Top 5 Apple Orchards Around Montreal
No other Fall activity is quite as wholesome, or tasty, as apple picking. An old fashioned family fun activity, heading out to an apple orchard might seem a little tame, but its undeniably fun. Fresh air, good friends, and maybe a bottle of wine or two to keep your spirits high, a trip to an apple orchard is the perfect Fall activity. Plus your gonna walk out of there with TONS of apples, which will inevitably result in some apple-baking, and no one can resist the call of apple pie.
Montreal has quite a few apple orchards a short drive or bus away, so to help you narrow it down and get a sense of what each one offers, here are 5 awesome apple orchards (or vergers) around Montreal.
Vergers La France (1473, chemin Principal, Saint-Joseph-du-Lac)
A famous orchard, at least among cider enthusiasts, Vergers La France is located in the Lower Laurentians, an apple picking hub. You may recognize some of Vergers La France's products, as their cider is sold in every SAQ outlet in Quebec, and exported as far as Japan. Experience the cider-source with a tour of their Cider House, something a little bit more appealing to the drinkers among us.
Vergers Petit et Fils (1020, Chemin de la Montagne, Mont-Saint-Hilaire)
Right at the foot of Mt. Saint-Hilaire, is Vergers Petit et Fils, one of Montreal's more renowned apple orchards. Aside from apple picking, Petits et Fils has farm animals, a giant hedge maze, an amusement park, and tractor rides to keep you busy. For those looking for a meal, Petit et Fils has their own Pancake Restaurant, with over 100+ possible combinations and tasty creations to try.
Vergers La Marche (175 Montée du Village, Saint-Joseph-du-Lac)
If you want to keep it old school, Vergers La Marche is the place to go. Trying to keep the apple picking experience as authentic as possible, Vergers La Marche has a very rustic feel in its products and activities. If you're artistically inspired by apples, take a folk art class taught by owner Francine Lamarche. The orchard also has a line of 'chantepom' products, marketed as entirely healthy, eco-friendly, and delicious.
Quinn Farms (2495 Boul Perrot, Notre-Dame-de-l’Ile-Perrot)
Located only 20 minutes outside of the city is Quinn Farms. Not solely an apple orchard you can pick strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, apples, pumpkins, squash and even Christmas trees, all when in season. They also sell other produce, such as asparagus and sweet corn, among other eats like homemade sausages, baked goods, and various local products.
Ride the Apple Train
If you still can't decide, or don't have a car, the ATM makes its pretty easy for you. For the price of one apple ticket (about $30), ATM will provide you with return train transportation, bus transport, apple picking with a a 10-lb., and some snack-age. Orchard destinations change depending on the date, so be sure to check ahead if you have a specific orchard in mind.
All that apple talk get you hungry? Check out 5 Fall flavours you must eat this season >