BLUEBERRY PICK-YOUR-OWN AT FERME MARINEAU! EASY ACCESS, GREAT TASTE, AND ABUNDANCE.

What a joy to pick blueberries! You'll enjoy taking part in blueberry self-picking in a pleasant, easily accessible, and well-maintained environment. Since the number of people we can accommodate at one time is limited, we operate by reservation and according to defined time slots. If you haven't made a reservation but come to visit us and there are still open time slots, we'll be happy to let you go picking.

BLUEBERRIES GROWN IN POTS

At Marineau Farm, blueberries are grown in pots. Unlike wild blueberries that spread along the ground, cultivated blueberries grow on bushes. Currently, we have about 6,000 plants on our land, some of which will be available for blueberry U-pick, which typically runs from mid-July to mid-August. Growing in pots offers many advantages, particularly concerning irrigation, pH management, winterization, and harvesting. From a dozen varieties that we have tested over the years, our blueberry bushes produce beautiful, large, tasty fruits. Blueberries are sometimes covered with a small white film; this is called bloom. Bloom is a natural protection for the fruit that disappears with simple rubbing; by rinsing your fruits only when you are ready to eat them, you will keep them fresh longer! You will also notice that nets are installed; birds love blueberries, so without these nets, they would quickly devastate our crops.

BLUEBERRY PICK-YOUR-OWN JUST MINUTES FROM THE CITY

Since we are close to the city, our site is easily accessible by car or via public transport. Your blueberry U-pick admission gives you access to our entire site, including our giant corn maze and flower fields. Please note that flower picking is available for an additional fee. To make your visit even more enjoyable, we've created welcoming outdoor spaces featuring giant games, swings, two mini farms, the Bistro Marineau, an artisanal creamery, and several picnic areas. In our farm market, you will find several fresh fruits and vegetables, homemade cooked products as well as local products. Furthermore, you will discover that our blueberries are used in our pies, jams and frozen delights; a real treat! If you don't want to pick your blueberries yourself, you always have the option of buying fresh blueberries picked the same day.

QUESTIONS?

What is blueberry picking like at Ferme Marineau?

1) Can I just turn up or do I need to book?

We prioritize reservations. To do so, simply complete the form by choosing the date and time slot that suits you, based on the number of available seats. You will then receive an email including a barcode that you must present upon your arrival. If you have not made a reservation, we cannot guarantee that you will have a seat if you show up.

2) How does the picking work?

To minimize losses and ensure a satisfactory picking experience for everyone, we will assign you a plant for the duration of your picking session. We do not allow free picking.

3) How much does it cost?

There is no admission fee. The cost is determined by the number of baskets to be purchased, based on the number of people participating in the activity. For this activity, anyone aged 3 and over counts towards the calculation of the minimum number of baskets required. The cost of the baskets is not taxable.

Please note that we do not accept any other containers in our fields.

Here are the costs - We provide a few examples, but this logic applies proportionally to the number of people. When you complete the form indicating the number and age of participants, the calculation of the minimum number of baskets to purchase will be done automatically. You can increase the number of baskets in the designated box. You will also be able to purchase additional baskets on site.

1 person: Minimum purchase of one (1) 3 L basket at $24
2 people aged 3 and over: Minimum purchase of one (1) 3 L basket at $24
3 people aged 3 and over: Minimum purchase of two (2) 3 L baskets at $24 each
4 people aged 3 and over: Minimum purchase of two (2) 3 L baskets at $24 each

4) What happens if I book and don't show up?

Reservations automatically block the number of spots offered. If you have a reservation and do not show up, no refund will be issued. However, if Ferme Marineau has to close the U-pick due to very bad weather conditions or any other case of force majeure, a full refund will be issued. Always check your emails before coming to your activity (including spam), as we will send you a message if we have to close.

5) What happens if I book and arrive late?

We ask that you respect your reservation time to ensure the smooth running of the activity. If you arrive very late, we reserve the right to change your time slot or refuse you access.

6) Where are the blueberry U-pick fields located and how do I get there?

Blueberry picking takes place at the entrance to our fields, so you don't have far to go. Strollers and wagons are permitted, but you will need to leave them at the end of the rows. For toddlers, a baby carrier is ideal.

7) Is blueberry picking suitable for young children?

Since blueberry bushes are often weighed down by the berries, it's quite easy for children to pick them. However, no one is better placed than you to determine if your child is able to participate. As the rows are quite narrow and to ensure everyone present can have a good time, running and climbing in the pots are prohibited. If you are coming with a very young child, remember to bring a baby carrier, as strollers and carts must remain at the ends of the rows.

8) Can we eat on-site?

Absolutely! Our farm bistro welcomes you on-site with a variety of meal options, including our homemade Roman-style pizzas, focaccia sandwiches, grilled cheese sandwiches, and much more. You can also enjoy a wide selection of alcoholic beverages, mocktails, and refreshing drinks to complement your meal before or after your pick-your-own experience.

At our farm market, you'll also find fresh fruits and vegetables, along with a selection of baked goods and ready-to-eat items such as cold pizzas, cookies, breads, and pies.

To top off your visit, treat yourself to a delicious frozen dessert made with produce harvested from our fields. Our artisan ice cream shop is the perfect place to cool down and enjoy the flavours of summer!

You are welcome to bring your own picnic. However, alcoholic beverages are not permitted on the premises, as we are licensed to serve alcohol.

9) Can we bring our dog?

Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed on our site.

HOW TO STORE YOUR BLUEBERRIES?

Freshly picked blueberries can be stored for about a week in the refrigerator in an airtight container; if there's a lot of condensation or your blueberries are very wet, it's a good idea to let them air dry on a tray for about an hour before refrigerating them. As mentioned earlier, blueberries are naturally covered with a whitish bloom (pruina) that helps preserve them. It's therefore best to rinse your blueberries only when you're ready to eat them. To freeze them, simply rinse them, gently dry them, arrange them in a single layer on a tray, and place them in the freezer; once frozen solid, remove them from the tray and transfer them to a freezer bag or container.

See you very soon and happy picking!