5 Unique Farms to Visit Around Montreal This Summer | Opinion
5 Farm Family Outing Near Montreal
A perfect way to get outside
Sunny days got you thinking about a trip to the countryside? There’s nothing quite like a stroll through lush fields on a warm day, or letting the kids run as far as their legs will carry them. A visit to one of the many farms around Montreal is the perfect way to get outside, learn a bit about our local agriculture and enjoy the rural air.
Here are our top 5 picks for unique farm visits around Montreal:
Quinn Farm
Though it’s a fully functioning farm, it feels as if Quinn Farm were made just for families! Located in Île Perrot, Quinn Farm has a variety of barnyard animals to visit, a large play yard that’s perfect for active kids (including plenty of climbing and running opportunities) and pick-your-own seasonal produce including strawberries, apples, pumpkins, blueberries, sweet corn and more.
They also produce maple syrup and are open for sugaring off season, host a honey festival, sell Christmas trees in winter and have a farm shop that sells baked goods made from farm produce, as well as many locally sourced artisanal products and goods.
Moreover, they offer a wide range of programs, such as summer camps, birthday parties, and educational tours. It’s an excellent way to introduce kids to farming life. Further, they offer activities like wagon rides and corn mazes during the fall season. You can also rent some of their facilities for special events. It’s a great spot for family fun!
Quinn Farm is a popular agro-tourism destination located in Notre-Dame-de-l’Île-Perrot, near Montreal, Quebec, Canada. It has been a go-to spot for families and visitors for years, offering a variety of activities and experiences related to farming, agriculture, and nature. Here’s an overview of Quinn Farm:
- Pick-Your-Own: One of the main attractions of Quinn Farm is its pick-your-own fruit and vegetable activities. Depending on the season, visitors can pick apples, strawberries, blueberries, pumpkins, and more.
- Farm Animals: Quinn Farm provides an opportunity for visitors to interact with and learn about various farm animals, making it a delightful experience for kids.
- Farm Shop: The farm shop offers a range of products, including freshly baked goods, local produce, honey, jams, and other farm-related products.
- Seasonal Activities: Throughout the year, Quinn Farm hosts a range of seasonal events and activities. These can include:
- Easter egg hunts in the spring.
- Pumpkin picking and Halloween-themed events in the fall.
- Christmas tree cutting and holiday events in the winter.
- Educational Tours: The farm offers guided tours and educational programs for schools and groups, allowing participants to learn about farming, agriculture, and the importance of local food production.
- Playground & Picnic Area: The farm has a playground for children and designated areas for picnics, allowing families to make a day out of their visit.
- Tractor Rides: At certain times of the year, Quinn Farm offers tractor rides, which are especially popular among children.
- Accessibility: Quinn Farm is easily accessible by car from Montreal and the surrounding areas. There’s ample parking, and the farm is equipped with basic amenities to ensure the comfort of visitors.
- Environmental Practices: Over the years, Quinn Farm has emphasized sustainable and environmentally-friendly farming practices. They focus on educating visitors about the importance of sustainable agriculture.
If you’re planning a visit to Quinn Farm, it’s a good idea to check their official website or contact them directly for up-to-date information on available activities, timings, and any special events or programs they might be hosting.
Check out their site: http://www.quinnfarm.qc.ca/
Centre de la Nature de Laval
The Centre de la Nature in Laval is a vast urban park located in Laval, Quebec, Canada. Spanning over 50 hectares, it’s one of the city’s largest green spaces and a popular spot for both residents and visitors. Here are some highlights and features of the Centre de la Nature:
- Green Spaces and Trails: The park offers numerous walking paths, perfect for walking, jogging, and hiking.
- Lakes and Ponds: There are water bodies within the park, offering scenic views and places to relax.
- Recreational Activities: Depending on the season, the park provides opportunities for various activities such as sledding in winter, paddle boating in summer, and more.
- Animal Farm: The park often has a section where visitors can see and interact with farm animals, making it a delightful experience for families with children.
- Events: Throughout the year, the Centre de la Nature hosts various events, festivals, and concerts, drawing crowds from all over the region.
- Gardens and Natural Beauty: The park boasts well-maintained gardens and natural landscapes, providing a peaceful escape from the urban hustle.
- Playgrounds: For families, there are playgrounds and areas designated for children to play and enjoy.
- Facilities: The park has restrooms, picnic areas, and other amenities to ensure a comfortable visit.
Address: 901 Av. du Parc, Laval, QC H7E 2T7.
Intermiel
This family run bee farm is located in St Eustache and produces a wide range of honey and honey based products including honey mead, honey based beauty and wellness products, beeswax candles and food wrap, delicious honey based condiments and so much more!
A tour of this gorgeous bee farm includes learning how honey is made, seeing the opening of a beehive, a visit to the distillery and of course, some tasting. They also have a mini farm with friendly animals to visit and they also host birthday parties for your little beekeeper in training.
Further, they also offer educational programs and workshops to help people learn more about honeybees and how to protect them. They’re a wonderful way to gain a better understanding of the important role bees plays in our environment. It’s a great spot for the whole family!
Address: 10291 Rang de la Fresnière, Mirabel, QC J7N 3M3
3. La Maison Lavande or Bleu Lavande
You don’t know relaxed until you’ve taken a stroll through an actual lavender field. Both La Maison Lavande in St Eustache and Bleu Lavande near Magog offer guided tours of their fragrant fields, a variety of beauty and wellness products scented with lavender AND massage therapy by appointment.
They also host a variety of events including live music, art workshops, tasting sessions and even yoga retreats. Be sure to check out their activities lists and prepare yourself for deep relaxation.
Also, you can pick up some of their delicious products like herbal teas, salad dressings, jams and jellies, spices, and essential oils made from the lavender harvested on-site. It’s a great spot for a romantic getaway or to spend some time with your family. It’s a great way to take in the beauty of nature and unwind. You’ll leave feeling refreshed.
Address: 902 Chem. Fresnière, Saint-Eustache, QC J7R 0G4
4. Project PACE farm
Description: Project PACE offers guided interactive farm tours allowing families to engage with various animals.
Animals Interaction: Families can feed and pet a variety of animals, including ducks, bunnies, chickens, goats, sheep, and alpacas.
Age Suitability: The tour is appropriate for children aged 2 and up.
Supervision: All children participating in the tour must be accompanied by an adult.
Reservations: It’s mandatory to make reservations for the tour.
Location: Project PACE Farm is situated at 1450 Montee Wilson, Ile-Bizard.
5. Alpagas Sutton
If you need a reason to visit an alpaca farm, you clearly have never seen an alpaca before. Take a moment to check out some of the pictures on Alpaga Sutton’s website, especially their “featured alpaca.” Go on… we’ll wait…
Also located in Mont-Saint-Grégoire, this lovely alpaca farm will provide you with all the cuteness you could ever need. Not only do they offer alpaca walks and visits, but their shop is stocked with a variety of handmade items made using alpaca wool. This includes gorgeous sweaters, scarves, mittens, and more.
The farm also offers year-round educational programs for school groups and workshops for adults and children. Alpaga Sutton is the perfect spot to spend an afternoon with your family or a date with your sweetheart. They also host a variety of events, so be sure to check out their calendar for the latest updates.
Convinced? We thought so!
These irresistibly fluffy, perpetually smiley animals can bring a smile to just about anyone’s face. If you can drag yourself away from the alpacas, you can also take in the gorgeous view of rural Sutton at the farm’s observation and picnic area, take a stroll along the nature trails, learn about the many uses of alpaca wool and visit the farm shop where you can buy some snuggly alpaca wool goods!
It’s a truly unique experience and is sure to be an unforgettable one! Alpaga Sutton is the perfect spot for a day trip with a difference. Go visit some alpacas and get your fill of cuteness! You won’t regret it!
Address: 1474 Chem. Macey, Sutton, QC J0E 2K0
Learn more: https://www.alpagassutton.com/
BONUS: Lufa Farms
Want to experience a whole new trend in farming? Lufa Farms is actually a series of impressive rooftop gardens in and around the city growing fresh, local produce year round! They occasionally host open house events to educate the public on their mission and how they work. As they are not outdoors, these gardens are open and operating year round.
Additionally, they offer community-supported agriculture (CSA) subscriptions to those who want to purchase weekly produce boxes. Take a tour, and learn about how rooftop gardens are a viable way to produce fresh fruits and vegetables in an urban environment. It’s the perfect spot for those who are looking for an eco-friendly and sustainable way to enjoy local produce. It’s also a great activity for the whole family!
Learn about the process and come away with a newfound appreciation for urban farming. Lufa Farms is an intriguing and innovative adventure you won’t want to miss!
Bottom Line
Montreal is an amazing city full of unique and interesting places to explore. Whether you’re looking for a fun family outing, a romantic date, or just an opportunity to learn something new, these five spots are sure to provide you with a memorable experience. So skip the regular tourist attractions and head out to one of these amazing spots!
Montreal has something for everyone to enjoy, from alpaca farms and rooftop gardens to fishing ponds. So go ahead and explore—you won’t be disappointed! Whether you’re looking for a fun outdoor adventure or a peaceful day of relaxation, these five places offer something for everyone. So start planning your next visit to Montreal now! You won’t regret it. Happy exploring!
