Lea GagnonThe best fruit picking in Montreal? Here’s where to get it!
You know I’m always on the hunt for the freshest, most flavourful ingredients to elevate my culinary creations. Well, lately, my obsession has taken a more… rural turn: I’ve been absolutely smitten with picking my own fruit locally.
Sure, you can just buy from your local grocery store, but there’s something so refreshing when you get to pick the freshest fruits from the best spots. It just makes your desserts all the sweeter, you know?
Now, here’s the thing: you can’t actually pick fruit in Montreal unless you’re just plucking stuff up from a grocery crate. You’ll have to go outside the actual city for that.
Still, these spots are sufficiently close to feel like you’re still in Montreal proper, so let’s check them out!
Quinn Farm
Media from quinn_farm
Location: 2495 Bd Perrot, Notre-Dame-de-l’Île-Perrot, QC J7W 2K8, Canada
Contact: +1 514-453-1510
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Quinn Farm is a delightful escape where families can immerse themselves in the joys of picking their own fruits and vegetables. Here, you can even start your day with a scenic tractor ride, the sun warming your face as you pass rows of vibrant berries and plump pumpkins.
The air is alive with the sweet scent of ripening fruit, promising a delicious harvest. After filling your baskets with nature’s bounty, head to the farm shop, a treasure trove of homemade jams, pies, and crisp apple cider.
And if you’re lucky enough to visit in the fall, prepare to get lost (in the best way possible) in their renowned corn maze, a fun-filled adventure for all ages.
Verger Labonté
Media from verger_labonte
Location: 2291 Bd Perrot, Notre-Dame-de-l’Île-Perrot, QC J7W 2J8, Canada
Contact: +1 514-453-5379
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Friday – 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Verger Labonté is an eco-responsible haven that specialises in apples, pears, pumpkins, and squashes and stands out for its commitment to sustainable practices. Every bite of fruit is pure and pesticide-free, a testament to their dedication to growing food in harmony with nature.
Beyond the orchard, this place boasts an array of activities to enchant visitors of all ages. For example, you can test your navigational skills in one of their three corn mazes. Plus, little ones will delight in the playground and farmyard filled with friendly animals!
And if your timing is right, you might even catch one of their immersive autumn workshops that dive into the fascinating connection between people and the environment.
A. Belisle & Fils
Media credit to tosantana
Location: 710 25e Av, Saint-Eustache, QC J7R 4K3, Canada
Contact: +1 450-623-2375
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
A. Belisle & Fils is a family-run orchard that has been a beloved destination for apple enthusiasts for decades. With a wide array of apple varieties, including popular favourites like Honeycrisp, McIntosh, and Spartan, there’s something to delight everyone here.
Not only can you pick their own crisp apples but also enjoy scenic tractor rides through the orchard. Even children will be thrilled by the play areas where they can interact with friendly farm animals.
Beyond its bountiful apple harvest, A. Belisle & Fils also offers a variety of seasonal fruits like strawberries, making it a year-round haven for fresh, locally sourced produce.
Cidrerie Verger Léo Boutin
Media credit to sandylizsimpson
Location: 710 Rang de la Montagne, Sainte-Angèle-de-Monnoir, QC J0J 1K0, Canada
Contact: +1 450-346-3326
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Renowned for its diverse apple varieties, including Lobo and Cortland, Cidrerie Verger Léo Boutin offers a pick-your-own experience from late summer into the fall. But the fun doesn’t stop at apple picking.
Wagon rides meander through the orchard’s scenic landscape, inviting you to savour the natural beauty. Picnic areas provide the perfect setting for a leisurely meal, and the mini-farm is sure to delight children with its friendly animals. Adults will appreciate the cider tastings, where they can sample the orchard’s award-winning creations.
After working up an appetite, you can head to the on-site restaurant for a taste of Breton crepes, hearty soups, sandwiches, or sweet desserts. Don’t forget to try their famous apple fritters! It’s a delightful complement to a glass of crisp cider.
Verger Richard Legault
Media from verger.richardlegault
Location: 425 Rue Binette, Saint-Joseph-du-Lac, QC J0N 1M0, Canada
Contact: +1 450 623-6306
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Verger Richard Legault is a family-friendly orchard established in 1979 that has been captivating visitors with its diverse selection of apples and seasonal produce for decades. While apples like Honeycrisp and Spartan steal the spotlight, the orchard’s offerings extend far beyond, including pumpkins, blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and pears.
You can enhance your visit here with a scenic tractor ride through the apple orchard, followed by a delightful picnic amidst the natural beauty. But for a taste of local tradition, make sure to explore their Sugar Shack – this is where maple syrup and other sweet treats await.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, bring your furry friend along for a hike on the orchard’s scenic trail (just make sure they’re on a leash!).
Cidrerie Lacroix
Location: 649 Chem. Principal, Saint-Joseph-du-Lac, QC J0N 1M0, Canada
Contact: +1 450-623-4888
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Friday – 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Saturday – 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Boasting 20 different apple varieties, Cidrerie Lacroix offers a picking adventure from mid-August to the end of October, with the highly sought-after Honeycrisp drawing eager crowds.
Beyond the orchard, this place delights you with its bistro by serving locally sourced meals throughout the year. So, whether you’re craving brunch classics like buttermilk pancakes with apple butter or a gourmet lunch featuring apple-maple-braised mac and cheese, the bistro’s menu is sure to satisfy.
Plus, a visit to the cider house itself is a must since its guided tours offer insights into the cider-making process. Just don’t forget to visit their charming boutique – it offers a variety of local products and souvenirs to take home.
Les Vergers La France
Media from domainelafrance
Location: 1473 Chem. Principal, Saint-Joseph-du-Lac, QC J0N 1M0, Canada
Contact: +1 450-491-7859
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
A family legacy established by Georges-Étienne Lafrance and now lovingly tended by his grandson Éric Lafrance and his wife, Julie Hubert, Les Vergers Lafrance offers an orchard experience steeped in tradition and sustainability.
They’re also known for their rich selection of apple varieties that include classics like McIntosh, Cortland, and Honeycrisp.
Throughout the year, special events like apple blossom viewing in spring and festive autumn activities enhance their orchard’s appeal. Not only that, they’re committed to environmental stewardship which is why they actively collaborate with agricultural research groups to minimise pesticide use and promote sustainable farming practices.
Les Fraises Louis Hebert
Media from les_fraises_louis_hebert
Location: 978 Chemin de la 4 Ligne, Saint-Valentin, QC J0J 2E0, Canada
Contact: +1 450-291-3004
Operating hours:
- Saturday – 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM
A pioneer in the U-pick scene in Quebec since 1955, Les Fraises Louis Hébert is a berry lover’s paradise with seven varieties of strawberries and several types of highbush blueberries.
Founded by Louis and Yolande Hébert, this family-run farm has been lovingly passed down through generations, creating a unique experience steeped in Quebec’s agricultural heritage.
But aside from the fields of plump berries, the farm offers a charming boutique filled with homemade delights, from jams and jellies to strawberry soaps and unique alcoholic beverages like Sangria Mix and Mistelle.
Labonté de la Pomme – Verger & Miellerie
Media from verger_labonte
Location: 405 Rang de l’Annonciation, Oka, QC J0N 1E0, Canada
Contact: +1 450-479-1111
Operating hours:
- Wednesday to Sunday – 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
The Labonté family has been farming this land for generations, and their passion for agriculture shines through in everything they do.
This place is all about pears, plums, cherries, pumpkins, and even garlic and rhubarb. The real showstopper, however, is their unique pick-your-own maple water activity during the sugaring-off season.
Ever wondered where honey comes from? Labonté de la Pomme’s on-site apiary (aka bee kingdom!) gives you a fascinating glimpse into the world of bees and honey production.
Vergers Petch Orchards
Media from petch_orchards
Location: 431 Rte 202, Hemmingford, Quebec J0L 1H0, Canada
Contact: +1 450-247-3414
Vergers Petch Orchards is a fruit-picking paradise boasting an impressive 24 apple varieties, including rare heirloom types, and a seasonal selection of pumpkins, pears, and plums. With a new apple variety ripening each week, your taste buds are in for a treat no matter when you visit.
Plus, the orchard offers a mini farm where kids can meet and feed the animals, making it a perfect family outing. Plus, there’s a picnic area where you can relax and enjoy the fruits of your labour (literally).
Don’t miss their fresh-pressed apple juice and legendary doughnuts which are delicious and addictive! These treats, along with other farm-made products like pies and jams, add a sweet finish to your visit.
Paradis des Fruits Dunham
Media from paradisdesfruitsdunham
Location: 519 Rue Bruce #202, Dunham, QC J0E 1M0, Canada
Contact: +1 450-295-2667
Operating hours:
- Friday to Sunday – 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Paradis des Fruits Dunham truly lives up to its name by offering a bountiful selection of fruits that will make you feel like you’ve stumbled upon nature’s candy store.
Imagine rows upon rows of strawberries, raspberries, blueberries (over 20 varieties!), blackberries, currants, gooseberries, sour cherries, apples (23 varieties!), pears, and plums – all ripe for the picking.
This place is also all about commitment to quality and sustainability. The Charbonneau family, who have nurtured this land for over 60 years, prioritise eco-friendly farming practices to ensure that every juicy bite is as kind to the planet as it is to your taste buds.
Verger Au Coeur De La Pomme
Media from coeurdelapomme
Location: 42 Route 237 Nord, Frelighsburg, QC J0J 1C0, Canada
Contact: +1 450-298-5319
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday – 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Nestled in a 300-year-old site, Verger Au Coeur de la Pomme offers more than just fruit; it’s a slice of history. The Lavasseur family has been maintaining this orchard for over 30 years, preserving its rich heritage and making it a fascinating place to visit.
With a variety of apple cultivars, each with its unique taste and texture, your taste buds will be singing with joy. Whether you prefer sweet, tart, or a little bit of both, you’ll find the perfect apple to satisfy your cravings.
And if that’s not enough, you’ll witness their traditional and slow-fermentation process firsthand once you visit. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the art of cider-making, and you can even take home a bottle (or two!) of their award-winning vinegar.
Ferme Éthier Les Fruits Soleil
Media credit to dame_oiselle.de.papier
Location: 490 4e Rang, Saint-Étienne-des-Grès, QC G0X 2P0, Canada
Contact: +1 819-376-8062
Operating hours:
- Wednesday to Friday – 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Saturday to Monday – 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Ferme Éthier is a fruit lover’s paradise, offering a delightful U-pick adventure throughout the warmer months. In the summer, you can wander through fields of juicy strawberries, plump blueberries, and unique Saskatoon berries.
As the season turns to fall, the farm transforms into a pumpkin patch, where you can select the perfect gourds for your autumnal decorations.
And if you happen to visit in the spring, the vibrant tulip fields will enchant you, making this place a year-round destination for those who appreciate the beauty of nature’s harvest.
