October is jack-o-lantern season, so why not get the family out of the house and into the pumpkin patch! You can find an abundance of places within driving distance of Montreal where you and your family can pick your own pumpkins. Here are some of our favourites:
NORTH OF MONTREAL
La Centre d’Interpretation de la Courge de Quebec
839 Principal Rd., St. Joseph du lac
450-623-4894
Approximately 45 minutes from Montreal
Pumpkin picking until mid-October or until stock runs out
9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
centredelacourge.com
Beyond the pumpkin patch, you can also find a picnic area, playground and tree house for kids, as well as a squash market. For those who don’t want to head out into the fields, pumpkins are also available for purchase at the store. And to set a festive mood, the group Les Jacks will be performing every Sunday from September 4 to October 15. from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
La Magie de la Pomme
925 Fresnière Rd., St. Eustache
450-623-0062
Approximately 45 minutes from Montreal
Pumpkin picking until the end of October
From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
lamagiedelapomme.com
This orchard offers more than 100 varieties of pumpkin and squash to pick yourself. Visitors can taste homemade apple bread, visit a mini-farm, enjoy a tractor ride, spend time in the play area and sandbox, and pick pumpkins. Visit the website to view weekend activities such as tractor rides, kids’ makeup, and tastings.
WEST OF MONTREAL
Le Verger Labonté
2291 Perrot Blvd., Notre-Dame-de-l’Île-Perrot
514-453-5379
Approximately 30 minutes from Montreal
The season starts beginning of October and runs to November
9 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the week and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the weekend.
vergerlabonte.com
This orchard has a playground area, mini-farm, and corn mazes set up for kids of different age groups. For those looking for a challenge, an adventure game in the woods has a variety of different options for kids and adults. Bring your own picnic or purchase a tasty snack on-site. Although not required, families are strongly encouraged to book a time slot online in advance to avoid disappointment.
La Ferme Quinn
2495 Perrot Blvd. S., Notre-Dame-de-l’Île-Perrot
514-453-1510
Approximately 30 minutes from Montreal
Pumpkin picking until the end of October
Wednesdays through Sundays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
quinnfarm.qc.ca
La Ferme Quinn has a barn animals to visit, a play yard including giant slides, tricycles and a cedar hedge maze. A visit to the extensive farm shop and bakery is a must and you’ll want to grab a pie or muffins to go. Reservations are required from anyone visiting the animal barn, playground, and for u-pick activities. Online reservations open one week ahead of time, places will be limited.
SOUTH OF MONTREAL
Vergers Pierre Tremblay et fils
375 Rang de la Montagne, Mont St. Grégoire
450-347-6336
Approximately 40-minutes from Montreal
Pumpkin picking until the end of October
8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
verger-tremblay.ca
This pumpkin patch also has a playground, sandbox, games, tractor rides, walking trails, and a mini farm. Aside from a huge assortment of pies, cookies and muffins, the on-site restaurant serves lunch with food like homemade soups and quiches.
Ferme La Fille Du Roy
1920 Rang St-Simon, Ste. Madeleine
450-795-3579
Approximately an hour from Montreal
Pumpkin picking through mid-October
Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
lafilleduroy.ca
Situated on the South Shore, Ferme La Fille Du Roy offers families the chance to pick their own pumpkins as well as artichokes and squash during the fall season. There is a decorated corn maze for different ages and a picnic area on site. As a special treat, wood-fired pizza is available on Saturdays and Sundays as long as the weather cooperates. From 11 a.m. while supplies last. From Tuesday to Thursday pets on a leash are permitted.
La Ferme Reid Sabrevois
485 Rte 133, Sabrevois
450-346-6867
Approximately 45 minutes from Montreal
Pumpkin picking with tractor rides offered through October
Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
fermereid.com
Pick your own pumpkin at Ferme Reid, which also boasts a picnic area, animal farm and playground for children. This year, it has three corn mazes (to suit little kids up to teenagers and adults). The farm’s specialty at their kiosk is sweet corn. U-pick is available from the last weekend of September to the end of October. On weekdays, pumpkin picking is by reservation only for 15 people or more.
Potager Mont-Rouge Halte Gourmande
154 Rang de la Montagne, Rougemont
844-94POMME
Approximately 45 minutes from Montreal
Pumpkin picking until the end of October
8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
pmrhaltegourmande.ca
Located at the bottom of Mount Rougemont, this is a popular spot to enjoy the fall colours. A tractor ride will take you to the pumpkin patch at Potager Mont-Rouge Halte Gourmande, where you’ll also be able to meet animals on a mini-farm, jump on a giant trampoline, and walk through a corn maze. Aside from pumpkins, you can also pick apples, tomatoes and more. The farm is well-known for its homemade donuts and freshly pressed apple juice.
Related Read: Top Tips for Carving the Perfect Pumpkin
