We are trying to decide whether to bike in the Eastern Townships or the Laurentians in June 2016. We have been told that bugs and mosquitoes may be a problem. Are they a problem in both areas or are the Eastern Townships better? Thanks you!

I've biked in the Eastern townships for many years - I'm not sure I know what you mean by 'black bugs'. Like any place north of Boston, there are black flies in May-June, and there are occasionally mosquitoes at dusk, but nothing that's ever caused any problems. I doubt the Laurentians would be any different. The Eastern Townships are wonderful for biking - parts of it are perfectly flat with some paved trails, and some good hills in other parts for mountain biking. Visiting the wineries after biking is also lots of fun. I've never biked the Laurentians.

I just noticed you are going in June. I would suppose that black flies would be around, probably worse in the laurentians since black flies are found more in mountainous areas. The later in June you go, the less black flies you will encounter.

In the Laurentians the mosquitoes take over from the black flies in late June. A repellant containing DEET is not pleasant but will fend off most biting flies. Like any other remedy it also attracts worriers concerned about side effects. But mosquitoes are a health risk too. I'll take my chances rather than being driven crazy by the bites and subsequent itching. There is concern about diseases from ticks, too, although I suppose they don't jump on your bike.