Montreal Christmas Trees: Pick Your Own
An annual point of contention, what's the better environmental choice? A real Christmas tree that lasts for a few weeks or a fake one that can be reused for years? You might be surprised by what environmentalists have to say. And it's hard to argue with the visual aesthetic and aroma permeating a home adorned with a freshly cut Christmas conifer, particularly one picked by you and yours.
An annual point of contention, what's the better environmental choice? A real Christmas tree that lasts for a few weeks or a fake one that can be reused for years? You might be surprised by what environmentalists have to say. And it's hard to argue with the visual aesthetic and aroma permeating a home adorned with a freshly cut Christmas conifer, particularly one picked by you and yours.
The following pick-your-own Montreal Christmas tree farms are a 30 to 90-minute drive from the city and in many cases, propose additional activities and holiday fun for the whole family.
1. Plantations Fernet
Photo courtesy of Plantations Fernet
Pick your own Christmas tree and Plantations Fernet will have one of their "elves" chop it down for you. Includes a wagon ride and a chance to meet Santa, on weekends only. Hot dogs, baked beans, pancakes, spaghetti, sugar shack style meals and other goodies as well as hot chocolate and coffee sold on location. Free horse-led sleigh rides available on request. Admission $5 on weekends only, free for youth (covers cost of activities). Tree costs extra. Possible to pick up trees on weekdays but family activities are offered only on weekends.
Where:: 3000 route Bélanger, St. Cuthbert (map)
Travel Time: roughly 70 minutes from Montreal
When: November 26 to December 18, 2011 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Santa Claus appearances and kid-approved activities on weekends only from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
More INFO: (450) 836-2403
Where:: 3000 route Bélanger, St. Cuthbert (map)
Travel Time: roughly 70 minutes from Montreal
When: November 26 to December 18, 2011 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Santa Claus appearances and kid-approved activities on weekends only from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
More INFO: (450) 836-2403
2. Plantation J.L.S.
Photo courtesy of Plantation J.L.S.
Plantation J.L.S. takes Montreal Christmas tree picking a step further for families with a special guest poised to welcome the little ones: Santa Claus. Tractor rides offered. Christmas wreaths, decorations, coffee and hot chocolate on location.
Where:: 5 chemin Saint-François, Sainte-Angèle-de-Monnoir (map)
Travel Time: roughly 45 minutes from Montreal
When: November 26 to December 18, 2011 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., weekends only.
More INFO: (514) 346-8882
Where:: 5 chemin Saint-François, Sainte-Angèle-de-Monnoir (map)
Travel Time: roughly 45 minutes from Montreal
When: November 26 to December 18, 2011 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., weekends only.
More INFO: (514) 346-8882
3. Geropa Christmas Tree Farm
Photo courtesy of Geropa Christmas Tree Farm
Free wagon rides, free hot chocolate, free candy canes, Christmas tree pickers have the choice of first-grade white pine or white spruce varieties. Santa Claus generally on location. Call beforehand to confirm.
Where:: 20723, Conc 9, Alexandria (map)
Travel Time: roughly 90 minutes from Montreal
When: Due to overwhelming demand from the previous year, Geropa is closed for the 2011 Christmas season "or until the new crop of trees is ready," depending on Mother Nature's cooperation.
More INFO: (613) 525-3828
Where:: 20723, Conc 9, Alexandria (map)
Travel Time: roughly 90 minutes from Montreal
When: Due to overwhelming demand from the previous year, Geropa is closed for the 2011 Christmas season "or until the new crop of trees is ready," depending on Mother Nature's cooperation.
More INFO: (613) 525-3828
4. Quinn Farm
Johannes Simon / Getty Images
In addition to pick-your-own Christmas trees, Quinn Farm also proposes wagon rides, sleigh rides, "Mama Claus" cooking workshops, and gift baskets with home-made jams, jellies, honey, pickles, teas, coffees, home baked goods and Quebec maple syrup. "Bring a food item to donate to a food bank and get free admission to the farm."
Where:: 2495 boul. Perrot sud, Notre-Dame de l'Île-Perrot (map)
Travel Time: roughly 35 minutes from Montreal
When: late November to December 24, 2011 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursdays to Sundays.
More INFO: (514) 453-1510
Where:: 2495 boul. Perrot sud, Notre-Dame de l'Île-Perrot (map)
Travel Time: roughly 35 minutes from Montreal
When: late November to December 24, 2011 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursdays to Sundays.
More INFO: (514) 453-1510
5. Sapinière Les Sapins de Noël
Photo courtesy of Sapinière Les Sapins de Noël
Competitive prices compared to other pick-your-own Christmas tree plantations, Sapinière Les Sapins de Noël charges roughly $6 per square foot in height, minimum $30 per tree. Taxes included. Wagon and sometimes 4x4 rides offered to the little ones. Cash only (closest ATM machine is 12 km away).
Where:: 2640 Montée Bullock, Henryville (map)
Travel Time: roughly 60 minutes from Montreal
When: November 24 to December 18, 2011 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday to Sunday. Also open December 19, 20, 21 and 22, 2011 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
More INFO: (450) 294-1152
Where:: 2640 Montée Bullock, Henryville (map)
Travel Time: roughly 60 minutes from Montreal
When: November 24 to December 18, 2011 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday to Sunday. Also open December 19, 20, 21 and 22, 2011 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
More INFO: (450) 294-1152
