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5 Foodie Things to Do Isle of Orleans Quebec

Visit the Montmorency Falls and walk across the falls taller than Niagara. Photo Credit: Catherine Parker

Located less than 10 miles from Quebec City, the Isle of Orleans is a charming day trip. Top sites like the Montmorency Falls and a winery, visitors can explore the French-inspired countryside. Also known as the L’Ile d’Orleans is a perfect escape for foodies, about 30 minutes east of Quebec City. Here are the Things to Do Isle of Orleans, Quebec

5 Foodie Things to Do Isle of Orleans Quebec

See the Pont de L’Ile d’Orleans

Do a Tasting at Vignoble Ste-Patronille

Sample Jams at the Delices de l’Ile d’Orleans

See the Montmorency Falls

Tour the Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupre

Is The Isle of Orleans Quebec Worth Visiting? 

A few miles outside of Old Quebec City, the Isle of Orleans, or l‘Ile d’Orleans feels like the countryside. There are fewer people, and the pace is slower.

The area is home to Montmorency Falls, a spectacular location that draws the most visitors. However, this area offers a rich agricultural heritage, including a winery.

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The view from the Port de L’Ile d’Orleans Suspension Bridge over the St. Lawrence River. Photo Credit: Catherine Parker

See the Pont de l’Ile d’Orleans

Built in 1935, it’s the last suspension bridge across the St. Lawrence River heading east. L’Ile d’Orleans, or Isle of Orleans, is a day trip destination just minutes outside of Old Quebec,

I recommend visiting the foodie stop on the Isle of Orleans by crossing the Pont de l’Ile d’Orleans. Since the St. Lawrence is used in shipping, you should see ships.

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Foodie stops on L'Ile d'Orléans.
Overlooking the St. Lawrence River, the Vignoble Ste-Patronille offers a tour and tasting room. Photo Credit: Catherine Parker

Do a Tasting at Vignoble Ste-Patronille

Our first stop is Vingnoble Ste-Patronille, a vineyard, winery and cidery overlooking Montmorency Falls on L’Ile d’Orleans. This is one of the best foodie Things to Do Isle of Orleans, Quebec.

I recommend you take a vineyard tour and learn about the grapes. Their white wine grapes can survive the brutal Canadian winters. After the tour, we head to the tasting room to sample wine.

Located at 8705 Chemin Royal. Open daily from mid-April through mid-December and every day during the summer from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sample Jams at the Delices de l’Ile d’Orleans

Since 1998,, Le Delices de l’Ile d’Orleans has made jams, jellies, mustards, vinegar and syrups. It offers a private tasting room and a guided tour.

After our tasting, we loaded up on some items that you don’t see back in the U.S., like carrot confit and terrines. This is one of the best foodie Things to Do Isle of Orleans, Quebec.

Located at 1735 Chemin Royal.

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Foodie stops on L'Ile d'Orleans.
Visit the Manoir de Montmorency for an upscale lunch. Photo Credit: Catherine Parker

See the Montmorency Falls

The Montmorency River feeds the Montmorency Falls as they tumble into the St. Lawrence River, about eight miles from Old Quebec City. The falls are 272 feet tall, almost 100 feet taller than Niagara Falls.

This is a stunning location and a popular day trip. I recommend taking the cable car to the suspension bridge and restaurant, which are located near the top of the falls. The parking lot is located at the bottom of the falls, but stairs are available.

After exiting the cable car, I recommend walking across the suspension bridge to experience the power of the falls. Then, you can walk through the gardens around the Manoir Montmorency.

Where to Eat at Montmorency Falls

After hiking around the falls, it’s time for lunch. The seasonal Manoir Montmorency serves an upscale menu featuring duck confit, poutines, salmon and tenderloin.

There is a sandwich shop located at Montmorency Falls. Also, you’ll find a dairy bar and a snack stand

Three different playgrounds are on-site, as well as two bike paths. The falls also offer a zip line and Via Ferrata.

Located at 2490 Ave Royale.  Open daily from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (5 p.m. and 4 p.m. in Fall and Spring) from mid-June to mid-August. The services at Montmorency Falls are closed from November 1 until January 31.  Adult cable car tickets are $14.95 CAN, kids 6 to 17 are $7.48 CAN  and kids 5 and younger are free.  Paid parking. , The restaurant is open during the summer season from noon. to 3 p.m.

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The Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupre. 5 Best Foodie Spots on L'Ile d'Orleans.
The Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupre is known as a shrine of miracles. Photo Credit: Catherine Parker

Tour the Basilica of Sainte Anne de Beaupre

The Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupre anchors its namesake village 20 minutes east of Old Quebec. Set on the St. Lawrence River. it is in the foothills of the Laurentian Mountains.

In 1658 a farmer donated two acres for a small chapel. On-site, the worker was cured of his ailment, and the legend began. On the inside of the basilica, you’ll find crutches and walkers attached to the pillars as a testament to its healing powers.

It’s known as a shrine for miracles with over half-a-million visitors each year.

5 Best Foodie Spots on L'Ile d'Orleans
The ornate ceiling of the Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de Beaupre was completed in 1946. Photo Credit: Catherine Parker

Completed in 1946, construction stopped during the Depression and WWII. The interior of the basilica is incredibly light, not the dark, somber interior that most cathedrals across Europe have.

Head downstairs to the Immaculate Conception Chapel, where the walls are decorated with delightful tiny mosaics of flowers and animals. As a popular shrine, the chapel is full of candles lit by the faithful.

Delightful little mosaics dot the top of the pillars, depicting scenes from nature. Isle d'Orleans
Delightful mosaics dot the top of the pillars.. Photo Credit: Catherine Parker

Located at 10018 Chemin Royale. Open every day from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and free to enter, though donations are accepted.

 

Catherine Parker has a passion for travel and seen all 50 U.S. States. As a former flight attendant with one of the largest airlines, there isn't a North American airport that she hasn't landed in at least once. Since clipping her professional wings after 9/11, she combines her love of the open road with visiting architectural and cultural icons. She is based out of Central Texas dividing her time between writing and restoring a pair of 100-year-old houses. She shares her life with her three kids and her husband.

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