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Sainte-Famille-de-l'Île-d'Orléans, Quebec City

an open-air museum

The village of Sainte-Famille can be compared to an open-air museum filled with the history of the earliest settlers on the island dating back to the French Regime. Numerous ancient buildings – like the red-roofed church and farmhouses – fill the village. When you are not looking face to face with a historical artifact then you’re checking out a full apple tree in front of the beautiful backdrop of the mountains on the other side of the St. Lawrence River. This apple village is a perfect stop on your bike tour of the island. Here are our reasons why you should spend a couple hours on this side of the island!

  1.  Maison Drouin

Take a trip back in time and explore the house of some of the early settlers of the island. Maison Drouin has an interactive tour taking you from room to room exploring the everyday objects of our ancestors from 300 years ago. Nothing is changed in this ‘normal’ house, and it leaves you with a sense that you’re having a look around someone’s house that has just popped out to the market to pick up something for dinner and should be back at any moment. For a full historical immersion into the island then this spot is not to be missed!

  1. Les Fromages de l’isle d’Orléans

Sainte-Famille is certainly the village that will take you right back in time. Stop by the cheese shop of the island and try the oldest cheese in North America. Read our full article about the cheese here. With the sensational award-winning pan-grilled cheese combined with the mountain of knowledge the owners want to share with customers then it is a taste tour highlight.

  1. Microbrasserie de l’Ile d’Orléans

This Belgium influenced brewery overlooking the colorful mountains and St. Lawrence River is the greatest Instagram worthy nature picture on this side of the island. Sit on the large terrace and sip on a crafted beer from the island overlooking all of Quebec’s beauty. Relax in for an evening of beers or a quick refreshment – either way, it is worth the picture-perfect moment with a delicious beer in the hand.

  1. Relais du Pins – Authentic Sugar Shack

Visit an authentic Sugar Shack where you learn about Maple Syrup production from the experts. Taking you on a tour from start to finish of maple production starting at the collection of the sap to the transformation into syrup – you cannot get a more Canadian experience. Try some maple syrup and butter or if you’re lucky enough to arrive in spring then try a maple taffy cooled on snow.

  1. Maison de nos Aieux – Discover your Ile d’Orleans ancestors

Maison de nos Aieux is the only place on the island that you can get a rich overview of the historic land. Find out about those who discovered the island, how they lived, what made them different and how the island changed over the years. Might have some ancestors that lived in Ile d’Orléans? Use the genealogy tools to trace back the history of your family. Maison de nos Aieux offers an unforgettable experience for all.

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