Here are the most common questions we receive and their answers:
How is the road surface, elevation and difficulty like on the Véloroute des Bleuets?
The Véloroute des Bleuets is 100 % paved, except the Parc national de la Pointe-Taillon. 46 % of the circuit is on bike path, 21 % on designated roadways and 33 % on paved shoulders. The entire circuit is qualified as easy to intermediate. There are only three gentle slopes of 9 % or more.
More details on the Véloroute des Bleuets website.
How is the road surface, elevation and difficulty like on the Véloroute du Fjord du Saguenay?
The Véloroute du Fjord du Saguenay (including the Horst de Kenogami section) is mainly made of paved shoulder (85%). The entire circuit is qualified as intermediate to expert. Over 3500 meters of gradients are observed.
More details on the Véloroute du Fjord du Saguenay website.
What do the terms Recreative, Biketourism et Cyclosportive before each bike package mean?
It is a classifying method for itineraries, inspired by the one used for the Véloroute du Fjord du Saguenay.
- Récréative itineraries have short distances, not myuch elevation and are well-suited for family trips.
- Biketourism itineraries are made to cycle longer distances while staying accessible to everyone. They leave time to visit touristic attractions and contemplate our landscapes.
- Cyclosportive itinerarie are more challenging and will suit experienced cyclist looking for large distanes and a lot of elevation gain.
Are there restaurants and attractions near the Véloroute des Bleuets or towns we cycle through?
We give you all the necessary informtaion for this matter during the preparation meeting, including a list of restaurants and grocery stores easily accesible to cyclists. There a restaurants and grocery stores all along the way. However, some of those are seasonnal and may beout of operations when you come by.
Concerning touristic attractions, we give you a touristic guide of Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean at departure. You can also visit the region's website (http://www.saguenaylacsaintjean.ca/en) or Tourisme Alma (http://tourismealma.com/en/) to find activities before arriving.
What is a personalized departure?
A personalized departure is made according to your reservation. You get to choose the date that suits you best. Your group will receive a private preparation meeting on the morning of departure.
This is the only kind of departure available at Equinox Aventure.We do not do fixed date departures. We do not offer the option to create groups for solo travellers, the responsability to form groups is given to the clients making the reservation.
What is the difference between a guided and a self-guided tour?
When a package is guided, a private guide will accompany your group along the trip. You have to follow the guide on the paths to know your itinerary.
When a package is self-guided, a guide will explain your itinerary during a preparation meeting before departure. You will receive all information on the trip, accomodation and activities to do. You will have maps for the paths to go autonomously during your stay. The guide will not accompany you, but you will have access to Équinox Aventure's support in case of any problem.
What exactly is the support offered by Équinox Aventure?
Our support lets you free your mind while doing the tours. In case of any problem, you can contact us and we will find the solution to your problem. We can, for exemple, replace a broken bike in case of a mecanical breakage or offer transportation in case of an injury on the road.
We also lend you the tools necessary for small reparations on the go, like a flat tire.
How to repair a flat tire?
For explanations on how to repair a flat tire, including the replacement of the tube, watch the following video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzqjoFAXA5I
Useful tip: Keep the link to this video to watch it again if you have to do the repair.
How is made the reservation?
The reservation can be made by email (info@equinoxaventure.ca) or by phone (1-888-668-7381). We will then guide you with the different steps.We ask for a deposit by credit card (Visa, Mastercard) or via Paypal at the moment of the official reservation.
How will the final payment be made?
The final payment will be made at the departure. We accept payments by credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) and cash.
Which currency do you use?
We only use the canadian dollar (CAD) for our prices. The final cost in your currency will depend upon the conversion rates at your financial institution.
Which taxes are applied when buying a trip?
Our products are subject to the federal products and services tax (TPS, 5%), the sales tax of Quebec (TVQ, 9,975%), the accomodation tax (3$ per night in accomodation) and a contribution to the indemnisation funds for travel agent clients (Ficav, 0,1%).
How much time in advance should the official reservation be made?
For an official reservation, the sooner the better to make sure there are availibilities in each accomodation making up the package.
What happens in case of a cancellation?
You can check out our Cancellation policy: Politique d'annulation (pdf, Fr).
What accessories come with a bike rental?
Regular bike rental includes the bike of your choice, a helmet and a lock. Bike rental in a package also includes a basic repair kit and side bags (12 L). The later are available for regular rental at a small fee.
What acesories come with a snowmobile rental?
Snowmobile rental includes a recent Yamaha snowmobile with luggage bags. We also lend you a winter suit and boots to make sure you have a good protection fo the temperature. A GPS system and a cell phone are also included.
Can we share the experience of our trip with you?
If you want, you can send us your pictures and we will gladly add them to our collaborative phot album, visit this page: https://equinox-backup.netlify.app/fr/page/photos/
You can also follow us on Facebook.
