Apple Picking Montreal: Best Time, Top Orchards & Tips
Fall in Quebec brings crisp air and colorful leaves. It's the perfect season for apple picking. Families and friends head to orchards to enjoy fresh fruit, open spaces, and a day outdoors.
If you’re planning to go apple picking in Montreal, this guide covers everything you need to know. Learn when the apple picking season starts, where to go, and how to make the most of your trip under the trees.
When Is the Best Time to Go Apple Picking?
As summer fades, excitement builds for fall outings. Apple picking in Montreal starts drawing crowds soon after. Knowing the right timing helps you pick the ripest fruit without the rush.
The apple picking season in Montreal kicks off in late August. Early varieties like JerseyMac appear first. But the peak hits in September. That's when most orchards buzz with activity. Honeycrisp and Gala shine then, sweet and crunchy. Late October wraps it up with Empire and Cortland for cooler days.
Go mid-September for the best apple picking Montreal experience. Weather stays mild, around 15-20°C. Crowds thin out on weekdays.
Check orchard websites for updates. Rain can shift schedules. Weekends fill fast, so book ahead. Early mornings beat the heat and lines. Pack layers—mornings chill, afternoons warm up. This timing ensures full baskets and happy vibes.
10 Best Orchards Near Montréal to Visit
Ready for some hands-on fun? Once you’ve picked a date, it’s time to pick your orchard. Here’s a list of the spots for apple picking near Montreal to visit for your next fall adventure.
1. Labonté de la Pomme - Verger - Cidrerie & Cabane à Pommes
Set in the scenic Oka Valley, this family-run orchard has over 100 years of history and a breathtaking mountain view. Pick your favorite Honeycrisp or Spartan apples, then stop by the cabane for warm cider and fresh pies. For a full fall experience, take a hike on nearby trails to enjoy the colorful scenery. Open weekends from 9 a.m.
2. Verger Labonté
In Notre-Dame-de-l’Île-Perrot, Verger Labonté is an eco-friendly orchard that cares about nature and sustainability. You can pick apples and sometimes pears when they’re in season. Kids will love the fun nature workshops that teach about the outdoors. It’s a great place for apple picking near Montréal with a family-friendly vibe. Arrive early for quieter rows.
3. Au Coeur de la Pomme
In Frelighsburg, near the U.S. border, this charming orchard sits on land that’s over 300 years old. The Lavasseur family runs it and shares stories during guided tours. Pick a mix of fruits and walk through the peaceful grounds. Don’t miss the vintage cider tastings — they’re a local favorite. It’s about 1.5 hours from Montréal.
4. Vergers & Cidrerie Denis Charbonneau
At the foot of Mont-Saint-Grégoire, this orchard is a family classic. There are 19 apple varieties to pick, plus a cozy crêperie with sweet and savory options. Early fall brings fresh berries too. Kids love the playgrounds, and parents enjoy the award-winning ciders.
5. Quinn Farm
Just a short drive from Montréal, Quinn Farm is simple, friendly, and perfect for families. You can pick apples, pumpkins, or corn, ride the hay wagon, and grab a snack at the little shop. Prices are fair, and the vibe is relaxed. Visit during the week if you want fewer crowds.
6. Cidrerie Lacroix
In Saint-Joseph-du-Lac, this place is known for its huge orchard — over 7,000 trees and 20 kinds of apples. Pick your favorites, enjoy a fresh meal at their restaurant, or take a cider tour to see how it’s made. They stay open into November, so you can visit even late in the season.
7. Plaza Rive Nord - Verger Richard Legault
Another gem in Saint-Joseph-du-Lac, this orchard has been around since 1979. Families love the tractor rides, picnic spots, and pumpkin picking. It’s easy to get to and great for kids. Book a day pass online and make a full day of it.
8. La Magie de la Pomme
True to its name, “The Magic of the Apple” is full of charm. You’ll be greeted by Lady Patricia and her friendly team before hopping on a tractor ride to the fields. There’s cider tasting, treats, and fun for the kids. It really feels like a bit of magic in the countryside.
9. La Tête dans les Pommes
Certified organic since 2021, this orchard uses no chemicals and offers more than 25 apple varieties to pick from. Families can bring a picnic, let the kids play, and stop by the farm shop for homemade jams. Perfect for health-conscious apple picking MTL fans.
10. Verger Cidrerie PB711
About 1 hour and 45 minutes from Montréal in Montérégie, this orchard is worth the drive. It’s open all year but shines in the fall. Kids love the petting zoo, adults enjoy the fresh cider, and everyone leaves happy. The countryside views make it the perfect stop for a weekend road trip.
How to Plan and Enjoy Your Apple Picking Day
Apple picking is a fun way to enjoy the season, spend time outside, and bring home fresh fruit. A little planning helps everything go smoothly. Let’s look at what to know and pack.
Check the weather and dress for it
Look at the forecast before you go so you can dress right. Wear comfortable clothes that can get a bit dirty and bring boots if it might be muddy. A hat helps on sunny days. The EcoFlow Power Hat is a great option because it shields you from the sun while also charging your phone with solar power.
Bring your own bags and some cash
Most orchards charge for their bags, so bringing your own helps you save money. Entry fees are usually around ten to twenty dollars per person, and you pay for apples by weight. Carrying some cash is a good idea since smaller orchards may not take cards.
Pack food and power for the day
Take a picnic so you can relax and enjoy a meal in the orchard. Fresh apples go perfectly with cheese, bread, and juice. If you plan to stay longer, bring a portable power station to keep your phone and cooler charged.
The EcoFlow TRAIL Series DC Portable Power Station is light, quiet, and durable. It can power small items like phones and lights, and it recharges easily from a car, solar panel, or USB-C cable.
EcoFlow TRAIL Series DC Portable Power Station
Plan how to get there
Driving is the easiest way to reach most orchards since they are usually thirty to ninety minutes from Montréal. Carpooling saves gas and makes the trip more fun. For closer orchards such as Quinn Farm, biking works well. Some EXO buses go to South Shore areas, but public transit is limited, so check before leaving.
Enjoy your time at the orchard
Once you arrive, take your time and enjoy the experience. Use wagons to carry your apples, and let the kids climb ladders to pick from higher branches. Snap a few photos among the trees and colorful leaves. Many orchards have hayrides, small mazes, or play areas for children, so there is plenty to explore while you are there.
Conclusion
Apple picking in Montreal captures everything special about fall — crisp air, golden leaves, and orchards alive with the scent of fresh fruit. It’s a time to unwind outdoors, enjoy good company, and bring home the taste of the season.
A little planning makes the day even better, from packing a picnic to keeping your gear charged. With EcoFlow’s reliable portable power, you can stay connected and comfortable through every orchard adventure.
FAQs
Where is the apple capital of Canada?
The apple capital of Canada is Newcastle in Ontario’s Durham Region. This area grows around 13 percent of Ontario’s apples each year. The land is rich and filled with orchards. Families visit for tours and fall festivals, and many combine those trips with camping in Ontario at nearby parks for a full weekend escape. Apple growing is a local tradition that brings people together and keeps the community proud.
What apple varieties are most popular near Montréal?
The most popular apple varieties near Montréal offer something for every taste.
Honeycrisp: Tops charts for crisp texture and honeyed sweetness; ready mid-September.
Golden Delicious: Versatile for pies and salads; mild flavor shines year-round.
Macintosh: Tart and juicy, great fresh; early fall staple.
Spartan: Red-skinned with spice notes; balances sweet-tart for versatile use.
Empire: Late-season keeper, firm for storage and cooking.
Can I bring my dog to the orchard?
Many apple orchards near Montréal welcome dogs, but rules differ by location. Most allow leashed pets in outdoor areas, as long as owners keep them under control and clean up after them.
Some spots, like Labonté de la Pomme, allow dogs only outside food zones. Quinn Farm welcomes calm dogs, while Cidrerie Lacroix allows them but not inside dining areas.