Île d'Orléans

Once again, sorry for keeping you all in suspense for so long. I wouldn't say I had writer's block but I really did attempt a few times to write out some of my thoughts and or adventures. Didn't happen though... So without further ado, I would like to present Île d'Orléans to you all.

The island is about a 30 minute drive from Quebec City and is basically the location of my dream life. I've been twice since my arrival in the province- once with James and Megan and once (yesterday) with the University program. Both were absolutely incredible.

Part One: I rented a car and followed my dreams.

Okay, we did rent a car for the day to drive out to the island. The dream following wasn't for a few more weeks but I thought it sounded inspiring. Sort of.

We did successfully rent a car though- in French! We struggled through some/most of the process and in the end realized the guy spoke perfect English. I guess it was a good learning experience... or at least that is what I shall tell myself. We drove over to the island and started our day with brunch at Relais des Pins, a cabane de sucre that had an amazing all you can eat buffet style option. We tried everything (as I believe you almost need to do in such a situation) and were not disappointed. The food was extremely delicious and I almost cried when I tried the strawberry rhubarb crisp. (Please note, I was moved to tears by food multiple times, this will reappear.)

My feast.

We decided we would make a complete circle around the island and stop at any places that seemed interesting. Next stop: the Fromagerie. This cheese shop still makes their products like the first inhabitants did. Interesting fact: the first cheese ever produced in North America was made on Île d'Orléans. And let me tell you- that cheese was good. Tears were invading my tear ducts as I sampled a piece of hot cheese.

We stopped at the beach next to get our bearings. I always find that if I am in a new place and lacking direction, I need only to head to the water and I am immediately directed. That is a large lie, however, we did enjoy checking out the surroundings at the beach. I insisted upon taking a picture with my hair blowing in the wind and was almost stung by a wasp that apparently lived at the top of a steel lookout point.

The scene of the near accident. Twas windy. I demonstrated my peaceful nature to the wasp.

The Boulangerie (bread store) was next on our trip around the Isle. If you weren't already planning on stopping, the scent of fresh bread and delicious pastries would have forced you inside anyway. I sampled a brioche which was a cinnamon roll type pastry. I probably don't even need to say it but it was incredible. James bought some cheese bread that was out of this world. The Chocolaterie followed the bread store. I'm going to say it now it order to avoid excessive description later- this.place.was.amazing. I know I tend to exaggerate but the candy/chocolate bar that I purchased may have been the best thing I have ever eaten.

There she is.

Tasted like heaven and a Heath Bar. Not to be outdone, our final stop on the island was also incredible. We visited the Bilodeau cidery and did a tasting of their products. They make jellies, jams, syrups, mustard and ciders all from apples grown in their orchard. I quite enjoyed the mustard and fell in love with a tarragon jelly. (Maybe that isn't saying much considering my reaction to all the other foods but whatever...)

Part of our sampler. So good.

We left the Island after the cidery with extremely full stomachs. It is a very unique place. Everyone seems to really love what they do and I think it's incredible that they open up their homes to share their food and products with visitors.

James and I on the coast. Shoutout to Quebec City in the background!

Part Two: Back for more

The University trip to the island was yesterday and although I had already been I couldn't wait for another day spent there. We started the excursion with a trip to Montmorency Falls. It was just as cool the second time and I got to do this: 

Hanging out with a rainbow.

After visiting the falls, we crossed the bridge to the island and started our tastings with ice cream cones from the Chocolaterie. I chose a vanilla cone dipped in milk chocolate. Now I know some of you are probably thinking that this sounds like a dipped cone from DQ. Let me tell you though, it was so much more. Real milk chocolate coated some of the creamiest ice cream I have ever tried. If I could bring one souvenir back for everyone I know, it would be that ice cream cone.

This picture will have to do though...

Lunch was fresh pizzas from the Boulangerie. Again, unbelievably delicious. I also purchased a chocolatine (pain au chocolate) for a snack later that day. Who am I trying to kid- I ate it right after my pizza. We sat outside the bakery for awhile and enjoyed the view of the beach. Our last stop of the day was at the Steinbeck Cidery where we were able to enjoy another tasting. They too made ciders, jelly and mustard but also had a few vinegars that smelled amazing. After our sampler we enjoyed the incredible view and then got on the buses headed back for campus.

Mr. Steinbeck owns the cidery and talked to us about his products before our sampling. He first visited the island 21 years ago and fell in love. He returned 3 years later to buy the orchard and start his business. That is my dream life.

Île d'Orléans is absolutely amazing. Not just because it has unbelievable delicious food and fresh, local products though. The people were awesome and the whole island has a very laid back, easy going feel. It would be a great place to retire or maybe not retire. Like I said, my dream life would be opening a vineyard on the Island and having people stop in for tours and tastings. Not sure how well grapes would do with Canadian winters but I will probably be doing some research...

As always, thank you for reading. Sorry this was a REALLY food-heavy post. If you haven't realized it yet, I love food and loved this island for having some of the best food I've tasted here. I'll leave you with a picture of the view from the cidery across the river to Beauport.

So pretty.