The Flavour Trail of Ile d'Orleans

Just 15 minutes from Quebec City, Ile d'Orleans is a 67-kilometre loop home to more than 60 certified artisan producers. Cheesemakers, chocolatiers, bakers, cassis growers, cideries and vineyards all share this fertile island known as the cradle of Quebec gastronomy.

Essential stops

1. Fromagerie de l'Ile d'Orleans — Producers of the oldest cheese in North America, using a recipe dating back to the 17th century. Their Paillasson fresh cheese, lightly pan-seared, is a must-try.
2. Chocolaterie de l'Ile d'Orleans — A Sainte-Petronille institution. Fine chocolates, artisanal gelati, and gardens with a river view.
3. Cassis Monna & Filles — The Quebec reference for black currant liqueurs, wines and creams. Includes an economuseum and generous tastings.
4. Boulangerie Blouin — Wood-fired sourdough bread sold out by noon. Arrive early.
5. Cidrerie Verger Bilodeau — Family cidery with award-winning ciders and seasonal apple picking.

A trail that changes with the seasons

Summer brings Ile d'Orleans strawberries, world-renowned for their sweetness. Fall means apple picking, pumpkins and vineyard harvests. Winter is the season of ice cider, when apples are harvested frozen to concentrate their sugars. Spring reopens the sugar shacks and welcomes the first asparagus.

Where to eat

Don't miss Panache Mobile (chef's food truck in a local orchard), Moulin de Saint-Laurent (refined island gastronomy in a historic stone building), La Goelette a Marie-Clarisse (generous, accessible terroir cooking with a river view), and the Cafe du Vignoble Sainte-Petronille (pairings and sunset views of Quebec City).

Stay on the island

For a combined city + countryside trip, see Le Caiman condos in downtown Quebec City and Bar Le Sacrilege for an evening out.