From farm to table!

During the summer, the season of abundance, there are plenty of opportunities to feature Quebec on the menu. Starting with the many farm stands that dot the roads of the Laval countryside, some fields even offer pick-your-own strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries.

Let's go, Blueberries!

Now that’s a great excuse to plan a family food tour! A short five-minute walk along the dirt path at the Dagenais kiosk at the Marineau Farm and you’ll spot the rows of blueberry plants. Louis Marineau, the fourth generation to run the farm founded in 1921, warns us about the sounds of birds of prey and scarecrow cannons in the field—actually acoustic strategies to keep birds from pecking at the berries. This soundscape is quite surprising!

Crouch down, knees in the dirt, and enjoy a moment that’s both fun and educational—not only by connecting with a local farmer whose expertise spans nearly a century, but also by learning more about how our local fruits and vegetables are grown.

Once your baskets are filled to the brim, head back to the farm and settle down at the covered picnic area for a leisurely lunch while the kids have fun at the playground and mini-farm. Before you leave, take the opportunity to stock up on vegetables (including the famous corn) and homemade donuts for a family dinner that’s sure to end on a sweet note! And why not add some homemade ice cream to the mix? The Marineau Farm food truck will treat you to decadent, fruity delights.

With raspberries!

Head east from Laval toward the orchards, greenhouses, and farms on Avenue des Perron. Stop by the Vaillancourt Farm or Forget Farm, where, after a bountiful strawberry season, raspberries take centre stage. Whether under the sun’s rays or in the shade of the leaves, go hunting for these small, flavour-packed red berries, gently lifting the branches to find the juiciest ones.

And vegetables…

In August, you’ll be able to visit the Marineau Farm or the Vaillancourt Farm to pick your own vegetables, such as tomatoes, onions, eggplants, sweet peppers, and a variety of hot peppers. Still bursting with sunshine at harvest time, these will be excellent in late-summer spaghetti sauces, ratatouilles, and moussakas.

Local farmers to discover

The Forget family began farming on the Laval lands in 1821. This passion has been passed down through the generations, and today Mathieu Forget, representing the seventh generation, is at the helm of the Ferme Forget. The farm stand, which opened in 2016, has allowed the family to expand its product offerings. In addition to its delicious fruits and vegetables, the stand sells a range of homemade products such as pies, jams, and marinades. Vast fields welcome you for pick-your-own strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries.

Ferme Forget also offers a wide range of activities, including a picnic area and a petting zoo, for the enjoyment of young and old alike. Did you know that in August, you can explore a giant corn maze? Combine your visit with some squash and pumpkin picking.

The Vaillancourt Farm has been offering activities related to the seasonal harvests of strawberries, raspberries, tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants for over 185 years. Stop by the stand to find fresh fruits and vegetables, local specialties, dairy products, pastries, annual flowers, and herbs, as well as Les délices d’Agathe products—including jams and marinades, fruit ketchup, relish, and homemade pickled beets and gherkins prepared the old-fashioned way.