The perfect way to discover the Soulanges Canal
Soulanges cycle path
The Soulanges cycle path goes along the canal on its first 23.5 km (from Pointe-des-Cascades to Les Coteaux) and then continues through Saint-Zotique and Rivière-Beaudette, for a total of 35 km of asphalt path.
You’ll find along the way many halts with bicycle repair stations, sanitation facilities, furniture for you to relax and well-present signage to easily orient yourself.
The cycling season by the canal
Update 2023, April 28: The trail is officially open to cyclists and pedestrians. The entire network has been swept, and branches that fell during the ice storm have been removed, with the exception of the Saint-Zotique detour on Principale Street, which will be completed during the week of May 8. The sanitary facilities are all open between 7:00 and 21:00, except for Les Coteaux which are open between 7:00 and 19:30.
Late season: When the weather is good, the bike path can welcome visitors until November or even December! It is also cleared of snow in winter. For fall and winter cyclists, we suggest that you plan ahead: the Pointe-des-Cascades and Les Coteaux toilets are the only ones that are accessible year-round.
If you see a problem, call or text us at 438-405-2300.
Looking forward to meeting you on the trail!
Coteau dam work info (Coteau-du-Lac to Salaberry-de-Valleyfield)
The bike path on Coteau-1, 2, 3 and 4 dams will remain closed until further notice. However, an alternative solution on the Monseigneur-Langlois bridge is now open for the 2023 summer season. Access the dike by Chemin du Fleuve and take the intersection towards the Monseigneur-Langlois bridge. Work is scheduled for completion in December 2023.
Info-works Saint-Timothée Loop
Work is regularly carried out on the Hydro-Québec dams in Saint-Timothée. Consult this section to see if any work will require the closing of the bike path and the stopping of the river shuttle (summer period).
Update May 23, 2023: The Saint-Thimotée dam, as well as the section of trail leading to it from the Les Cèdres shuttle arrival point, will open on June 3, but will close in September 2023 and winter 2023-2024. You’ll have to take the western part of the loop, passing through Île Juillet and Parc des Îles-de-Saint-Thimotée. Note that this section is open between 7:00 and 20:00.
Work information for the Saint-Zotique sector
The construction of a new school on the territory of the Municipality of Saint-Zotique will result in a temporary closure of a section of the Soulanges bicycle path between 13th and 26th Avenues. Detour signage is present on site. Work is expected to be completed in the fall of 2023.
- Pointe-des-Cascades: on Chemin du Fleuve(in front of the church or in front of Parc Saint-Pierre) or on the 338 in front of Rue Claude.
- Les Cèdres: Saint-Antoine Road (south of the intersection with Route 338) and Saint-Féréol Road (north of the intersection with Route 338)
- Coteau-du-Lac : Paul-Stevens park (Saint-Emmanuel street) and downtown (parking next to 20, Principale street)
- Les Coteaux : a few parking spots available near the intermunicipal Coteau-du-Lac / Les Coteaux swimming pool
Xplorateurs Family Bike Tour
New! Xplorators Family Bike Tour, in collaboration with Parks Canada!
Starting July 2, the “Xplorateurs à vélo” tour offers you to pedal with your family through a bike rally. Head to the Coteau-du-Lac National Historic Site to pick up your special booklet and explorer’s gear and get ready to discover the history of the navigators along the Soulanges Canal. Details on the Parks Canada website.
Fee: $4.25/family. Ideal for families with children from 6 to 12 years old.
Les Cèdres River Shuttle
Update 2023: The shuttle service will be available starting Saturday June 3rd.
The Les Cèdres – Salaberry-de-Valleyfield river shuttle allows to reach Saint-Timothée (Valleyfield) in only a few minutes. Important: the shuttle only accepts payment by credit or debit card. Departure is at the municipal dock of Les Cèdres, in the heart of the village. Arrival and return point is at l’Île aux Vaches. From there, you can access the Parc des Îles-de-Saint-Thimotée, and the Saint-Thimotée beach. Click here for more information about the beach.
*** Check the Info-works section about the Saint-Timothée loop (above) before your trip! ***
For fees and the complete program, visit the Les Cèdres official website.
To see the 4 canals Circuit (60km), visit our Bikemap!
Schedule
- Fête des Patriotes to the last Sunday of June: Saturdays, Sundays and holidays: 10 am to 6 pm.
- First weekend of July to Labor Day: Thursdays to Sundays and statutory holidays: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Labor Day to Thanksgiving: Saturdays, Sundays and holidays: 10am to 6pm.
** In case of heavy rain, the shuttle service will be interrupted.
Prices
- Resident (with proof of residence): One way: $2, round trip: $3
- Non-resident: One way: $3, round trip: $5
** Payment by debit or credit cards only
Which bike circuit to choose?
On the road or on the cycle path, your heart is torn between the two?
No problem! You can get the best of both worlds by going through the chemin du Fleuve for your return trip. This scenic road goes through the village cores and offers great views of the Saint-Lawrence river. This circuit is called the “Circuit du canal de Soulanges”.
We’ve put all the details in our Bikemap profile!
