These are the best places to go apple picking around Montreal
Note: While local parks, shops, and events are reopening throughout the province, Santé Quebec is reminding individuals to monitor their health for signs and symptoms of COVID-19. If you’re not feeling well, they recommend staying home at this time. If you decide to go out, maintain the two-metre physical distancing guidelines and wear a face covering or mask when in public.
It’s tough to find a better event to signify the end of summer and the beginning of fall than apple picking.
Plus, it’s the ideal spot to catch some fresh air and stay physically distant from other pickers.
From Granny Smiths to Dudleys, Cortlands, Galas, Ginger golds, McIntoshs, Spartans, and Red Delicious, orchards close to Montreal have no shortage of the good stuff.
If you’re looking to make a day-trip out of stuffing bagfulls of Honeycrisps, here are some magical spots around Montreal to swipe some fresh apples.
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Head out to any one of the orchards below, and prepare for a day of tractor rides, picnics, and, of course, apples. Bonus points if you turn your handpicked apples into a fresh apple pie.
Petch Orchards
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Located just 45 minutes from the city, Petch Orchards gives Montrealers the chance to pick apples (and pumpkins, pears and plums when in season) at their quaint farm in the gorgeous area of Hemmingford.
Petch has 115 acres of ecologically grown apples, with 24 different varieties, and some of the best apple cider and apple juice in the province. Be warned: Their doughnuts are as delicious as they are addictive.
Where: 431 Route 202, Hemmingford
Hours: Every day from 11 am to 5 pm
When: From September 1 until the end of October
Cidrerie-Verger Léo Boutin
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Nestled in the heart of the Monteregie, Cidrerie-Verger Leo Boutin is known for its orchard and its delicious cider factory. The orchard is open all year round and offers apple picking as of September 1.
More than just apple picking, Cidrerie-Verge Leo Boutin allows families to partake in picnics, wagon rides, cider tasting, and apple crepes.
Where: 710 Rang de la Montagne, Mont St. Grégoire.
Hours: 8 am to 6 pm
When: September 1 to mid-October
La Ferme Quinn
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If that constant buzz of the big city is a bit draining, trade in your slacks and button-up shirt for a straw hat and overalls.
Take a quick drive out to Île-Perrot and enjoy a variety of farmyard activities at Quinn Farm and apple picking galore.
La Ferme Quinn harvests apples from now until the end of September, giving Montrealers over a month to pick from their juicy varieties.
Open from 10 am to 4 pm 7 days a week, admission to La Ferme Quinn is just $5 and gives you access to the pick-your-own apples and tractor and wagon rides.
Plus, strawberries, blueberries, pumpkins, and corn mazes, when in season.
Due to COVID-19, apple pickers have to reserve a spot through the orchard’s website.
Where: 2495 Perrot Boulevard Sud, Notre Dame de l’Île Perrot
Hours: 8:30 am to 4 pm (closed on Tuesdays)
When: From now until end of September (for apple picking)
Vergers Pierre Tremblay et Fils
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Featuring six different varieties of summer apples and nine different varieties of fall apples, Vergers Pierre Tremblay et Fils is the place to go for apple picking if your body can’t choose which season it is.
Located just 35 minutes outside of Montreal in Mont St. Gregoire, apple-picking season lasts until the end of October. Plus, there are pony rides for the little ones and gorgeous sunflowers for the Instagrammers.
Where: 375 Rang de la Montagne, Mont St. Gregoire
Hours: 8 am to 6 pm
When: From now until early November
Verger Chocolaterie Pommalefun
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Verger Chocolaterie Pommalefun is one of the most happening apple orchards in the Montreal area. Tractor rides, a mini-farm, a duck pond, face-painting, and a picnic area — your kids will not be bored at Pommalefun.
Their name practically says it all.
Picking season started at the end of August and goes until the end of October, during which time the farm will be open every day from 9 am until 5 pm.
Where: 1673 Principal Road, St. Joseph-du-Lac
Hours: 9 am to 5 pm
When: From now until end of October
Vergers Hillspring
Vergers Hillspring is home to over 4,000 apple trees and 30 different apple varieties. In addition to apple picking, the orchard offers face painting, bouncy castles, a sandbox, and a petting zoo.
If you’re looking for something a bit more adventurous, the farm has designated walking trails through the orchard and in the surrounding area so families can get out and explore the countryside.
The orchard opened on August 22 and is following all the necessary COVID-19 health protocols.
Where: 1019 Route 202, Franklin Centre
Hours: 9:30 am to 5 pm
When: From now until October 25
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