Ah, the fall. We swap out our shorts and tees for pants and sweaters, the leaves change colour and we panic about good Halloween costumes. But nothing welcomes the autumn quite like pumpkin patches.
So, make a day of it: take a drive, throw on some boots and get picking. Plus, all of these places are oozing with Instagram-worthy photo opportunities.
Here are the 7 best places near Montreal to nab some pumpkins:
Petch Orchards
Just 45 minutes from the city, Petch Orchards gives Montrealers the chance to pick pumpkins, pears, and plums at their quaint farm in the gorgeous area of Hemmingford.
In addition to the fruit and veg, the farm produces some of the best apple cider and apple juice in the province. Be warned: Their donuts are as delicious as they are addictive.
Where:Ā 431 Route 202, Hemmingford
Centre dāinterprĆ©tation de la courge
This pumpkin haven comes alive during the fall months, with a specialty boutique filled with pumpkin-themed goodies, and an outdoor squash market filled with all the squash you can imagine. Expect to find colourful gourds, large pumpkins, and unique offerings like pumpkin butter. They even have pumpkin chips!
Where:Ā 839 Chemin Principal, Saint-Joseph-du-Lac
La Ferme Quinn
Quinn Farm (La Ferme Quinn) is one of the most popular farms around Montreal.
Known for their delicious strawberries and apples, it comes as no surprise that they boast gorgeous pumpkin patches and squash picking come October.
They also host a Fall Festival happening over Thanksgiving weekend that includes pony rides, live music, and animal interpretation.
Where:Ā 2495 Perrot Boulevard Sud, Notre Dame de lāĆle Perrot
Le Verger LabontƩ
If youāre looking for a fun weekend with the fam, then you have to visit Le Verge Labonte. In addition to their huge crop of pumpkin and squash, they also boast corn mazes, a childrenās playground, a petting zoo, a quaint bistro, and some seriously scrumptious apple muffins.
Where:Ā 2291 Perrot Blvd., Notre-Dame-de-lāĆle-Perrot
La Magie de la Pomme
With a name like ‘the Magic of the Apples,’ apple picking may unsurprisingly be their specialty but they also boast a great pumpkin patch and some pretty neat Halloween activities all October.
Head to La Magie de la Pomme for an authentic tractor ride, pumpkin patch experience (oh, and donāt forget to try their famous apple donuts).
Where:Ā 925 Rang de la FresniĆØre, Saint-Eustache
Verger du Flanc du Nord
Le Flanc Nord, Verge & Cidrerie is located in Mont-Saint-Hilaire, at the base of the mountain and is the perfect place for a fun family afternoon.
Verger du Flanc du Nord is the perfect place to spend an autumn afternoon. In addition to the standard u-pick pumpkins, they also make their own apple cider and have special Halloween-themed events throughout the month of October where you and your kids are encouraged to dress up in Halloween costumes.
Where:Ā 835 Chemin Rouillard, Mont-Saint-Hilaire
Ferme Roland Cloutier
Located North of Montreal and about an hour drive from downtown, the family-run business has been running for overĀ 25 years. You can pick pumpkins untilĀ the end of October along with other seasonal fruits.
The small farm also has an impressive display of locally grown vegetables available for purchase.
Where:Ā 855, Chemin FresniĆØre,Ā Saint-Eustache