8 Apple-Picking Spots to Visit This Fall in the Eastern Townships
Autumn is here, and the Townships’ orchards are calling. If you’re looking for crisp air, baskets of apples, and scenic drives, here areeightorchards worth planning a visit for:
1.Abbaye de Saint‑Benoît‑du‑Lac
The abbey’s orchard is not just a place to pick apples — it’s a destination. With ~3,500 apple trees, and a boutique selling cider, compotes, cheese and more, it blends spirituality and harvest. The orchards are open on week-ends, from 9 to 5, but you can visit the abbey any day of the week. If your timing is right, you can catch the Gregorian monks chanting in the chapel at the end of the corridor, to the left. (Full post coming on this location soon!)
1 Rue Principale, Saint-Benoît-du-Lac Quebec J0B 2M0
(819) 843-4080
“Tucked between Stanstead and Ayer’s Cliff in the Eastern Townships, Heath Orchard is a two-century-old, family-owned heritage farm and apple orchard that provides an ideal apple picking experience.
Spend hours wandering through thousands of full-grown standard apple trees and dwarf trees in dozens of classic and hard-to-find varieties—including MacIntosh, Cortland, Honeycrisp, Shamrock, Empire, Sunrise, Golden Russett, Kerr Crabapples, Wolf River, Lobo, Wealthy and Bancroft and more —all surrounded by sunsets atop rolling hills. After a leisurely day of picking apples, visit the kiosk to perusehandmade pottery, fresh veggies from the garden, jams and jellies, maple syrup, honey.”
You can also pick pumpkin and squash varieties for Thanksgiving and Halloween!
4950 Chemin Heath Route 143, Stanstead QC J0B 3E0
A powerhouse orchard: over 15,000 fruit trees, picking, tastings, boutique, and cider offerings. Open Thursday to Sunday, as well as holiday Mondays, from 9 to 5, this place offers the full experience.
They’re also Quebec’s only commercial peach and nectarine producer!
4470 Ch Godbout, Dunham QC J0E1M0
This ecological orchard in Frelighsburg offers pick-your-own apples and a boutique full of vinegars, jams, mustards, and more — a sensory treat beyond just fruit. If you’re curious about their story and how it ties into local history, click on the link above!
42 237 rte N, FRELIGHSBURG QUEBEC J0J 1C0
(450) 298-5319
Nestled in Compton, in the Coaticook Valley,Cidrerie Verger Ferlandhas established itself as a landmark orchard and farm venture since 1960.vergerferland.com+2Tourisme Cantons-de-l’Est+2With its idyllic microclimate, this orchard combines fruit cultivation, product innovation, and visitor experience under one roof.Tourisme Cantons-de-l’Est+1
What Makes It Special
Diverse fruit production: Beyond apples, Verger Ferland also cultivates pears and is theonly producer of plums in the Eastern Townships.
Reduced chemical use: Thanks to improved techniques and conscientious practices, pesticide applications are reduced by50 to 80 %, while still maintaining high fruit quality.
Visitor offerings: In season (from August through October), visitors can enjoypick-your-own, tractor rides, picnic areas, and a boutique of transformed products.
Artisanal transformations: At the heart of Verger Ferland’s identity is transformation — gelées, sauces, ciders, mistelles (pear & plum), and other products.
What to Expect as a Visitor
A tranquil setting in the Compton / Eastern Townships region, with views over rolling hills and well‑tended orchards
A chance to pick apples, pears or plums depending on the season
A boutique offering fruit-based products, baked items, and local delicacies
Seasonal ambiance: tractor rides, picnic spots, and a genuine farm feel
Friendly service and local authenticity — this is a family orchard that still values its roots and its community
380 Dela Station Ch, Compton QC J0B 1L0· 66 km
This place combines orchard picking with local food products in a relaxed farm environment. I also like the convenience of their roadside kiosk, making it easy to simply pull over and buy what you need.
During my first fall in the Townships, I ended up getting overly excited about this possibility being a few minutes from my home, and I bought an excessive amount of apples and pears. I baked until I was blue in the face and still ended up giving away so much of it!
519 Bruce Route 202 Rue, Dunham QC J0E1M0
(450) 295-2667
Located in the Compton region, this orchard offers 22+ apple varieties, and a vivid countryside setting. They are currently open seven days a week, with many activities for children, including tractor rides and an observation tower.
6291 Route Louis-S.-Saint-Laurent, Compton QC J0B 1L0
A 28-hectare orchard producing over 20 apple (and other fruit) varieties. They offer U-pick, a boutique with jams, jellies, prepared meals, and picnic areas.
1300 Rue Saint-Paul, Farnham QC J2N 2L1
🍁 Tips for Your Orchard Day
Check opening hours & varieties— some orchards change daily or weekly.
Dress in layers— morning chill, midday warmth.
Don’t skip the boutique— many orchards offer unique products (ciders, jams, vinegars).
Visit early in the season(a little late for this post but think about it next year, haha!)— you’ll get fruit variety, fewer crowds, and vibrant fall color.
