montmorency falls and ile d orleans tour

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• The Best Spots to Visit on a Tour of Île d'Orléans

Soak up the beauty of the island countryside and fill your picnic basket with treats on a leisurely trip to Île d’Orléans. With its ancestral homes dating back to the 17 th  century, the island is a treasure trove of French heritage right here in North America. 

The island is a boundless source of inspiration for local artists of every stripe who find all kinds of ways to share their creations, while local makers work with an abundance of terroir goods. The village shops and roadside stands are at their liveliest from mid-June to mid-October, while the scenery offers something new with each passing season. 

To make the most of your visit, head out on Chemin Royal in a counterclockwise loop. It will take you through 6 charming villages, almost all of which are ranked as some of the prettiest in the province of Québec. Here are a few suggested stops, but the most important thing is to leave room for spontaneity. See something that sparks your curiosity? Go check it out! 

Start With Wine Tastings

Begin the tour of the island with tastings of two exceptional vineyards that allows you to enjoy a view of Montmorency Falls.

In summer, accompany your organic wine tasting with a wood-fired pizza at Vignoble Sainte-Pétronille or order a signature platter created by renowned chef Laurent Godbout at Saint-Pierre Le Vignoble .

Chocolaterie de l’Île d’Orléans

Chocolaterie de l’Île d’Orléans has everything to recommend it, starting with the ice cream and chocolate. From there, you can take a stroll down Rue Horatio-Walker for a superb view of Québec City and admire the mansions on the tip of the island. 

Pick Your Own Strawberries on Île d'Orléans

Stop by the only organic strawberry farm on the island to pick your own from late June to mid-July. A number of farms have a pick-your-own option for strawberries and other berries (including raspberries, blueberries, and black currants), and sell their seasonal harvests at roadside stands. 

Get Our 50 Top Picks to Eat Local

Our guide to great places to eat and drink local is a must-have to experience the flavours of Québec’s products and specialties.

Parc maritime de Saint-Laurent

In the 1830s, the parish of Saint-Laurent was home to some twenty rowboat builders and a few family shipyards. A visit to the maritime park is a trip back in time to the era of wooden boatbuilding, with an authentic 19th-century chalouperie where rowboats were built.

We loved renting a scooter and exploring Ile d'Orleans, trying out freshly baked croissants and indulging in blackcurrant wines! -Claudia Nieroda et Kaan Blofield, The Lost Two, Toronto

Confiturerie Tigidou

Made exclusively with berries grown on Île d’Orléans, the jams at Confiturerie Tigidou are a taste sensation. Plus, the 1920s-inspired interior is highly Instagrammable.

Manoir Mauvide-Genest

Built in 1734 in the time of New France, this gorgeous country manor is one of the last seigneurial homes still standing in Québec. Take the guided tour to learn about Jean Mauvide and Marie-Anne Genest and their sumptuous home, which is full of artefacts from life in the 18 th century. 

Saint-Jean-de-l'Île-d'Orléans

With its red-roofed church and rows of mid-19 th century neoclassical homes, this charming village is a must-visit. Take a walk along the beach and pop in to try Du Capitaine’s craft vinegars  and products.

La Seigneurie de l'Île d'Orléans

The five gardens and sprawling lavender fields at Seigneurie de l’Île are one of the island’s best-kept secrets. The grounds are open to visitors from June to October, as is the shop, where you’ll find a vast selection of products made with lavender essential oil. 

Saint-François-de-l’Île-d’Orléans

Saint-François encompasses the eastern tip of the island. From the top of the observation tower at the municipal rest stop, you can see the archipelago islands, Cap Tourmente, and the St. Lawrence River Estuary. Fun fact: the estuary is where the St. Lawrence’s fresh and salt waters mix, so there are all kinds of fish living in it. 

A stop in Saint-François is not complete without having tasted the ice cream made with goat's milk from Fromagerie Ferme Audet as well as the potato-based products —including the delicious donuts— from Saveurs de l'Isle d'Orleans .

Les Fromages de l’isle d’Orléans

Travel back in time to the 17 th century and taste the very first cheese made in America at Fromages de l’isle d’Orléans . The shopkeepers are dressed in period clothing and serve up their fabulous fromages. There’s a faisselle-style unripened cheese, a roasting cheese called the Paillasson de l’Isle, and plenty of other local goodies.

Maison Drouin

La Maison Drouin is one of the first homes built on Île d’Orléans in the 17 th  century and is the only authentic historic home that’s open to the public. It’s been converted into an interpretation centre where you can learn all about the history of Île d’Orléans and its rich heritage. 

Not far from there, Maison de nos Aïeux houses genealogical records on the 300 founding families from France that landed on Île d’Orléans before spreading out across America. Both attractions are located in the oldest parish on the island, which boasts a superb view of Côte-de-Beaupré and Mont Sainte-Anne. 

Microbrasserie de l'Île d'Orléans - Pub Le Mitan

The patio at the island’s only microbrewery is perfect for taking a break. Sample their fine craft beers named after some of the island’s historic figures. 

Relais des Pins Sugar Shack

Île d’Orléans is a choice destination for a sugar shack experience . Most sugar shacks are only open for meals in the spring, although some accept group bookings all year round. You can pick up maple syrup treats year-round at Relais des Pins . They even serve maple taffy on snow in the summer!

Pick Your Own Apples

After the abundance of berries in the summer, the island’s apples are ripe for the picking in September and October. Many orchards turn into family fun zones, with entertainment, inflatables, and tractor rides. Cidrerie Verger Bilodeau has cider tastings and apple products galore, including Madame Bilodeau’s famous apple pies! 

Vignoble Isle de Bacchus

Seeing the abundance of wild grapes growing on Île d’Orléans, Jacques Cartier dubbed it the “Isle of Bacchus” when he landed here in 1535. Centuries later, Isle de Bacchus embodies that same pioneering spirit, blazing a trail for vineyards in the province. The main building is a converted 18th century home with a fabulous wine cellar and bistro. Pull up a chair on the patio for a taste of the terroir. 

Cassis Monna & Filles

Visit this famous black currant grower and take a tour of their mini museum. There are tons of black currant products to try, including their award-winning black currant liqueur and their ice cream, sold only in the summer. 

Espace Félix-Leclerc

This interpretation centre dedicated to the life and work of Félix Leclerc is also a show venue for singer-songwriters from Québec and France. Take a quiet moment to walk along the path scattered with poems by Leclerc, a man who loved his island. 

Guided Tours of Île d’Orléans

If you prefer to follow an experienced tour guide around the island, there are a number of options. 

• With a private guide : Take a tour of Île d'Orléans as part of a personalized guided tour with Québec Discovery Tours .
• On a bus : Take a Québec Bus Tour from Old Québec to follow the Île d’Orléans flavour trail.  
• Aboard an inflatable boat : If you feel the call of adventure on the open river but aren’t that keen on paddling, choose a cruise aboard a Zodiac-type inflatable boat with  Croisières Orléans . It’s a great way to experience the St. Lawrence River and its coves, tides, and currents. It is also possible to explore the island with a departure from Québec City with Excursions Maritimes Québec . 

More Spots to Discover on Île d'Orléans

• Accommodation
• Activities and Attractions
• Places to shop
• Restaurants

Polyculture Plante inc. - Cidrerie du Bout de l'Île

Vinaigrerie - Distillerie - Ferme Du Capitaine

Verger Gaston Drouin

Quatre Natures - Île d'Orléans

Ferme Jean-Pierre Plante

Croisières Orléans

Ferme Guillaume Létourneau

Des Clochers Cycling Route

Saint-Pierre Le Vignoble

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Old Quebec City, Montmorency Falls, Ile d’Orleans & Beaupre Coast

SEE A LITTLE BIT OF EVERYTHING ON THIS EPIC TOUR OF OLD QUEBEC CITY, MONTMORENCY FALLS, ILE D’ORLEANS AND BEAUPRE COAST!

Let’s spend the day together experiencing the best of Quebec City, Ile d’Orleans and the Beaupré Coast.

We’ll begin our journey together in the Historic District of Old Quebec, one of the most romantic cities in North America. Admire 18th and 19th-century buildings, as well as the world-famous Château Frontenac which sits atop Cap Diamant like a majestic king sitting upon his throne.

Immerse yourself into the 400+ year history of Quebec City as we see the cobblestone streets of historic neighbourhoods like Petit-Champlain and Place-Royale.

Driving through Montcalm and Saint-Jean-Baptiste, we will get a peek at local life in Quebec City and learn a little about why the city is often referred to as a ‘ big village ’.

Venturing outside the city, we will journey to Ile d’Orleans, an island filled with talented producers and artisans – and the best strawberries in Canada! We’ll learn a little about the Indigenous peoples and Jacques Cartier, and sample a little Quebec terroir before we make our way through a portion of the Beaupré Coast.

Driving along Avenue Royale, one of the oldest roads in Canada, we’ll see unique houses, old root cellars and roadside bread ovens. We’ll see the famous Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Basilica shrine (if you wish) and stop for some homemade bread with maple butter if we have time before heading to Montmorency Falls.

Take a few moments to marvel at the thunderous beauty of Montmorency Falls, which are 30m higher than Niagara Falls.

At the end of our tour, you will be returned to where we met and you are free to continue exploring Quebec City at your leisure.

Are you ready to make your Quebec City vacation a memorable one?

• Departure Rail or bus station, Cruise ship port, Quebec City airport (YQB), Hotels in Quebec City, Address or intersection, Monument/Building. Return to your meeting point, or opt to continue exploring on your own.
• Dress Code Casual
• Include Entry Fees Tasting with a Local Producer Professional Guide
• Not Included Souvenirs Tips Personal Shopping

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Quebec City, Montmorency Falls & Ile d'Orleans Half-Day Tour

Unitours Inc.

Discover the charming countryside of the Côte-de-Beaupré region on a half-day tour from Quebec City. Choose from a morning or afternoon departure and visit Montmorency Falls, the Island of Orleans, and the Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré.

Montmorency Falls

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Visit the Côte-de-Beaupré region and Ile d'Orleans on a half-day tour from Quebec City. Discover the traditional villages of rural Quebec as you leave the driving to your experienced guide. Depart Quebec's Old Town and ride along the 40-kilometers of Chemin du Roy to Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré. Make a stop at Abert Gilles' copper art studio along the way then spend 45-minutes exploring the renowned Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Basilica. Your next stop is the stunning Montmorency Falls, standing 1.5-times higher than Niagara Falls. Be treated to a short visit of the beautiful Island of Orleans (Ile d'Orleans) and its charming 19th Century rural atmosphere. Stop in at the Island chocolate shop for some sweet treats before the return journey. The tour concludes with your return to downtown Quebec.

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Duration 4.5 - 5 hours

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A trip to Île d'Orléans and Montmorency Falls

Things to do

Driving over the suspension bridge to ?le d'Orl?ans External Link Title , 15 minutes from Qu?bec City, is to enter another world, where time slows to a more genteel pace. ?le d'Orl?ans is just 34 kilometres long and eight kilometres wide, with about 3,600 buildings, many of which have a historical or cultural connection. The island was named after the Duc d'Orleans; some families who live here can trace their ancestry back centuries, even to the time of Samuel de Champlain External Link Title , explorer of New France and founder of Qu?bec City.  I spent a few hours there and fell in love with its undulating countryside, sleepy villages and tranquil charm.

Tiny Sainte Petronille parish-- where General Wolfe set up his HQ when he besieged Qu?bec and defeated the French in 1759-- is a popular holiday centre, with a vineyard offering wine-tasting, picnics and a bistro. My guide said the island was originally called the ?le de Bacchus, after the Greek God of Wine. Nearby there's another tempting place to stop off; the Chocolaterie de I'?le d'Orl?ans, said to be one of the best in the area. There are many farm shops and artisan outlets selling a vast array of local produce and crafts.

Driving along the coast road, there are superb views across the St Lawrence River and Qu?bec Region. The farms look like one I used to have as a child - a low-level farm house, neat fenced fields, orchards and vineyards, a few cows and a windmills on a pole whirring in the gentle breeze. We passed numerous low-level white houses with colourful roofs, tidy gardens and a genteel air of prosperity.

As well as the quaint cottages, there are larger homes and splendid mansions, some, like the Manoir Mauvide-Genest External Link Title , are open to the public. We went for a little walk along the shoreline of Sainte Petronille and caught glimpses of elegant verandas and wrought iron balconies amidst the trees. I could imagine a latter day Scarlet O'Hara sipping a mint julep whilst relaxing on a wicker rocking chair in the evening sunshine.

With its old-world appeal, pleasant climate and excellent light, Île d'Orléans has attracted artists and creative types from all over North America and beyond. Horatio Walker (1858-1938) a renowned Canadian landscape painter, retired here, having visited since he was a child. We saw his studio and garden which looks out across the river to Montmorency Falls.

Another famous person who lived here was Félix Leclerc— a poet, playwright, singer/songwriter who apparently embodied the Québecois spirit and joie de vivre. There’s a monument to him in Sainte Pierre, which also has the oldest church on the island.

You must also make time to visit the Montmorency Falls External Link Title opposite the island. Higher than Niagara Falls, the water thunders down over 200 feet into a huge basin, providing a magnificent spectacle, even in winter when it freezes over. My guide and I went on the cable car to the top where, after admiring the splendid waterfall, we had a drink at the 18th Century Manoir Montmorency, a perfect way to end our day out.

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Top Tours in Ile d'Orleans, Quebec

Ile d'orleans tours.

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1. Half-Day Trip to Montmorency Falls and Ste-Anne-de-Beaupré from Quebec city

2. Island of Orleans Taste and Drink Tour

3. Quebec City : Guided E-bike food Tour on Ile d'Orleans

4. Hop-On&Off 2 days Old Quebec & Montmorency Falls & Cruise

5. Wine Tasting on Ile d'Orleans

6. Half Day Private Getaway to Ile d'Orléans

7. Half-Day Orleans Island Small-Group Sea Kayaking Tour

8. Quebec City :eBikes rental ,wine,chocolate,berries and landscape

9. Quebec City: Agricultural Walking Tours on ile d'Orleans

10. Private Montmorency Falls & Orleans Island from Quebec - Hotel pick up

11. Quebec City :Rent Bikes Ile d'Orleans -The highlight of vacation

12. Private Historical Tour of Ile d'Orléans

13. Quebec City : Guided Scooter Tour on Ile d'Orleans !

14. Half Day Guided Electric Bike Tour to Wendake

15. Quebec City : Single Scooter rental - Ile d'Orleans agrotourism

16. Sunset Sea-Kayaking Excursion on St. Lawrence River

17. Quebec City : Rent a Tandem Bike on Ile d'Orleans (for 2 people)

18. Ile d'Orleans Half Day Guided 29 miles Ebike Tour

19. Custom 4 Hour Tour with a Private Driver in Quebec

20. Full day Tour with Private Driver in Quebec

21. Quebec City : Rent an Electric Tandem Bike on ile d'Orleans

22. snowmobiling activity rides of 1 hour 30

23. Ice fishing

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Montmorency Falls & the Island of Orleans

Quebec City, Quebec, Canada

Activity Level

Excursion Type

Local Sightseeing,All

Wheelchair Accessible

Starting At

Minimum Age

Information Not Currently Available

Approximately 3½ Hours

Meals Included

Meals included

Along the St Lawrence River , within minutes of the old Walled City of Quebec, you will discover the beautiful pastoral landscapes of the Island of Orléans and Montmorency Falls.

Cross the bridge to the Isle of Orléans for a scenic drive through the picturesque villages of traditional rural Québec -- a veritable open-air museum boasting more than 600 heritage buildings.

You'll stop at the Mauvide-Genest Manor , built in 1734. This rare and exceptional example of the island's French seigneurial past is one of the oldest remaining manor houses in Québec.

Take photos at the base of Montmorency Falls . You're surrounded by breathtaking views and the powerful forces of nature as the water of the Montmorency River roars down the 270-foot cliff to eventually meet with the St Lawrence River. Hop on the tram for a ride to the top of the falls. Enjoy tea and cake at the manor, and you will have some free time to walk the path along the falls before returning to Québec.

Tour sequence may vary. Wear comfortable walking shoes.

• Guided Tours

Quebec Wineries: Île d’Orleans Wine Tour

• July 10, 2019

Last Updated on March 4, 2024 by Pamela MacNaughtan

Warm sunny summer days are the perfect backdrop for an Ile d’Orleans wine tour. The sun warming your skin as you admire the spectacular winery views, and contemplate how many bottles of wine you can buy before it looks like you might have a problem. A new tour departing from Place d’Armes, a few steps from Château Frontenac , in Old Quebec City, The Wine Tour is one of the best ways to discover Quebec City wineries. And possibly make a few friends along the way!

discover a little piece of ile d’orleans

One of my favourite day trips from Quebec City , Ile d’Orleans is home to talented artisans and producers, families who have lived on the same sections of land since the first piece of land was granted to the colonists of New France. Hard work and passion for creating high-quality products is ingrained into the heart and soul of the people on Ile d’Orleans. They are proud of their heritage and their work, something you will quickly discover on this Ile d’Orleans wine tour.

small wineries with big hearts

Our Ile d’Orleans wine tour begins at Saint-Pierre Vignoble , an exciting new winery on the border of the communities of Saint-Pierre and Saint-Pétronille. 

While some wineries struggle during their first couple of years of production, Saint-Pierre has started with two award-winning wines (Rosée Martinale and Rêverie) and a very promising future.  Run by an enchanting couple, Jacques and Christiane, Saint-Pierre’s vineyard stretches down the north shore of Ile d’Orleans, offering up views of the Saint-Lawrence River and Montmorency Falls in the distance.

Tasting each of Saint-Pierre’s wines, Jacques easily switches between French and English, speaking of the grapes (they grow five varieties) and the vineyard’s history. It’s a lovely way to begin an Ile d’Orleans wine tour, and I make promises to return to chat more about the winery – and possibly try the intriguing pain hot fondue from the wooden snack shack outside.

an insider’s guide to île d’orléans

this interactive digital guide on île d’orléans features everything I love about the island, including things to see and do, artisanal shops, wineries, food, and more!

Driving past 17th-century fieldstone ancestral homes, lush green fields, and my *cough* favourite spot for lobster rolls, our next stop takes us to Vignoble du Mitan . Where the lovely lady doing our tasting speaks English faster than I do! Admiring the 17th-century ancestral home next to the vineyard and the winery’s beautiful terrace, our little group lines up along the tasting counter.

Listening intently, we are guided through the Vignoble du Mitan’s nine wines, including their award-winning icewine, as the winery’s proprietor, Marcelin, looks on from a distance.  He’s been working in the vineyard all day and, I swear, I can almost taste his hard work in each glass of wine. Our next stop is quite a bit faster than the first two, which, in retrospect, is probably a good thing as we (a French couple from Beauport and myself) begin to call ourselves the three musketeers and laugh loudly. 

The language barrier between French and English slowly blurs, and the journey to our final stop on the wine tour has us all laughing uncontrollably when I make the mistake of thinking ‘ à gauche ’ means something lovely when it actually means “ to the left “. In my defence, the French couple always said it with a tone of wonder, which gave me the impression it was far better than the English definition of gauche.

Our final stop takes us to one of the most beautiful Quebec City wineries, Vignoble Isle de Bacchus its bright blue roof, Jacques Cartier mural, fieldstone wine cellar, and breathtaking views.

Named for the original name given to the island by Jacques Cartier, before the King of France asked him to name the island after his son, the Duke of Orleans, Vignoble Isle de Bacchus is where I want to spend all of my summer and autumn nights. Growing eight varieties of grapes, Isle de Bacchus produces eight wines, as well as gelée de vin. 

Sitting on the terrace during the golden hour, we close out our Ile d’Orleans wine tour with a glass of wine, as well as charcuterie and cheese board, which, of course, features Quebec terroir.

take the ile d’orleans wine tour

Taking a guided wine tour of Ile d’Orleans is a splendid way to discover talented local producers and artisans.  Honestly, you’ll probably want to come back to experience more of the island’s food and culture. 

Book a tour online!

Note : The wineries on the tour change from time to time depending on availability at each winery. 

Pamela MacNaughtan

Hello, I'm Pamela! I'm a travel and food writer, chocolat chaud addict, an anglophone who prefers life in Quebec. When I'm not working on Urban Guide Quebec, I am writing about Quebec City, travelling, updating guidebooks, and writing freelance! There's a good chance I'm planning my next Quebec road trip, got tips?

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