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Writer and long distance triathlete Jenny Lucas-Hill talks you through everything you need to know about Challenge Cap Québec, a recent addition to Challenge Family's middle distance triathlon roster.
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Challenge Cap Québec is a new addition to the Challenge Family race calendar. Taking place in the heart of the Old Town, with a history-making bike course and the St Lawrence River providing a spectacular back drop. This middle distance triathlon is set to offer up fast splits, stunning scenery and the perfect excuse to take a race-cation and explore everything Québec city has to offer.
With short course racing alongside the flagship middle distance race, expect an unforgettable race weekend experience with non-stop triathlon action.
Location - Old meets new
Sitting on the majestic St Lawrence River, Québec City is the capital of the predominantly French-speaking Quebec province of Canada. Dating back to the 1600s, Québec is a treasure trove of history and culture, with UNESCO World Heritage listed status. The birthplace of French North America, this fortified city is filled with colonial architecture, quaint cobbled streets and the towering spires of the Château Frontenac. Making it feel like you’ve been transported into a European town.
But Québec isn’t a city that’s stuck in the past. The history and tradition contrasted against a vibrant, bustling arts and culture scene. A foodie district sure to satisfy even the hungriest of hungry triathletes. And a lively bar scene for those all-important post-race celebrations.
The race itself starts with a swim in the calm waters of Bassin Louise, followed by a historic bike course with a fast section along a closed highway, and a run that finishes with an iconic finish line at the Port of Québec Agora, with panoramic views of the St Lawrence River and the Château Frontenac.
Promising an unforgettable race day experience, a PR-ready course and an abundance of things to see and do on your post-race vacation. Challenge Cap Québec is a destination race that’s sure to soar straight to the top of many-a triathlete’s bucket list.
Why race... Challenge Cap Québec
A stunning course, packed with PR potential. A festival of triathlon race weekend atmosphere. And more than you could ever have time to tick off on your post-race vacation. Here’s why you should add Challenge Cap Québec to your race calendar.
Course - So nice you’ll want to do it twice
The course at Challenge Cap Québec is set to be fast, with a calm swim in the Bassin Louise followed by an out and back bike course with a speedy highway section (which is anything but dull on the scenery front) and a flat run through 400 years of history. Just don’t forget to look up and enjoy the view – it’s set to be a spectacular ride.
Swim - 1.9km
The swim at Challenge Cap Québec takes place in the Bassin Louise. Regulated by a system of locks, with an expected temperature of around 21 degrees Celsius, the 1.9km swim course promises a calm and controlled start to your day. And with imposing yachts and the charming Old Québec sky line as a backdrop, the stage is set for an epic day of swim-bike-run. Just take note of that wiggly course map - practice turning around buoys to avoid losing heaps of time. And if you're a nervous swimmer, take the outside line towards each buoy to avoid getting caught up in any congestion.
BIke - 90km
A 4-lap out and back bike course with a highway section. Sound boring? Think again! Not only will the bike course offer fast sections to send you on your way to a new PR, you’ll also get to be part of history as it’s the first time the highway will be closed for an extended period of time for a sporting event. Heading out of the old port, you’ll hit the highway which runs alongside the river and takes you down towards the incredible Montmorecy Falls. Fast and scenic, with just 328m of total elevation. Expect 90kms to fly by.
Run - 21.1km
The run course at Challenge Cap Québec takes you on a journey through UNESCO World Heritage listed scenery, exploring the port, the banks of the river and the Old Town before guiding you to a spectacular finish line in the shadow of the iconic Château Frontenac. You’ll encounter a few little rollers at the start of the run course, but predominantly this is a fast, flat half marathon with plenty of sightseeing to distract you from the effort.
Travel & accommodation
Getting to Québec should be fairly straight forward, with the nearby Jean Lesage International Airport well-served by major airlines either via direct flights, or connecting in Montreal.
Accommodation is plentiful, with several suggested partner hotels from the race organiser listed on their website including Le Germain Hotel and Auberge Saint-Antoine. There are also a number of hotels in the city who participate in a scheme where if you stay for 2 nights or more you’ll be eligible to receive a free smart card that gives you unlimited access to the bus network.
There are of course plenty of Air BnB (or similar) options in the city too, with rental apartments available close to the swim start location if you prefer to self-cater. Book early if you can to get the best price and location.
Spectators - see your athlete, and the sights
The course at Challenge Cap Québec is spectator-friendly for those on support crew duties. Head to the swim start at Bassin Louise, and then make your way into the heart of Old Town where the bike course and the run course will criss-cross throughout the race. The event website has a handy map for spectators showcasing different parts of the course.
While your athlete is on the bike, the port area is well worth an explore with stunning views of the river. Plus the Citadelle of Québec fortress to explore, Plains of Abraham park to wander around, the nearby charm of the Old Town and several museums, as well as the trendy Saint-Roch area.
Race-cation - Art, culture, adventure
Once you’ve recovered from your race day exploits, taking the time to explore everything Québec has to offer is a must. The city has several neighbourhoods, each with distinct character. You’ve got the fortified Old Town – a maze of cobbled streets and historic charm. Contrasted with the trendy Saint Roch neighbourhood, now home to a ‘city that never sleeps’ style arts and tech scene with micro pubs and quirky bars punctuated by vintage boutiques. For that all-important post-race refuel head to Saint-Jean-Baptiste, a bohemian rhapsody of colourful houses, bakeries, chocolate shops and gourmet grocery stores interspersed with record shops and independent boutiques.
For culture vultures, the Montcalm neighbourhood is a must-visit – home to the national fine arts museum, Musée national des beaux‑arts du Québec, and plenty of fine food, art and theatre.
Outside of the city, you’re surrounded by mountains, lakes and forests. Making it a dream for outdoor adventure lovers. Head to Montmorency Falls Park to see the impressive 272ft waterfall – taller than Niagara Falls. Those brave enough can even take a zip line over the falls. Take a trip to Mont-Sainte-Anne to walk across suspension bridges over a gaping canyon. Or take in some of the impressive local wildlife, with a whale watching tour in the St Lawrence Estuary or a black bear watching tour.
With its charming blend of old meets new, metropolitan meets natural wonder – Québec has so much to see and do on your post-race vacation.
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