Quebec City: Ile d'Orléans E-Bike Tour with Tastings

Summary

Île d'Orléans flavors by e-bike—berries, chocolate, maple & wine

You’ll ride an e-bike around Île d'Orléans with a local guide, tasting fresh berries straight from the farm, sampling maple syrup varieties, enjoying Belgian chocolate pralines, sipping local wine with vineyard views, and finishing with craft beer overlooking Quebec City—expect laughter, new flavors and those small moments you’ll remember later.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I was a little nervous about riding an electric bike on the roads of Île d’Orléans — but our guide, Camille, had this way of making everyone feel like we’d done it a hundred times before. We started at the Motel Ile d'Orleans parking lot (not exactly glamorous but honestly kind of reassuring), and after a quick safety talk and some wobbly practice laps, I felt ready. There’s no official bike path here, just the shoulder of the road — which sounds scarier than it is. The drivers seemed used to us cyclists and gave us space. Plus, that first rush when you glide past old farmhouses and smell woodsmoke from someone’s chimney? Worth every hesitation.

The air smelled sweet near the berry farm — almost candy-like, but real. We stopped to taste strawberries that were so ripe they stained my fingers red. The farmer’s hands were rough and he joked about “berry season being finger-staining season.” I tried to say thank you in French and probably butchered it; he just smiled wider. At the maple place, we sampled syrup in all its forms — I didn’t even know there were so many types. My favorite was the darker one, almost smoky. Camille told us stories about her childhood on the island between sips.

Later came chocolate pralines at this tiny shop where the owner insisted we try his favorite (I still think about that creamy filling). The vineyard stop was quieter — just rows of vines and a view over the St-Lawrence River that made everyone go silent for a second. The wine was crisp and cold; maybe it was just relief after cycling up a hill or maybe it really is that good here. We ended at La Barberie’s terrace with a little beer and a view back toward Quebec City across the water. It wasn’t perfect weather (windy enough to steal your hat), but nobody cared by then.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — E-bike tour and tastings on Ile d'Orléans

• Meet guide at Motel Ile d'Orléans
• Safety introduction and e-bike trial
• Taste pure maple syrup at family farm
• Taste berries with St-Lawrence view
• Visit Le Foyer Notre-Dame d'Orléans
• Taste Belgian pralines at chocolate factory
• Wine tasting with vineyard views
• Enjoy beer at La Barberie terrace

Top questions

Is there a dedicated bike path on Île d'Orléans?

No, you'll ride on the secure shoulder of the road as there is no official bike path on the island.

How long is the e-bike tour route?

The guided route covers approximately 14 km along scenic island roads.

Are food tastings included in this tour?

Yes, you'll taste local berries, pure maple syrup in different forms, Belgian chocolate pralines, and local wines.

Is this tour suitable for beginners?

You should know how to ride a regular bike and be tall enough for an adult's bike; some cycling experience is recommended.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is at Motel Ile d'Orleans where you'll get your e-bike and helmet after a safety briefing.

What should I wear for this e-bike tour?

Dress for changing weather: windbreaker, closed shoes, scarf and gloves are recommended especially in spring or fall.

Does this tour include pickup from my hotel?

No hotel pickup is included; you need to arrive at Motel Ile d'Orleans 30 minutes before departure.

Is lunch included during the tour?

No full lunch is provided but several generous tastings are included throughout: berries, chocolate, maple products and wine.

What’s included

Your day includes use of an electric bike with helmet (and time to practice before heading out), guidance from a friendly local expert in a small group setting, exclusive access to peaceful spots like Foyer de Charité overlooking the river, plus tastings of fresh berries at a sixth-generation farm, pure maple syrup at a family producer, Belgian chocolate pralines at an island shop and unique local wines—all wrapped up with time to relax on La Barberie’s sunny terrace before heading back.