Five Fruity Getaways in Eastern Townships

Nothing says summer like freshly picked, sun-kissed berries. In the Eastern Townships, a number of growers open their fields to visitors, allowing self-picking of these naturally sweet little delights.

Take advantage of your visit to the region and to Espace 4 Saisons to indulge in some agrotourism, and bring back a little of the summer bounty in your suitcases!

Strawberries & Raspberries | Ferme au Pré bleu | June and July

409, chemin Paul, Ascot Corner

Strawberries launch the self-picking season. Head to this peaceful little spot in the heart of the Haut-Saint-François region, and fill your baskets with delicious strawberries and raspberries. To pick these fruits, wear closed-toe shoes you don’t mind getting dirty, and light, comfortable clothes. A tractor will take you to the strawberry field. At home, you can enjoy the berries as they are… or with whipped cream, on a scoop of vanilla ice cream or in a tart that’ll fill the house with the scent of strawberries!

Morello Cherries | Paradis des fruits de Dunham | Mid-July

519 Bruce Street (Route 202), Dunham

There’s so much to pick at Paradis des Fruits, right from the first fine days of summer. Of course, there are strawberries, raspberries and blueberries, but among the lesser-known varieties, you’ll also find currants, gooseberries and morello cherries. Morello cherry is more acidic than the red cherry found in grocery stores, but it’s perfect to use in pastry recipes.

Blueberries | Les bleuets bio du Marquis | July and August

236, chemin West Hill, Mansonville

Located in front of the Réserve naturelle des Montagnes-Vertes and close to Owl’s Head Mountain, this blueberry farm benefits from an enchanting natural environment. Over 2,500 highbush blueberry plants (also known as giant blueberry) are grown here without pesticides or herbicides. There’s also a small picnic area and a play module. It’s the perfect place to introduce children to agrotourism.

Sea Buckthorn | Jardins Zone Orange | August

506, chemin de Sainte-Anne South, Sainte-Anne-de-la-Rochelle

Open for self-picking only in August, Jardins Zone Orange has over twenty varieties of sea buckthorn. The best way to pick this vitamin-packed little orange fruit is to cut off the branches, freeze them at home and then shake them to remove the berries. The fruit, already frozen, can be used in smoothies, muffins or sweet and savoury sauces. On the spot, you’ll learn more about this little-known fruit, which is gaining a whole new following.

Table Grapes | Fruitière des Cantons | End of August and September

588, chemin Allen, Shefford

Summer is almost over, but the season of abundance is just beginning. As well as heading to Fruitière des Cantons to pick apples and pumpkins–all organic!–why not add a basket of juicy grapes? They’ll make a great addition to your aperitif board of local cheeses, or transformed into a superb homemade jam.

Before you go, always check the farms’ websites or their Facebook and Instagram pages. During the summer months, growers provide daily updates on field conditions, the quantity of fruit available and the end of the self-picking period.

We look forward to welcoming you this summer to the Eastern Townships and to Espace 4 Saisons.