Quebec City Attractions: Ile d'Orleans
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Cross over the Ile d’Orleans bridge and be transported from the bustle of Quebec City to the tranquil landscapes of Ile d’Orleans (Orleans Island). Visit wineries, cider orchards, and fruit stands at farms along the St. Lawrence River. Driving the scenic Chemin Royal (Rt. 328) around Ile d’Orleans is one of the best Quebec City attractions.
You will not find any big box stores on the island of Ile d'Orleans. You will find a wealth of vineyards, patisseries (bakeries), fromage (cheese) shops, and pumpkin patches. Between the small farms and vast fields there are six charming villages; each with its own church and shops to explore. Visiting farms, sampling fresh foods, and meeting local crafters are some of the best things to do on Ile d'Orleans.
HOW TO GET TO ILE D’ORLEANS FROM QUEBEC CITY
The Ile d’Orleans is located about 3-miles (5 km) east of downtown Quebec City in the Canadian province of Quebec. The island is surrounded by the waters of the St. Lawrence River. The 47 mile (75 km) Chemin Royal (Route 368) runs around the perimeter of the island. There is little public transportation; a car or guided tour is the most convenient way to see the sites.
By Car: From downtown Québec City, take Autoroute 40E to QC-368E. After crossing the bridge, look for a Tourist Information Center in the town of Saint Pierre. Once on the island we recommend driving counter-clockwise (toward Saint Laurent) so the water stays on the passenger’s side of the vehicle. Click here for information on car rentals.
By Bike: Cycling to, and around, the island is a popular way to see Ile d’Orleans. However, casual cyclers should be aware that “bike path” around the island is the same road shared by cars and tour buses. The route is curvy, with many blind spots, and often with no shoulder. If you choose to bike, consider a guided tour:
Guided Tours: The Ile d’Orleans is one of the more popular Quebec City attractions. There are many large and small group guided tours from Quebec City available. Here is a sampling of well-reviewed tours.
ILE D’ORLEANS HISTORY
Before the Europeans arrived in the 17th century, Ile d’Orleans was home to the Huron Nation. When French settlers landed in the 1600s, they developed a farming and fishing economy (similar to present day). Ile d’Orleans was one of the earliest French colonies, and many Canadians can trace their ancestry to the original settlers.
BEST TIME TO VISIT ILE D’ORLEANS
The best time to visit Ile d’Orleans is in mid-June through Mid-October. Many seasonal shops, farm stands, and businesses will begin opening during the month of May, and close by the end of October.
Summer: In June, July, and August the village shops, wineries, orchards, ice creameries, fromageries, patisseries, cafes, and farm stands are all open. The weather is warm and the farms are bursting with new life. Traffic can be thick. If you are driving, arrive early to avoid the heaviest crowds.
Fall: September and October are also popular times to visit the island (weekends can be busier than in the summer). Many farms host harvest celebrations and leaf peepers come to enjoy the fall foliage. Traffic can get very congested; especially around the bridge crossing.
Christmas: Some businesses re-open for the Christmas season.
ILE D'ORLEANS HOTELS
Should you decide to spend a night or two on the island, try one of these well-reviewed Ile d'Orleans hotels:
THINGS TO DO ON ILE D’ORLEANS
The island’s economy centers around farming, fishing, and tourism. Things to do on Ile d’Orleans depend on what month you are visiting. Here is a list of things to do:
Visit Antique and Craft shops
Cycle the island on a bike tour
Visiting orchards and farms to pick your own apples, strawberries, lavender, berries, squash, and pumpkins
Participatse in wine tastings at local vineyards (Ile d'Orleans Wine Tasting)
Eat out or picnic at one of the many fromageries (cheese), patisseries (bakeries), ice creameries, cideries, and chocolateries
Climb the Saint-Francois Observation Tower
Tour local churches
Visit the Maritime Museum (Parc Maritime de Saint-Laurent)
ILE D’ORLEANS MAP OF TOWNS
ILE D’ORLEANS TOWNS
Ile d’Orleans is made up of six villages with a total population of around 7,000 local residents. The towns are listed below in the order we suggest driving them (counterclockwise) on a day trip.
Saint Pierre
Saint Pierre is the first town you enter as you cross the bridge to the island. It is the most populated village with about 2000 permanent residents. In Saint Pierre you will find the Visitor Center, two churches, and a number of wineries, orchards, berry farms, and restaurants.
Saint Pétronille
Saint Petronille is a small village on the western tip of the island. In Saint Petronille there are great views of Old Quebec and Montmorency Falls across the St. Lawrence River. The village is home to an Angilcan chapel, old sea captains’ houses, a winery, chocolaterie, and several restaurants.
Saint Laurent
The village of Saint Laurent is a mixture of the island’s farming and fishing cultures. The village is home to several produce growing farms, restaurants, and a jam factory. In addition, you will find the Maritime Museum (Parc Maritime de Saint-Laurent), a quay, marina, church, and several shops.
Saint Jean
Saint Jean lies on Ile d'Orleans' southern shore. The town is often mentioned as one of the most beautiful in Quebec due to its neat rows of neoclassical houses. Saint Jean is home to several heritage buildings including the Mauvide-Genest Manor and its lovely stone church (Church of Saint-Jean de l'île d'Orléans). In Saint Jean, visitors will find potato, strawberry, and dairy farms as well as several restaurants and shops.
Saint François
On the eastern tip of the island is the village of Saint Francois. The village's Saint-Francois Observation Tower offers panoramic views of the Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area. Also, in the less populated Saint Francois, visitors will find a small beach, woodlands, and several shops.
Saint Famille
Saint Famille is one of the oldest of the Ile d’Orleans villages (and one of the prettiest), dating back to the mid-1600s. In the village, find the distinctive Saint Famille Church with three bell towers and a red roof. Also, look for a fromagerie, pub, and several wineries and orchards.
We hope you find this guide helpful in your exploration of this lovely Quebec City attraction. Cheers! Here is to happy road-tripping on the Ile d’Orleans, Laura and Randy
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