The Grand Prix Cycliste de Québec and the Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal held two days later are collectively known as the "Laurentian Classics" [citation needed].

Australian cyclist Simon Gerrans was the first to achieve a Laurentian double by winning both races in the same year in 2014.

Fellow Australian cyclist Michael Matthews also achieved this double in 2018.

During a lap on the circuit the riders need to complete four climbs in rapid succession: Côte de la Montagne (375m long and 10% average grade), Côte de la Potasse (420m long and 9% average grade), Montée de la Fabrique (190m long and 7% average grade) and Montée du Fort (1000m long and 4% average grade).

[2] During the 2014 edition, riders had to take an alternate route because of construction on the Côte Gilmour.