Exploring the Island of Orleans, just minutes from Quebec City, is a treat for the senses. The Taste Trail takes visitors on a delightful 3-hour guided bus tour, offering a chance to indulge in the island’s renowned culinary delights. From artisanal chocolates and truffles to cider and wines, each stop showcases the commitment to quality, sustainability, and tradition that makes this region so special. Whether you’re a foodie or simply seeking a unique experience, the Quebec City: Island of Orleans Taste Trail promises to tantalize your taste buds and leave you eager to discover more.
Key Points
- The 3-hour guided bus tour from Quebec City takes visitors to the picturesque Island of Orleans to discover its renowned culinary delights.
- The tour offers four stops with tasting experiences, including chocolates, truffles, nougats, cider, and wines.
- Highlights include the family-owned Chocolaterie Ste Petronille, the Nougaterie of St. Pierre, and the Cidrerie Bilodeau on the island.
- The Vineyard of Mitan on the island provides a tasting journey for oenophiles and casual wine enthusiasts.
- The tour includes pickup and drop-off, guided bus tour, and product presentations and tastings, but excludes hotel transportation and is not wheelchair accessible.
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Tour Overview
The 3-hour guided bus tour from Quebec City transports visitors to the picturesque Island of Orleans, where they’ll discover the island’s renowned culinary delights.
The tour offers a chance to explore four stops, each with its own tasting experience.
Guests will indulge in chocolates, truffles, and other treats at the Chocolaterie Ste Petronille, savor nougats and sweets at the Nougaterie of St. Pierre, sip cider and sample apple jelly at the Cidrerie Bilodeau, and enjoy white, red, and ice wines at the Vineyard of Mitan.
The tour provides a comprehensive introduction to the flavors that make the Island of Orleans a gourmet destination.
Discovering the Island’s Flavors
Across the St. Lawrence River, the Island of Orleans beckons visitors to indulge in its renowned culinary delights.
From chocolates and truffles to nougats and cider, the island’s producers offer a tantalizing array of flavors that captivate the senses.
At the Chocolaterie Ste Petronille, guests can sample artisanal chocolates, decadent truffles, and even chocolate-dipped ice cream.
The Nougaterie of St. Pierre tantalizes with its handcrafted nougats and other sweet confections.
Cidrerie Bilodeau invites visitors to savor crisp ciders, rich apple juices, and smooth apple jellies.
At the Vineyard of Mitan, oenophiles can delight in the island’s signature white wines, red wines, and ice wines.
This culinary tour promises to satisfy every palate.
Chocolaterie Ste Petronille
Chocolaterie Ste Petronille stands out as a must-visit destination on the Island of Orleans’ culinary trail, enticing visitors with its artisanal chocolates, decadent truffles, and even chocolate-dipped ice cream.
This family-owned chocolaterie takes great pride in its handcrafted creations, using only the finest ingredients to deliver an unparalleled chocolate experience.
Visitors can indulge in:
- Artisanal chocolates in a variety of flavors
- Silky smooth truffles that melt in your mouth
- Creamy chocolate-dipped ice cream for a refreshing treat
With its welcoming atmosphere and knowledgeable staff, Chocolaterie Ste Petronille offers a delightful opportunity to savor the island’s renowned chocolate delights. It’s a must-stop on any culinary adventure through the Island of Orleans.
Nougaterie of St. Pierre
Another highlight on the Island of Orleans’ culinary trail is the Nougaterie of St. Pierre, where visitors can indulge in a tempting array of handcrafted nougats and other delectable sweets.
The Nougaterie specializes in producing traditional French-style nougats, using high-quality ingredients like honey, egg whites, and roasted nuts. Visitors can sample a variety of flavors, from classic vanilla to exotic combinations like raspberry and pistachio.
The Nougaterie also offers an assortment of other confections, including caramels, marshmallows, and chocolate-dipped treats. With its cozy atmosphere and friendly staff, the Nougaterie of St. Pierre is a must-visit stop for anyone with a sweet tooth exploring the flavors of the Island of Orleans.
Cidrerie Bilodeau
Next on the Island of Orleans’ culinary trail is the Cidrerie Bilodeau, a family-owned orchard and cidery that showcases the island’s apple-growing heritage.
Visitors can indulge in tastings of the cidery’s artisanal ciders, fresh juices, and apple jelly, all crafted from the orchard’s bountiful harvest.
The Cidrerie Bilodeau experience includes:
- Sampling the cidery’s award-winning traditional and ice ciders
- Sipping on refreshing apple juice pressed from the family’s orchards
- Savoring the delectable apple jelly, a sweet accompaniment to any meal
With its focus on quality, sustainability, and family tradition, the Cidrerie Bilodeau offers a true taste of the Island of Orleans’ agricultural bounty.
Vineyard of Mitan
Nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of the Island of Orleans, the Vineyard of Mitan invites visitors to explore its acclaimed selection of white wines, red wines, and signature ice wines.
This family-run winery takes great pride in its use of traditional methods and local grape varieties to craft a diverse range of vintages.
Guests can embark on a tasting journey, sampling the estate’s crisp white wines, bold reds, and the decadent ice wines that have earned the Vineyard of Mitan a reputation for excellence.
Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or a casual wine enthusiast, this stop on the Island of Orleans Taste Trail promises an unforgettable sensory experience.
Inclusions and Exclusions
The tour package comes with a range of inclusions to enhance the experience, such as pickup and drop-off at the meeting point in Quebec City, a guided bus tour with expert commentary, and complimentary product presentations and tastings.
However, hotel transportation and wheelchair accessibility aren’t provided as part of the tour.
The tour has a few important exclusions to note:
- No hotel pickup or drop-off
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Alcohol tastings are limited to guests 18 and older
Regardless, the tour offers a delightful opportunity to discover the flavors of the Island of Orleans, with knowledgeable guides and a variety of tastings at each stop along the way.
Additional Tour Information
Along With the inclusions, there are a few important guidelines and restrictions guests should be aware of when taking the tour.
Participants must be at least 18 years old to sample the alcoholic offerings, and children are required to be accompanied by an adult. On top of that, smoking, oversized luggage, and unaccompanied minors are prohibited during the tour.
The tour is designed for comfort and safety, so guests are expected to follow these rules. With these guidelines in mind, visitors can look forward to a delightful and worry-free exploration of the Island of Orleans, indulging in the region’s finest culinary delights.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Tour Available in Languages Other Than English?
The tour is available in both English and French. Visitors can choose the language they prefer when booking the tour. The guided commentary and presentations will be provided in the selected language throughout the 3-hour experience.
What Is the Cancellation Policy for the Tour?
The tour has a flexible cancellation policy – customers can cancel up to 24 hours before the start time and receive a full refund. There may be fees for last-minute cancellations, so it’s best to check the policy.
Can Private Tours Be Arranged for Larger Groups?
Yes, private tours can be arranged for larger groups. The tour operator is typically willing to accommodate private group requests, subject to availability and additional fees. Interested parties should inquire directly with the tour provider.
Are There Any Dietary Restrictions Accommodated on the Tour?
The tour does accommodate dietary restrictions, such as vegetarian and gluten-free, with advance notice. Visitors should let the tour operator know about any special dietary needs when booking to ensure an enjoyable experience for all.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
The tour company doesn’t offer an option to extend the duration, but it may be possible to arrange a private or customized tour with a longer itinerary. Clients should inquire directly with the tour operator about any flexibility in the tour length.
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Recap
The Quebec City: Island of Orleans Taste Trail offers a delightful and flavorful experience.
Visitors can indulge in a variety of artisanal treats, from chocolates to cider, while exploring the island’s family-owned businesses and their dedication to quality and tradition.
This guided tour provides a unique opportunity to discover the island’s culinary delights and take in the local culture.
