Driving Ile d'Orleans: Best Spots to Stop
- Laura
- Jun 17
- 6 min read
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The Ile d'Orleans is a charming farming and fishing community just outside of Quebec City, Canada. The island's six small villages are connected by Chemin Road (Route 328). A day trip to explore the vineyards, orchards, and craft shops of Ile d'Orleans is one of the best Quebec City attractions.

Our travel blog post includes an Ile d'Orleans map of the best spots to stop on a one-day driving itinerary. In between amazing landscapes, things to do on Ile d'Orleans include visiting local farms, historic sites, churches, and shops. Along the way, meet locals who can trace their roots back to the 17th century when Ile d'Orleans was developed as one of the earliest French colonies.

For more information on Ile d'Orleans history and villages read our Quebec City Attractions: Ile d'Orleans article. To learn more about Quebec travel read our articles on Old Quebec City in the summer and winter.



HOW TO GET TO ILE D’ORLEANS FROM QUEBEC CITY
The Ile d’Orleans is a short drive from Quebec City. The island, which is surrounding by the waters of the St Lawrence River, sits about 3-miles (5 km) east of downtown Quebec City, Canada. The 47 mile (75km) Chemin Royal (Route 368) rims the small island. Days trips from Quebec City, on guided tours or in a personal vehicle, are the most popular ways to visit.
Click here for information on car rentals.

QUEBEC CITY ATTRACTIONS: ILE D'ORLEANS GUIDED TOURS
Any guidebook of Quebec City attractions will include a list of day tours to Ile d’Orleans. There are general sightseeing tours, e-bike tours, foodie tours, historical tours, and more. Here is a sampling of well-reviewed tours.
BEST TIME TO VISIT ILE D’ORLEANS
Many of the things to do on the Ile d'Orleans revolve around farming, fishing, and shopping. The agricultural season runs between mid-June through Mid-October, and this season is the best time to visit Ile d'Orleans. During these months, visitors will find that most shops, farm stands, and businesses are open.

Summer: The village shops, wineries, orchards, ice creameries, fromageries, patisseries, cafes, and farm stands all begin to open in mid-May. In June, July, and August the weather is warm and the farms are bustling. Traffic can be heavy. If you are driving, arrive early to avoid the largest crowds.

Fall: September and October bring the harvest, and many celebrations. These months (especially weekends) are popular times to visit Ile d'Orleans. The fall foliage is vibrant and traffic can get very congested; especially around the main bridge crossing.
Christmas Holidays: Some businesses re-open for the Christmas season.

ILE D'ORLEANS HOTELS
The Ile d'Orleans makes a lovely overnight from Quebec City. There are many charming B&Bs and small hotels on the island. Here are three well-reviewed Ile d'Orleans hotels to consider:

THINGS TO DO ON ILE D’ORLEANS
The island’s economy centers around agriculture, fishing, and tourism. Things to do on Ile d’Orleans depend on the timing of your visit. Here is a list of things to do:
Look for bargains at the many Antique and Craft shops
Join a guided bike tour or rent an e-bike to tour the island
Pick or shop for apples, strawberries, lavender, berries, squash, and pumpkins at local farms and orchards
Go on a wine tour of local vineyards (Ile d'Orleans Wine Tasting)
Have a picnic and enjoy all the cheese, pastries, jams, and ciders you have purchased
Climb the Saint-Francois Observation Tower
Tour the churches of Saint Jean and Saint Famille
Visit the Parc Maritime de Saint-Laurent (Maritime Museum)

ILE D’ORLEANS MAP OF TOWNS
Ile d’Orleans is made up of six small towns with a total population of around 7,000 local residents. The villages include: Saint Pierre, Saint Petronille, Saint Laurent, Saint Jean, Saint Francois, and Saint Famille.


ILE D’ORLEANS MAP OF ITINERARY WITH FAVORITE STOPS

ILE D’ORLEANS DRIVE WITH BEST SPOTS TO STOP
In this section, we have listed the stops we enjoyed the most on our day trip to Ile d’Orleans. Plan your Ile d'Orleans driving itinerary to include these stops. Or, if you are going on a guided tour, check the tours itinerary to see if stops are made at these locales.
1. Ferme Le Bunker in Saint Laurent
Just a few minutes after crossing the bridge to the island stop at Ferme Le Bunker. The family run farm has far-reaching views of the St. Lawrence River valley. Browse the farm stand or pick your own strawberries, squash, carrots, corn, or pumpkins.

2. Parc Maritime de Saint-Laurent and Surroundings in Saint Laurent
Visit the Maritime Park to learn about Ile d’Orleans fishing culture. Discover how wooden ships were built and view historic heritage tools. In the area around the Maritime Park walk the long quay (wharf) and marina. Tour the L’Englise church and visit the excellent Cremerie Chocolaterie.

3. Jardin des Arts in Saint Laurent
Look for unusual gifts at this artist’s boutique - over 50 Quebec artists display their works here. The former carpentry workshop has two floors to peruse. Shop for paintings, jewelry, sculptures, glassworks, and textiles.

4. The 3 Poules Boutique in Saint Pierre
This fun store specializes in household items, textiles, unique decorations, jewelry, and home décor. The 3 Hens on the Island store is open from June through September.

5. The Caprices of Lady Lili in Sainte Jean
This charming antique shop is located in one of the prettiest stretches of Saint Jean where a row of neoclassical houses with colorful roofs sits across from the St. Lawrence River. Find antiques, crafts, wood paintings, and original objects at the shop. Look for the wagon on the lawn by the river upon approach.

6. Church of Saint-Jean de l'île d'Orléans and La Midinette Bakery in Saint Jean
The baroque style Church of Saint-Jean was originally built in 1754, Then, in 1852 it was remodeled to look like the Cathedral Norte-Dame de Quebec. The small interior is grand and well worth touring. Outside the church walk through the historic maritime cemetery.

Across the street, indulge at the excellent La Midinette Bakery with freshly made patisserie and croissants.

7. Ferme Audet Cheese Factory & Dairy Bar in Saint Francois
This family run farm specialized in all-things goat. Onsite you can sample and buy goat cheese, goat milk ice cream, and more. After you order, visit with the goats and chickens at the back of the store.

8. Saint Francois Observation Tower in Saint Francois
At this small park there is an observation tower, picnic tables, and a bathroom. Climb the tower and enjoy three levels of viewing platforms. At the top there are great views of the river and Laurentian Mountains.

9. Church of Saint Famille in Saint Famille
Founded in 1666, the parish of Saint Famille is the oldest on the island. Its church has twin-towers and is the sole church in Quebec to claim three belfries. The building is classified as an historic monument. The inside of the red-roofed church is as ornate and beautiful as the outside.

10. Domaine Steinbach Cidrerie (Steinbach apples) in Saint Pierre
At the end of your driving loop, make one more stop before leaving the Ile d’Orleans. At the Steinbach estate you can shop for apples, cider, candy, deli meats, spirits, jams, spreads, jellies, juices, and more. There is an outdoor cider bar, patio, mini-farm for kids, and great views of the St. Lawrence River.

Hope your drive around the Ile d’Orleans is full of good food and fun, Laura and Randy
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