An accessible cycling trip from Portneuf to Wendake
By David C, March 31 2026
Article by Marilyn Préfontaine
Does the idea of leisurely, stress-free cycling to get from place to place while taking in all the sights along the way sound appealing? With its gentle gradient, Vélopiste Jacques-Cartier/Portneuf is perfect for a relaxing getaway, no matter your skill level or type of bike!
Ready for adventure? This three-day route, which takes you from the region of Portneuf to Wendake, is designed for those who want to travel at their own pace. It includes easy sections and plenty of stops to enjoy the scenery. Hop on your bikes!
Day 1 – Rivière-à-Pierre to Duchesnay
Morning
The starting point for the first day takes you to Rivière-à-Pierre, a charming village in Portneuf deeply rooted in history. Before you even climb on your bike, take some time to explore one of Rivière-à-Pierre’s natural gems: Chutes de la Marmite. Easily accessible by car, they offer a striking first glimpse of the region’s raw beauty.
Back in the heart of the village, be sure to stop by Centre d’interprétation du granite. Open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and free of charge, this attraction will help you learn more about the world of granite, a local treasure with an international reputation.
Now it’s time to shift into bike mode! Park your car at the starting point of the bike path; it will be safe for the next few days. You’ll also notice that the tables at the welcome area are made of granite—a stylish nod to the village’s identity!
Need to stock up on provisions for the road? There’s a food co-op along the way, a perfect spot for loading up on snacks for the day. After about 20 km (nearly an hour of cycling), you’ll stop for your first break at Chute à l’Ours. There’s no better place to stretch your legs and enjoy the natural scenery. Continue on for another 17 km to reach Saint-Raymond just in time for lunch.
For a quick bite, head to La Croquée. Whether you go for a classic lunch or one of their hearty breakfasts served until 2 p.m., you’ll find plenty to recharge your batteries.
Afternoon
Get back in the saddle for a short, pleasant stretch of about 8.5 km. You’ll soon reach Chute Bourg-Louis, the ideal spot for a short break.
The rest of the ride takes you along the shores of the magnificent Lac Sergent, where the scenery becomes particularly picturesque. Just another ten kilometres or so and you’ll arrive at your overnight stop: Station touristique Duchesnay.
Whether you’re staying at the inn or in a chalet, make yourself comfortable and treat yourself to a meal at Le Quatre-Temps bistro bar. Depending on how much energy you have left, you can also enjoy the many activities available on site or simply unwind in the natural surroundings to bring this first day to a gentle close.
Day 2 – Duchesnay to Wendake
Morning
After a delicious breakfast on site, hop on your bike early in the morning and continue your trip. This morning stretch is particularly pleasant: about 25 km (approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes) on an easy trail that takes you straight to Wendake.
Once you arrive, you’ll have plenty of time to check out the Kabir Kouba Falls. Continue your exploration by browsing the local shops. Stop by Librairie Hannenorak, a bookstore known for its wide selection of Indigenous literature, then head to Raquettes et artisanat Gros-Louis to discover unique traditional craftsmanship.
Noon
For lunch, treat yourself to a meal at La Traite restaurant, located in the stunning Hôtel-Musée Premières Nations. The lunch menu, served until 2 p.m., is a great way to try a modern take on Indigenous cuisine in a friendly atmosphere.
Afternoon
After your delicious meal, continue your cultural immersion with a visit to the Huron-Wendat Museum to gain a deeper understanding of the history, traditions and culture of the Wendat Nation.
Come early afternoon, it’s time to hit the trail again. Make your way back toward Duchesnay for about 25 km (1 hour and 15 minutes), then treat yourself to a well-deserved break at La Ste-Crème dairy bar. It’s hard to resist their renowned ice cream sandwich! Then continue your day with a final stretch of about 25 km to Le Roquemont Hotel, your destination for the night.
Evening
Settle into the cozy comfort of your room, then head to the on-site microbrewery for supper. The menu, both generously portioned and decadent, showcases local products. In the evening, sample the brewery’s craft beers and, depending on the schedule, you might catch a live music performance.
Day 3 – Returning towards Rivière-à-Pierre
Morning
When you wake up, be sure to enjoy a delicious breakfast, served from 7 a.m. Two must-try dishes you won’t want to miss: the brewer’s French toast and the Roquemont casserole—true favourites to start your day off on the right pedal!
Hop back on your bikes for a short 15-minute ride to downtown Saint-Raymond. This is the ideal place to stock up on supplies at local shops and put together the perfect picnic for the rest of your day. Next, continue on for about an hour until you reach Centre Vacances Lac Simon.
Lunchtime and afternoon
Sit down for a well-deserved picnic, then kick back and relax. Beach, swimming, water sports rentals, volleyball, or even archery: there’s no shortage of ways to make the most of your time at this resort, whether you’re feeling active or just want to relax.
Afternoon
When you’re ready to get back on your bike, you’ll have just one final stretch of about 1 hour and 15 minutes to return to Rivière-à-Pierre, where your adventure began.
Want to keep the adventure rolling?
How about extending your stay in Portneuf? Why not treat yourself to one more night at the cozy Auberge Zacharie or in one of Escale au Lac‘s eco-friendly mini-chalets?