This post is dedicated to the most picturesque island of Île d’Orléans, which is situated in the St. Lawrence River only 5 km from downtown Quebec City. There is more or less only one narrow road that circles the island, which has been described as the “microcosm of traditional Quebec and as the birthplace of francophones in North America”.
Today, for Betty’s birthday, we took a drive from our campground – Camping Orleans – on the eastern point, to the western point, about 20 miles away. These are some of the 193 pictures we took, mainly from a moving Smart car, as there was little or no room to pull over…
The road to our campground in Saint-FrancoisLeaving our campground, Camping OrleansSome of the unique homes and cottages on the island in the St. Lawrence River
Colourful roofs are common on the islandMany homes are close to the narrow roadway
Approaching one of the many Catholic churchesThe church in Saint-LaurentInside the ornate sanctuaryThere are no fast food restaurants or big box stores on the island, but many places to buy fresh locally grown fruit and vegetablesFor lunch we dined al fresco at Bistro du Hangar in Saint-Jean. We didn’t need the ketchup!This delicious, fresh goat cheese salad was paired with an iced lemonade, made with Canadian whisky & maple syrup and topped with a strawberry. Yum!Back at the campground, some of the sites face directly onto the river, next to the wharf.From the wharf, we watched cargo and cruise ships go past. Trivia question: Which Canadian Prime Minister (PM, also an MP – Member of Parliament, of course) owned the Canada Steamship Lines? Answer: PM PM, MP. LOLThere goes the love boat!Look at the size of that one he just caught!Ok, now it’s time for the birthday girl to sit back with one of my famous marguaritas, while I prepare the rib eye with prosciutto wrapped asparagus. LOL
