Quebec Day 3 - Trail Sculptures Of The Granby Region (Part 1)

Welcome to my 3rd ride in the southern portion of Quebec - specifically the Granby region. Noted as a major intersection of Canadian cycling trails Velo Verte Routes 1 and 4 cyclists will truly enjoy the beauty of the trails and associated cycling infrastructure.
“L'Estriade” is a well-known Granby recreational trail segment and is a family destination for locals and visitors of all ages. In addition, its relatively flat elevation appeals to all. Along with the pleasure of the physical activity comes the walk or bike ride in the “Artria” open-air museum featuring over 60 monumental sculptures. Sadly I saw only a small fraction of this artwork during my ride.
I left my tent site in Yamaska National Park and traveled along the beautiful Yamaska River that flows into Granby’s Lac Boivin. This lake serves as the drinking water source for this entire area. I took the long way around… a long loop up and around the northern waters of Lac Boivin through a nature / ecological park. It was an impressive trail system that was fully paved and heavily utilized by a wide variety of folks seeking exercise… or just getting out. The faster group bike rides took place most evenings but, during the day, we saw seniors driving 4 wheel carts, cyclists of all ages were riding electric bikes, skating with roller blades, and scooters of all kinds - of course there were the walkers and runners. Surprisingly, all of these varied forms of exercise seemed to coexist without issue.
Grandby’s Lac Boivin is fed by the Yamaska River and is separated into three basic sections. The largest portion of Lac Boivin is close to downtown Granby and seemed to be a gathering area for “The Granbians.” This portion of the lake is shallow and the pond lilies are rampant- they require daily pruning by a specialized work boat… neat to watch all by itself. Water from this section is pumped over a causeway into the Granby City Reservoir where it’s water is heavily aerated by pumps and bubblers before it is drawn into the purification system. North of this reservoir section is the ecological wetlands area separated by another causeway with a large pond and extensive marshland. This shallow lake, reservoir, wetlands area is the centerpiece of Granby and is fully served by the beautiful trails throughout with sculptures all along the way. In the warmer periods it is an area of recreation and learning with parks and picnic areas along its shore. In the cold winters I was told it is packed with family skaters and a few ice hockey areas used extensively by the locals.
The national rail trail system also runs through Granby. Vélo Vert 1 goes west to east and in Quebec it passes through Granby and Waterloo on its way to Sherbrooke and beyond. In Waterloo it intersects with Velo Vert 4 that runs north/south from Sutton down on the US border up to Quebec City. Both of these major trails make use of former rail beds as well as short portions on roads.
- Translation of the plaque associated with the wooden totems:
Totem Pole Snags
By Daniel Hache
When life leaves the trees, its standing trunk still has great ecological value.
More than 63 species of birds, 17 species of mammals, 8 species of amphibians, and 6 species of reptiles use them for shelter or nesting.
These snags also serve as larders, perches, and even sounding boards.
Woodpecker percussionists even go so far as to sculpt this large wooden monument into a totem pole snag.
Note: A “snag” refers to a standing dead or dying tree - often in a marshland.
- Link To Ad Campaign To Lure Americans Up To Granby - / pfbid02oz1bgpchvv25et3...
- Link To Background On Sculptures - artria.ca/en/
The sculptures in the Granby region are extensive and those in Granby, Waterloo, Yamaska NP that I viewed were stunning but there are so many more to see. On the Altria web page (link above) there is a map showing the general location for all of the sculptures… rides of many more miles would be required to see all.

[@CAMO-hb8wc]

Nice ride \m/

[@JJKahle]

Thank you for these gems! I’m 61, a teacher, dreaming of retiring and having adventures on my bike. You inspire me and give me ideas about future destinations for cycling. Thank you!

[@cc103acs]

Thanks for the kind words… I, also, was a teacher of 4th and 5th graders. That experience helped give me my sense of adventure.

[@kathleenclarke828]

bon! I want to go...

[@rex758]

Your video was beautiful, with really beautiful scenery, a great place to ride, and for the looks is a great day with plenty of sunshine. Question about your bicycle the Priority 600, and thinking of getting me the same bicycle, wonder how it felt riding and the distance you rode, how was it? Using your new handlebar. Thank you for sharing this wonderful video.

[@cc103acs]

Thanks for watching and I appreciate your kind words. I am going on 3 years with my Priority 600… nickname “Miss Pinion.” The fully loaded ride to the NP has me considering putting the front Tubus rack back on as the rear panniers were heavy and sit rather high on the rear rack. Might want to try to spread out the weight. That is the fault of the rear rack but it was a bit too top heavy.
The Jones Bar is great and while there are other options for bars with multiple grip points, I am happy with my decision. As I have said in the past, if I had a chance to do it again I might opt for the narrower Jones Bar. I was, however, mindful of my hand positions and often found myself holding on out near the end of the grips. I can always cut them down but, as there is no reversing that, I have opted to leave them as is.
As for riding a distance on “Miss Pinion,” it is a comfortable ride all around with butter smooth shifting and none of that clacking chain noise when lube is required.