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Île d’Orléans, located in the heart of the St. Lawrence River just 30 minutes east of Quebec City, enjoys a unique microclimate that is conducive to thriving agriculture. With almost all of its land devoted to agriculture, the island is a haven for agritourism, offering an abundance of fresh produce and culinary delights. In addition to its fertile fields, its rich historical heritage makes it a must-see destination in Quebec. Guaranteed to steal your heart! Here’s what to do on a gourmet tour of Île d’Orléans if your taste buds are in the driver’s seat.
Saint-Pierre
Once you have crossed the Île d’Orléans bridge, turn left onto the Chemin Royal (Route 368). This road will take you around the island.
First stop: Cassis Monna et Filles, a five-generation family distillery. They are the first producers of blackcurrant wines and liqueurs in Quebec. Here you can taste wines and other blackcurrant products such as mustards, vinegars and syrups. Order breakfast or an ice-cream cone while admiring the view from the terrace!
To learn more about local culture, visit the Félix Leclerc room in the village of Saint-Pierre. The sacred monument of Quebec song loved the island and died there, and an interpretation centre has been set up in his honour. Many concerts take place there throughout the summer.
Sainte-Famille
A little further along the Chemin Royal, you’ll find the island’s only microbrewery, the Microbrasserie de Île d’Orléans, and its pub, Le Mitan. Stop for a pint on the beautiful terrace with views of the surrounding mountains. The beers are varied and will please all palates of legal age!
Next stop: La fromagerie de l’isle d’Orléans and its many craft products. Stock up on Sainte-Famille’s delicious cheeses and listen to some historical tales before hitting the road again.
Saint-François
A little further on Chemin Royal, you’ll find the Observation Tower, a wooden structure that offers breathtaking 360º views. The climb is well worth it and provides excellent exercise to whet your appetite for the next stops. Offshore, the estuary widens, the birds of Cap Tourmente, the plains of the Bellechasse district, Mont Saint-Anne, the remains of Grosse Île, in short, the true beauty of Quebec.
Saint-François is also home to La Seigneurie de l’île d’Orléans, a magnificent garden famous for its lavender and its botanical richness.
No wonder it has been recognised by the Association of the Most Beautiful Villages in Quebec!
Saint-Jean
The next stop is La Midinette, an artisanal bakery in the commune of Saint-Jean. Everything here is delicious, especially the fruit tarts made with island produce and the fresh croissants. If you’re not hungry, take some to go because you’ll want them later.
Saint-Laurent
All the bread from La Midinette goes perfectly with the exquisite jams from Tigidou, a cute shop with jams made exclusively from small fruits and herbs grown on the island.
The Moulin de St-Laurent in the municipality of Saint-Laurent is one of the best restaurants on the island. Be sure to book a table or stop in for breakfast. Located in a 18th century flour mill, the restaurant is surrounded by lush greenery and waterfalls. The menu is seasonal and highlights local produce. If you want to stay overnight, the Moulin de St-Laurent also offers accommodation with water views and sunset included.
What else can you do on Île d’Orléans other than shopping? Visit the boutique 3 Poules à l’île. You’ll find everything from vintage signs, embroidered linen, beautiful crockery, fashion accessories, handmade items and more.
Sainte Pétronille
The next stop is at the western tip of the island, in the small community of Sainte-Pétronille. The beach here is a great place to watch the sunset! La Chocolaterie de l’Île d’Orléans is a must for its handmade chocolates, of course, but also for its chocolate-dipped ice creams.
The last stop on this delicious island tour is one of the tastiest, Vignoble Sainte Pétronille. Sainte Pétronille produces some of the best wines on the island, if not the province. Enjoy their rosé or vibrant white and visit the estate on your own or sign up for a guided tour.
This trip can take a day, but you can extend it and spend more time admiring the magnificent views at every bend in the road. You can also turn back and turn right as you cross the bridge to the island.
Need a pick-me-up? The newly opened Maison Smith café on the island is just the place.
More gourmet restaurants on Island of Orleans
Île d’Orléans is also home to numerous sugar shacks, vineyards, cider makers and pick-your-own farms with strawberries (the best in the province!), apples, pumpkins, and more like maple syrup. So, if you’re looking to continue your discovery of Île d’Orléans’ flavors, you’ll certainly find a place to your liking.
Preparing your visit to Île d’Orléans
How long does it take to drive around the île d’Orléans?
Your trip to île d’Orléans can be a short afternoon, a full day trip from Quebec City or an entire weekend. Extend the pleasure and spend more time admiring the magnificent vistas and charming villages around every bend. In fact, if you want to stay overnight, there are some nice hotels on the island.
You can also turn back halfway and turn right at the only crossroads leading to the bridge.
The length of time you spend exploring the island depends on your pace, desires and appetites.
How many people live on île d’Orléans?
The island of Île d’Orléans has a population of around 7000 spread over 190 square kilometres in the six communes of the island.
How to get to Isle d’Orléans on a day trip from Quebec City and is there a ferry?
From Quebec City, getting to Île d’Orléans is easy. By car, you can take Autoroute 440 East in the direction of Ste-Anne-de-Beaupré. In about 15 minutes you will reach the Île d’Orléans bridge, the spectacular gateway to the island.
It is also possible to take a taxi to the island and hire an electric or manual bicycle to explore the island at your own pace in the open air.
Finally, shuttle services are available from downtown Quebec City with various stops to discover the island.
Cover photo credit: Gaëlle Le Royer/Bonjour Québec
