Nomades x Nordik: Our Top 5 Fall Bike Trails
If you walk a few minutes from the spa, past the pub and the square and turn right, before you make it to la Cigale, you’ll find a pretty blue house. Right behind the house is Nomades du Parc. Here, you can rent all types of bikes, grab a local beer, get some route recommendations and clean all the mud off your bicycle after a trip to Gatineau Park.
So, when it came time to choose our favourite fall bike trails in and around Chelsea, we knew exactly who to turn to: our friends over at Nomades du Parc. Discover their 5 favourite trails to enjoy Fall Rhapsody before heading to the spa for much-needed recovery.
Prefer hiking? We’ve got you covered!
Explore Nomades’ favourites hikes
Nomades du Parc’s Top 5 Bike Trails to Do This Fall
1. The Gatineau Park Parkways loop
An absolute must in the region, the loop links all the park’s greatest attractions like the Champlain lookout, Mackenzie King estate and Pink Lake. It’s best done with a road bike and takes 3 hours, give or take. Be warned: the term uphill battle is relevant here—it’s a pretty difficult trail, but the view from the top is oh-so-worth it.
Tip: Unsure what route to take? Swing by Nomades du Parc for the perfect itinerary!
2. Trail no. 50-53, Voie Verte Chelsea and Meech Creek Valley
Starting from P16, this trail is undeniably breathtaking during Fall Rhapsody. Best done with a gravel or mountain bike, the forest paths pass by two shelters with wood-burning stoves for a cozy break on chilly autumn days. With incredible views of Philippe Lake and the Gatineau River, this trail is perfect for intermediate riders. According to Nomades du Parc, this trail is a dream for cyclists with gravel bikes. And if you time it just right, you can grab lunch in one of the many delicious spots in Wakefield.
3. Trail no. 79-15-25
This intermediate mountain bike trail starts in the middle of Old Chelsea, practically in Nomades du Parc’s backyard (or front yard). The loop takes about 2 hours to complete. The trail is single track and has incredible “flowy” descents on trail no. 15. Near Pink Lake, it offers beautiful panoramic views of the park.
4. Voie Verte Chelsea
The perfect trail to watch Mother Nature’s show, the voie verte is a 100% flat and follows the Gatineau River. Whether you have (or rent) an electric, road or gravel bike, you’re sure to enjoy this trail. The path links Chelsea and Wakefield, the round trip from one village to the other is around 42 km. Along the way, you’ll find gorgeous views of the river reflecting the leaves’ bright colours.
Discover Japanese forest bathing
5. Centre Vorlage and Camp Fortune
Vorlage is a mountain bike centre with a mechanical lift and offers great options for both easy and intermediate trails. Be warned, the lift is only open on weekends! For experienced riders, Nomades du Parc recommends Camp Fortune. The view from the top is spectacular and the ride down, exhilarating.
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