7 'Stardew Valley'-inspired spots in Montreal for a pixel-perfect staycation

Bask in the glow of gems at OASIS Immersion

When:

• Tuesday, 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
• Wednesday, 1 p.m. to 10 p.m.
• Thursday and Friday, 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.
• Saturday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Sunday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Where: Palais des congrès, 301, rue Saint-Antoine Ouest

Cost: $25/students, $30/general admission

Reason to go: The "Root for Nature" show is a sensory feast, perfect for those who've mastered the mines of Stardew Valley. Enchanting environments are projected under your feet, over your head, and all around. The immersive installation, produced with National Geographic, draws on Montreal’s recent eco-credentials from COP15, to transform climate action to something you can almost touch and definitely feel. Each of the three giant rooms has creative seating so you can soak in sights and sounds that take you from rainforests to icy tundras. In one, you can chill among massive crystals that glow like the ones in the cave on Ginger Island, and also change colours like a prismatic shard.

More at oasis.im

 Herd barn animals in Riviere-des-Prairies

When: May 2, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. (informational session)

Where: Parc Armand-Bombardier

Reason to go: You can step off the virtual farm and into a real pasture with the eco-grazing project at this RdP park. If you've ever enjoyed herding your sheep in Stardew Valley, there’s a chance to translate those skills to the real world. From May 21 to June 24, a small flock of roaming sheep will graze daily, and Biquette Écopâturage need volunteer shepherds to help manage the flock and engage with the public. It's a unique opportunity to get hands-on experience with sustainable urban agriculture and animal care. Who needs an auto-petter anyway?

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Forage for mushrooms with the Cercle des Mycologues de Montréal

Where: TBA

Cost: $18/students; $33/adults; $45/family membership (for two adults)

Reason to go: If you’ve ever relished searching for morels and chanterelles in Stardew Valley’s Secret Woods, here’s your chance to level up your real-world foraging skills. Excursions from May to October let you explore forests around Montreal with a community of amateur and expert mycologists. Members convene at a secret location, usually revealed the night before, where you'll engage in the fine art of mushroom picking under guidance. After a morning spent in dew-covered underbrush, members gather for lunch and display their fungal finds on a table. What follows is a communal identification session that could rival any community center bundle completion in Stardew Valley. You need to be a member to join the outings and with advanced registration, you even get access to a special mushroom-oriented part of the Montreal Botanical Garden.

More at mycomontreal.qc.ca

Go underground at the Saint-Léonard Cavern

When: Open in the summer and fall

Where: 5200, boul. Lavoisier, Saint-Léonard, QC

Reason to go: If you’ve spent hours in Stardew Valley exploring into the depths of the mines, hunting for geodes and rare minerals, the Saint-Léonard Cavern offers an opportunity to go on a real spelunking adventure. Much like navigating the levels of the mines near Pelican Town, the Saint-Léonard Cavern lets you experience the awe of natural rock formations without the need for a pickaxe or the threat of cave monsters. Just make sure you wear waterproof shoes that you don't mind getting messy.

More at speleo.membogo.com

Level up your crafting with Les Affûtés

Where:

• 6552, boul. St-Laurent (Petite Italie)
• 1385, rue Ontario Est (Village)
• 7211, rue Alexandra (Garage)

Reason to join: Just as Robin is your go-to for crafting and building in Stardew Valley, Les Affûtés offers a chance to master real-world skills that could rival any of Pelican Town's artisans. You can pick from tons of workshops that are not unlike making kegs or cheese presses with your farm workbench. Why not learn to make baskets or soap, or brush up on tiling, wittling or restoring wooden furniture? The sessions provide practical skills with a touch of the handcrafted charm that you love in the game.

More at les-affutes.ca

Sample farm-to-table fare at the Marché des Éclusiers

When:

• Brunch, Saturdays and Sundays, 11:30 a.m.
• Farmer's Market, every Saturday as of May 27 through November, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: 400, rue de la Commune Ouest

Reason to go: This brunch spot on the Lachine Canal could be your Stardrop Saloon come to life. The waterfront destination is a great place to socialise, like mingling at Gus’ place, and eat farm-to-table dishes. You can also buy fresh produce directly from growers at a weekly farmer's market (consider that a little piece of Pierre's). It's a perfect weekend stop for those who treasure community vibes and fresh eats.

More at marchedeseclusiers.com

Attend the Festival of Seasons

When: May 5, 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Where: Cinquième Salle, Place des Arts

Cost: $124+

Reason to go: It’s round two for this hit musical event, after a first run in March that sold out faster than coffee at the Stardew Valley Night Market. Performed live by a chamber orchestra and curated by game creator ConcernedApe, the music that set the tone for your digital farming escape is brought to life — from the calming spring rains to the crisp winter winds. You'll get to hear the game's beloved melodies surrounded by fellow fans who share your passion and receive a sheet music keepsake to take a piece of the valley home. Tickets are still available for the afternoon and evening shows on Stubhub.

More at placedesarts.com