Île d'Orléans, River island in Saint Lawrence River, Canada
Île d'Orléans is a river island in the Saint Lawrence with a length of about 33 kilometers and a width of about 8 kilometers. The landscape features hills, valleys, and numerous streams running throughout its expanse.
French settlers established communities on the island during the early colonial period, making it one of the first settled areas in Quebec. This early colonization shaped the communities that remain there to this day.
The island preserves French-Canadian heritage through its architecture, with historic wooden houses painted in blue, red, and white. Visitors see these colors throughout the small villages and experience a connection to an earlier way of living.
The island can be explored completely by following Route 368, which circles the perimeter and connects to the mainland via Beauport Bridge. This ring road offers multiple stopping points and allows visitors to travel at their own pace.
Local farmers produce blackcurrant wines and preserves while maintaining apple orchards and strawberry fields throughout the seasons. These farm products reflect the region's agricultural traditions and remain central to the island economy.
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