E-Bike Rental – 4 hour and Hiking at Eucher Trail

Travelers craving a mix of scenic cycling and rewarding hikes will find this Saguenay tour an appealing choice. While it offers the chance to see the stunning fjord from multiple angles, some travelers highlight logistical hiccups and crowded trails. Our review delves into what makes this experience worth considering—and what to watch for—so you can decide if it matches your travel style.

Three aspects stand out: the breathtaking views of the Baie des Ha! Ha!, the convenience of well-equipped e-bikes, and the opportunity to explore the Eucher Trail with a knowledgeable guide. However, a potential challenge is the difficulty in locating the rental spot and navigating crowded bike paths during peak times. This tour suits active travelers who enjoy a flexible mix of biking and walking, especially those eager to combine scenic sightseeing with light exercise.

Good To Know

• Comfortable e-bike rental with all necessary gear makes exploring easier and more enjoyable.
• Incredible panoramic views of the fjord and bay, perfect for photo enthusiasts.
• Hiking route to the Centennial Cross offers a rewarding summit with historic significance.
• Crowded bike paths may impact comfort, especially during cruise ship arrivals.
• Well-structured itinerary balances cycling, sightseeing, and walking at your pace.
• Clear meeting point and staff support help make the experience straightforward and accessible.

An Overview of the Experience

This tour combines electric bike riding along the coast with a hiking adventure up Eucher Trail to the famous Centennial Cross, built in 1938. Priced at about $81.46 per person, it’s a reasonable investment for those eager to see Saguenay from different perspectives without overexerting.

The electric bikes are provided with helmets, gloves, and handy accessories like a phone mount and cargo straps, ensuring you’re well-equipped for the journey. The audio guide adds value by offering insights about the area, fauna, and local landmarks. You’ll have roughly 3 hours of bike rental to cover the 24.7 km route, which is manageable for recreational riders with moderate fitness.

The Eucher Trail hike totals about 3.1 km, with an elevation gain of 137 meters—making it suitable for those with an intermediate level of fitness. The climb leads to the Centennial Cross, perched atop the trail, offering sweeping views of the fjord and surrounding landscape.

The Itinerary in Detail

Starting Point and First Impressions

The tour begins at 900 Rue Mars in La Baie, a spot that’s quite easy to find thanks to the clearly marked Saguenay Guided Tours booth with its brown color and blue roofs. This location is within a 5-minute walk of cruise ship docks, making it convenient for travelers arriving by sea. As we learned from reviews, some visitors found the actual rental spot tricky to locate, but once settled, the experience quickly picks up.

Cycling Along the Baie des Ha! Ha!

Once on the bikes, you’ll explore the coast where the bike path borders the fjord. The route offers stunning views of the bay and fjord, with the audio guide providing context about the area’s natural beauty and history. Expect to pass by old bark incinerators, stone foundations, and local landmarks like the Fauna and Flora sites, the Boivin cheese factory, and the Port of Call.

While some reviewers noted the bike trail was crowded with cruise ship visitors, this is typical during high season. The crowds can add a lively atmosphere but might feel busy or unsafe during peak times if you prefer solitude. Still, the broad path and well-marked route make navigation manageable, and the views are worth sharing.

Highlights Along the Bike Path

• The Fauna and Flora sites, where you might spot local wildlife or learn about regional plant life.
• The Port of Call and Museum, offering insights into Saguenay’s maritime past.
• Viewpoints like Quai Laurier Simard and the Pyramid of Ha! Ha!, which provide excellent spots to pause and take photos.

Hike to the Centennial Cross

After cycling south along the coast, you’ll switch to walking the Eucher Trail. Starting at the La Baie marina, the trail is well-marked and climbs steadily through scenic forest, passing old bark incinerators and stone foundations. The trail’s intermediate difficulty involves a 137-meter elevation gain over 3.1 km, making it a rewarding but not overly strenuous ascent.

The highlight is reaching the Centennial Cross, a large monument overlooking the fjord. From here, the panorama is breathtaking: you’ll see the bay, the fjord, and lush landscapes stretching into the distance. This spot offers perfect photo opportunities and a sense of accomplishment.

Returning and Additional Attractions

The loop route takes you past landmarks such as the Monument of 21, the Pyramid of Ha! Ha!, and the Viewpoint at Quai Laurier Simard. You can take your time exploring these sites or simply soak in the views. The tour concludes back at the starting point, roughly four hours after departure.

What Travelers Will Love

The views are undeniably the star. From the coast to the summit, each vantage point offers a new perspective on Saguenay’s natural beauty. The electric bikes make covering the distance easier, especially for those who want to see a lot without too much exertion. The audio guide adds educational value, helping you understand the area’s significance as you explore.

The guides seem to be knowledgeable and friendly, providing helpful suggestions on routes and what to look out for. The well-organized equipment setup, including helmets, cargo straps, and phone mounts, ensures you’re prepared and comfortable.

Potential Drawbacks and Considerations

A few reviews pointed out that finding the rental location was somewhat confusing, especially for first-time visitors. Also, the bike path along the coast can become crowded, which might detract from a peaceful experience if you’re unlucky or visiting during peak times.

The duration of the bike ride and hike provides a good balance, but if you’re seeking a very relaxed pace or a more solitary adventure, this may feel a bit busy. Plus, the cost of around $81.50 per person reflects a good value considering equipment, guides, and the scenic experience, but budget travelers should weigh this against other options.

Who Would Benefit from This Tour?

This experience is ideal for active travelers who enjoy a mix of biking and walking, especially those who appreciate scenic vistas and cultural landmarks. It suits visitors who want to cover a lot of ground and see different facets of Saguenay without overly strenuous activities. It’s also great for cruise passengers, thanks to its convenient meeting point.

Final Thoughts

This Saguenay tour offers a well-rounded combination of biking and hiking in a stunning natural environment. The electric bikes allow you to conserve energy while still exploring extensively, and the hike to the Centennial Cross provides a meaningful payoff with spectacular views. While there are some logistical quirks and crowded spots, the overall experience delivers authentic scenery and interesting sights.

The value lies in the accessibility and diversity of sights, making it a good choice for those who want an active day out with varied perspectives of the fjord. The knowledgeable guides and thoughtful equipment make it easier for most travelers to enjoy the experience comfortably.

This tour is best suited for outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, and those looking for a flexible, scenic adventure that combines gentle exertion with impressive vistas. If you’re prepared for a lively, popular trail and want to maximize your Saguenay visit, this experience is worth considering.

FAQs

• What’s included in the tour? The tour includes 3 hours of e-bike rental, an audio guide, helmet, water bottle holder, front-mounted basket, chain wheel lock, phone mount, cargo straps, and gloves.

• Can I do this tour if I don’t have much experience with bikes or hiking? The e-bikes are designed for ease of use, and the hike is moderate, so most people with moderate physical fitness should be comfortable.

• Where does the tour start and end? The activity begins and ends at 900 Rue Mars, La Baie, QC, within walking distance of cruise ships.

• Is the bike trail crowded? During peak times, especially when cruise ships are in port, the bike path can be quite busy, which might affect comfort for some travelers.

• What should I bring? Aside from the provided gear, you might want to bring bottled water (not included), sunglasses, and sunscreen for sun protection.

• How long is the cycling route? The route covers approximately 24.7 km and takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes to cycle.

• What’s the difficulty level? The cycling portion is relatively easy, but the hike to the cross is considered intermediate difficulty.

• How do I find the rental booth? Look for the brown-colored booth with blue roofs at the port area; it is clearly marked.

• Is this tour suitable for families? It’s suitable for active families, provided children are comfortable with biking and moderate hiking.

• What if I want to cancel? You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund. Cancellations less than 24 hours prior are not refundable.

This tour offers a balanced, scenic way to experience Saguenay’s natural beauty, combining the ease of electric cycling with the reward of a mountain hike. Whether you’re a nature lover or simply seeking a memorable adventure, it provides a flexible and rewarding option—just be ready for some lively spots and a bit of a logistical puzzle at the start.