Like so many things, apple picking is bound to look very different this year.
After a season that left a lot of mom and pop farms forced to remain closed last year, the 2021 apple-picking season cannot come fast enough.
That said, it is important to be diligent about implementing public health guidelines and safety recommendations. Wear your mask, social distance, call or book online in advance, as most of these places are working with limited capacity, and be kind to the staff. They've had a long year too.
In regards to the vaccination passport, do be sure to research online before heading to your apple picking destination, as rules and regulations vary from place to place.
1. Quinn Farm (Ile-Perrot)
"Quinn Farm is family-owned and operated by Phil and Stephanie Quinn. They bought the farm from Phil’s parents, Elwood and Marie Quinn in 2010. The farm was started in 1982 when Elwood and Marie bought 110 acres of brushland. They worked hard removing small trees and shrubs in order to work the land. They installed drainage and planted berries and sweet corn."
A note from Quinn Farm:
The vaccine passport will not be required to visit the farm, given that we are considered an essential service. We have however closed all meal services, in order to avoid being considered a restaurant. We have also removed all picnic tables. We will continue to serve snacks for take-out, such as drinks, popcorn, individual baked goods, etc."
(SOURCE)
2. Verger Labonté (Ile-Perrot)
"The Verger Labonté is a place of awakening and inspiration that promotes the link between nature and human beings. Through its eco-responsible approach and its immersive natural environments, the orchard offers creative and benevolent experiences in order to sensitize all stakeholders in its community to the potential of human consciousness."
(SOURCE)
3. Les Fromages du Verger (Saint-Joseph-du-Lac)
"Located at the top of Saint-Joseph-du-Lac, our eco-responsible agritourism destination offers artisanal cheeses, rustic lamb and pork meat, and an organic orchard of 2500 apple trees."
To book an appointment online, visit: http://www.lesfromagesduverger.com/
4. Le Verger de Hudson Biologique (Hudson)
"Passionate about food and local harvesting, Anick is endlessly amazed at the bounty of the orchard. Her mission is to innovate with this harvest and offer products that retain the organic flavors of the fruits or vegetables being grown with little interference and preservatives. She strives to have people discover the organic and refined aspects of food.
Anick, an upholsterer by trade, is inspired by design which is translated into the concepts and developments of the products of the orchard. The marketing and packaging aspects of the business feed her creative side.
Her wishes for the orchard include it being a place for people to come together, share in their knowledge of agriculture and love of food. The cultural and community events at Le Verger hope to inspire and promote local farming."
A note from Le Verger de Hudson:
We are looking forward to welcoming you for organic U-Pick as of August 28th!
Reservations will be required on Saturdays and Sundays. No reservations are needed on weekdays Monday thru Friday.
(SOURCE)
5. Jude-Pomme (Oka)
"We invite you to taste the apples, pears, and plums available at the time of your visit.
In our opinion, this is an essential step to help you choose the right fruits for you. In addition, you will make great discoveries by savoring varieties that are often less known."
Open 9:30 - 5:00 7 days a week. No vaccination passport is required.
(SOURCE)
6. La Magie de la Pomme (St-Eustache)
"Our orchard is a magical place that you will not find anywhere else! Located in Saint-Eustache, young and old will be enchanted by this world of entertainment, tasting, observation, and enchantment, where everything has been done to offer everyone a unique and memorable experience. We have tailor-made activities for all members of the family!
La Magie de la Pomme is proud to offer you a family activity in the countryside for several years, we will be there for you next year with lots of new ideas and projects."
(SOURCE)
7. Lacroix Ciderie (Saint-Joseph-du-Lac)
"La Cidrerie Lacroix welcomes you to the heart of the Lower Laurentians to help you discover the apple through its ciders, its orchard, and its gourmet offer! The perfect outing with friends 30 minutes from Montreal!"
"More than 7000 apple trees and 20 varieties of apples have been growing in our orchard for over 30 years! Picking is available from the end of August to the end of October!"
(SOURCE)
8. Domaine Lafrance (Saint-Joseph-du-Lac)
"Apple picking begins 7 days a week from August 21! We update the apple varieties to pick every week on our Facebook page.
Entrance fees for access to the orchards are $ 3 and free for children 12 and under. A bracelet will be given to you!
Access to the general site is free of charge.
Back this year, transport wheelbarrows for your apples and return of the tractor shuttle service, depending on traffic! We have 3 stations to wait for the shuttle in the orchards! Payments by credit card, debit, or cash are accepted."
For more information, visit https://www.domainelafrance.com/
9. Verger Richard Legault (Saint-Joseph-du-Lac)
"The Verger Richard Legault will be present at the “Colors and Flavors Weekend - 2021” which will be held on October 30 and 31 at the Rosemère Multisports Center will bring together artists, artisans and producers and local and agri-food artisans, cheese makers, vineyards, cider makers and microbrewers and members of the tourism industry who will be proud of it and who will be able to take advantage of certain business opportunities while participating in a charity market for the benefit of the three children's hospitals of Montreal Hôpital Sainte-Justine, Montreal Children Hospital, Hôpital Shriners for children.
The colors and flavors weekend will be the artistic and craft event of the year in Quebec."
(SOURCE)
