FAQ

To select the package that best suits your needs, take into consideration the following aspects: your level of expertise in cycling, the desired duration, are you alone, as a couple, with family, do you have young children, are you in a group? What types of bikes do you have, or do you want to rent? What types of accommodations do you prefer? Are you looking to train, relax, visit as many attractions as possible, etc.

For more information, please visit the following page: Choosing a bike package

If you encounter difficulties in choosing the one that best suits your specific needs, do not hesitate to contact us by phone or email, we will be happy to advise you!

A self-guided private departure is planned according to your reservation. You can choose the departure date that suits you best. You will have a preparatory meeting with a travel advisor at your chosen time.

This is the only type of departure available with Équinox Aventure. We do not organize fixed-date departures. We also do not offer the option of forming groups with solo travelers; the responsibility of forming a group or not lies with the client before booking with us.

To book, please begin by completing the form to get a quote, which you can find on each of our packages under the relevant information. Fill out the form and feel free to add comments if you have any questions or details to provide. A travel advisor will contact you promptly to provide the necessary details for your decision-making.

The availability depends on your choice of date. We offer self-guided departures, which means you have the freedom to choose your own departure dates without being tied to a specific group or predefined dates. Please indicate your preferences in the quote request form. To start the process and check the availability of accommodations, please follow the instructions in the quote. We will need a credit card (Visa or Mastercard) as a guarantee to begin the availability verification and booking process; no funds will be charged. 

Please note that we cannot guarantee the availability of accommodations. Therefore, it is always preferable to have some flexibility regarding dates. You can specify your preferred date and add in the comment section if you have flexibility.

Yes, we can reserve additional nights in Alma before and after your package, as well as additional nights within the package.

For reasons of intellectual property and as part of our turnkey service approach, we will only disclose the names of accommodations after receiving payment. We are committed to meeting your needs and preferences by carefully selecting accommodations. We mainly collaborate with establishments certified as Bienvenue Cyclistes, known for their cyclist-friendly services.

Yes, even in the small villages around the lake, you will find something to eat, even in the smallest villages where a convenience store is available. For dinners, several accommodations offer dining rooms. For those that do not offer them or have specific features, we will notify you. It's not long distances to bike. Don't forget that you can use taxis. We make sure our clients have at least one option for dinner. A list of restaurants and convenience stores by municipality that you will encounter during your trip will be given to you during your pre-departure meeting at our travel agency, so you can plan your stops strategically. Having some snacks with you is never a bad idea!

You can also view the interactive map here.

Departures for bike packages generally take place in the morning. However, for those who have one or more nights in Alma before their bike departure, it is also possible to meet in the afternoon on the day before your departure. Once your package is paid for, you will receive a link to a calendar that will allow you to select the time that suits you best. The proposed times are: in the afternoon at 2:00 p.m. or 2:30 p.m. for those with nights in Alma before their packages, and in the morning before departure on the package at 8:00 a.m., 8:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. Plan about thirty minutes for dropping off your luggage and preparing, as well as a meeting with a travel advisor who will provide you with information to prepare you well.

Since our partners are either certified Bienvenue cyclistes (Welcome cyclists) or accustomed to receiving them, you will have the following options depending on the different accommodation arrangements: Bring the bike into the room with you or store them in a locked garage overnight. Tools are also available on site for any necessary adjustments.

You will come across points called 'Vélovoûtes' along the Véloroute des Bleuets. You can consult the list of Vélovoûtes here. Once at your accommodation for the night, you can remove the battery from your bike and plug it in your room or at the location designated by the accommodation.

Our assistance ensures peace of mind during your package. In case of any issues, you can contact us, and we will find a solution. For instance, we can provide a bike replacement in case of mechanical failure or arrange transportation in case of an injury on the road.

Additionally, we equip you with the necessary tools to remain self-sufficient in case of minor incidents such as a flat tire.

In case of rain, for example, our activities proceed as scheduled. Therefore, we recommend that you remain attentive to the weather conditions and prepare appropriate clothing to cope with potential inclement weather during your package stay in the region.

In the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean area, microclimates are observed. This means that weather conditions can vary significantly over short distances. For instance, heavy rainfall may occur in certain areas for a brief period, while others remain sunny. This variation creates periods of good weather between rain episodes. Hence, before utilizing our services, please wait to see if the heavy rainfall indeed passes.

In case of extreme temperatures considered dangerous for your safety, such as torrential rains and violent and incessant thunderstorms, we may, depending on the specifics of your situation, arrange either personal transportation, coordinate a resource, or direct you to the nearest resource from your location, so that you can reach your destination safely.

In all cases, and particularly to safeguard against natural disasters (e.g., forest fires, floods, etc.), we recommend purchasing a travel insurance. It is possible that we may determine our services can proceed even if you feel the conditions are not sufficiently favorable. In such cases, our cancellation policies will apply.

The route is considered recreational to cyclotouristic, with only three short inclines of 9% or more.

The Véloroute des Bleuets is fully paved, except for the 15 kilometers located within the Pointe-Taillon National Park.

Distribution:

• Cycling paths (105 km) - 43%
• Paved shoulders (82 km) - 34%
• Designated roadway (48 km) - 20%
• Bike lanes (8 km) - 3%

For more information, please visit the following page: Choosing a bike package

This is a method of route classification.

Recreational: Featuring short distances, little elevation gain, and suitable for family outings, they will give you plenty of time to stop and smell the flowers.

Bicyle touring: Designed for longer distances while remaining accessible to all. They provide time to visit tourist attractions and enjoy the landscapes of the region.

Cyclosportive: These routes are more demanding and are suitable for experienced cyclists looking for longer distances and more elevation gain.

Yes, there is a total of 35 restroom stops around Lake Saint-Jean accessible to cyclists. Therefore, you will easily have access to these services near the Véloroute des Bleuets throughout your stay.

Here is a list of the restroom stops

Yes, there is signal everywhere around Lake Saint-Jean.

The Véloroute des Bleuets is generally suitable for children, offering sections of bike paths separated from the main road, thus ensuring a safer environment. However, it is not always equipped with bike paths and includes sections on shoulders. It is essential to take these variations into account and to remain vigilant, especially when traveling with children. We recommend thoroughly researching the specifics of each section and adjusting your itinerary accordingly to ensure the safety of the entire family. Family-friendly packages, such as the Half-tour and the Tour of Lake Saint-Jean, may offer a more suitable experience for children. However, it is always recommended to check the specific conditions of the Véloroute des Bleuets and ensure that it is suitable for the age and experience level of the children. Some sections may feature slopes or characteristics requiring special attention.

For family experiences, we recommend that children aged 4 to 12 years old, if using tag-along bikes or children's bicycles, be assessed for their ability to hold on firmly and cover distances. For children using trailers, it is essential to assess, among other things, whether your child or toddler can sit upright to prevent the risk of neck or head injuries.

Yes, if all members of the group choose the same package and options, one person will be responsible for the group. They will need to submit the quote request with information about the number of participants and the options chosen. Please familiarize yourself with the Terms of Sale and the terms of the 20% deposit applicable for groups.

Generally yes, laundry services are sometimes available depending on the accommodations, sometimes for free, sometimes for an additional fee (bring some change if you plan to clean your clothes along the way). If a service is not directly available at the accommodation, the receptionists can provide you with information on the nearest laundry service.

To drop off your luggage at our agency and for your pre-departure meeting and preparation time, you can park your vehicle in the agency's parking lot. However, due to limited capacity, we kindly ask you to park in an official long-term parking lot of the Véloroute des Bleuets, located 350 meters from our agency. This information will be provided to you once your package is paid for, and it will be reiterated upon your arrival at the agency, along with the necessary directions.

Please consult the following link to access our parking policy.

No, all departures, without exception, are from our travel agency in Alma. We do not organize departures from other locations.

You are free to choose other routes and/or shorten the journey without necessarily using the Véloroute des Bleuets. However, keep in mind that some roads may have narrow or virtually no shoulders, be busy, and you may encounter trucks, especially in our region where the timber industry is present. If you feel comfortable and have the necessary experience to handle these situations safely, you are free to explore other routes. Just make sure to consider safety, comfort, and the scenery offered by the Véloroute des Bleuets. The detour is often worth it.

Regarding your ability to change a bike inner tube in case of a flat tire, we recommend that you educate yourself by watching tutorials and practice if possible. We provide all the necessary equipment to change the inner tube in case of a flat tire. If you have a flat tire in the morning or early afternoon, it is likely that we can help. However, after 2 p.m., we may not be able to assist you directly. We can guide you to taxis, repair shops, or replace your tire the next day.

• Take the time to discover the details of each activity and accommodation by clicking on the question marks.
• Select your choices:
  • The date of your arrival
  • The number of participants
  • Your activities and accommodations
• If you need to rent a vehicle, select:
  • The quantity
  • The location and pick-up date
  • The return date of the vehicle you are interested in
• Then click on "Add".
• Complete the form with your details and click on "Send request".
• A travel advisor will send you an email with rates and additional information.
• Once everything is confirmed with the Equinox Adventure advisor, you will receive a link to pay for your package online.
• Your payment confirms your reservation, and you will receive a final email with your printable travel guide, indicating the addresses of the selected activities and accommodations.  

The total payment of your package will confirm your reservation. In case of cancellation, please refer to our page: Terms of Sale.

You must first fill out the form on the page of the car tour that interests you.

A travel counselor will contact you by phone if they need additional information regarding your request.

Then you will receive a quote by email.

If you have any questions, you can ask them by email (info@equinoxaventure.ca) or by phone (1-888-668-7381).

We will then guide you through the different steps.

Your reservation takes effect upon full payment of your package.

Please find our conditions of sale here: https://www.equinoxaventure.ca/en/conditions-of-sale/

For the most part, yes. Since it's a self-drive package, we make it a point for you to meet as many local experts as possible.

It depends on the number of activities you choose and their location.

Note that the Saguenay—Lac-Saint-Jean region covers 98,713 km², which is three times the size of Belgium. It's immense, isn't it?

However, rest assured, we have selected accommodations near each activity. At most, you will travel 2 hours by car to get from one point to another.

You can check the distance table here.

The Explore Québec en route discount is a discount offered thanks to the financial support of the Quebec Ministry of Tourism. It is aimed at residents of Quebec and offers a 25% discount when booking a minimum of 2 activities and one night offered in our multi-activity package.

The discount is valid for reservations between January 1 and March 31, 2025.

No, the 25% discount is only valid on the base price of the multi-activity Auto Tour (minimum 1 night and two activities) and applies before taxes.

To rent nautical equipment, click on this link: Bike Rental

• Choose the date
• Select the pickup time for the equipment
• Choose the rental duration
• Select the item you wish to rent
• Choose sizes and quantities
• Click "Book"
• Add any additional information if needed in the REMARKS section
• Enter your personal information
• Read and accept the terms of sale
• Proceed to payment

All bicycles, except children's bicycles, are equipped with bottle holders.

Some bicycles are equipped with luggage racks:

• Cyclo-cross and electric bikes all have racks for panniers.
• Most hybrid bikes have racks for panniers.
• Road bikes do not have racks for panniers.
• Children's bikes do not have racks for panniers.

Please note that we do not offer luggage rack rentals.

• From 8 am to 5 pm every day (May 15 to September 15)

• From 9 am to 4 pm, Monday to Friday (September 16 to May 14)

For any bike rental request outside of the opening hours of the rental center, please contact us by phone at 418 668-7381 to check availability.

Please consult the following link to access our parking policy.

For kayak rental, we provide the following equipment:

• Sea kayak (duo or solo)
• Life jacket(s)
• Paddles
• Spray skirts
• Map of the area
• Emergency contact sheet

For paddleboard rental, we provide the following equipment:

• Paddleboard
• Life jacket(s)
• Paddle
• Map of the area
• Emergency contact sheet

• 11 am to 7 pm every day (from June 22nd to June 30th)

• 9 am to 7 pm every day (from July 1st to August 23st)

• September: open on school or corporative groupe  activities

Equinox Adventure strongly encourages online reservations 24 hours in advance.

Please note that we reserve the right to close at any time, without notice, depending on weather conditions.

The minimum age is 21, and a valid driver's license is required.

The minimum age is 21, and a valid driver's license is required.