When to Go Apple Picking in Quebec by Variety?

In Quebec, the U-pick season runs from mid-August to late October. To make the most of your trip to the orchard and bring home the best apples for your needs whether for snacking on the spot, making applesauce, or baking pies it’s essential to align your visit with the harvesting schedule of each variety.

Picking apples & enjoying the outdoors

Apple picking is about so much more than filling a bag: it’s the perfect opportunity to disconnect, have fun with the family, and create lasting memories under the gentle autumn sun. As soon as you arrive at the orchard, the pace slows down to the sound of children's laughter and the rustling of colorful leaves.

From walking among apple trees bursting with fruit and stopping by the petting zoo, to tackling a fun challenge in the giant maze or taking a scenic tractor ride, the day revolves around simple pleasures that bring all generations together. Whether you come to enjoy an outdoor picnic, sip a delicious craft cider, or simply watch the mountain dress up in its vibrant fall colors, every visit becomes a heartwarming tradition you look forward to repeating year after year.

Must-have varieties in the orchard

Whether you love crisp apples, are passionate about homemade pies, or are simply looking for a fresh snack for the lunchbox, every variety has its time to shine during the season.

Here is the schedule of must-try varieties, from late summer right into the heart of autumn:

• Melba, August 14: The very first of the season! With its tender, juicy, and delicately fragrant flesh, the Melba kicks off apple season at Vergers Petit et Fils. It’s the quintessential summer apple, best enjoyed freshly picked.

• Sunrise, August 15: Mid-August marks the arrival of the season’s first big crunch! The Sunrise charms with its rosy skin, firm flesh, and a lovely balance of sweetness and lively tartness. Perfect for a refreshing bite on warm summer days.

• Paulared, August 20: The first truly versatile variety of the year. Slightly tart and nicely crisp when harvested, it’s just as great eaten on the go as it is baked into your first back-to-school crisp or muffins.

• Lobo, August 30: To wrap up August on a high note, the Lobo makes its entrance. Large, juicy, and highly aromatic, it is an undisputed baker’s favorite because it holds its shape and flavor beautifully when baked in pies.

• McIntosh, September 8: The ultimate Quebec classic! Early September brings this iconic apple with its nostalgic aroma. Its tender, ultra-juicy flesh is unbeatable for fresh eating and literally melts in your mouth or in applesauce.

• Honeycrisp, September 20: The long-awaited star of early fall! With its unique cell structure that bursts under your teeth, it offers an ultra-crisp experience and an explosion of sweet, tangy juice with hints of honey. Enjoy fresh without moderation.

• Spartan, September 28: Small, bright dark red, and firm, the Spartan features sweet notes reminiscent of pear. Its size and bruise resistance make it the ideal apple for kids' lunchboxes.

• Cortland, September 28: Arriving at the same time as the Spartan, the Cortland is a foodie's best friend. Its pure white flesh stays bright without browning when exposed to air, making it the star of salads and local cheese platters. It also holds its shape during baking, making it another great choice for pies!

• Empire, October 2: A perfect cross between McIntosh and Red Delicious, the Empire opens the late-season October harvest. Extremely firm, sweet, and low in acidity, it keeps remarkably well in cold storage for months.

• Royal Gala, October 2: To end the season on a sweet note, the Royal Gala features dark red skin and very crisp, fine, sweet yellow flesh with subtle vanilla aromas. A gentle, comforting variety to enjoy amidst the autumn colors.

Each apple variety possesses its own personality, texture, and unique flavor profile. Whether you are looking for the perfect apple to bite right into, a baking-friendly option for your pies, or a fruit that keeps for months, this detailed guide highlights the season's staples in order of their arrival at the orchard.

Our Tips for a successful apple-picking day

An outing to the orchard is one of the most cherished fall traditions in Quebec. To get the most out of your day with family or friends and go home with a bountiful harvest, here are a few handy tips.

The Perfect Technique: Twist, Don't Pull!

Picking an apple seems simple, but there's a quick trick to preserve the tree. Gently lift the apple upward, then twist it slightly until the stem naturally releases from the branch.

Plan Your Visit

A little preparation will make your trip much more enjoyable. Before heading out, check opening hours, available varieties, and the weather forecast, and don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes.

Handle Your Harvest with Care

Apples are more delicate than they look beneath their firm skin. Place them gently into your bag instead of dropping them in to avoid bruising.

The Secret to Long-Term Storage

Once back home, place your apples in the refrigerator, ideally in the crisper drawer. Quickly remove any damaged ones, as a single bruised apple can speed up the ripening of the rest. Kept cold and handled with care, certain varieties will stay crisp for several weeks.

An Experience in the Heart of Mont-Saint-Hilaire

Located at the foot of Mont Saint-Hilaire, the Vergers Petit et Fils estate welcomes you from mid-August to late October for a memorable picking day with family or friends. Beyond picking your favorite varieties right from the tree, enjoy many free activities across the orchard: a petting zoo, giant maze, tractor rides, observation walkway, and tastings of our craft ciders! Plus, the boutique sells fresh apples year-round thanks to controlled-atmosphere cold storage.