Bike Ride Along Lac Temiscouata

Hi Blog!

Winter is coming! We are starting to see the trees change colors.

After our long hike yesterday, we decided a nice leisurely bike ride was in order. We found that we were just a short drive from a rail trail known as the Petit Témis Interprovincial Linear Park, the first bike path in Canada to connect Québec and New Brunswick. It contains 83 miles of gravel paths reserved strictly for cyclists and pedestrians along a decommissioned CN railway line. We didn't have the time to ride all 83 miles, so we picked what we thought would be the most scenic part of the trail along Temiscouata Lake.

On Friday, September 9, 2018, we started our ride in the resort town of Temiscouata-sur-le-Lac. We parked right in front of Parc Clair Soleil de Cabano. Here is our trailhead selfie at the park, which was beautifully landscaped for a small town's park.

It was 47 degrees when we woke this morning, which is why we have long sleeves and bike jackets. However, the day was sunny and bright. As we started our ride, it wasn't long before we left civilization behind.

There were a number of cottages along the lakefront. There were also several lots for sale. Someone obviously enjoys the view from this spot.

There are a number of picnic tables and rest areas along the trail. Several of them have lake access. We stopped at the Trembles, which is the French name for Aspen Trees. With the stiff breeze coming off of the lake, the aspen were definitely trembling! We took a few minutes to explore the lakeshore. Lake Temiscouata is 45 km long and 5 km wide. Below, Kathy contemplates how long it would take to paddle around the entire lake.

Because the lake is so big, a ferry runs across from Notre-Dame-du-Lac to Saint-Juste-du-Lac. Since it is after Labor Day and the kids are back in school, we only saw two cars on the ferry.

There were several campgrounds right on the lake shore.  This one had its own private beach:

We were amazed at how quickly the trees are turning. We guess it's time for us to start heading south!

This part of the Bas St. Laurent is farm country. We passed several large operations. This pumpkin patch, which grew out over and down the cliff, is trying to take over the trail.

All along the trial, we found reminders that this used to be a rail line.

As we approached the town of Degelis, many of the cottages along the trail had amazing flower gardens. Here is one of our favorites.

After 11-1/2 miles, we decided to have our lunch at one of the picnic areas overlooking Notre Dame Island.

After lunch, we turned around and headed back. We didn't have near as many stops on the way back, so we made great time. We have one more day in Bas Saint Laurent and hope to visit canyon country. Stay tuned.