When the weather warms up and summer days finally arrive, there is no better place to enjoy the outdoors than the charming Île d’Orléans.  Located a mere 30 minutes from Quebec City or 3hrs from Montreal, this scenic little island makes a great day trip.

About Île d’Orléans

The Island measures 34km long by 8km wide, and takes about an hour to drive around (roughly 74km).  Along the way, there are plenty of places to stop and taste local produce or learn more about the history dating back 1535 when the first European explorers set foot on the island mainly inhabited by indigenous groups.

Breakfast at Restaurant Cuisine D’été (7327 Chemin Royal)

To start the day off right head to Restaurant Cuisine D’été to fill up on some yummy food.  I think this is one of the loveliest places to have a meal with a beautiful terrace and an expansive lawn dotted with picnic tables.  The food is well priced and has a homey feel that I enjoyed.  There is also a gallery that you can visit on the property and a small shop to buy local products.

Visit Cassis Monna & Filles (1225 Chemin Royal)

This stop features black currants in a variety of products in an country chic atmosphere.  On a hot summer day, nothing tastes better than soft serve black currant ice cream!  Or for the adults, spend the afternoon enjoying a refreshing sangria on the backyard deck. They have a variety of alcoholic products on sale, but their port inspired drink is a fun twist on a classic.

Beer-tasting at Microbrasserie de l’Île d’Orléans (2471 Chemin Royal)

I am always heading to a microbrewery when I see one. This local pub has an amazing terrace overlooking the water and two taster platters you can order for under 10$ each. I love the red ale and they have large dishes of food that pair nicely with the beer.

Sample Sweets at La Nougaterie Québec (1367 Chemin Royal)

For something sweet, La Nougaterie is a must. Produced on-site in a beautiful open kitchen they offer marshmallow and meringue with only quality ingredients. I love their simple pricing 6$ 12$ 16$ (for three) take included. You can also grab a coffee to pair with the sweet desserts. Of the multiple flavours available I liked the Fleur de Sel Caramel Nougat.

 

Pick your own Fruits at Aux trois baies (1854 chemin Royal)

The strawberries of the island are renowned for their small size but are wonderfully sweet taste. If time permitting you can pick your own. They also have blueberry farms and raspberries available to purchase.

Wine-Tasting at Vignoble le Mitan  (2608 chemin Royal)

If beer and cider are not your thing, there are a number of wineries. I stopped by Vignoble le Mitan and for 5$ you can sample their multiple wines including their signature fortified wine.  You can also walk along the long rows of grape vines.

Discover the History of the Island

For some history about Île d’Orléans, head to Maison Drouin for trip back to the 1700s (2958, chemin Royal ) and Maison de nos Aïeux (2485, chemin Royal) to learn about the initial settlers of the island.  There is also a Religious Patrimony tour that takes you around  Île d’Orléans to visit historical sites and churches (guide available here)

 

Sleep at Camping Orléans (3547 Chemin Royal)

If you want to spend the night and the weather looks promising, head to campground for a night under the stars!  I recommend Camping Orléans, that offers a number of sites with waterfront location.  Prime spots get booked early, so don’t wait until the last minute!  The site also has a pool and park to keep the kids entertained.