By The Numbers
Distance: 880 Kilometres
Total Ascent: 11,900 metres
Unpaved/Paved: 75%/25%
Discover the Gaspésie, a peninsula of spectacular sea, river and mountain landscapes that rewards bikepackers for their efforts. Bordered by the salty waters of the St. Lawrence Estuary and Gulf, this immense photogenic peninsula is teeming with exceptional bikepacking potential. Explore the backcountry, where the majestic Chic-Choc Mountains rise, then revel in riding amongst the splendours of the coast, where the sea, beaches and cliffs will take turns wowing you. First Nations, Vikings, Basque and Breton fishermen, the French, Jersey Islanders, Acadians, Loyalists, English, Irish and Scots… All have left their mark on this region’s cultural heritage.
Note: This route is adapted from the Quebec segment of the Great Northern Bikepacking Route.
Note: A portion of this route is adapted from the La Transgaspésie route on Bikepacking.com
Highlights Include:
Ride through the rugged beauty and alpine mountains of Parc National de la Gaspésie. The International Appalachian Trail runs through here.
Coastal views galore along the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Enjoy that salty breeze.
Marvel at the sight of the famous Perce rock.
A good chance to spot some of North America’s big game including moose and bear.
Journey through the forested land of Reserve Faunique de Matane.
Travel from one charming small community to the next.
Tasty dishes featuring local ingredients from the land, sea and forest. Hello, Poutine!
Soak in the stunning view from the summit of Mont-Logan.
Trip Details
Navigation
The link below is the route files you need to navigate this route. It would be a challenge to properly navigate the route with a paper map.
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/48178793
You can use the file to navigate the route using a navigational device such as Garmin or Wahoo, and on your mobile phone using the Ride with GPS app. The benefit of having the file on the Ride with GPS mobile app is that you will be able to see the points of interest (POIs) during your trip. These include accommodation and food options. Zoom in on a particular area of the route as some POI’s overlap and some of them are not visible when zoomed out. Having the route on the Ride with GPS app is also a good backup in case your navigation device malfunctions, which is not unheard of.
Use this link to download the Ride with GPS mobile app. https://support.ridewithgps.com/hc/en-us/articles/17499515359643-Import-GPS-files-in-the-app
Some GPS navigation devices, including the Garmin eTrex, have a track-point limit to the .gpx files they can store. And some devices just don't function optimally when working with a lengthy route and large route file. For this reason, breaking up the route file into smaller segments might be necessary. Here (https://ridewithgps.com/news/9132-exporting-gpx-files-just-got-more-reliab) is additional information on when to break up the route into smaller chunks and when to reduce track points of a .gpx file. Note: you'll need to save the route to your route library on Ride with GPS before splitting the route into shorter segments.
If you become a BT 700 Bikepacking Club Member (no cost) you'll be able to download the route using the Ride with GPS mobile app and access its navigational features including voice prompts free of charge. Normally this is only available for Premium Account subscribers. All you will need is to sign up for free Ride with GPS account. Anyone with a free or paid Ride with GPS account who clicks this link will be added to the club and automatically approved. Here is some more info about the benefits of being a club member.
The route can be updated or modified at any time, so it's best to review the route file in advance for trip planning purposes but only download the file shortly before your ride so you have the most up-to-date route. If you ride the route and come across any route issues or services that I should know about please contact me about this so I can update the route file as needed.
Route Difficulty
Physical: 7 out of 10
With numerous testy inclines and rougher paths, this route should be considered physically demanding, especially if you are trying to push big daily mileage. With approximately 12,000 metres of elevation gain in less than 900 kilometres, it’s no easy cruise. Inclines can be steep and long and some of the ‘roads’ are certainly on the rougher side. There can be some bike-pushing sections. However, there are some longer sections on the pavement that can make the ride feel more manageable.
Weather patterns can also contribute to how physically difficult the route seems. The weather on the Gaspésie is notoriously fickle. It’s certainly possible to experience rain and/or high winds. During the summer months, you may also experience sultry conditions.
Technical: 5 out of 10
For the most part, this route does not require expert riding skills and is only moderately technical. Rougher roads and trails should be navigatable by anyone with reasonable bike handling skills. However, there are a handful of more challenging uphills and descents that require more attention.
Logistics: 4 out of 10
On this route, food resupply points come at fairly regular intervals and there are plenty of natural water sources that can be filtered, making the logistics of riding the entire route relatively straightforward. However, there are a few sections where it is important to be aware of the lack of services for a long period of time. It’s also possible to find a range of accommodation options – in a tent or under a roof – in many places along the route which can dampen much of the stress of figuring out where to rest for an evening.
Trip Start/Finish
The route begins and ends in the town of Amqui. However, riders can choose to enter and exit the route at a different location that suits their needs. The closest international airport is Quebec City.
Route Direction
The Grande Gaspesie is designed to be completed in a clockwise direction. But it is also possible to ride the route in reverse. There is no clear advantage to which direction you go.
When to Go
End of May to the end of September is likely the best time to ride the route. In the first weeks of May you may encounter some snowpack at higher elevations. June can be considered peak mosquito and black fly season. In some areas including Reserve Faunique de Montane hunting will commence in mid-September which requires remaining on established roads.
Trip Length
For most riders, a realistic period of time for completing the route is 5 to 10 days. But riders can take longer to enjoy the sites and ride lower daily mileage or try to go big for long days to get around the route in only a few days.
What Bike
The Grand Gaspésie was designed as bikepacking route with an emphasis on rugged terrain. So a hardtail mountain bike, rigid ATB, or big-tired gravel bike is likely your best choice for the route. Tires in the range of 2.1 to 2.5 will work well on 650b or 29-inch wheels. If using 700 wheels, it’s advised to use 45mm tires or larger for improved comfort on the trails and tougher dirt road sections. Skinny rubber will make the ride less fun. Good gear ratios will make it easier to tackle some of the punchy inclines when loaded down with gear so you can ride more and push less. You really can’t have enough gears for this route. Run tubeless if possible to mitigate the chances of flats in some of the rockier areas.
Accommodation
There are few different options for accommodation along the route. This includes established campgrounds, cabins, and motels. The route file lists numerous options for spending a night, but should not be thought of as being exhaustive of the options. Generally, you do not need to ride great distances to find an accommodation option. Camping in Matane Wildlife Reserve, Parc national de la Gaspésie, and Forillon National Park are required to be in paid camping areas. Alongside the Saint-Jean River you will find several excellent ‘wild’ camping options. If camping in bear country you should take necessary precautions such as never leaving food in your tent and hanging it at night if possible.
Mobile Coverage
Cell coverage is not universal on this route. There are pockets where you will be offline. Using a GPS tracker is recommended in case of an emergency situation.
Traffic
For the most part, this route travels on quiet gravel roads and trails. However, there are a few spots where it is necessary to travel on paved roads with more traffic. This is especially the case for the southern portion of the route along the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The route also travels on some active logging roads, so be aware when logging trucks are barreling towards you and be sure to move off to the side of the road, even when they are passing from the other side. Bicycles yield to logging trucks, not the other way.
Language
Though you will encounter locals who can speak English, French is the predominant dialect and knowing a bit of the language can be helpful.
Route Alternatives
On the route file, you’ll notice a few spots where riders are provided with route alternatives. Some of these provide options for easier routing, while at other times there is the opportunity to take a longer, more challenging route. For instance, riders can add on this beautiful loop in Forillon National Park.
If you have any additional questions about this route please contact us.
Lastly
It must be stressed that the route is entirely unsupported and unsanctioned with no insurance provided. All riders are responsible for their well-being on Grande Gaspesie route and ride at their own risk. The route developer takes no responsibility for personal injury, damage to personal property, or any other circumstance that might happen to individual riders cycling the Grand Gaspesie route. There is no guarantee of route conditions at any given time and the route developer takes no responsibility for disrupted route conditions. You are entirely responsible for your safety and decisions that are made including accommodation and necessary detours. It is advised to study the route map and make note of your supply options as well as some possible detours (these are marked with a Control Point symbol). If you are not comfortable riding a section of the route take any necessary alternatives. Planning and due diligence is imperative as is riding within your means. People "racing" the route do so at their own risk.
Distance: 880 Kilometres
Total Ascent: 11,900 metres
Unpaved/Paved: 75%/25%
Discover the Gaspésie, a peninsula of spectacular sea, river and mountain landscapes that rewards bikepackers for their efforts. Bordered by the salty waters of the St. Lawrence Estuary and Gulf, this immense photogenic peninsula is teeming with exceptional bikepacking potential. Explore the backcountry, where the majestic Chic-Choc Mountains rise, then revel in riding amongst the splendours of the coast, where the sea, beaches and cliffs will take turns wowing you. First Nations, Vikings, Basque and Breton fishermen, the French, Jersey Islanders, Acadians, Loyalists, English, Irish and Scots… All have left their mark on this region’s cultural heritage.
Note: This route is adapted from the Quebec segment of the Great Northern Bikepacking Route.
Note: A portion of this route is adapted from the La Transgaspésie route on Bikepacking.com
Highlights Include:
Ride through the rugged beauty and alpine mountains of Parc National de la Gaspésie. The International Appalachian Trail runs through here.
Coastal views galore along the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Enjoy that salty breeze.
Marvel at the sight of the famous Perce rock.
A good chance to spot some of North America’s big game including moose and bear.
Journey through the forested land of Reserve Faunique de Matane.
Travel from one charming small community to the next.
Tasty dishes featuring local ingredients from the land, sea and forest. Hello, Poutine!
Soak in the stunning view from the summit of Mont-Logan.
Trip Details
Navigation
The link below is the route files you need to navigate this route. It would be a challenge to properly navigate the route with a paper map.
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/48178793
You can use the file to navigate the route using a navigational device such as Garmin or Wahoo, and on your mobile phone using the Ride with GPS app. The benefit of having the file on the Ride with GPS mobile app is that you will be able to see the points of interest (POIs) during your trip. These include accommodation and food options. Zoom in on a particular area of the route as some POI’s overlap and some of them are not visible when zoomed out. Having the route on the Ride with GPS app is also a good backup in case your navigation device malfunctions, which is not unheard of.
Use this link to download the Ride with GPS mobile app. https://support.ridewithgps.com/hc/en-us/articles/17499515359643-Import-GPS-files-in-the-app
Some GPS navigation devices, including the Garmin eTrex, have a track-point limit to the .gpx files they can store. And some devices just don't function optimally when working with a lengthy route and large route file. For this reason, breaking up the route file into smaller segments might be necessary. Here (https://ridewithgps.com/news/9132-exporting-gpx-files-just-got-more-reliab) is additional information on when to break up the route into smaller chunks and when to reduce track points of a .gpx file. Note: you'll need to save the route to your route library on Ride with GPS before splitting the route into shorter segments.
If you become a BT 700 Bikepacking Club Member (no cost) you'll be able to download the route using the Ride with GPS mobile app and access its navigational features including voice prompts free of charge. Normally this is only available for Premium Account subscribers. All you will need is to sign up for free Ride with GPS account. Anyone with a free or paid Ride with GPS account who clicks this link will be added to the club and automatically approved. Here is some more info about the benefits of being a club member.
The route can be updated or modified at any time, so it's best to review the route file in advance for trip planning purposes but only download the file shortly before your ride so you have the most up-to-date route. If you ride the route and come across any route issues or services that I should know about please contact me about this so I can update the route file as needed.
Route Difficulty
Physical: 7 out of 10
With numerous testy inclines and rougher paths, this route should be considered physically demanding, especially if you are trying to push big daily mileage. With approximately 12,000 metres of elevation gain in less than 900 kilometres, it’s no easy cruise. Inclines can be steep and long and some of the ‘roads’ are certainly on the rougher side. There can be some bike-pushing sections. However, there are some longer sections on the pavement that can make the ride feel more manageable.
Weather patterns can also contribute to how physically difficult the route seems. The weather on the Gaspésie is notoriously fickle. It’s certainly possible to experience rain and/or high winds. During the summer months, you may also experience sultry conditions.
Technical: 5 out of 10
For the most part, this route does not require expert riding skills and is only moderately technical. Rougher roads and trails should be navigatable by anyone with reasonable bike handling skills. However, there are a handful of more challenging uphills and descents that require more attention.
Logistics: 4 out of 10
On this route, food resupply points come at fairly regular intervals and there are plenty of natural water sources that can be filtered, making the logistics of riding the entire route relatively straightforward. However, there are a few sections where it is important to be aware of the lack of services for a long period of time. It’s also possible to find a range of accommodation options – in a tent or under a roof – in many places along the route which can dampen much of the stress of figuring out where to rest for an evening.
Trip Start/Finish
The route begins and ends in the town of Amqui. However, riders can choose to enter and exit the route at a different location that suits their needs. The closest international airport is Quebec City.
Route Direction
The Grande Gaspesie is designed to be completed in a clockwise direction. But it is also possible to ride the route in reverse. There is no clear advantage to which direction you go.
When to Go
End of May to the end of September is likely the best time to ride the route. In the first weeks of May you may encounter some snowpack at higher elevations. June can be considered peak mosquito and black fly season. In some areas including Reserve Faunique de Montane hunting will commence in mid-September which requires remaining on established roads.
Trip Length
For most riders, a realistic period of time for completing the route is 5 to 10 days. But riders can take longer to enjoy the sites and ride lower daily mileage or try to go big for long days to get around the route in only a few days.
What Bike
The Grand Gaspésie was designed as bikepacking route with an emphasis on rugged terrain. So a hardtail mountain bike, rigid ATB, or big-tired gravel bike is likely your best choice for the route. Tires in the range of 2.1 to 2.5 will work well on 650b or 29-inch wheels. If using 700 wheels, it’s advised to use 45mm tires or larger for improved comfort on the trails and tougher dirt road sections. Skinny rubber will make the ride less fun. Good gear ratios will make it easier to tackle some of the punchy inclines when loaded down with gear so you can ride more and push less. You really can’t have enough gears for this route. Run tubeless if possible to mitigate the chances of flats in some of the rockier areas.
Accommodation
There are few different options for accommodation along the route. This includes established campgrounds, cabins, and motels. The route file lists numerous options for spending a night, but should not be thought of as being exhaustive of the options. Generally, you do not need to ride great distances to find an accommodation option. Camping in Matane Wildlife Reserve, Parc national de la Gaspésie, and Forillon National Park are required to be in paid camping areas. Alongside the Saint-Jean River you will find several excellent ‘wild’ camping options. If camping in bear country you should take necessary precautions such as never leaving food in your tent and hanging it at night if possible.
Mobile Coverage
Cell coverage is not universal on this route. There are pockets where you will be offline. Using a GPS tracker is recommended in case of an emergency situation.
Traffic
For the most part, this route travels on quiet gravel roads and trails. However, there are a few spots where it is necessary to travel on paved roads with more traffic. This is especially the case for the southern portion of the route along the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The route also travels on some active logging roads, so be aware when logging trucks are barreling towards you and be sure to move off to the side of the road, even when they are passing from the other side. Bicycles yield to logging trucks, not the other way.
Language
Though you will encounter locals who can speak English, French is the predominant dialect and knowing a bit of the language can be helpful.
Route Alternatives
On the route file, you’ll notice a few spots where riders are provided with route alternatives. Some of these provide options for easier routing, while at other times there is the opportunity to take a longer, more challenging route. For instance, riders can add on this beautiful loop in Forillon National Park.
If you have any additional questions about this route please contact us.
Lastly
It must be stressed that the route is entirely unsupported and unsanctioned with no insurance provided. All riders are responsible for their well-being on Grande Gaspesie route and ride at their own risk. The route developer takes no responsibility for personal injury, damage to personal property, or any other circumstance that might happen to individual riders cycling the Grand Gaspesie route. There is no guarantee of route conditions at any given time and the route developer takes no responsibility for disrupted route conditions. You are entirely responsible for your safety and decisions that are made including accommodation and necessary detours. It is advised to study the route map and make note of your supply options as well as some possible detours (these are marked with a Control Point symbol). If you are not comfortable riding a section of the route take any necessary alternatives. Planning and due diligence is imperative as is riding within your means. People "racing" the route do so at their own risk.
