Day 4 – Rivière-Rouge to Brebouf 55 km (34 mi.)

Another long section of trail in a region of forests and lakes. The covered bridge of La Macaza, classified as a historic monument, can be seen from a couple of good vantage points. The swirls of the “Italiens” rapids will welcome you to Labelle.  Built in 1924, the town’s station is one of the most beautiful in Québec. A friendly café, microbrewery, and railroad museum await you. It makes a good lunch or break stop while watching the comings-and-goings along the trail.

In the town, you may see the many flower beds; the town has won the 4 Fleurons beautification award. While in town, another option for lunch is the Kayak Café. To get to it, turn right from the trail and go down the hill that leads to Labelle. At the bottom of the hill, turn left. It should then be possible to spot the Kayak Café in the distance. It has a nice terrace which overlooks the Rouge River. Under the restaurant is a rental outlet for kayaks and canoes.

Labelle is the point where the trail’s surface changes to crushed stone. This hard packed dust stone is fairly easy to ride on. The main disadvantage is that bicycles and equipment tend to get dusty, especially if the weather has been dry for a while. It can easily be ridden by all types of bikes, including those with narrow road tires, unless there is a section of new dust put down. From here on, the region tends to be a little more developed. It will begin to pass through more towns, and cottage areas. Because of its proximity to Montréal, the southern part of trail may have more bicycle day ride traffic, including perhaps a few reckless faster riders.

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Magnificent livestock can be seen along the pastures at km signs 103 and 104: Galloway belted cattle, draft horses, lambs, and their sheepdogs.

To go to a nice campground, our route here left the trail to visit the countryside. Agriculture has a prominent place in the landscape of the area, with its fields, farm buildings and animals. Dairy farm, horse farm and cattle breeding come together. Pioneer of organic farming in the Laurentians, chickens, honey, and vegetables are produced and sold throughout the region.

The municipality of La Conception, founded in 1882, is in an area encompassing around thirty lakes, a magnificent river and its sandy beaches. It is a popular area for canoeing and kayaking. In the centre is the town’s primary icon, its prized covered bridge.

If not camping at Brebeuf there are few indoor places to stay. Nearby is Mont-Tremblant. You would either do the route then head there or cut short. Be prepared for high prices in the region and if possible reserve early.

Laurentians – Petit Train du Nord Bicycle Tour
Tour Page	Laurentians – Petit Train du Nord Tour
Tour Outline	Laurentians – Petit Train du Nord Bicycle Tour – Outline
Day 0	Laurentians – Petit Train du Nord Tour – Day 0
Day 1	Laurentians – Petit Train du Nord Tour – Day 1
Day 2	Laurentians – Petit Train du Nord Tour – Day 2
Day 3	Laurentians – Petit Train du Nord Tour – Day 3
Day 4	Laurentians – Petit Train du Nord Tour – Day 4
Day 5	Laurentians – Petit Train du Nord Tour – Day 5
Day 6	Laurentians – Petit Train du Nord Tour – Day 6
Day 7	Laurentians – Petit Train du Nord Tour – Day 7
Tour Photos	Laurentians – Petit Train du Nord Tour Photo Album
Tourism Link	Laurentians Tourism
Tourism Link	P’tit Train du Nord
Tourism Link	Autobus Train du Nord
Tourism Link	Mont-Tremblant
Tourism Link	Upper Laurentians
Tourism Link	Quebec Laurentians
Tour Experience	Hike Bike Travel - Laurentians

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