Quebec’s farms and markets offer a delicious taste of fall

Fall is in the air, and while you may not be ready to say ‘so long’ to summer, it helps to celebrate all that autumn brings. Why not take advantage of the harvest season and visit some of Quebec’s local farms and markets? Enjoy homegrown (and even organic) apples, pumpkins, cheeses and wines, along with a few surprises.

It's up to you to decide whether to take an afternoon stroll or make it a weekend of discovery. Here are a few of Quebec’s best farms and markets that will give you a taste of ​​all that local growers have to offer.

Photo Credit: iStock.com/goodluz

Marché de la Gare (Sherbrooke)
You can really find everything at this market, which brings together about thirty farmers and producers from across the Eastern Townships region who offer fine cheeses, organic and artisanal meats, and other high-quality fresh produce. Outdoor entertainment is offered every Saturday.

Fromagerie La Suisse Normande (Saint-Roch West)
A goat farm, cheeseworks, and fields of fresh produce ... everything there is to see and taste at this Saint-Roch cheese producer will fill a day with gourmet treats. And those lucky goats are at the centre of sustainable agriculture practices. Raised on grains grown on site, the goats’ milk is then crafted into award-winning soft and firm cheeses you’ll want to stock up on.

Le Chat botté vineyard (Hemmingford)
Sure you can find these reds, whites and rosés at the SAQ, but they’re even better experienced on the vines at this small vineyard located just 30 minutes from Montreal. You can even taste one of their specialties: straw wine. We could tell you more, but it’s best if you make the trip to discover it for yourself. While you’re there, play winegrower for a day by participating in the harvest chores.

Les petits fruits d'Évelyne (Princeville)
A trip to this quaint blueberry farm in Princeville is both pleasant and informative. Here you’ll learn  about the production of Quebec agriculture with a guided tour and pick your own, or purchase, fresh blueberry treats. With six different varieties of blueberries to choose from you might have the feeling you’re in Quebec’s blueberry capital, Lac Saint-Jean, but without the long drive.

Le Verger Gibouleau (Laval)
We don't necessarily think of Laval's Île Jésus when we plan an apple-picking adventure, but the producers at Verger Gibouleau have been working for over a century to take care of their more than 10,000 apple trees. You’ll even find pears and plums on offer. With a dozen varieties of apples just waiting to be picked, you’ll want to plan your menu accordingly. Will you start with apple pie? Apple turnovers or muffins? Maybe apple jam or apple sauce? Apple cider? Caramel apples? We could go on and on...

Les Citrouillards (Saint-Eustache)
The self-proclaimed ‘kingdom of pumpkins and squash’ is the real deal.  Les Citrouillards is the perfect place to get into the Halloween spirit with a trip to the pumpkin patch to grab a few to carve, and a few more to try this no-bake pumpkin pie recipe. Little ones will enjoy the mini farm where you can make friends with rabbits, goats, chickens and roosters. And don’t forget the many types of squash. You’re sure to find some that look great on your plate, and others that will look great on your Thanksgiving table.

The Orpailleur Vineyard (Dunham)
Learn all about wine production in Quebec, including the methods, grape varieties found in the Eastern Townships, and more by visiting this vineyard located in a beautiful corner of Dunham. Visitors can also take a tour of the craft brewery there. Follow the Vine Trail for a self-guided tour that takes you into the fields to learn about the history of the vineyard itself. Tastings are not currently available, but guests will enjoy uncorking a bottle at one of the many picnic tables on the grounds.