermont in Burlington at 8:00am for the scenic drive through the countryside of upstate New York to Ottawa. Upon arrival at the Lord Elgin Hotel in Ottawa, enjoy a light lunch followed by a bike fitting, route review, and afternoon loop ride on several of the city’s most scenic bike paths. Watch boats navigate the locks on the Rideau Canal and visit impressive Parliament Hill, Canada’s government seat. The Bytown Museum, overlooking the locks on the Rideau Canal
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!
where the canal meets the Ottawa River, is Ottawa’s oldest stone building and houses over 7,000 artifacts dating to the city’s origins in 1826. Your lodging for the next two nights is at the full-service Lord Elgin Hotel, an elegant Ottawa landmark ideally situated in the heart of downtown. Join your fellow travelers for dinner this evening at the Hotel’s outstanding restaurant, Grill 41.
LODGING:
Lord Elgin Hotel, Ottawa
800-267-4298 www.lordelginhotel.ca
CYCLING OPTIONS:
19 Miles
Day 2
Capital Pathways, Gatineau Park and ByWard Market – Ottawa and neighboring Gatineau roll out their best on Sundays when several major parkways in the area are open only to bicycles and pedestrians. Spend the morning riding along the Ottawa River then explore the city’s top sites in the afternoon. Cross the Ottawa River into Quebec for a gorgeous loop through the wilderness of Gatineau Park for a memorable, must-do ride on the vehicular-free parkway. Following your return to Ottawa, you will have the rest of the day and evening to explore the city’s sites. Tour the Canadian Parliament, visit the National Gallery of Canada, or wander the narrow streets
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.
of historic Byward Market, one of Canada’s oldest public markets. Here, what began as a rough working-class neighborhood in the 1830s has evolved into one of Ottawa’s trendiest neighborhoods. The market features a farmer’s market, artisans, shops and an array of restaurants. The impressive National Gallery of Canada is located on the edge of the market and the Royal Canadian Mint just down the street. Dinner this evening is on your own, where you can choose from abundant options just steps from the hotel.
LODGING:
Lord Elgin Hotel, Ottawa
800-267-4298 www.lordelginhotel.ca
CYCLING OPTIONS:
24 Miles
37Miles
Day 3
Ontario’s Pastoral Landscapes and The Montebello – Leave the capital city behind as you follow bike paths east along the Ottawa River. The suburbs soon give way to farm fields filled with sheep, dairy cows, and seas of grain. Rejoin the Ottawa River along a remote section of road where the miles just seem to fly by. Cross back over the river to the Quebec side on a small locally-owned ferry. Your destination is the Fairmont Montebello, an immense and historic log lodge – the largest in the world—where “old world charm meets nature’s splendor.” Built on the site of a 17th century seigniorial estate, this stunning property has earned a well-deserved reputation as one of Canada’s top luxury resorts. Relax on the grounds, in the pool, or enjoy a massage in their luxurious spa. Immerse yourself in the finest of rustic elegance at this classic wilderness resort. Dinner this evening is in the Montebello’s dining room or on the terrace overlooking the river
LODGING:
Fairmont Le Château Montebello , Quebec
800-257-7544 www.fairmont.com/montebello
CYCLING OPTIONS:
32 Miles
52 Miles
61 Miles
Day 4
The Montebello and Surrounding Countryside – This perfectly situated layover day at the remarkable Le Château Montebello allows considerable room for choice when it comes to how you decide to spend your day. The Montebello overlooks the Ottawa River just south of Québec’s Laurentian Mountains and the grounds of the resort offer many amenities such as swimming pools, Jacuzzi, a luxurious spa, tennis courts, golf course, boating, and walking trails, to name a few. You might choose to visit Manoir Papineau, a Parks Canada National Historic site that is a short walk from the Montebello. The site is the former grand estate of former Canadian political figure, Louis-Joseph Papineau who was the leader of the reformist Patriote Movement which opposed British Colonial power in the 19th century. Dinner this evening is on your own in the village which is within a short walk of the property, or at Le Château Montebello.
LODGING:
Fairmont Le Château Montebello , Quebec
800-257-7544 www.fairmont.com/montebello
CYCLING OPTIONS:
21 Miles
Day 5
Québec Countryside – Quiet back roads and small hamlets of eastern Ontario and western Québec rule the day as you wind your way closer to Montréal. Today marks the day where you will encounter to more consistently French-speaking locals. Visit the town of Vankleek Hill where 250 homes feature gingerbread styling, and the town’s Victorian and Edwardian style buildings are reminders of a once flourishing brick factory. Nowadays, Vankleek Hill may be best known by locals for Beau’s All Natural Brewing Company. Sample the local “Beaver River I.P.Eh?” (you’ll understand the “eh” by the time you arrive!) or their signature Lug Tread Kolsch style lager. Your tour leaders will host a picnic lunch at the brewery, providing hearty fare which will pair nicely with whichever beer you sample. Following lunch wind your way to Auberge des Gallants, a luxurious and contemporary Inn nestled in the heart of a bird and deer sanctuary on Rigaud mountain. Dinner this evening is in the Auberge’s highly regarded Restaurant 1171, featuring gourmet regional cuisine.
LODGING:
Auberge des Gallan, St-Marthe
450-459-4241 www.aubergedesgallant.com
CYCLING OPTIONS:
47 Miles
Day 6
Follow the Saint Lawrence River to Montréal – Follow country roads east along the Saint Lawrence River toward Montréal then wind your way along the wonderful Lachine Canal bike path to Old Montréal. The Lachine Canal bike path follows the Lachine Canal which derived its name from the French word for China. Prior to its construction, merchants hoped for a way to transport goods from New France to China by avoiding the Lachine Rapids. The canal was finally opened in 1825 and eventually much of the commercial traffic on the St. Lawrence River shifted from Québec City to Montréal because of this. Today, the highlight of the canal is the lovely bikeway that follows it. Your destination is the chic Saint Sulpice Hotel—a boutique property located on a quiet cobblestone street in the heart of Old Montréal and just steps from some of the city’s finest restaurants. The Saint Sulpice perfectly blends old world charm with modern styling and amenities. This evening, enjoy your final dinner together at our favorite neighborhood restaurant.
LODGING:
Le Saint Sulpice Hotel, Montréal
514-288-1000 www.lesaintsulpice.com
CYCLING OPTIONS:
56 Miles
Day 7
Explore Montréal – Choose from a variety of options for exploring Montréal this morning. From the hotel’s doorstep, our Montréal-based tour guide will lead a morning walking tour of the historically rich Old Port which includes such icons as Notre-Dame Basilica, a beautiful architectural masterpiece whose history dates to the mid-1600s. This immense, twin-towered Gothic structure was constructed with the intention of featuring similarities in interior design to Sainte-Chapelle in Paris. Following the 60-minute tour, those wishing to also explore by bike might enjoy the route up Mont Royal to witness the expansive views from atop the city’s highest point or go for a ride on Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve’s F1 track. If you prefer to continue to wander on foot, stroll the narrow streets of Old Port or venture to other sections of the city via the Metro, Montréal’s sleek underground transportation system. The Old Port, which lies at the doorstep of the St-Sulpice, has transformed into a vibrant neighborhood where people live, work, and play along narrow streets lined with restaurants and shops. Historic Atwater Market, first opened in 1933, is accessible by foot or by metro. Surrounded by farm stands whose colorful flowers and vegetables add a rich seasonal dimension, the market’s interior is lined with venders featuring selections of local cheese, fresh baked bread, and other regional products. If you’re up for relaxing or rejuvenating experience, take advantage of the St-Sulpice’s privileged rates at Spa Scandinave which offers exquisite Scandinavian bath and massage treatments. You will be transferred back across the border to the airport or Hotel Vermont in Burlington during mid-afternoon.
CYCLING OPTIONS:
11 Miles
Tour Accommodations

Travel & Tour Quick Facts
TOUR START | 8:00am – Meet at Hotel Vermont for transfer to Ottawa. |
TOUR CONCLUSION | 4:00-5:00pm – Group arrival at Burlington International Airport (BTV). Departure flights should not be scheduled prior to 6:00pm. |
TRAVEL TO/FROM TOUR | Fly into Burlington International Airport (BTV). Parking available at BTV or at meeting hotel. |
DAYS/NIGHTS | 7 Days/6 Nights |
INCLUDED MEALS | All breakfasts, three lunches, and four dinners. |
ACTIVITIES | Cycling, options for hiking, tennis, and golf. |
RATING | Easy/Intermediate - This tour offers 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 20-65 miles per day. |
IMPORTANT ENTRY REQUIREMENT FOR 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.
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
Ottawa | Jul | Aug |
---|---|---|
High °F | 80° | 78° |
Low °F | 60° | 58° |
Precip. Inches | 3.6 | 3.4 |
Montreal | Jul | Aug |
---|---|---|
High °F | 80° | 78° |
Low °F | 64° | 62° |
Precip. Inches | 3.9 | 4.1 |
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.