✦ Excursion
Île d’Orléans
A few kilometers from Quebec, a timeless island. Orchards, cheese dairies, cideries. And on the way back, Carrera Café to end the day beautifully.
The garden of Quebec
An extraordinary tour
Framed by the Saint Lawrence River, Île d’Orléans is one of Quebec’s most famous destinations. A concentration of history, landscapes, and flavors just 15 minutes from the Old Capital.
One island, six parishes
Saint-Pierre, Sainte-Famille, Saint-François, Saint-Jean, Saint-Laurent, Sainte-Pétronille. Each has its own character, producers, landscapes. A full circuit around the island is about 67 km, the ideal pace for a day trip.
History and heritage
Designated a national historic site, Île d’Orléans preserves exceptional built heritage. 17th-century stone churches, ancestral manors, windmills. The island is a living page of history, open to all.
The gourmet tour
Pit stop at every parish
Touring the island is a series of discoveries. Orchards, cheese dairies, cideries, strawberry stands, chocolatiers. Each stop tells a story.
Island tour
Takeaway long coffee, warm croissant. The day starts well.
The smallest parish, closest to the bridge. Spectacular view of Quebec and the Chateau Frontenac.
The Fromagerie de l’Île d’Orléans for a tasting platter. A glass of cider on the side.
Highlight of the tour. View of the islands, the estuary, the wide-open river. Time to bring out the Borderon bread.
Last stop at the Saint-Jean strawberry stands. Then head to Petit-Champlain.
Terrace, Aperol, charcuterie board. The most beautiful finish line in Quebec.
Island producers
Local artisans
Île d’Orléans has more than 30 active artisanal producers. A remarkable density for such a concentrated space. Here are the ones not to miss.
Île Cheese Dairy
Soft cheeses aged in cider, bloomy rinds, fresh cheeses. This is where our seasonal cheeses come from at Carrera Café. Visiting the counter is a full sensory experience.
Strawberry stands
The strawberries of Île d’Orléans are legendary. Juicy, intense, fragrant. In June-July, stands crowd the roadside. Hard to leave without several crates.
Cideries and orchards
Still ciders, ice ciders, apple wines. The island’s orchards produce ciders recognized throughout Quebec. Outdoor tasting facing the apple trees is a suspended moment.
Chocolate shop & confectionery
Artisanal chocolates, caramels, maple sugars. The island also has its chocolatiers and confectioners. Products to bring home to extend the pleasure.
The island through the seasons
Four faces, four experiences
Île d’Orléans changes radically from one season to another. Each time of year offers a reason to come back.
Strawberry season
June to August. The island is celebrating. The stands are open, the orchards are budding, the producers’ terraces welcome visitors. The lively and colorful high season.
Apple season
September to October. The self-picking season is in full swing. The orchards turn ochre and red. The cideries open their doors for tastings of the new harvest.
The silence of the island
December to March. The island in winter is another experience. Fewer visitors, a pace close to nature, breathtaking frozen river landscapes.
The first blossoms
April to May. The apple trees bloom. The island slowly wakes up, before the crowds. The best time to discover it in peace, almost alone.
The barista's tip
"Leave early. Île d’Orléans in the morning, before the tourist buses arrive, is a different experience. And book us a table on the terrace for the return. We’ll save you a latte."
Island pairings
Île products at Carrera Café
Some products you’ll discover on Île d’Orléans are directly featured on our menu. Here’s how we highlight them.
Île cheese platter
Selection of seasonal cheeses from the Île d’Orléans Cheese Dairy, homemade strawberry jam, local honey, grilled Borderon bread, caramelized nuts. The platter that brings the island to your table, right in Petit-Champlain.
Île strawberry brunch
In season, fresh strawberries from Île d’Orléans on Borderon toast, local ricotta, drizzle of honey. A seasonal brunch that lasts only a few weeks, not to be missed.
On the podium
The three essential stops
If you have only one day, here are the three essential stops on your Île d’Orléans circuit.
✦ Île d’Orléans Podium
The most spectacular panorama: Quebec, the Chateau Frontenac and the river, seen from the shore. The inevitable photo of any visit.
Tasting on site, cheeses to take away, conversation with cheesemakers. A moment of sharing Quebec expertise.
The farthest point from Quebec, where the river widens. A monumental landscape, absolute calm. The ideal spot for a picnic.
Return to Carrera Café
The perfect finish line
After a day at Île d’Orléans, Carrera Café is the natural stop. Terrace, latte or aperitif, charcuterie board. The well-deserved reward.
The return of the circuit
Pit Stop board, a quiet glass of wine or a hot latte depending on the mood, terrace facing Rue du Petit-Champlain. The best way to end a perfect day. Put down your purchases, settle in. You’ve earned it.
Plan your getaway
Île d’Orléans in the morning, Carrera Café in the evening. The perfect day around Quebec for those who know how to take their time.
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