Between dense forests, tranquil lakes, and rolling green hills, the Eastern Townships and Montérégie offer breathtaking scenery. But beyond the stunning nature, these regions also hide amazing trails an impressive range of gourmet stops waiting to be discovered.
In collaboration with Oberson and following the recommendations of sommelier Elyse Lambert, here’s a proposed “cyclo-gourmet” itinerary through these two Quebec gems: a 60 km loop dotted with delicious stops. The idea? Pedal and feast all day long! And to make it easier, there’s even a Strava route designed for active food lovers.
Tested (and approved!) by the Oberson team, this outing is perfect for a day of exploration. We suggest picking a few favorite stops—no need to visit them all in one go… unless you’re very hungry and have plenty of energy.
Since it’s a loop, you can start the route wherever you like. To fully enjoy the experience, a gravel bike is recommended: some sections are unpaved and could be tricky on a road bike. That said, experienced riders can take it on for an extra challenge.
An itinerary at the crossroads of sport and gastronomy—one to enjoy without moderation. Bon voyage and bon appétit!
Tip: We suggest ending your day at Espace Old Mill, so it’s wise to park nearby to easily retrieve your car at the end of the ride. There are several free municipal parking lots close to the start. From there, begin your cycling journey toward the first stop.
Café Blinn – 12 River Street, Stanbridge East
To start your ride off right, what better than a visit to a great café for your first stop? Housed in the village’s former general store, Café Blinn is a must-visit. Run by Julia, this café-restaurant blends third-wave coffee with simple, local cuisine. Quench your thirst with a blueberry latte, an espresso milkshake, or a strawberry matcha. On the food side, the spot offers homemade pastries and hearty sandwiches. As a bonus, Café Blinn boasts a beautiful terrace overlooking the Rivière aux Brochets.
Cycling tip:
Café Blinn is just 900 meters from the starting point (Espace Old Mill).
Vignoble de l’Orpailleur – 1086 rue Bruce, Dunham
The Vignoble de l’Orpailleur, located in Dunham, is one of the pioneers of winemaking in Quebec. For over 40 years, it has showcased the province’s terroir through wines renowned for their quality and consistency. On site, you can enjoy a beautiful landscape, a terrace with vineyard views, a tasting room, and even a small vine-themed ecomuseum. An unmissable stop to experience local know-how… with a glass in hand.
Cycling tip:
Bring what you need to lock up your bike at the vineyard entrance.
Brasserie Dunham – 3809 rue Principale, Dunham
Just nine kilometers from the Vignoble de l’Orpailleur, you’ll find Brasserie Dunham—an exceptional microbrewery whose reputation extends far beyond the region. Housed in a stunning century-old building in the heart of the village, this landmark charms with its history-filled décor and the quality of its brews. It’s the perfect spot for a well-deserved lunch break. We recommend a hearty burger paired with a refreshing white beer brewed on-site. Enjoy it on the terrace or in the cozy pub before hitting the road again… perhaps at a slightly slower pace.
Maison agricole Joy Hill – 85 chemin de Richford, Frelighsburg
Perched on the hills of Frelighsburg, the Joy Hill vineyard offers one of Quebec’s most beautiful wine country panoramas. They grow primarily naturally vinified grape varieties, with an approach that honors the land and the environment. Between the sloping vines, minimalist architecture, and tastings on the terrace, this place perfectly embodies the understated elegance of local wines.
Cycling tip:
The road between Brasserie Dunham and Joy Hill is challenging, with a steep climb and a lot of gravel at the start (though manageable on a gravel bike). On the quiet backroads of Dunham, the scenery is breathtaking.
Beat & Betterave – 41 rue Principale, Frelighsburg
Beat & Betterave is the beating heart of Frelighsburg: a warm café, a lively cultural venue, and a nano-brewery deeply rooted in its community. It has a unique atmosphere—like being welcomed into a friend’s home—plus an unbeatable view of Mount Pinacle. Stop in for a coffee if you need a caffeine boost, a light bite (falafel, Polish nachos, sausage on a baguette, etc.) if you’re peckish, or a house-made rhubarb and strawberry lemonade for a refreshing break. It’s one of our favorite addresses in the Eastern Townships!
Cycling tip:
The road is paved, but the descent from Joy Hill to Beat & Betterave is quite steep—be sure to control your speed. The climb in the opposite direction is even tougher (3.7 km and 147 m elevation gain).
Restaurant Aux 2 Clochers – 2 rue de l’Église, Frelighsburg
Only 300 meters from Beat & Betterave, if you still have an appetite, stop by Restaurant Aux 2 Clochers, perched in the heart of Frelighsburg. This charming country bistro serves simple, generous, and comforting fare—just what you need to recharge halfway through the loop. The accessible, carefully prepared menu showcases local products: a reimagined club sandwich, house burger, tender gnocchi, and a salmon tartare that reflects chef Maxance’s attention to detail. For those craving something sweet, the desserts are delicious (especially the dulce de leche brownie!). The goal: quality, unpretentious food for all appetites—including several gluten-free options.
Cycling tip:
It’s easy—just turn the corner from Beat & Betterave and you’re there!
Comptoir Moutarde – 46 rue Principale, Bedford
Your next stop after Aux 2 Clochers is Comptoir Moutarde, a charming spot in the heart of Bedford that’s well worth the detour. This café-bar serves local, intuitive, and fresh cuisine in a bright, welcoming space. You’ll find tasty sandwiches, seasonal salads, homemade pastries, and excellent coffee—perfect for a gentle pause before tackling the final stretch of your ride.
Cycling tip:
Avoid Route 202 to get to Comptoir Moutarde—it’s busy and in poor condition. The main street is much more pleasant and worth the detour.
Fromagerie Missiska – 100 rue Wheeler, Bedford
It’s impossible to pass through Bedford without stopping at Fromagerie Missiska, an artisanal creamery that’s a true highlight of the route. Here, the cows are pampered and fed a non-GMO diet—and you can taste the difference: the cheeses are rich, creamy, perfectly balanced… and highly addictive. Even if you’re not very hungry at this stage of the loop, we strongly recommend visiting the shop. Missiska Doux, grilling cheese, artisanal yogurts, or chocolate milk—it’s hard to leave empty-handed. The bright space, welcoming terrace, and irresistible offerings make this a stop to savor—on the spot or at home, if you can wait that long.
Cycling tip:
It’s only 900 meters from Comptoir Moutarde to Fromagerie Missiska, through a residential neighborhood.
Espace Old Mill – 7 chemin Caleb Tree, Stanbridge East
Back in Stanbridge East, about ten kilometers from Bedford, the route ends in style at Espace Old Mill—a remarkable venue that combines a farm, a fine-dining restaurant, and a deep love for the land. A true regional gem, this unique address blends refinement and simplicity in a rustic setting amid its gardens. If you want to treat yourself to a more upscale dinner after the day’s ride, this is the place to be. In the kitchen, the passionate team highlights products from their own farm and from local artisans, with a strong commitment to agroecology. The result: contemporary, precise, and deeply rooted cuisine, rewarded with a Michelin Green Star.
Espace Old Mill offers three formats: à la carte on Thursday, Friday, and Sunday evenings; an eight-course tasting menu on Saturday; and gourmet picnics on Saturdays and Sundays during the day. The perfect finale to crown a gourmet cycling day surrounded by nature, craftsmanship, and terroir.
Pro tip: Reserve ahead—this popular spot often books up quickly.
Cycling tip:
The gardens here are truly enchanting!
Bon voyage and bon appétit!
