Verger Sullivan, Mont-Saint-Hilaire

This easily accessible orchard is the perfect place to take a walk, enjoy a picnic, pick your own apples and have fun with the whole family.

To get there: take exo on-demand

Verger Trottier, Saint-Joseph-du-Lac

This enchanting orchard, nestled in a mountain valley near the Oka Abbey and overlooking Lake of Two Mountains, offers breathtaking views. This idyllic area invites everyone, big and small, to stroll freely among hundreds of apple trees. During your visit, you can enjoy tasting their homemade treats, including apple juice, donuts, cakes, pies, muffins, and a nice cider after your walk through the orchard.

To get there: 4377, chemin Oka, Saint-Joseph-du-Lac

Orchard and Cidrerie Lacroix, Saint-Joseph-du-Lac

With more than 7000 apple trees and 20 apple varieties, this orchard offers an enchanting area that makes it easy to discover the history of the apple trees on guided tours and sample different ciders at special tastings. This orchard offers a calendar of different experiences, from comedy nights and sporting events to family activities and theme parties. Gourmet dining celebrates the concept of “farm to table” by showcasing the orchard’s own products and those from local businesses to give you something both seasonal and fresh.

To get there: 649, chemin Principal, Saint-Joseph-du-Lac

Everything you need to know before you go apple picking

For a perfect day of apple picking, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of it:

The orchard
Selecting the ideal orchard for your apple picking day can vary, depending on your preferences. Do you prefer a small orchard for an intimate family experience, or a big orchard to take advantage of a larger selection of activities and services, like play areas, tractor rides, and local product tastings? Consider the types of apples that are available too, and the additional services like cider houses or shops selling handmade products. See our orchard recommendations above to discover which Quebec-based apple producers are accessible via public transit.

Available services
It’s always best to check which services each orchard offers, such as play areas, picnic areas, and tractor or horseback rides, as well as the availability of organic apples, cider, homemade juice, and other products from the farm. This can help you plan your day, whether you want to bring a picnic or enjoy the on-site restaurants.

Dates and varieties
To avoid disappointments, it’s important to educate yourself about the available offerings when you plan on visiting. The producers’ websites and Facebook pages can provide you with information about the availability of different apple varieties. The ripeness of the apples varies based on the region and yearly weather conditions.

What to bring

• Cash money : certains vergers n'acceptent que l'argent comptant.
• Reusable bags:: take an environmentally friendly approach and bring your own bags. Certain producers accept reusable bags, especially for kiosk purchases.

Rules for responsible apple picking

• Respect the authorized rows for apple picking.
• Pick the apples without harming the trees: lift and flip the apple off the branch to remove it.
• Use the provided ladders; do not climb the trees.
• Avoid breaking the branches and wasting apples.
• Do not litter or smoke in the apple picking zones.
• Watch your children, both for their security and to show respect for other apple pickers.

By following these tips, your apple picking day will not only be fun but environmentally friendly, too.

Answers to your questions about apple picking

Why choose apple picking? Advantages and benefits

Apple picking is more than a simple activity; it’s a responsible and healthy way of consuming fruit. It allows us to taste fruit at its freshest, to reconnect with nature, and to support local farmers. What’s more, it’s an opportunity to teach younger generations about the origins of their food in a fun and engaging way.

When does apple picking start and end?

Apple picking season in Quebec usually starts around the end of August and can last until the end of October. The best time to go apple picking varies depending on the type of apple and the yearly weather conditions. It is advisable to check with the orchard you intend on visiting to obtain precise information about the apple varieties that are available and the best dates to pick them.

How does apple picking in an orchard work?

Apple picking is a fun and educational family activity. Upon your arrival at the orchard, it’s likely that you will be welcomed by the staff, who will then provide you with instructions and, on occasion, materials like bags or baskets to hold your apples. Some orchards offer tractor rides to the apple picking zones. It’s important to follow the orchard’s instructions to pick the apples correctly so you can avoid harming the trees or wasting the fruits. After having picked your apples, you can purchase them by weight at the orchard exit.

Taking advantage of local treasures like apple picking enriches our lives and supports the local economy. Plan your next outing with exo for a hassle-free experience, and don’t forget to download the Chrono application to optimize your journey. Embark on a fall adventure that promises to be equally delicious and rewarding!

Plan your trips with our trip planner to see the many route options available to you.