11 orchards near Montréal to take a bite out of autumn

As soon as the first apples begin turning red, our orchards become giant playgrounds where picking your own fruit is something to celebrate. Need ideas for places to go apple picking near Montréal? Here are 11 must-see destinations less than an hour from the city, in Montérégie and the Basses-Laurentides, for an authentic fall adventure. Grab a ladder, get set, pick away! 

Montérégie: a deep-rooted tradition

The Montérégie region is the picture-perfect setting for picking your own apples. Whether you’re on a family outing or a romantic getaway, you can soak in the beauty of your surroundings and take the time to relax. Amidst trees laden with scarlet fruit and distant mountains gradually changing colour, you can enjoy a picnic right there or stop at one of the many cider houses along the way.

1. Les Vergers Denis Charbonneau, in Mont-Saint-Grégoire, is a big orchard where you can enjoy delicious doughnuts, sip on a nice cider, pick pears or apples, and make friends with the alpacas. Enhance your tasty outing with a hike along a trail or break for a snack at one of the picnic tables on site.

2. In Mont-Saint-Hilaire, Les Vergers Petit & Fils opens their doors to avid apple pickers from mid-August through November. With the mountain as a backdrop, you can enjoy a free cider tasting and visit the mini-farm, the fully revamped playground and the giant maze. You’re bound to linger just to bask in the ambiance.

3. A neighbour to Vergers Petit et Fils, la Vieille Cave offers a peaceful and more rustic experience. Here, you can pick one of the 15 varieties available—or even pears and plums—in a simple setting that’s perfect for enjoying a packed lunch at one of the designated picnic areas.

4. Also in Mont-Saint-Hilaire, the Verger du Flanc Nord hugs the mountainside, offering a splendid view of the region. You’ll find McIntosh, Lobo, Spartan and Empire varieties here, in a setting that will make you want to take your time. The shop offers delicious products crafted on site, including juices, ciders, jams and pastries.

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5. Hillspring Orchards boasts a peaceful setting on its large family-owned property in Franklin. Your day will include exploring the huge grounds, visiting the animals at the mini-farm and savouring the orchard’s famous doughnuts. An apple, a doughnut, an apple... What could be better?

6. Located in Notre-Dame-de-l’Île-Perrot Verger Labonté takes your outing to a whole new level with an immersive adventure called The Lord of the Flames – The Mountain of Providence. Riddle-filled mazes, investigative games in the woods, farm animals and a shop featuring organic apple products—there’s never a dull moment! Not only that, thanks to their surprising summer apples, you can pick your own starting in early August.

Basses-Laurentides: where orchards reign

The Basses-Laurentides, the part of the Laurentides region closest to Montréal, is where the apple truly steals the show. The area is home to many orchards, as well as cider houses, and the atmosphere is always festive. Enjoy a leisurely stroll among rows of trees, taking a crunchy bite out of one (or more!) of these juicy goodies and filling up bags that quickly overflow.

7. Looking for a spot that doesn’t require a car? Head to Oka to explore Verger Trottier (in French only)—in operation for over 100 years—and its Cidrerie des Générations cider house. After taking the exo public transit system, apple picking enthusiasts need only walk a short distance to reach about a hundred apple trees standing along close to a kilometre stretch of land overlooking Lac des Deux Montagnes.

8. The adventure continues in Oka! Labonté de la Pomme calls itself an agritourism estate for foodies. There, you can sample fabulous local ciders or opt for a “farm to fork” gourmet experience at their Cabane à pommes “apple shack.” Pears, plums and pumpkins are also available for U-pick during the fall season.

9. At Verger du Ruisseau, in Mirabel, you take a tractor ride to get to the U-pick area. The orchard promotes education, so children receive a quick primer on harvesting techniques. A picnic area and farm stand selling apple products make the day complete.

10. In Saint-Joseph-du-Lac, À la Croisée des Pommes (in French only) offers a unique experience: pesticide-free apples grown in harmony with the environment, a soothing atmosphere and a well-stocked shop featuring organic products. Children can have fun on the playground or visit the mini-farm while the adults relax and enjoy the moment.

11. For a more lively outing, La Magie de la Pomme (in French only) in Saint-Eustache is a kingdom for children where Princess Api awaits. While U-pick apples are the feature activity, a lot has gone into making this a memorable family destination: mascots, a mini-farm, a face-painting station, a doughnut shop and a bar serving cider and craft beer.

A little surprise: in Laval, U-pick is quick trip from the city

Picking apples at Laval’s Verger Gibouleau is a bit like discovering a well-kept secret: you’re still close to Montréal, but you suddenly find yourself in rural surroundings with 10,000 apple trees heavy with tasty fruit until the end of October. It’s the perfect blend of city and countryside.

Tips to make the most of your apple outing

This type of U-pick experience is a fairly simple and accessible activity, but for a truly perfect excursion, here are a few tips that will make all the difference.

🍎 Find out about the varieties before you go: Apple growers usually list the varieties they offer on their website or social media page. This allows you to check if your favourite variety is available!

🍎 The early bird gets... more tranquility: If you’d like a side of peace and quiet along with picturesque surroundings while you do your picking, consider going first thing in the morning! Bonus: the light at that time of day is amazing.

🍎 Wear closed-toe, comfortable shoes: The sometimes uneven ground between rows of trees coupled with fallen apples on the ground is why you need to bring a sturdy pair of comfortable shoes that are at least somewhat weather-resistant.

🍎 Bring reusable bags: Not only is this practice becoming increasingly common at agritourism businesses, it’s often encouraged as it’s a more environment-friendly option.

🍎 Respect the trees and their fruit: To help the trees stay healthy and able to produce fruit for as long as possible, be sure to use ladders instead of climbing them, and pick the fruit gently, without shaking the branches. In addition, apples bruise easily so you need to handle them with care.

🍎 Pick only what you’ll eat: Avoid waste by filling your bag(s) with only the amount of luscious red fruit that you intend to use. To help you “plan” your harvest effectively, before you go, draw up a list of the recipes you want to make!

Storage tips to enjoy them for a good long while

🍎 To keep your freshly picked apples firm and flavourful all season long, store them in your refrigerator’s crisper drawer, either loose or in their original bag.

🍎 While it’s always best to wash fruits and vegetables under running water before eating them, avoid washing your apples before storing them, as it speeds up spoilage.

🍎 Since apples naturally release a gas that triggers ripening (ethylene), try not to let them come into contact with other fruits and vegetables.

Did you know? Play the expert with two tidbits of info

• There are thousands of apple varieties in the world, but not all of them make it to our grocery stores. In Québec, more than 15 different varieties are grown and consumed for the most part.
• The modern apples we eat today descend from an ancestor that still grows wild in Kazakhstan. These apple trees are valuable genetic reservoirs for improving disease resistance, enhancing flavour or adapting cultivated apples to different climates.