Île d’Orléans

Enjoy an afternoon away from the city with an easy excursion to the small island of Île d’Orléans in the Saint Lawrence River, only a 15 minute drive from downtown Québec City. Twenty miles long and just five miles wide, with a population of less than 10,000, this rural island—known as "Québec City’s garden”—is dotted with farms, vineyards, and artisan shops. Official bus tours are available, but the best way to visit the island is to rent a car and explore at your own pace. You can take the same road, Chemin Royal, all around the perimeter of the island, basking in scenic views of the river and the countryside. A cool breeze off the water and relatively smooth terrain also provide an ideal biking opportunity (and a welcome respite from the steep hills of the city center). Visiting Île d’Orléans is all about tastings: Highlights include black currant wines and jams at Cassis Monna & Filles, cider at Domaine Steinbach Cidrerie, and dessert at the Chocolaterie de l’Île d’Orléans. After sampling your way through several wineries, stroll through the antique furniture, art, and ironworks at the craft shop Galerie Ma P’tite Folie.