In Quebec, the road network spans approximately 325,000 km, of which only about 40% is paved. If gravel roads don’t scare you, just imagine the possibilities that open up to you. A quick calculation tells me there are nearly 200,000 km of unpaved roads. This gives us several destination options that are often unthinkable with a street bike.
The province of Quebec also offers other options for the more adventurous, such as the trails of certain ATV clubs, as well as several small trails on public lands. And that’s not all! Since the playground is vast and easily accessible, several events are organized for adventurous motorcyclists to enjoy.
Whether it’s a solo ride to discover extraordinary human achievements or camping by a lake, adventure motorcycling and Quebec are a perfect match.
The Spirit of Adventure
To begin with, I must emphasize that far beyond the destinations themselves, the adventure motorcycle community in Quebec is just as welcoming as the destinations found here.
A respectful community, eager to discover new places and, above all, to share their adventures.
Specialists in off-road mechanics, off-road riding, and forest survival, as well as certified guides, are examples of passionate people who ensure that simply switching from the road to adventure is a destination in itself.
Destinations, but also events to explore them safely
Here are a few suggestions for day trips or even multi-day adventure motorcycle trips not too far away, but which will offer a complete change of scenery.
The Upper Laurentians, Parent, Casey
Starting from Mont St-Michel or Latuque, the route to Parent is practically a must-do for adventure motorcyclists in Quebec. It’s not difficult, but forest roads mean staying alert. A patch of sand, or riding on loose gravel because the grader has just passed through—a paved road is always a challenge, especially over long distances.
To reach Parent, you’ll ride along a beautiful winding road through the magnificent landscapes of the Haute-Mauricie. Once in Parent, you can fill up on gas and have the option to drive on to Clova. From there, take Chemin Lépine to get back to Highway 117, or turn back toward Latuque. If you choose the latter, I invite you to stop in Casey, home to a former military base from the 1950s and 1960s. This site became famous in 1992 when driver Raymond Boulanger landed there with 4,000 kg of cocaine…
If you’d rather explore the Haute-Mauricie more intensely, Patrick Trahan of Touareg Aventure organizes the Rally de Parent. Five days, 2,100 km of “roadbook” on a discovery or “challenge” route.
Patrick introduces participants to the Haute-Mauricie region while also offering a rally-raid experience.
There’s even a campsite where everyone sleeps in tents in a more remote setting. And it’s worth noting that this isn’t a race—but above all, it’s unique in North America.
The Outaouais and the Laurentians – An escape within reach of major cities
Although I’m a native of Saguenay and the Monts Valin represent a part of my youth, the Outaouais and the western Laurentians are among the most beautiful playgrounds for motorcycle adventure in Quebec. Here’s why.
For people in the Greater Montreal Area, it’s easy to ride a few kilometers and find yourself on the trails and gravel roads starting from Lachute.
From there, head toward the Laurentians via the famous JackRabit Road or even further west to explore the municipalities of “La Petite Nation.” Saint-André-Avelin, the Montagnes Noires lookout in Ripon, and a loop around Lake Simon to Duhamel for a delicious BBQ meal.
From there, return via Lac Des Plages or explore the Papineau Labelle Wildlife Reserve via forest roads or ATV trails that allow adventure motorcycles (with a pass, of course).
Whether you’re a die-hard adventurer or simply enjoy testing your tires’ grip on beautiful, winding paved roads, you’ll be in for a treat.
Here again, if you’d prefer to take advantage of a motorcycle event to experience this part of the province, the Classique Moto Fest—held over the May long weekend—offers five routes. From the easiest, 100% paved route to something more challenging, you’ll discover a region perfect for adventure riding. Restaurants, gas stations, attractions—it’s all there.
The Trans Taïga – To the End of the Road
The ultimate destination in Quebec. Not because it requires a high level of riding skill, but rather because of its distance. Once you arrive at your destination, you’ll find yourself 745 km from the nearest city… The farthest distance from a city by road in North America.
The Trans Taïga begins at kilometer 542 of the James Bay Road and ends to the east at the Caniapiscau Reservoir. That’s a distance of 666 km… This road is not to be taken lightly if you venture out on it. As mentioned earlier, this isn’t a road that requires technical riding skills, but it consists of gravel with larger stones than you’d normally find on a suburban gravel road.
Good tires, a motorcycle in good condition, and of course solid mechanical knowledge will be essential. The challenge will be refueling. Since there are no towns or villages, there are no gas stations per se. However, since there are outfitters, you’ll be able to fill up.
The Trans-Taïga is a legendary route. Originally created to serve Hydro-Québec’s hydroelectric power plants on the Grande Rivière and the Caniapiscau River, the Trans-Taïga represents a major challenge. The distance is impressive, but so is the fact that you find yourself in remote territory where nature, flies, and bears are at home… This will require quite a bit of planning when it comes to preparing meals and setting up camps for the night.
But according to those I know who have done it, the Trans-Taïga is worth the detour. And that’s why it’s on my bucket list.
Hunter’s Point, A Trip Back in Time
To get to Hunter’s Point, there are no organized rides or events.
To get there, you sit down at your computer and do some research, then plan your route.
We pack our bags and camping gear, load them onto our motorcycles, and hit the road toward Hunter’s Point, 82 km from the Kipawa Reserve in Témiscamingue.
Originally, it was a Hudson’s Bay Company trading post, first known as Hunter’s Lodge, where Indigenous people came to trade furs. The trading post closed its doors in the 1880s.
A few white settlers and Métis also came to settle in the community, opening a general store and a post office in 1886. The community was gradually abandoned—with all services ceasing in the 1960s—though a few people still live there today, while vacationers occupy the surrounding area during the summer. The post office closed permanently in 1970. But what makes this trip special is being able to set up camp for a night or two, pitch your tent, and sleep right on the grounds of the abandoned but still-standing church.
I went there with several adventurous friends in 2023, and it was an adventure in every sense of the word. Mechanical breakdowns, flat tires, falls, a closed gas station—in short, everything needed to make this trip a success. If you’re looking for a unique destination for a 2–3-day adventure, I highly recommend it, especially if you stop by the Pourvoirie du Lac Brûlé for a delicious meal and to fill up on gas.
Conclusion
It’s very difficult to rank the most beautiful motorcycle adventure destinations, because what makes the adventure isn’t the destination but the path taken to get there. The people with whom you share this journey are an integral part of the adventure. Breakdowns, mishaps, missed turns, helping each other overcome obstacles—all of that is part of the adventure. And it’s for all these reasons that I’m in love with the activity of motorcycle adventure.
