Updated on Aug 9, 2023
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A favourite autumn tradition “Apple Picking” has become synonymous with rosy cheeks and foodie delights, and especially family fun. This way everyone!
By Carolyne Parent
Here, in September, Lobo, Paulared, McIntosh and Spartan are picked. In October, Empire and Corthland apples are in season. No matter what weekend it is, the highlight of the trip to the orchard is the outdoor cider bar and the store where you can find delicious fresh pies. The mini-farm and tractor ride will also appeal to younger pickers. Plus, the view from the site is magnificent.
To pick your apples, you’re at the right place, but there’s much more that awaits you here. . . In fact, the site also offers a tour of their farm, a farm life interpretation centre, as well as several animals—alpacas, lamas, miniature horses, and many more!—that your children will love to pet and to walk around with.
What a beautiful sight! In Frelighsburg, in the buildings of the old dairy farm that belonged to Adélard Godbout, prime minister of Quebec in 1936 and then from 1939 to 1944, a boutique and artisanal vinegar factory will take you back to the 19th century. This, plus you’ll be tempted by many other gourmet products before or after you pick your apples.
In Dunham, this organic orchard is renowned for its berry self-picking activities, but also for its 23 varieties of apples. Thus, from mid-August to the end of October, you’ll be able to fill your bags with Honeycrisp, red Delicious, Golden Russet . . . at their stand, don’t forget to taste their apple-blossom honey that the Charbonneau-Poitras family produces with “lots of love”. . .
High up on the hill on which the abbey was built, the panorama is simply . . . divine. The monks open the apple-picking season normally on Labor Day weekend and ends on Thanksgiving weekend. Good to know, the Benedictines make a perfect complement to apples: cheese! Do not miss out of this one!
In Compton, this orchard offers, aside from its self-picking activity, an apple interpretation centre and a pumpkin fair next October 14 and 15. No doubt kids will have an amazing time as they decorate the witch Orise’s curcubit plantation . . . and yourself as well, c’mon, admit it!
Note: In most orchards you’ll be able to pick your apples until the end of October. However, it is always a good idea to call ahead before you leave.
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