Getting down to earth
Take the time to stop by a farm and you’ll meet real, down-to-earth Québecers with a long knowledge of the history and traditions of their region. Not only will they be happy to show you the fruits of their labours in the fields, pastures, orchards, vineyards or sugar bushes, they’ll eagerly share their know-how and let you in on the myriad secrets of their trade.
Fresh from the farm
Southern Québec is covered with prosperous farms that thrive on the fertile soils of the St. Lawrence Valley. Over 500 agricultural producers happily welcome visitors to their production sites. For the most part, they are located in the lower part of the Laurentides region, to the north of Montréal, and in the entire area south of the St. Lawrence between Montréal and Québec City. A number of visit formats are available, such as tastings, luncheons or picnics, guided tours, children’s activities, sleigh or cart rides, country meals … The choice is yours!
With the highly popular pick-your-own format, you can play field hand and enjoy the rural outdoors as you choose the fruits or vegetables that look most appetizing to you. Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, apples, pumpkins … it’s all so enticing!
Fruitful visits!
A farm visit is many things: a fun activity for the kids, a pleasure for your senses and a balm for your soul! You’ll leave with a happy heart and arms laden with fresh produce, a few good bottles or succulent cuts of meat.
With its Tables champêtres (Country-Style Dining) and Relais du terroir (Farm Shops) programs, the Fédération des Agricotours du Québec offers you two original ways to savour authentic farm products. Under the first program, you’ll enjoy menus featuring farm products (reservation required), and under the second, you can purchase products directly from the farms themselves. In both cases, your hosts will give you a guided tour of their farm operation. A third program, Fermes découverte (Farm Explorations), offers a variety of activities designed to please visitors of all ages.
Theme routes and tours
Southern Québec is criss-crossed by nearly 30 routes dotted with farm tourism stops. In addition to the Wine Route and the Agricultural Tour, the most important routes include:
- The Flavour Trail, in Charlevoix
- The Cheese and Country Flavour Route, in Centre-du-Québec
- The seven farm tourism routes grouped under the Great Tastes from our Fields banner (Eastern Townships)
- The Cider Route (Montérégie)
- The Gourmet Route (Québec City and Charlevoix)
- Country Roads (Lanaudière)
A pleasant and delicious way to discover Québec!