Distance

Distance4

1197km

% Unpaved

Gravel2

80%

Ascent

Elevation2

15,395m

High Point

High Point3

732m

Difficulty

Difficulty2

8/10

Canadian Shield XL

The Canadian Shield XL is a bikepacking route unlike any other in the region. At 1200km in length and with over 15,000 metres of climbing, there is no other route that can provide the same amount of challenge. This route will take you through, over and across some of the most rugged and beautiful parts of Western Quebec. With the vast majority of the route being unpaved, this route takes you over hills and mountains, around beautiful hard to reach lakes, on some of the best rail trail in the region and along backcountry roads that are for the most part free of traffic.

Within close proximity of Ottawa and Montreal, the Canadian Shield XL isn’t too far away. Featuring national and provincial parks, ski hills, nature reserves and rail trail, the route will take you through forests that were once the building block of this country.

The CSXL is a combination of three challenging routes through Western Quebec: the Canadian Shield 400 and the Northwest Quebec Explorer, two routes which make up the Canadian Shield Bikepacking Route. To add even more adventure, the Trouble in Tremblant loop adds another 300km and 5000 metres of elevation to the itinerary. This route is designed to take you through some of the most difficult terrain in the region and reward you with epic scenery, amazing riding and an adventure you will never forget. 

This route was designed by Chris Panasky, creator of the Bike Tour Adventures Podcast.

Gallery

Shorter route options

Are you looking for a shorter route option? Want to tackle just a part of the Canadian Shield Bikepacking Odyssey? Want to break up the CSBO into 3 smaller pieces? Have a look at the options below.

Northwest Quebec Explorer

 

Northwest Quebec was once a part of Canada where only the hardiest of men went. They went to work as miners, lumberjacks, log drivers and more. Fast forward a couple hundred years and it is now bikepackers that are the tough men and women taking on the challenges of Quebec by riding the Northwest Quebec Explorer.

Taking the rider through the Papineau-Labelle Nature Reserve, across rail-trail, onto Devil Mountain single-track trails and through rugged ATV trails as you make you way through the regional park, beautiful gravel roads leading you to Maniwaki after which you will ride a combination of rail-trail, gravel roads and single-track as you wind your way back towards Gracefield.

Northwest Quebec Explorer Lite

 

The Northwest Quebec Explorer Light was designed to cut out the roughest sections of the Northwest Quebec Explorer while still maintaining most of the sights. The NWQE Light removes the sections that run through the Papineau-Labelle Nature Reserve, the tough single-track and ATV trails of Devil’s Mountain and the multi-use trails of the Lake of Cedars.

Trouble in Tremblant

 

This ride is called Trouble in Tremblant for a reason. Not only is it going to kick your ass with massive climbs as you weave your way through the Mont Tremblant Park, there are also very limited opportunities to re-supply once you leave the comforts of the Mont Tremblant ski resort. The ride starts right at the entrance to the Mont Tremblant ski resort village where you will have a chance for a photo before it all begins. It’s also a great place to have a last minute coffee. 

Although the shortest route at 274km, this route has an incredible amount of climbing and should be given due respect.

Chris

Traveller. Cyclist. Expat. Over 15 years experience living abroad in six different countries. I've travelled to over 40+ countries and met countless travellers, cyclists, and other expats. As a passionate cyclist I've had opportunities to bike tour in some truly amazing places. While definitely not an expert at bike touring, I'm passionate about sharing bike touring stories and helping others learn hacks, tricks, and techniques to improve their touring experience. I look forward to you joining me on this journey of learning about and becoming a better bike tourist.

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