The colours are just one of fall’s charms! Fall also means the harvest season has arrived, and the best way to enjoy it is to get involved. Dive into the rich Laurentian culture through an activity that’s packed with flavour: u-pick! Alone, with family or friends, this food tourism outing leads to the territory’s most idyllic fields and orchards. In the fall, you can pick several varieties of apple and squash at Laurentian agricultural producers, who are there to welcome you with open arms. Discover their magical locations through tractor rides, petting zoo visits, pony rides, rural stores, play and picnic areas. It’s a great opportunity to stock up on luscious fruits and vegetables while getting to know how the region’s agriculture operates, all at the heart of a dazzling fall scenery.
Apple, squash, and pumpkin picking in the Laurentians in the fall is hardly a tradition for nothing! Year after year, new varieties become available, accompanied by free tastings, so no two gourmet outings are ever the same. Both fun and heartwarming, you’re sure to make memories!
U-pick, a joy to discover with your pup
When summer draws to an end, a u-pick outing goes without saying, but did you know that you can take your dog on your visits to the orchard? For starters, Verger Richard Legault in Saint-Joseph-du-Lac encourages you to come and play amongst the apple trees with your best friend. Take advantage of this incredible location to pick a wide variety of apples or to take a well-deserved break in the orchard’s picnic area. Also located in Saint-Joseph-du-Lac, the Centre d’Interprétation de la Courge du Québec not only invites you for an outing with your dog, but also opens up access to its squash and pumpkin patches, no matter the weather. Note that dogs are allowed on the premises but must be leashed.
Plan a family visit to the orchard
Mark your calendars! Apple season is here, and it’s time to celebrate it in the beautiful Laurentians! Located in Saint-Eustache, La Magie de la Pomme is a one-of-a-kind environment where visitors of all ages fall under the spell of its world packed with entertainment, tastings, observation, and wonder. In addition to apple-picking, you can have a picnic on site, go for a tractor ride, visit the petting zoo, enjoy the tasting bar, while your children can have their faces painted, and much more. Domaine Lafrance in Saint-Joseph-du-Lac welcomes you to a setting filled with celebration, where you can enjoy the facilities, tractor rides, the petting zoo, various play areas and picnic areas every day of the week. Stop by the store for a meal on the go, and your children will love a delicious apple slushy as a sweet treat! Plan your visit now!
Gourmet gathering in good company
Whether with a partner or friends, there are ways to make u-pick even tastier! In addition to its renowned orchard, Cidrerie Lacroix in Saint-Joseph-du-Lac offers top-quality ciders and gourmet meals. Discover Cabane à pommes Labonté de la pomme, a totally novel take on a fancy gourmet menu for a farm-to-table experience! Savour homestyle apple-, bacon-, and maple-smoked sausages or the Indigenous-inspired, applewood-smoked trout filet. Located in Mont-Blanc, Gourmet Sauvage invites you to their forest workshops on gathering and cooking edible plants and mushrooms, by reservation only (limited space). Stop by the coffee shop for simple and fresh dishes made using edible plants and a variety of products generated from their traditional wild know-how.
Time to pick squash and pumpkins!
The cooler fall weather is perfect for cooking in the relaxing setting of the home; here are some suggestions for places to gather ingredients and garnish for your squash recipes! Labonté de la pomme, an orchard in Oka, offers u-pick all year round. Starting in September, stock up on butternut squash, acorn squash, Hubbard squash, and pumpkin. For a one-of-a-kind experience, the Centre d’Interprétation de la Courge du Québec is the place to discover a wide variety of squash and pumpkin. You’ll even get a wheelbarrow to carry everything! A small bistro is on the premises, selling snacks and refreshments on Saturdays and Sundays. New this year, purchase a gourmet Buvette basket featuring cheese, cured sausage, olives, nuts & chocolate, apple, bread and wine, to enjoy on site. A great way to let squash and pumpkin shine in your fall cooking!
Apple flavours to satisfy your sweet tooth
Softly sweet and versatile, the apple is undoubtedly the queen of fall desserts! That’s why the region’s food tourism business become enamoured with it as soon as September hits, transforming it into sweet delights; here are a few suggestions of places to visit. Au Gré des Saisons in Oka invites you to visit their magical setting, where nature and tranquility reign supreme. To host a private event or to stock up on their delicious concoctions to go, their apple-based desserts are real charmers, whether you’re crazy about pies or prefer a good crumble. For its part, Tarterie du Verger des Musiques in Saint-Joseph-du-Lac has an impressive variety of pies, fruit cakes, apple breads, and spreads to enjoy. Head to their store, which is open year-round! Don’t forget to buy a bag of freshly picked apples from the orchard at the counter!
For all tourism-related questions: info-tourisme@laurentides.com or call: 450-224-7007 | 1-800-561-6673.