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Quebec City Attractions: Ile d'Orleans

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Church of Saint Jean on the Ile d'Orleans on the St Lawrence River
Church of Saint Jean

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.

Pumpkins and Squash Harvest on the Ile d'Orleans | Quebec Travel
Harvest on Ile d'Orleans

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.

Sailboat at the Maritime Museum | Best Quebec City Attractions
Sailboat at the Maritime Museum
Quebec City Attractions: Ile d'Orleans At A Glance
Cottage on the Chemin Royal Highway on Ile d'Orleans
Cottage on the Chemin Royal Highway

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.

Best Quebec City Attractions: Antiques for Sale in Saint Jean on the Ile d'Orleans
Antiques for Sale in Saint Jean

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.

Pastries at La Midinette Bakery on the Ile d'Orleans
Pastries at La Midinette Bakery

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:

Bike Route on the Ile d'Orleans | Quebec Travel Blog
Bike Route on Ile d'Orleans

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.

Tugboat at the Maritime Museum on the Ile d'Orleans
Tugboat at the Maritime Museum

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.

Farm Land on the Ile d'Orleans | Quebec Travel Blog
Farm Land on the Ile d'Orleans

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.

Shopping for gifts on the Ile d'Orleans | Quebec City Attractions
Shopping on Ile d'Orleans

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 Harvest on the Ile d'Orleans outside Quebec City Canada
Fall Harvest

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.

Quebec City Attractions: Cemetery in Saint Jean on Ile d'Orleans
Cemetery in Saint Jean

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:

Jardin des Arts  on Ile d'Orleans in Quebec Canada.
Jardin des Arts

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)

Wines, Vinegars, & Syrups for Sale on the Ile d'Orleans
Wines, Vinegars, & Syrups

ILE D’ORLEANS MAP OF TOWNS

ILE D’ORLEANS MAP OF TOWNS; Map Credit: www.destinationiledorleans.ca/en/
Map Credit: www.destinationiledorleans.ca/en/

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.

Marina on St Lawrence on the Ile d'Orleans
Marina on St Lawrence River

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.

Visitor Center in Saint Pierre on the Ile d'Orleans
Visitor Center

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.

Crops on Ile d'Orleans
Crops on Ile d'Orleans

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.

Ticket Booth at the Maritime Museum on the Ile d'Orleans
Ticket Booth at the Maritime Museum

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.

Houses in Saint Jean on the Ile d'Orlean | Quebec City Attractions
Houses in Saint Jean

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.

Quebec Travel: Apple Orchards on Ile d'Orleans
Apple Orchards on Ile d'Orleans

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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Signage on the Ile d'Orleans outside Quebec City

 

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