I'm coming up from Boston for 10 days, from August 27 to Sept 5. I'll probably ride into Montreal, spend a night, train to Quebec, spend two nights and ride down. I'm on a Fuji Touring, 32mm tires, running full panniers and tent camping.
I like cheap tasty food, cider, coffee, parks, wild camping, easy rides.
Any can't miss towns between Quebec and Montreal? Should I ride north or south of the river?
Anyone with a campsite or couch to spare in Quebec, Montreal or between?
I would recommend the north side of the river. You can follow the Route de Roi (kings route). We've ridden twice and found it very difficult to find free camping.
I'm currently biking from Montreal to Quebec, on the north side of the river. Locals recommended that side, and also suggested I get off Route Verte 5 and just follow highway 138.
Free camping seems unlikely so far. But I found a FAB motel at $78 CAD in Repentigny, not far from Montreal. Motel Derfal. Small, *immaculate* room; free bike storage in nearby garage; and when I asked about a place to get a bite for dinner, the owner drove me in his truck to the nearest Tim Horton's! Really great owners who clearly care a lot about the place.
I did that route in Opposite direction, following Chemin du row (route 138).
I was able to camp free some 10 km from the centre of Trois Riviers at Notre Dame sanctuary ( there is actually a camping, but does not take tents, but the guard allowed me to camp outside of that campground.
In Quebec City, well, out of city, on Ile d'Orleans, there is also a cheap camping and I think wild camping could be really nice close to Felix Leclerc statue, on the side of the island facing Quebec, not too far north from the bridge.
Don’t hesitate to try wild camping, but choose the spot carefully.