GNBR East Day 11 — Lac aux Sables to Saint Raymond

39.3 miles, 1775’ clmbing

Sept 2, 2026

Pub-Hotel Saint Alexis, Saint Raymond

Moose sightings: 0

Number of plaques describing the high moose population: 1

Our camp site was strangely and wonderfully free of mosquitos. The RV park was quiet when we packed up. It seems like the season is over, and most residents gone except for weekends. We pedaled away on a rolling paved road that slowly climbed. The shoulder was minimal but traffic was light.

After about 17 miles we detoured to a gas station / market for a coffee break. They had a small seating area which we took advantage of. Heading out, we were prepared to share the pavement with large trucks and other traffic. To our surprise and delight, we turned immediately off onto the Jaques Cartier Rail Trail, one of the “routes vertes” cycling paths in Quebec province.  It had a solid gravel surface and rolled through the woods away from roads. Every couple of miles there was a stop with some combination of informational plaques, Adirondack chairs, toilets, garbage receptacles, covered sitting shelters, and camping platforms.  One plaque described the very dense moose population in Quebec. We scanned the wetlands and lake shores, but we saw no moose.

The rail trail took us right to the small town of Saint Raymond where we stayed in a hotel attached to a pub and pizzeria, the only hotel in the small town. It was a bit like a hostel or backpackers lodge. We walked around and had an ice cream in the misting rain before retreating to our hotel. The pizza was good and the people friendly. We appreciated the excellent shower since the hot water at the campground last night hadn’t worked.