Île d'Orléans

We took a day trip to Ile d’Orleans from Quebec City. Stopped at Montmorency Falls on the way. We did the loop counterclockwise so that we could end up at most of the wineries in in the afternoon. We stopped at a wonderful chocolate shop, stopped and picked strawberries, and visited a cheese shop, as well as a couple of wineries. The views were stunning and very little traffic in early June. I was hoping to be able to visit a cheese farm and watch production, but I don’t think there was anywhere on the island that you could do that. There’s a great visitor center right at the entrance to the island. I suggest you stop there and get a map. Let them know which way you want to go and what you’d like to visit and they will circle all of that on the map for you. Tip: It did take me a while to figure out that the numbers on the map coincided with the addresses of the map locations and also there are blue road signs for the places that are open to visitors. I guess that keeps the tourists from driving up on people‘s private property and farms. Absolutely gorgeous and highly recommended.

Beautiful island just a few miles away from Quebec City. It took us about 1h to go round the island with different scenic views along the way including a nice view over Quebec City and beautiful buildings. Very charming ride.

I absolutely fell in love with this island. I drove all around and was very impressed by the unique houses. One street will eventually take you back to where you started. The island is divided into different villages; however, you might not recognize them, as every house is built between the river and their only one street. Be sure to stop by any farm market and chocolate shop you come across—you won’t regret it. Recompense goat farm!

Beautiful and peaceful place with many small stores to see while driving around the island. The beach area was so relaxing too.

Absolutely stunning! Great views of the St. Lawrence and the shorelines of the mainland. Historic and vintage and just a lovely place to spend the day!

Cute, charming little island close to Quebec City. Lots of stands with fresh produce from local farms, little wineries and places to drink fresh cider, little galleries and art shops. Beautiful views of the river and mountains.

Such a beautiful island only a short drive from Quebec City. We drove around the entire island from the southernmost tip to the observation tower and back. Had lunch at a lovely winery. Definitely worth spending several hours exploring this island.

You need a car or lots of muscle power to ride a bike to see all the greats things this island has to offer. The ride on the bridge was awesome. Lots of local adventures and stores to keep your day occupied.

Ile-d'Orleans is an island in the Saint Lawrence River. The island is about 3.1 miles east of downtown Quebec city. It is a nice day trip from the city and it can be combined with a nearby visit to Morntmorency falls and Basilique Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupre. The island is 21 miles long and 7 miles wide. It is accessible from the the mainland of Quebec by the Ile-d'Orleans bridge. The Chemin Royale road encircles the entire island. While traveling the Chemin Royale road you will encounter small cottage industries specializing in various agricultural products. Cassis Monna & Filles winery has tours and tasting. Fromagerie Biese d' Epinelle specializes in cheese and dairy products. Chocolaterie de-Ile Orleans haschocolate, fudge and other chocolate based products with no preservatives. La Boulange-Saint-Jean-de-Ile-Orleans sells bakery goods and pasteries while LaCuisine d'Ete-Saint-Laurent-de-Ile'Orleans has exceptional maple syrup. There are also histirical stops along the way. The Manor Mauvide Genest built in 1734 was the home of Jean Mauvide, who was the surgeon for King of France. Stop by one of the many churches along the way. I recommend Eglise de Saint Jean Saint Pierre. With the Laurentian Plateau to the North, the Appalachian Mountains to the South and views of the Atlantic Ocean and Saint Lawrence Seaway, the Chemin Royale road is a scenic drive in it's own right. Enjoy small cottage industries in a rolling hills pastoral setting.

This is a must go to place if you're visiting Quebec City. We had so much fun driving and exploring all the neat little places to eat and try drinks while we were on this island. I won't go into specifics for each restaurant as there are reviews for that separately. We loved places like Mona and cassis for blackcurrant flavored ice cream and wines, roulette du coin for their duck burger and poutine, Casse chez Meg for that amazing lobster roll, nougatierre for nougats, chocolaterie for the amazing chocolate and vanilla dipped in chocolate ice cream. Come on an empty stomach and full wallet and just enjoy all the different unique things you can eat and drink. Highly suggest taking a cooler with you, there's so many things you can buy and take home with you like chocolate, nougats, cheese curds, blackcurrant wine, baked goods, ciders, etc. It's not a far drive from Quebec City and the whole island itself is probably a one hour drive but you can easily spend half a day here exploring and trying lots of food and drinks. Most of the stores are super helpful in terms of directions and letting you sample all kinds of things. Do your stomach a favor and come here!

I loved Ile d'Orleans. I want to spend more time there on my next visit to Quebec. This is a beautiful island not at all far from Quebec City and well worth spending at least a full day here. You get here by driving over the bridge from the mainland. Most of the early settlers to this island which was considered the Nouvelle France, came from Normandie and the Poitou region of France. In 1685 the census was 1205 people and 917 livestock. While there are more people than that living here now, it's still very much an uncrowded, agricultural area with vast open fields and farms. It's only 67 kms (42 miles) to drive around the island but you can easily spend more than a day here if you really want to experience everything. It would make for a great bike ride. In fact the day we were there a very serious looking bike race was taking place which was fun to stop and watch. The island is composed of 6 municipalites. Those are Sainte-Petronille, Saint-Laurent, Saint-Jean, Saint-Francoise, Sainte-Famille and Saint-Pierre. These municipalities are all quite historic and most were founded in the 1600s with the exception of Sainte-Petronille which is a relative newcomer founded in 1870. Everything is quite astounding in its natural beauty. We drove around the island in a leisurely fashion stopping whenever something caught our eye. You'll get a real idea of what some of the classic Quebecois homes look like. Most are stone although there are many pretty wood houses too. Often the roof will be painted a bright red. The farms are gorgeous in the summer. Many of the farms are places you can stop to buy things. There are plenty of places to visit like the wineries, cideries (yes apple cideries!), the chocolate shop, fromageries, bakeries and on it goes. There are a few art galleries. The oldest country church in Quebec is here dating back to 1720. There are a few charming inns and B and Bs. Perhaps most remarkable, none of this tour of the island felt particularly touristy in the way places like this can easily become. This hasn't turned into a kitschy cliche of itself. I don't think for example we saw one souvenir shop which to me is a blessing. It's clear the people here are proud of their ancestry and their heritage. The natural beauty has been brilliantly preserved as has a lovely way of life. I loved the day we spent here and would return to stay for more in a heartbeat.

This trip was just a spontaneous 24 hour blast out of Montreal for a real sunset and a sunrise, and to get closer to the ocean; to refresh the soul, so to speak. I wasn't expecting it's significance in the extraordinary flavouring of this Province: portal to the birth of French in Canada. I was told, during one of several coffee conversations, that a good percentage of French Canadians can trace their ancestry to this isle. Hhmmm. Anyhow, today it comprises a few charming rural villages, farms and a vineyard steeped with a tenacious European history. The native Huron called the Isle The Enchantress. Cartier arrived in 1535 and named it Île de Bascuz (Bacchus) for the wild grapes that grew abundantly. (The name changed to Orleans for political reasons.) I learned, from a couple with strong ancestral links to the area, that the east end of the isle experiences a substantial tide. In fact, this is where a true tide begins to occur in the St Lawrence. A must experience when in the Quebec City area.

2017 Review 77/100 Such a beautiful little island a short distance from Quebec City. Once you cross the bridge it almost feels like you've gone back in time. Farms and wineries dot the island along with a few other delightful treats. If you're visiting the city I highly recommend making a day trip. There is plenty to see and do. Make sure you stop off at some of the wineries for tastings. We particularly enjoyed Cassis Monna & Filles. They have some tasty wines and liqueurs made from black currant. There are also a few cideries you can visit. On the back side of the island, you'll find La Boulange, a bakery serving a variety of tasty treats. Pro tip: If you have friends and family who have asked for authentic Canadian maple syrup as a souvenir this is a great place to stop to pick some up. They have a thick maple syrup that is oh so delicious and you'll feel a little better about purchasing it to take home because it isn't...you know...maple syrup that you can pick up at your local grocery store at home (we found most of the brands at the gift shops in Quebec City were the same ones the U.S. imports/we could find at our home grocer). Another stop not to be missed: the Chocolaterie de l'Ile d'Orléans. Go in and buy one of every type of truffle. You're welcome. Amazing chocolate! Just across the street from the chocolatier is a little driveway where you can pull up to the water. From here you can enjoy a view of the river and the nearby Montmorency Falls while you enjoy your truffles. Honestly, there's no reason not to pay the island a visit. So many fun little gems and it's only a short ride from the city. You need to make this place a stop on your next trip to Quebec City.

This is a lovely side trip (maybe plan a few hours at most) from Quebec. There are lovely fresh strawberry stands in the summertime. The views are pastoral and pristine. One side of the island caters a little more to tourists and sports an insanely delicious chocolatier and ice cream shop. I'm always on the lookout for ways to treat myself on vacation and a scoop of sorbet is a particular favorite of mine. There is also a nice boardwalk and beach to wander with great views of the city across the bay. Itjust a nice way to spend an afternoon. Don't expect it to be super happening, but more mellow and relaxing. I enjoyed my little retreat here very much on a beautiful sunny Summer day. I even snagged a little basket of lusciously ripe strawberries to take back to the chateaux for later that evening.

This fall we had the oportunity to visit the island and spend an afternoon exploring all it has to offer. Some of the highlights were that the island was packed with a ton of beautiful community churches, the views of the water were incredible, and the local shops as well as wineries and cheese shops were amazing. We ended up spending the whole afternoon here and thoroughly enjoyed the time. This island is a must see if you like quaint communities!

Fun day trip from the city. Don't bother eating before you go, you will have lots of stops for snacks. Make sure you stop at La Boulangerie next to the big church on the east side of the island. Best brioche and chocolatine in Quebec. Good for kids but if you want to drink wine leave them at home. Spend the day sampling and eating on lawn chairs next to the vineyards. If you don't like this place there is something wrong with you.

After a day or two climbing the hills in Quebec City, your legs will probably be screaming for a break. That's the perfect time to consider a car tour of the Ile d'Orleans, the cradle of French civilization in the New World. Barely 20 minutes from the heart of the Old Town, this island in the middle of the St. Lawrence is an agricultural and historical wonderland -- kind of like the Hudson Valley is to NYC, only much more compact. Give yourself 3-4 hours to drive the ring road that circles the entire island, stopping along the way at vineyards, restaurants, orchards and farm stands. (Foodie tip: 2 leading QC restaurants, Panache and MC Chef, have opened more casual outposts here, serving comfort food with a twist.) Even more than the food, I enjoyed the history and architecture of the island, with houses and churches dating back to the late 17th century. You'll find helpful plaques everywhere in both French & English, and the provincial government publishes a nice guidebook each year (it's free, just ask your hotel concierge).

Beautiful island. Such a fun day trip from Quebec City... Spend a day driving around stopping at the local wineries, chocolate shops, and pubs.

A bucolic island almost three times the size of Manhattan in the along the Saint Lawrence river area. Once referred to as Quebec's breadbasket, the island is filled with farms, cideries, creameries and breweries all of which flank all along this great bike trail called Le Chemin Royal: a 42 mile trail that allows you to pass by Microbrasserie de L'ille d' Orleans. Try their amber Ale tinged with local maple syrup. In the summer, people rent kayaks and Canoe in its watershed. A must see for your bucket list.

This really is a fantastic place to spend a sunny and warm afternoon. It's a beautiful island and is a perfect place to stop by while visiting Quebec City!

Lovely place to spend the leisure time. Good for picnic. Nice view toward the Falls. Nice view on the bridge also.

Lovely place to get away for a day or even an afternoon and evening. Very laid-back, lovely views of Quebec City, nice ride around the island, many farm stands with outstanding fruit and veggies, quaint shops and restaurants, La Boulange in St. Jean, across the church, etc..