The best traffic-free bike rides around Varennes

While Varennes is known for its cycling accessibility, the komoot guide currently features a selection of 3 routes specifically curated for traffic-free biking. These routes are designed to offer a peaceful experience away from car traffic, suitable for gravel bikes.

Varennes offers a mix of scenic landscapes, from its extensive 10-kilometer shoreline along the Saint Lawrence River to agricultural lands further south. You can expect routes that combine paved sections with unpaved surfaces, providing a true gravel biking experience. The region's flat topography generally means less challenging climbs, making it enjoyable for various skill levels.

Yes, the komoot guide includes at least one easy route that is ideal for beginners or those looking for a relaxed ride. These trails are typically flatter and well-maintained, offering a great introduction to gravel biking in a traffic-free environment.

Many of the routes in Varennes, including those suitable for gravel biking, are designed as loops. This allows you to start and finish at the same point, making logistics easier for parking or public transport connections.

While the specific routes in this guide are in a different region, Varennes itself offers beautiful views of the Saint Lawrence River and its islands, such as Île Sainte-Thérèse and Grande Île. Parc de la Commune, located directly on the river, provides extensive green areas and broad views of the river and Montreal. You can also explore the historic Porte de Luzier, Beaumont-du-Périgord, if you venture slightly outside the immediate Varennes area.

Varennes is about 30 km from downtown Montreal by bike, with routes that are largely separated from car traffic. A summer river shuttle service between Varennes, Pointe-aux-Trembles (Montreal), and Repentigny further enhances accessibility for passengers and their bicycles, making it easier to plan longer cycling excursions along the river without needing a car.

The warmer months, from late spring to early autumn, are generally the best for gravel biking in Varennes. During this time, the weather is pleasant, and the river shuttle service is operational, enhancing accessibility. While some paths might be accessible in winter for cross-country skiing, gravel biking is most enjoyable when trails are clear of snow and ice.

Varennes, as a recreational tourism destination, has amenities available. While specific cafes directly on traffic-free gravel paths might be limited, the town center and areas near popular parks like Parc de la Commune offer options for refreshments and meals, often with views of the river.

The komoot community has rated the routes in this guide highly, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the tranquility of the traffic-free paths, the scenic river views, and the accessibility of Varennes for a relaxing cycling experience away from urban hustle.

While the immediate traffic-free routes listed in this guide are of moderate length, Varennes' location on the Saint Lawrence River and its connection to broader cycling networks, including the river shuttle, allow for planning longer excursions. You can combine several shorter segments or use the shuttle to extend your ride along the riverfront, exploring more of the region's diverse landscapes.