Fall is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful seasons to explore Lanaudière. The orchards are turning vibrant colors, the fields are overflowing with pumpkins and squash, the farm stands are brimming with freshly harvested produce, and many farmers open their doors to share their expertise.
Why choose pick-your-own in Lanaudière?
Because you get to take your time wandering through the orchards or fields, choosing the fruits and vegetables you’ll take home yourself, and chatting with the farmers who grow them.
It’s also an activity that appeals to families, couples, and groups of friends alike. Many farms also offer gourmet shops, picnic areas, farm animals, and even corn mazes, so you can easily spend several hours there.
Fall Harvest Calendar
Wondering when’s the best time to go pick apples, pumpkins, or squash in Lanaudière? The seasons can vary slightly depending on the weather and the farmers. Before heading out, be sure to check the farm’s website or Facebook page to see the current harvest status.
Here’s an overview of the main crops available throughout the fall.
August
The pick-your-own season gets off to a slow start with the first harvests.
You can pick, among other things:
- The first apple varieties (depending on the orchard)
- Sweet corn
- Potatoes
- Some cut flowers
September
September is undoubtedly the best time to enjoy pick-your-own. The fields and orchards are at their peak.
You can pick or find at the stands:
- Apples
- Pears
- Pumpkins
- Squash
- Potatoes
- Onions
- Carrots and other root vegetables
- Late-season flowers (depending on the farm)
October
Fall colors are in full swing, and many harvests are still underway.
The perfect time for:
- Late-season apple varieties
- Pumpkins
- Squash
- Potatoes
- Onions
- Carrots and other root vegetables
Here are a few places to fully enjoy the fall harvests in Lanaudière.
FERME CORMIER | L'ASSOMPTION
Pumpkin picking at Ferme Cormier is more popular than ever! Not only can you pick your own pumpkin in the field, but you can also take a tractor ride. Take the opportunity to enjoy a family picnic with the delicious homemade products sold on-site, if you’d like. The pick-your-own season has begun, and Ferme Cormier welcomes you on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
FERME GUY RIVEST | Rawdon
Pumpkin picking has begun at Guy Rivest Farm. Take the opportunity to explore the Grand Labyrinthe and solve puzzles themed around the human body. We’re making the most of the last of summer’s warmth with a strawberry slushie. Plus, throughout the month of October, the maze will be decorated for Halloween. On Saturdays in October, the maze is open in the evening for an even more memorable experience… in the dark!
BLEUETIÈRE ASSELIN | LANORAIE
People go there to pick pumpkins and zucchini, enjoy apple slushies and pies, among other things. The playground and picnic tables will make your visit even more enjoyable.
FERME BRIHO-BEL - SAINT-JACQUES
A small, charming fruit and vegetable stand where you can pick your own pumpkins and squash, and where they sell local and homemade products (pies, jams, honey, maple syrup).
Where can you pick your own apples?
You Reap What You Sow | Saint Jean de Matha
You can pick apples in Lanaudière! Starting in late August, the farm is happy to welcome you and offer you several varieties. There’s also a gourmet shop where their delicious products are showcased. You can sample cider—including their famous Golden Russet cider, available only on-site—and stock up on apple donuts, candied apples, juice, and maple products. Don’t forget to try their excellent coffee! Please note that pick-your-own ends when the apples run out, so we recommend following their Facebook page HERE to find out the exact dates when picking is available.
BLEUETIÈRE ASSELIN | LANORAIE
After blueberry season, in addition to squash and zucchini, apples are now available for picking (in limited quantities) starting in late August! Stay up to date on available quantities by checking out their Facebook page HERE.
WHERE CAN YOU PICK YOUR OWN GRAPES?
FERME GUY RIVEST | RAWDON
Red, blue, and green grapes, you'll have to hurry because quantities are limited! Ferme Guy Rivest now offers pick-your-own grapes, a fruit loved by all. Grape picking begins in mid-September this year.
VIGNOBLE DU VENT MAUDIT | BERTHIERVILLE
Grape picking begins in early September at the Vignoble du Vent Maudit. The seedless, organic blue, green, and red grapes are ready to be picked. You can also buy them directly at the stand. The site is open for pick-your-own on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. We recommend bringing your own scissors and containers.
WHERE CAN YOU PICK YOUR OWN NUTS?
AU JARDIN DES NOIX | SAINT-AMBROISE-DE-KILDARE
That’s right, you can pick hazelnuts in Lanaudière! In addition to a guided tour of the hazelnut orchard, workshops on harvesting and preparing wild edible plants, and access to the gourmet shop, you can pick your own hazelnuts throughout the month of September. Here’s a great activity to discover in the region. The hazelnut pick-your-own season begins on August 28 and will be available Thursday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Details about the activity can be found HERE.
WHERE CAN YOU PICK YOUR OWN FLOWERS?
LA SUISSE NORMANDE - SAINT-ROCH-DE-L'ACHIGAN
At L'Épicerie Rurale, you can not only discover local flavors and enjoy a picnic in a rural setting, but you can also visit the goat farm to learn more about dairy goat farming from the informational signs and, best of all, pick flowers at La Sauvageonne right next door.
WHERE CAN YOU PICK YOUR OWN FALL RASPBERRIES?
FERME BOURDELAIS | LAVALTRIE
Who says you can't pick berries in the fall anymore? The raspberry picking season is extended thanks to various fall varieties. You can pick them at Ferme Bourdelais. The “Automne Bliss” variety is, apparently, sweet and delicious!
Plan Your Trip Carefully
- Check the hours of operation.
- Check the condition of the crops.
- Wear appropriate footwear.
- Bring reusable bags.
- Check the payment methods.
- Check the weather forecast.
No matter what you choose to pick, pick-your-own is a great opportunity to discover the expertise of Lanaudière’s farmers and take a little piece of the region home in your basket.
