A cold, aromatic breeze greeted us as we arrived in Rougemont at the height of fall. The orchards were bursting with apples, and the air was filled with music and the promise of fresh cider. For our family, heading out to local orchards, sampling fresh flavors, and savoring autumn days is no longer just a tradition—it’s our way of connecting to Quebec’s seasons and discovering the region’s culture at our own rhythm.
Watch the Full Experience on Video
If you’d like a real look at our adventure, you can watch the full episode here:
Watch the full video on YouTube
First Encounter with Harvest Season
The rural landscape set a different pace for our day right from the start. As we approached Cidrerie Michel Jodoin, the hustle and bustle of families welcomed us, along with the scent of freshly picked apples and a gentle breeze reminding us that summer had truly slipped away.
Though our faces and hands tingled from the cold, the energy of other families wandering among the orchard rows and the sound of live music added all the warmth we needed. It was a pleasant surprise to see how autumn seems to sparkle when kids run after wagons brimming with apples, their smiles shining through the morning chill.
Cider, Flavors, and Unexpected Discoveries
Stepping into the cider house was an experience in itself. We wandered past rows of imposing barrels and shelves stocked with bottles, taking in the gentle hum of people searching for something special to taste. The kids got to sip non-alcoholic apple juice, while we adults sampled a variety of artisanal ciders.
Listening to how apples are transformed into cider—surrounded by the scents of aging wood and fermenting fruit—was both simple and eye-opening. For example, we learned to spot the Geneva apple by its distinctive color. This sparked a fun scavenger hunt in the orchard, searching for this special variety together with the kids.
Apple Picking: Pauses, Play, and Carts
Pure joy broke out once we hit the fields. With our improvised wagon—perfect for tired little legs and overflowing baskets—we traveled down endless lanes of trees. Some apples glistened where they’d fallen in the soft autumn light, while others waited on their branches, ready to be plucked by eager little hands.
Between dashes, indecisive debates over which apple to pick, and quiet moments under arching boughs, autumn revealed itself as a stage for both play and learning. Watching our daughter haul her own basket or hearing laughter as she hopped into the wagon became some of our warmest memories of the day.
From the Cider House to a Treat: Pie and the Perfect Ending
As the cold started to settle in, we made our way to Aux Vergers Petit et Fils – Verger, Cidrerie et Vignoble. There was no mistaking our craving: their apple pie, which from the very first taste, became inseparable from our harvest outings.
With seasonal goods and a relaxed atmosphere, this spot was the perfect way to end the day. We savored fresh-pressed apple juice and, of course, that coveted pie. Sitting together, sharing generous slices, we realized autumn in Quebec has its own distinct flavor—one that truly comes alive when it’s shared as a family.
Practical Information
📍 Location
Cidrerie Michel Jodoin is located in Rougemont, and Aux Vergers Petit et Fils can be found in Mont-Saint-Hilaire on the southern slope of Mont Saint-Hilaire.
🚗 How to Get There
From Montreal, take the Pont Champlain or the L.-H.-La Fontaine tunnel, then follow Autoroute 10 or 20 toward Rougemont for Michel Jodoin. Aux Vergers Petit et Fils is about a 20-minute drive.
🍂 Best Time to Visit
Autumn is peak apple season—early September through late October offers the most complete experience. Outside this window, both places keep their boutiques and some activities open.
👨👩👧 Family Experience
Michel Jodoin has an orchard walking trail perfect for families, though tastings in the “chai” are adults only. Aux Vergers Petit et Fils expands the fun with kids’ activities like a giant maze, scavenger hunts, a petting farm, and tractor rides.
⚠️ Before You Go
It’s best to double-check schedules and tasting availability, especially on weekends and during apple season, as some activities can be weather- or demand-dependent. Dress in layers and plan extra time for exploring and wandering.
A day like this—among apples and cider—is a chance to connect with nature and the turning of the seasons. Beyond the outings or the taste of pie, what lingers are the moments shared, new curiosities sparked, and that deep sense of calm that only a Quebec autumn can offer. It’s a gentle but lasting invitation to stroll together, celebrate each season, and remember that small family traditions are built one step at a time.
More Family Getaway Ideas From Montreal
If you enjoy this gentle style of travel—winding through nature, lakes, and small discoveries in Quebec—the Guía Aventurera de Montreal brings together ideas for families looking to explore the region at a slower, more thoughtful pace.
It includes places we’ve visited, practical recommendations, and QR codes so you can preview each adventure on video before you go.