LeRefuge

Day Trips away from home: Fun Things to do in the Basses Laurentides

Picnics have become one of the most popular activities to do during summer of 2020 but sometimes a change of scenery is fun. During the past two weeks I've explored different spots in the Basses-Laurentides which are perfect for summer picnics and fun days out. Here's a list of all the places I'll be sharing with you in the post:

  • Station 210 (210 Route du Long-Sault, Saint-André-d'Argenteuil, QC J0V 1X0)
  • Wilsy Brewery (4600 QC-344, Saint-Placide, QC J0V 2B0)
  • Maison Lavande (902 Chemin Fresnière, Saint-Eustache, QC J7R 0G4)
  • Érablière du Sanglier (8405 Chemin St Jérusalem, Lachute, QC J8H 2C5)
  • Sir John Brewing co. (455 Rue Principale, Lachute, QC J8H 1Y4)

Station 210

Station 210, who recently celebrated their second anniversary, is a cafe boutique concept store located in Saint-André-d'Argenteuil which sells a variety of locally made products as well as coffee and sandwiches, soups, baked good and more perfect for your summer picnics. The building in which the store is located is actually an old fire station building! How cool is that?!?

View of the front of Station 210

Wilsy Brewery

Wilsy, which the name derives from the expression" we'll see", is a local brewing and maple syrup company located about 15 minutes from Station 210 which sells and serves a variety of unique beers some of which even a non-beer fan aka me loves! The quantities being very limited, there's only a small amount of points of sale which makes it hard to find them around Montreal and so, paying them a visit really allows you to not only try out their beers but also to stock up! Open on weekends from 1pm to 5pm their beautiful land is perfect for picnics.

** For the non-beer fans try out the Nain the Jardin, their raspberry beer, and thank me later

Maison Lavande

If you haven't heard of Maison Lavande where have you been all summer? Probably one of the most popular attractions outside Montreal! We got there at 10:30 AM (it opens at 10AM) and waited about 45 minutes to enter (felt like Disney World but was only a lavender field LOL) but it's worth the wait! Popular for the perfect instagram picture, Maison Lavande is also a perfect place for a morning picnic with all your family including your furry friends (dogs are allowed on site!). I would suggest grabbing your breakfast beforehand and bringing it there instead of waiting in line for items at the bistro. As well, if it seems very packed in front walk to the second field in the back and there should be plenty of room to enjoy your socially distanced picnic IN the lavender field! A Must while on a day trip on the North Shore!

Érablière du Sanglier

L'Érablière is a local family farm located in the Basses-Laurentides where boars are raised in semi freedom as well as other animals and fruits and vegetables are grown on the farm. They offer a variety of products as well as a sugar shack meal experience. It's definitely a fun place to visit with the whole family and kids.

***With COVID-19 it is possible to visit the farm for free but only with reservation so be sure to reserve your spot! As well you can book a tasting-diner for 15$ per person (without tax and tip) for a minimum of 4-to max 10 people (48h delay is necessary). Check out their website to book: erablieredusanglier.com

Sir John Brewing Co.

If picnics aren't your thing, Sir John is the perfect terrace to enjoy a beer (and yess they also have a bomb fruity beer for the non-beer fans hehe it's called Triomphe de la Nature) and a cozy meal on a beautiful terrace! The name Sir John was chosen to pay tribute to the history of the colonization of the region. Definitely a nice spot to check out!

Enjoy your Picnic and Happy Travels! xx

By

Megan Chartrand-Robichaud

July 15, 2021