It's cold, the days are shorter, and it can be difficult to find the motivation to get outside. However, winter offers a multitude of opportunities to fully enjoy the season, particularly thanks to agritourism! Several local producers are open and ready to welcome visitors for unique experiences, ranging from delicious tastings to snow hikes.
It's therefore possible to discover the flavors of Quebec, even in winter. So, here are 7 gourmet activities not to be missed near Montreal this winter!
Signature Origin Tower
Signature Origin Tours offer a day of gourmet discoveries and encounters with passionate local producers. These excursions take you to meet local creators, from coffee culture to craft beer and chocolate.
Treat yourself to Les Petits Plaisirs de Saint-Jean-Sur-Richelieu, starting with a visit to the Bean et Bonheur roaster, where you will discover the art of coffee, followed by an immersion in the Treize Chocolats chocolate workshop. to taste artisanal creations. The day ends at the Terre à Boire brewery farm , where you will explore the brewing process and taste their organic beers.
Address: 131 Rue Saint-Jacques, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC J3B 2K2
When: Several dates available
Rates: From $50 per person
To learn more about the complete Origin Signature Tours program, click here !
Origin Experience
Origin Experiences are the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in agritourism and local gastronomy through authentic activities. Farm tours, country meals, and tastings will allow you to rediscover Quebec in a new light.
Among these experiences, don't miss a visit to the 3 Lacs Distillery . Explore the fascinating world of distillation and spirit creation through an immersive guided tour. Taste six products of your choice, after starting your adventure with a refreshing drink. In just one hour, you'll enjoy a taste and enriching experience that's sure to leave a lasting impression.
Address: 597 Rue Andrew, Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, QC J6S 0B1
When: Every Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Rates: $20 per person
To learn more about the complete Origin Experiences program, click here !
Winter goose BBQ
Come enjoy a unique winter experience at the Au Gîte des Oies farm! On the menu: a cozy outdoor BBQ with goose merguez sausage skewers grilled over a campfire, all in a friendly and festive atmosphere. To warm up, savor a delicious goose broth and enjoy marshmallows roasted over the fire.
You can also explore the local produce shop and take some home with you, or go hiking on the farm's snowy trails. Along the way, you'll encounter grazing geese, as well as Highland cattle, goats, and Leo, the farm's dog, who will be delighted to accompany you!
Address: 508 Charlebois Road, Roxton Falls, J0H 1E0
When: Saturday, February 8, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Prices: $25 per person (reservation required)
To learn more about the Au Gîte des Oies winter BBQ and to book tickets, click here !
Forest hike and maple product tasting
During this guided walk, the host invites you to discover his “large garden” to reconnect with nature, breathe deeply, meditate and contemplate in complete serenity.
The experience begins with a stretching, breathing, and meditation session to prepare your senses. Then, you'll take the time to stop, listen, and admire the beauty of the forest. Throughout the walk, your guide will share their knowledge of the surrounding nature and its benefits, including how the forest's resources are used to create wellness products.
At the end of the tour, you'll be invited to enjoy a maple herbal tea and discover some of the family's wellness products. A special moment to learn about the company's history and leave with a surprise gift to extend this zen experience!
Address: 63 Rang des Buttes, Warwick, QC J0A 1M0
When: Multiple dates and departures available
Rates: $55 per person
To learn more about the Aux Petits Plaisirs sugar shack, click here !
Chocolate Museum
The Chocolate Museum offers an immersive, fun, and delicious experience for the whole family. Visitors can discover the history of cocoa and its artisanal production through interactive games, quizzes, and sensory activities. Access includes a space with 3D reproductions, a cocoa tree that produces chocolate, and a QR code to access online games and drawings.
For a more in-depth experience, the Curtains Closed Experience offers a video presentation followed by a chocolate tasting for $5 per person. A great place to have fun, learn, and enjoy chocolate!
Address: 415 Chem. Larocque, Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, QC J6T 4C6
When: Monday to Friday from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm and Saturday from 7:30 am to 5:00 pm
Prices: Free entry (Curtains Closed Experience at $5 per person)
To learn more about La Petite Grange chocolate shop, click here !
Gourmet excursion in nature
The winter gourmet excursion immerses you in the flavors of Quebec's terroir through unique visits: a bison farm, a forest BBQ in the heart of nature, a chocolate workshop and an artisanal distillery.
The day begins with a comfortable ride from Montreal, with a first stop at La Terre des Bisons , where you will discover these majestic animals and taste a bison spread. Then, a warm meal awaits you at the forest BBQ with Marcheur des Bois , who will serve you a feast around a campfire and a presentation of the edible plants of the forest. The afternoon continues with a chocolate workshop where you will learn how to create your chocolate lollipops, followed by a visit to the Distillerie Les Esprits Tordus , where you will savor artisanal spirits.
A day rich in discoveries and tastings, before returning to Montreal at the end of the day.
Address: Departure from Radisson metro station
When: January 24 and March 20, 2025
Rates: From $119 per person
To learn more about Bonjour Nature Lanaudière’s Gourmet Excursion, click here !
The Farmhouse Cheese Museum
The La Station de Compton Cheese Museum invites you to discover the art of cheesemaking through a self-guided interpretive tour, open daily, even in winter. In the Discovery Area, visitors can awaken their senses with an immersive experience that recreates the atmosphere of the ripening cellars. You'll discover a scent organ, a view of the ripening rooms, and a robot that brushes the cheeses, all while learning about the cheesemaking and farming professions.
The tour continues at your own pace, from the opening to the closing of the shop, where you can also taste the farm's artisanal cheeses .
Address: 440 Ch de Hatley, Compton, QC J0B 1L0
When: Monday to Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Prices: Free entry
To learn more about La Station cheese shop in Compton, click here !
Take advantage of the season to enjoy our winter differently!
It's no small thing: even Quebec's winter offers a wonderful opportunity to discover local flavors through these seven gourmet activities. Tastings, visits to producers, and local products are all ways to celebrate the richness of our region while supporting local artisans.
