Dear Ellen:
I just took my first real self supported cycling vaction in Quebec this summer. They have 4000 km of trails (over 2500 miles) from flat road to almost wilderness. It is called the Green Route and National Geographic magazine listed it as the best bicycle vaction in the whole world. There is a book you can buy which lists every bike shop, accomadation, public transportation and restaurant. It also lists sights along the way. When I took my trip I did it without one reservation and a just a general idea of where I wanted to go. I took AMTARC and my ticket from Philadelphia was only $ 62.00 to Montreal. I stayed in everthing from hostels to deluxe B&B's and did not have any problems. Well, it did rain a lot and hurricane Irene kept me in Quebec City longer than I had anticipated. Almost everybody spoke English (even in small villages) and I was treated very well. I am definatly going back to Quebec for more cycling.
John