A. Yes, the trail is free to use, however we encourage all users to become members of Sentiers Massawippi or to consider making a tax deductible donation. As a non-profit organization, memberships and donations are vital to helping us maintain the quality of the trail.

A. The trail surface is made of compacted rock so most bikes are fine. There are however natural elements that can be found on the trail such as branches, rocks… even turtles!, so if you have a very specialized road bike you might want to keep this in mind.

A. There are several parking lots available for trail users. The biggest one is at the start of the trail in the town of Ayer’s Cliff (behind the municipal library). Visit our Access & Points of Interest page for all the parking locations and access points.

A. Great! As the trail is run by volunteers we appreciate all the help we can get. Please visit our volunteering page or send us an email.

Yes! The trail offers an abundance of wildlife and flora to be discovered. Visit our Flora and Fauna page for details. If you are using cameras, binoculars etc.. just keep in mind when setting up gear that the trail is also used by numerous cyclists, so equipment should be placed safely to the sides of the trail.

A. It is possible to cross the border and to continue onto the bike trail in Vermont. To do this however, you need to go through customs in Stanstead and require a passport. Once through customs, take the first road on the right (Derby Road) and go for about 3 km. The entrance for the Newport Bike Path is on the left at the bottom of a hill. Look for the  sign indicating a bicycle and pedestrian.

A. As the trail is built on an old rail-trail, it is very flat and easy to use. There is a small incline/decline near the start of the trail where the trail passes under the road, but apart from this, the rest of the trail is relatively flat.

A. Yes, dogs are allowed on the trail, but must be kept on a leash for safety reasons. Per Québec law, leashes must not be more than 1.85m (6ft) in length, and dogs over 20kg (44lbs) must have a halter or harness. Please also be sure to pick-up after your dog.

Yes, the trail is open in the winter, however the trail is not groomed. Most of our members opt to use snowshoes, cross-country skis or fat bikes in the winter.

The trail is open year round, but closes for a few weeks in the spring to allow for the spring thaw. The trail also closes in the fall during hunting season. The best is to follow our Facebook page to be kept in the loop of trail closures.

A. Wonderful! Online donations can be made via CanadaHelps.org. If you are not already a member, please consider becoming one to help support the trail. If you would like to make a donation in kind or to donate your time, please email.

A. The city of Ayer’s Cliff offers a bike rental service. To make a reservation, please call the city of Ayer’s Cliff (819) 838-5006, or visit the Ayer’s Cliff website for details.

A. We are grateful for the support of our corporate partners and local business sponsors. If you are interested in sponsoring the trail, please visit our sponsor page for details or send us an email.

A. Camping is not allowed on the trail. However, there are several camp sites in the area, please visit the Eastern Townships Tourism website for details.

A. There are several locations along the trail where there is no cell phone reception, so please keep this in mind.

A. The trail is owned and operated by a non-profit organization called Sentiers Massawippi and is sustained in part by paid memberships. The board of directors consists of volunteers who organize the operation and maintenance of the trail. Trail members can also volunteer to help with the maintenance of the trail. 

A. As the trail is 19 KM long, we appreciate your feedback! Please email us with details of the issue, along with the KM location, the nearest cross-road if possible, and include a photo if you can. For all emergencies, please call 911.