That’s it, the summer solstice is over, and we’re entering the mildest days of the year, smelling of wet earth, bbqs, lake water and warm spruce. And summer’s holy grail, Canada’s June-July madeleine de Proust, is the strawberry.
Eating strawberries under the sun, or in the shade of a tree after a walk, is absolute bliss. But with the high prices, the scary economy and the fear of eating fruit full of chemicals, summer strawberries have become a real luxury.
The best strawberries are, of course, the most local, and not only do they taste great, but you get to pick them yourself…
1 Quinn Farm
You can book your day at the farm online to pick strawberries, farm-to-table shopping and spend time in the countryside.
You can choose a season pass at $40, or book a day at $8 during the week, $10 on weekends.
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2.Verger De La Savane
These strawberry fields on the South Shore, about 20 minutes from Montreal, offer an enchanting setting for spending quality time with family and friends. No reservations are necessary to explore the rows of succulent strawberries and the vast green expanse.
The farm does, however, recommend calling ahead to ensure fruit availability. During your visit, take the opportunity to buy homemade doughnuts, bulk cider vinegar and apple crisps. Don’t forget to bring cash, as it’s the only form of payment accepted.
Where? 8000, ch. de la Savane, Saint-Hubert, QC
When? Late June to mid-July
3.FraiseBec
Located just 30 minutes from Montreal, this farm offers several varieties of strawberries, from the summery Cléry to the deliciously sweet Yambu and the big, tasty Malwina.
U-pick fields are open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., allowing you to select your own fruit. Please note that pets are not allowed.
Where? 420, rang Lepage, Sainte-Anne-des-Plaines, QC
When? Mid-June to end of July
4 Anse Au Sable
Enjoy a perfect day at this farm without the need for advance reservations. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from mid-June to the end of August, this farm less than an hour from Montreal gives you plenty of time to explore and savor.
Don’t miss their on-site boutique, famous for its freshly prepared strawberry jam.
Where? 2565, boul. Perrot, Notre-Dame-de-l’Île-Perrot, QC
When? Mid-June to mid-July
5.A. Bélisle & Fils
Don’t worry if you miss the picking season at other farms! With over 20 varieties of strawberries, this Sainte-Eustache farm offers a picking season that lasts until September.
The fields open on June 24 and are accessible seven days a week.
Where? 710, avenue 25e, Saint-Eustache, QC
When? Mid-June to September
Bite into a sun-warmed strawberry… It’s well worth the effort of searching for them in the fields!
What’s more, we support local growers in the Montreal region, who put their heart and soul into each fruit.
Happy picking!