Pamela MacNaughtan
Last Updated on March 15, 2024 by Pamela MacNaughtan
Ile d’Orleans is an island overflowing with charm, one of the best places in Quebec for fresh strawberries, blackcurrant liquor, award-winning cheeses, wine, cider, and unforgettable meals. You can navigate around the island (it’s 75 km in circumference) easily.
Cycling Ile d’Orleans is a popular activity in summer and autumn, but you can also explore by car or take an Île d’Orléans bus tour of a selection of wineries or local foodie destinations.
Spending a morning or afternoon on an Ile d’Orleans bike tour will take you a little off the beaten path, but honestly, however, you choose to explore, I’m confident you will find things to do in Île d’Orléans that will have you dreaming of a return trip.
It sounds too good to be true, but in my opinion, Ile d’Orleans is one of the best day trips from Quebec City.
I fell in love with the island during my first visit in 2013. I still remember the chocolate-dipped ice cream cone I ate, and how my tour guide let me sit there with chocolate on my chin for a solid 10 minutes before telling me it was there. I remember stopping at La Boulange and swooning over the croissants and chocolatines.
The sweetness of the Ile d’Orleans strawberries was divine, and my fingertips started to turn red from eating too many. I remember being mesmerized by the architecture, the way the tin roofs curved and swooped, and the intricate details on wrought iron railings.
In autumn, when the leaves change colour, Ile d’Orleans is vibrant and almost orgasmic in its brilliance. I am gobsmacked every time I visit during this magical time of year.
While most of the businesses are closed in winter and spring, I still venture over to the island to drive around. I especially love it after a fresh layer of slightly sticky snow, the kind that clings to trees and roofs, creating a peaceful shimmering winter wonderland. It’s on these days that I wish I had a little house with a pretty view and a wood-fired stove.
Villages of Île d’Orleans
Ile d’Orleans, Quebec is comprised of 6 villages: Saint-Pétronille, Saint-Laurent, Saint-Jean, Saint-François, Saint-Famille, and Saint-Pierre. Chemin Royal, a 67 km road that circles the island was completed in 1774 and connects all the villages.
Saint-Pierre was one of the first parishes established on the island, with a wooden chapel being erected around 1673. Église de Saint-Pierre, a stone church, was built around 1717-1719. Today, Saint-Pierre is the first township you enter once you cross the bridge onto Ile d’Orleans. It’s home to several wineries, cideries, and delicious restaurants.
Saint-Pétronille was the last village to be established on the island. This area of the island, however, played a key role during the war in 1759 when it was known as l’Anse du Fort. It was here that the British were able to keep an eye on Quebec and launch their attacks. It was also home to a naval yard in the early 19th century. Today, Saint-Pétronille is home to a winery, restaurants, a café, chocolaterie (complete with rich chocolate-dipped ice cream cones!), and lovely views of Quebec City, Montmorency Falls, and Côte de Beaupré.
Saint-Laurent is the next village as you circumnavigate the island. Originally known as Saint-Paul, this area of Ile d’Orleans has been home to mostly farmers since the arrival of the Europeans. It was also home to a small naval yard that built wooden rowboats. Today, Saint-Laurent is home to several farms, many of which grow produce for restaurants in Quebec City. It’s also home to a maritime museum, boutiques, a gourmet jam factory, and restaurants.
Saint-Jean sits along the south shore of the island. Established around 1679, the construction of the first church in the village started in 1675. It was never really finished though. The current church was built around 1735. Residents of the village were mostly farmers, but there were many navigators, sailors, and artisans as well. Today, Saint-Jean is best known for its beautiful architecture, boutiques, and bakery.
Saint-François is located on the northeastern tip of the island. Comprised mostly of farms, this area of the island was used for hunting. A beautiful fieldstone church rests in the heart of this village. Today, there is a small local beach, campgrounds, a shop or two, and the observation tower which offers spectacular views of the island, as well as the Laurentian Mountains across the Saint-Lawrence River.
Saint-Famille is said to be the first parish established on Ile d’Orleans. The first baptism took place in 1666, however, the first mention of the name Saint-Famille did not take place until around 1671. Known for growing hay and raising cattle, Saint-Famille is best known as being home to Maison Drouin (one of the few houses to survive the British invasion in 1759), a fromagerie, pub, casse-crôute, and wineries.
Things to do on Île d’Orleans
Parc Maritime de Saint-Laurent
This museum is located along the shores of the Saint-Lawrence River and guides visitors through the shipyard, which was at its peak in the 1960s. At one point, this shipyard built 400 rowboats each year. Utilize their digital guide and take a self-guided tour of this interesting part of Ile d’Orleans history. Fun for the whole family!
where: saint-laurent • 1200, chemin de la chalouperie • 418-828-9673 • parcmaritime.ca/en • open: 10 jun – 15 oct, daily 10h – 17h • admission: $5 adults, $3 youth 13-17, free under 12 years
Manoir Mauvide-Genest
Manoir Mauvide-Genest was built in 1734 by Jean Mauvide, a surgeon in the King’s army. Mauvide had fallen for the island in 1720 and eventually married the daughter of a blacksmith in Saint-Jean. Over time he transitioned from a simple surgeon (oh, how times have changed!) to a wealthy merchant, and he expanded the house twice (1742, and 1752). This is one of the few houses that survived the British in 1759. A very interesting part of the island’s history and worth a visit!
where: saint-jean • 4818, chemin royal • 418-829-2630 • manoirmauvidegenest.com • open: mid-jun – mid-oct, wed-sun 9h30 – 17h • admission: $10
Seigneurie de l’Île d’Orleans
In mid-July when the lavender is in bloom, Seigneurie de l’Ile d’Orleans is at the top of most Instagram photo destinations, but that’s not the only reason to visit! Take time to explore the themed gardens: garden of the 5 senses, zen garden, orchard, shadow garden, forest zen, and Amerindian sector. If you enjoy lavender beauty products, peek inside the boutique – you’ll need to go inside to buy a ticket to see the gardens.
where: saint-françois • 3658, chemin royal • 418-829-0476 • seigneurieiledorleans.com • open: mid-jun – mid-oct, daily 9h – 18h • admission for gardens: $22 adults, $10 youth 12-17, $5 children 5-11, free under 5 years old
Érablière Richard Boily
This sugar shack does not serve meals, but it’s a great place to visit and learn about maple syrup from Ile d’Orleans – and enjoy some maple taffy. Free 30-minute guided tours are offered in both English and French. Fun and educational. You can also purchase some maple syrup to take home as a souvenir. Miam! (French for Yum)
where: sainte-famille • 2977, chemin royal • 418-829-2874 • erabliereiledorleans.qc.ca • open: mar-oct, daily 9h30–17h30 • reservations required
Wine Tour of Île d’Orleans
The island is home to several wonderful wineries, and one of the best ways to experience them responsibly is to go on a guided wine tour. The small tour bus picks up in Old Quebec and includes 4 wineries. A fine way to spend an afternoon, and perhaps find some Quebec wines to take home with you.
guided wine tour • duration: 4 hrs • cost: start at $97.53 (prices subject to change) • book a tour
Food & Drink Tour of Île d’Orleans
This guided food and drink tour of Ile d’Orleans is a nice way to spend a few hours on the island sampling some of the local foods and wines. There are 4-5 stops on this tour, each one a delectable treat. Like the wine tour, this tour departs from Old Quebec, near Château Frontenac. A good choice if you want to explore a little bit of the island, but do not have access to a car.
guided food tour • duration: 3 hrs 30 mins • cost: start at $48.72 (prices subject to change) • book a tour
Food + Drink
Blessed with rich soil, the residents on the island were able to grow several crops: wheat, oats, rye, potatoes, peas, and tobacco, as well as a variety of fruit.
During this time, the Saint-Lawrence River had an abundance of eels, salmon, sturgeon, muskellunge, sea bass, and walleye fish. They hunted pigeons, geese, and ducks. They produced wine, and high-quality cheeses such as Le Paillasson (a cheese that must be roasted in a pan), La Faisselle (a fresh cheese), and Le Raffiné (a 30-day ripened cheese).
By the 18th century, they were selling fruits and grains at the market in Quebec.
Today, Ile d’Orleans is home to farms (many of which provide produce to restaurants in Quebec City), strawberry fields, an award-winning fromagerie, chocolate, cafés, casse-croûtes, restaurants, wineries, and cideries. In a nutshell, it is a foodie’s paradise, so wear your stretchy pants and come hungry!
Cafés & Boulangeries
Smith Café
A café and boutique, Smith Café is known for its coffees, decadent chocolat chaud, and selection of pastries, salads, and sandwiches. The boutique is charming and filled with things made by artisans on Ile d’Orleans, as well as throughout Quebec. On a warm day, I highly recommend enjoying your coffee on the patio in the garden. Croissants and pastries are made at Paillard in Quebec City.
where: saint-pierre • 8700, chemin royal • 418-828-0598 • lamaisonsmith.com • open: daily 8h30 – 18h
La Midinette
Located on the edge of Saint-Jean township, La Midinette has one of the best croissants in Quebec, followed closely by their chocolatines, and danishes (strawberry is my favourite). They offer a menu of European-style pizza, soups, sandwiches, and gourmet dishes made with local terroir. While you can dine inside, I highly recommend dining on the porch, or at one of the picnic tables on the lawn.
women-owned • where: saint-jean • 4624, chemin royal • 418-829-3162 •
Casse-Croûte
Chez Mag
The best lobster roll on the island, in our humble opinion, can be found in Casse-Croûte Chez Mag. It’s a small white food shack and easy to miss, but if you do you may regret it as the roll has lovely chunks of buttery lobster. OMG, so good! While I am a huge fan of all things lobster, this Chez Mag is also known for its fried chicken, poutine, and burgers.
where: sainte-famille • 2600, chemin royal • 418-203-0888 • facebook page • open: visit their facebook page for up-to-date information
Restaurants on Île d’Orleans
Cassis Monna et filles
Cassis Monna has grown considerably since my first visit in 2013. Best known for their blackcurrant (cassis) liquors and preserves, the Monna family has been making liquors since 1872 (it all started in France, but in the 1970s Bernard Monna came to Ile d’Orleans and began making blackcurrant liquors). Cassis Monna et Filles is a beautiful place to stop for a liquor tasting, ice cream, or a gourmet meal. Their patios and outdoor seating areas are perfect for relaxing.
women-owned • where: saint-pierre • 1225, chemin royal • 418-828-2525 • cassismonna.com • open: mid-jun to mid-oct, daily 10h – 20h
Le Moulin de St-Laurent
Le Moulin de Saint-Laurent is a lovely fine dining restaurant located near a small waterfall in Saint-Laurent (it’s closer to Saint-Jean). It offers terrace seating with a picturesque view, and its dining room boasts exposed fieldstone walls and original wooden beams and posts. It oozes with chic French country charm. The menu features French cuisine, with options that are vegetarian or gluten-free.
where: saint-laurent • 6436, chemin royal • 888-629-3888 • moulinstlaurent.qc.ca • open: mid-jun to mid-oct, daily 12h – 19h
Wineries, Cidreries & a Pub
Vignobles Ste-Pétronille
Owned and operated Nathalie Lane and Louis Denault for the last 21 years, Vignobles Ste-Pétronille wines are crisp and delicious. The porch of the winery’s boutique offers an amazing view of the Saint-Lawrence River, as well as Montmorency Falls.
where: saint-pétronille • 8705, chemin royal • 418-828-9554 • vs-p.ca • open: end-jun to mid-sep, mon-tues 10h – 18h, wed-sun 10h – 19h
Vignobles du Mitan
Tucked away just off chemin Royal, Vignoble du Mitan is a lovely family-run winery with a large terrace overlooking the Saint-Lawrence River, and Laurentian Mountains in the distance. Stop by for a wine tasting and take time to enjoy a bottle on their terrace or take a little walk among vines. The view is especially gorgeous in autumn.
where: sainte-famille • 2608, chemin royal • 418-829-0901 • vignobledumitan.com • open: mid-jun to mid-oct, daily 10h – 18h
Microbrasserie de l’Île d’Orleans – Pub le Mitan
The only microbrewery and pub on Ile d’Orleans, this local waterhole recently reopened after extensive renovations. The new features tall glass windows overlooking the island and Saint-Lawrence River, fieldstone, and wood. It’s bright and warm and an ideal place for a drink! They brew six beers in-house: La Blanche, La Blonde, La Rousse, L’Ambrée, La Scotch Ale, and La Noire. Their menu has everything from crab cakes and beer onion soup to burgers, nachos, and pizza. A small kid’s menu is also available.
where: sainte-famille • 2471, chemin royal • 418-829-0408 • microorleans.com • open: daily 11h30 – 22h until midnight on fridays
Domaine Steinbach
Domaine Steinbach began when Claire and Philippe Steinbach travelled to Quebec City from Belgium and decided to make a home in Ile d’Orleans. Today, the cidrerie has new owners who are keeping this 5-hectare orchard and cidrerie alive. Spartan, Empire, Vista Bella, and Cortland apples are among the varieties grown here. Stop by their boutique for locally produced terroir, do a tasting at the cider bar, enjoy a picnic lunch, or buy some iced cider to take home. Domaine Steinbach also has a 4-bedroom B&B in an 18th-century heritage house.
where: saint-pierre • 1865, chemin royal • 418-828-0000 • domainesteinbach.com • open: may – 23 Jun, daily 10h – 17h; 24 Jun – 15 Oct, daily 10h – 19h
Sweet & Savoury Snacks
Chocolaterie de Île d’Orleans
Park your car and get ready for quite possibly the best chocolate-dipped cone you will ever eat – Dairy Queen will feel like you’re slumming. Dark chocolate is a party in your mouth. Really. Although they do have milk chocolate and maple as well. The chocolaterie boutique on the lower level is filled with decadent chocolates. Honestly, it is very hard to leave without buying chocolate treats for yourself, and your friends, and decadent chocolate-dipped ice cream.
where: saint-pétronille • 8330, chemin royal • 418-828-2252 • chocolaterieorleans.com • open: end-jun to mid-sep, daily 9h – 22h
La Confiturerie Tigidou
La Confiturerie Tigidou is one of my favourite places to visit in Ile d’Orleans. At one time, this heavenly jam factory was in an eclectic barn, now, however, Tigidou is in the heart of Saint-Laurent. This jam factory and café is still home to an eclectic mix of antiques. The shelves are filled with organic jams and syrups, both sweet and spicy. Strawberry Basil and strawberry jalapeño are among my favourites. Enjoy a jam tasting at the jam bar, as well as their scone or Belgium waffle. The coffee and in-house lemonade are quite good too. On a nice day, be sure to enjoy their riverside patio.
lgbtqia2s+ safe space • where: saint-laurent • 7007, chemin royal • 418-203-1300 • tigidou.ca • open: mid-jun to mid-oct, daily 10h – 17h
Cabanes à Sucre (Sugar Shacks)
Quebec produces over 80% of the world’s maple syrup and is possibly one of the best souvenirs to take home from your trip. If you’re visiting Ile d’Orleans between March and October, consider visiting a sugar shack for a truly unique Québécois experience. Eat traditional food, drizzling maple syrup on everything (!), and listen to traditional folk music. Fun and delicious!
Tip: March and April are the best times to visit a sugar shack as this is “sugaring off” season.
Cabane à Sucre l’En-Talleur
This Ile d’Orleans sugar shack has been run by the Tailleur family for 8 generations. Québécois heritage and traditions are a key part of your experience. Gobble up traditional foods drizzled (or soaked if you wish!) with maple syrup, visit their little museum, and pick up some maple syrup to take home.
where: saint-pierre • 1538, chemin royal • 418-829-1269 • entailleur.com • open: Mar-Oct, visit their website for updated information • reservations required.
La Sucrerie Blouin
The best time to visit this sugar shack is in early spring when there is still snow on the ground. The sugar shack is tucked into a maple grove near the shores of the Saint-Lawrence River, a beautiful scene for a Québécois spring experience. While one of the main reasons to visit a sugar shack is to devour traditional foods and listen to folk music, there is more to do here. Walk the footpaths in the sugar bush, go on an old-fashioned horse-drawn sleigh ride, and take a tour of their maple production.
where: saint-jean • 4315, chemin royal • 418-928-0473 • erabliereiledorleans.qc.ca • open: daily 9h30–17h30, visit website for details, including menu prices • reservations required
Shopping
3 Poules à l’Île
Housed in an old 1950s henhouse, 3 Poules is one of my favourite places to shop on the island. It’s a combination of the antiques and more modern items they sell. Here you’ll find everything from antique arches and dishes to jewellery and scarves to accessories for your home. I love their enamel pieces, arches, and dishes. This is also a favourite place to shop at Christmastime. 3 Poules also has a location in Old Quebec City (10, côte de la Fabrique • open daily 10h – 17h).
women-owned • where: saint-laurent • 6914, chemin royal • 3poulesenligne.com • open: 10 jun – 12 sep, daily 10h – 17h; 16 sep – 11 oct, sat-sun 10h – 17h
La Maisonnette de l’Île
This tiny house with scalloped orange trim rests on the side of the road, making it easy to spot as your drive around the island. It’s charming and filled with handicrafts made by local artists. A tiny kitchen is tucked into the corner just inside the door. On the menu is coffee, yummy ham and cheese panini sandwiches, and locally baked pies.
women-owned • where: saint-jean • 5403, chemin royal • 418-572-2025 • open: 1 Jun – 15 Oct, daily 9h30 – 17h30
Les Fromages de l’Île d’Orleans
Les Fromages de Ile d’Orleans is an award-winning fromagerie (cheese shop). Located next to Maison Drouin, this fromagerie specializes in heritage cheeses, including those first made on the island in the 17th century. Try the Paillasson, the first cheese produced in North America. It’s best enjoyed when grilled, similar to halloumi cheese. They also sell patês, jellies, and charcuterie. A perfect spot for grabbing Quebec terroir for a picnic, or to enjoy on their large patio.
where: sainte-famille • 2950, chemin royal • 418-829-0177 • fromagesdeliledorleans.com • open: tues-sun 10h – 17h
Accommodations on Île d’Orleans
If you have the time, consider changing your day trip into a mini getaway and spend a night or two on Ile d’Orleans! There are a few excellent hotels on the island.
Les Ancêtres Auberge & Restaurant
A 3-star hotel in a 17th-century heritage home, Les Ancêtres Auberge & Restaurant is rustic luxury at its best. The restaurant was a favourite of Félix Leclerc. The rooms offer stunning views of the Ile d’Orleans and are named for the owner’s ancestors who have lived in the house over its 300+ year history. Perfect for a romantic getaway or digital escape.
3-star hotel • $$ – $$$ • where: saint-pierre • 1101, chemin royal • 418-828-2718
Auberge au Poste de Traite
This small hotel has 10 rooms, a restaurant, and beautiful views of the Saint-Lawrence River and Laurentian mountains. The rooms have a comfy country vibe to them, and the owners are very welcoming. The restaurant serves comfort foods such as poutine, burgers, pasta, and salads. Rooms come with a complimentary breakfast.
3-star hotel • $$ • where: sainte-famille • 2287, chemin royal • 418-829-9898
Auberge la Goéliche
Tucked away from chemin Royal, Auberge La Goéliche is a hotel and restaurant right on the shoreline of the Saint-Lawrence River. Rooms are beautifully decorated, with wonderful views. Deluxe rooms come with a balcony. The hotel has an outdoor pool, which is welcome during hot summer days. Their restaurant is quite popular, offering succulent gourmet dishes.
3-star hotel • $$$ • where: saint-pétronille • 22 rue du quai • 418-828-2248
Auberge les Blancs Moutons
This is a cute little B&B is in an ancestral house by the river. Spend your days exploring the island or relaxing on the grounds with a book and some Quebec terroir. You’ll also find a boutique of antiques and a little gallery on site.
b&b • $$ • where: saint-laurent • 6827, chemin royal • 418-828-1859
The island is full of vacation rentals and guesthouses…
Are you ready to experience Île d’Orleans?
