Quebec City – Agricultural Walking Tour on Ile d’Orléans

Explore the Best of Île d’Orléans on a 3-Hour Farm and Food Tour

The Quebec City – Agricultural Walking Tour on Île d’Orléans offers a vibrant taste of local agriculture and history in just three hours for $94.62 per person. This guided experience begins at 507 Rte Prévost in Saint-Laurent-de-l’Île-d’Orléans and takes visitors across the bridge from downtown Québec City to one of Canada’s most treasured islands. Known for its farming traditions dating back to 1534, the island combines scenic landscapes with a delectable variety of local foods, making this tour ideal for food lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

The tour features visits to family-owned farms, tasting sessions of berries, maple products, cheeses, and more, and concludes with panoramic views from a rooftop terrace. Group sizes are limited to 10 participants, ensuring a personalized experience led by an experienced guide. While private transportation is not included, ample free parking makes access straightforward. This tour is perfect for those seeking an engaging, food-focused outing that highlights both the agricultural heritage and scenic beauty of Île d’Orléans.

Key Points

• Three-hour guided farm and food tour starting in Québec City and ending at scenic viewpoints
• Visit to La Ferme le Bunker, a 5th-generation family farm built atop a Cold War bunker
• Berry farm visit at La Ferme François Gosselin, known for premium strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries
• Taste local maple products and learn about sugaring traditions at the sugarbush
• Sampling of at least 12 products, including cheeses, black garlic, jam, blackcurrant, beer, and more
• Includes beer and ice cider tastings along with snacks, all led by an experienced guide

Starting Point and Tour Duration

The tour begins at 507 Rte Prévost in Saint-Laurent-de-l’Île-d’Orléans at 10:00 am. It lasts approximately three hours, making it a compact but comprehensive experience. The tour concludes back at the meeting point, allowing for easy planning after the activity.

Because it’s a walking tour, comfortable shoes and an interest in local food and farming traditions will enhance the experience. There’s no private transportation included, but free parking at the meeting point simplifies the logistics.

Visiting La Ferme le Bunker: A Farm with a Unique History

The first stop is La Ferme le Bunker, a remarkable family farm with six generations of history. This farm grows a variety of vegetables and manufactures maple products, setting itself apart with its extraordinary location—built atop a Cold War anti-nuclear bunker from 1964. Visitors learn how this farm combines agricultural practices with a fascinating piece of Cold War history, providing an educational contrast to typical farm visits.

Spending about an hour here, guests can explore the farm’s fields and taste maple syrup and related products. Its unique setting makes it a memorable part of the tour, especially for those interested in Canadian history and local farming traditions.

The Berry Farm Experience at La Ferme François Gosselin

Next, the tour visits La Ferme François Gosselin, a farm that has been cultivating berries for nearly 400 years. Known for producing some of Canada’s finest strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries, this farm showcases both historic and modern berry growing techniques.

Visitors spend around an hour here, discovering how traditional practices intersect with innovative methods to keep the farm thriving. You’ll enjoy tasting fresh berries and learning about their significance in local cuisine. The farm’s long-standing reputation makes it one of the highlights for those interested in berry farming and local produce.

Maple Products and the Sugarbush Visit

A key highlight of the tour is a walk through the sugarbush, where you can taste maple syrup and other maple products. This step helps visitors understand the Canadian maple tradition, a signature element of Quebec’s culinary identity. Guests learn about the sugaring process and sample maple syrup, maple butter, and other treats.

The experience combines educational insights with delicious tasting, making it a favorite for fans of natural, locally-produced sweeteners. It’s an authentic look into Quebec’s sugar-making heritage.

Sampling Local Flavours at Saint-Laurent-de-l’Île-d’Orléans

The tour concludes at the rooftop terrace of Motel Île d’Orléans, where panoramic views of Québec City and the St. Lawrence River set the scene. Here, guests sample a variety of local artisanal foods, including black garlic, blackcurrant jam, cheeses, and local beer.

This final stop offers a relaxed atmosphere to savor more than 12 products and learn about the island’s culinary traditions. The terrace provides an ideal spot to reflect on the tour’s experiences while soaking up the scenic landscape.

Tasting Experiences and Local Beverages

Included in the tour are beer and ice cider tastings, adding to the liquid delights of the experience. These beverages complement the snacks and product tastings, which span a wide range of local delicacies. The guide provides background on each product, emphasizing the seasonal and artisanal nature of these items.

The variety of tastes ensures that participants experience the diverse flavors that define Île d’Orléans’ culinary scene, from sweet jams and fromage to craft beers.

Practical Details: Group Size, Pricing, and Accessibility

This guided tour is designed for up to 10 participants, ensuring an intimate and engaging atmosphere. The price of $94.62 per person covers all tastings, guiding, and access to each stop. Private transportation is not included, but free parking at the meeting point simplifies the logistics.

The tour is suitable for most travelers, with service animals allowed. Confirmations are received immediately upon booking, and the activity operates rain or shine, with most travelers able to participate comfortably.

What Sets This Tour Apart from Similar Experiences

What makes this tour stand out is its combination of agricultural heritage, local food tastings, and scenic views. The stops are carefully curated to showcase family farms with rich histories, and the inclusion of maple products and berry farms offers a well-rounded taste of Quebec’s agricultural identity.

While the tour is walking, it remains accessible and manageable over three hours, making it suitable for most ages and fitness levels. The emphasis on local, authentic products and the unique location of La Ferme le Bunker add a memorable dimension to the experience.

Final Thoughts on the Quebec City – Agricultural Walking Tour on Île d’Orléans

This tour provides a delightful balance of history, agriculture, and gastronomy in a compact format. The guided visits to farms with tastings of over 12 products make it an engaging way to explore Île d’Orléans beyond just sightseeing. The panoramic views from the rooftop terrace cap off the experience beautifully.

It works best for those interested in food culture, local traditions, and scenic landscapes. The small group setting and comprehensive tasting ensure a personal and flavorful journey through one of Quebec’s most cherished islands, all at a reasonable price.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately three hours, including visits to multiple farms and tastings.

Is transportation included?
No, private transportation is not included, but free parking is available at the meeting point.

What should I bring?
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as the tour involves walking between stops. Arriving with an appetite for local foods enhances the experience.

Can I participate if I have dietary restrictions?
The tour includes a variety of tastings; specific dietary needs are not detailed in the available information. It’s best to contact the provider for clarification.