Saint John River Bicycle Tour

Wednesday, August 15Riviere-du-Loup to Cabano 66 km (39 mi.)Following an early morning breakfast reception, we begin our tour. We start from one of our favourite towns, Riviere-du-Loup. A short bit away from the Saint Lawrence River, a fantastic cycling path begins, suitable for almost all most bicycles. We ride free of car traffic for the best part of the next two days. Our first night is at a Quebec summer town, Cabano, on a beautiful lake.

Thursday, August 16

Cabano to Edmundston 68 and 108 km (41 and 66 mi.)

We leave the cycling pathway into the small, vibrant city of Edmundston. There is additional cycling as an option, to go a longer and much hillier route by way of back roads further up near the source of the St. John River (the city is spelled out, the river shortened). This area at the far corner of New Brunswick is known as the “”Kingdom of Madawaska”". A tiny finger of the province, it lies surrounded by Quebec and Maine.

Friday, August 17

Edmundston to Grand Falls 58 km (35 mi.)

With the creation of a newer Trans-Canada Highway, the old road has become bicycle-friendly again. Our end point is a wooded spot just outside the town of Grand Falls near the cascades.

Saturday, August 18

Grand Falls to Perth-Andover 46 or 75 or 111 km (29 or 45 or 68 mi.)

Today offers a quiet stretch along two rivers, the St. John, and the Tobique. The area changes here from French to mostly English-speaking. There are three options, one to go all the way up to the small town of Plaster Rock.

Sunday, August 19

Perth-Andover to Woodstock 84 km (54 mi.)

A charming series of river towns begin, highlighted by Hartland, home of the world’s longest covered bridge. Our end point is New Brunswick’s first town, Woodstock.

Monday, August 20

Woodstock to Mactaquac 84 km (54 mi.)

This will be the most quiet day of the tour. Only one small town stands on our day’s route. We look forward to a great day of peace and quiet for cycling. It is fairly easy cycling if the wind is on our side. We stay at one of new Brunswick’s few Provincial parks Mactaquac

Tuesday, August 21

Mactaquac to Fredericton 30 km (18 mi.)

An easy day for a mid-tour break! We emerge from the rural setting into Fredericton, New Brunswick’s capital city. Fredericton is a very pleasant city perfect for a for activities and some good restaurants. For our day exploring town, there are many interesting diversions, including one of Canada’s finest micro-breweries.

Wednesday, August 22

Fredericton to Waterborough 68 km (40 mi.)

The first half of today will be easy we follow the flood plains of the St. John River. In the afternoon, we cross the river at the old village of Gagetown and then face a few small hills on the other side.

Thursday, August 23

Waterborough to Oak Point 76 km (46 mi.)

A day of winding river tributaries and ferry-hopping. This is a section of rolling hills which are set in a pleasant patchwork of farmland and forests.

Friday, August 24

Oak Point to Saint John 45 and 93 km (28 and 56 mi.)

Our last day of riding. We take a very roundabout way of avoiding the suburban areas of the city of Saint John. We explore the Kingston Peninsula before heading for our last night’s stopping point. We end our cycling tour at the very end of the St. John River, where the turbulent waters of the river empties into the famed Bay of Fundy. Tonight we will reserve a spot to go out together somewhere in the city with the same name we have been following for a week, Saint John for a final celebration of our tour.

Saturday, August 25

Return transportation to Riviere-du-Loup

We rewind the tour with transportation back to Riviere-du-Loup, Quebec (included with your registration). We arrive in the early afternoon.

-return transportation from tour end point to Riviere-du-Loup

-tour escort – Gary Conrod has 150,000 kilometres cycling experience, including mostly every road in New Brunswick.

Accommodation

Our trip will be a tent camping adventure. It is possible for non-campers to attend and stay indoors every night of our tour. A limited number of Bed and Breakfasts and motels are along our route. If indoor lodgings are off of our supported list, we will assist with the transport of their gear to and from our campsites. Due to the popularity of the area, early reservations are strongly recommended. Upon request, a listing of motels and Bed and Breakfasts will be sent with confirmation.

Meals

Each cyclist can have their own choice of dining. Some prepare meals at our campsites. Participants buy food daily at designated spots and we transport it to the end point. We have a large amount of cooking stoves, equipment, and cutlery – no need to bring any of that gear to our tour. Others prefer to enjoy as many restaurants as the route allows. We will provide a list each day of what you will find along our route.

Baggage System

Each morning you will bring your baggage to our truck. You are then free to ride at your own pace. Your bags will be waiting for you upon your arrival at the next campground or indoor selection.

Tour Support

During the ride, our support vehicle will be at your service if you need a lift or other assistance. Maps and information materials will help guide you along the way.

Preparation and Equipment

We will carry whatever you feel you need to enjoy the tour. You must supply your own tent and sleeping bag. We will not subject your gear to weighing scales or bag limits. We ask, however, that you do not overdo things- (please – no TVs )

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Entry Fee

Tour entry is by way of personal cheque, PayPal, money order, or wire transfer.

PayPal registrations are by way of emailed invoice. Contact us by email and we will send you an invoice which takes you to the secure PayPal site.

U.S. participants: note that U.S. “green” domestic postal money orders cannot be used in Canada.

-Within 30 days: Cancellations within 30 days before departure will receive no refund. The value of the tour registration minus $300 will be available as a credit to a future tour.

Euro, Sterling, Other Currency Registrations

Calculations are made using adjustments in Canadian currency with the value of the currency involved at the date incurred.

Cancellation of Event

Atlantic Canada Cycling has never had a cancelled event in its eighteen years. We do, however, reserve the right to cancel any scheduled tour. In this event you will receive a full refund of any money paid. We will not reimburse any related expenses incurred as a result of the cancellation of a tour. Purchase of travel or vacation insurance is recommended.

In the unlikely event circumstances beyond our control prohibit departure (severe climate, war, strikes, civil unrest) you will receive full refund of any money paid. Again, in this case we will not reimburse any related expenses incurred as a result of an event cancellation and purchase of travel insurance is recommended.

Applying for the Tour

Tour entry is made by cheque or money order through postal mail. PayPal is also available. We can hold a place for you for two weeks if you give us notification. You will be notified immediately if the tour is filled.

Participant Form and Waiver

All participants must complete a Registration Form and a Release of Liability and Assumption of Risk, Waiver. Cycling and the travel experience around it have risks. It is important that you acknowledge and accept these risks before joining. Please read the Waiver carefully and make sure you understand it before signing.