Discovering Seasonal Routes
Celebrating the Harvest
Please note: This itinerary was created in 2021 Be sure to verify the information of every location you’re planning on visiting before heading out.
The short story: Summer is coming to an end, but the arrival of autumn and its flamboyant colors bring a breath of fresh air to the Eastern Ontario landscape. In September and October, we give way to the joys and small pleasures of life. Celebrating the richness of the land means meeting passionate producers and tasting local flavours. It means taking the time to admire the changing scenery of nature and enjoying a good meal with your family. It’s also taking the time to slow down and rest in a cozy cabin.
This trip tailors to: epicureans as well as young families or couples looking for a memorable weekend getaway. An itinerary filled with local discoveries awaits you. By car, motorcycle, RV or even bicycle, there is so much to explore, taste and admire. Have a great trip!
Recommended travel dates: the months of September and October
Travel area: This route starts in Cumberland and proceeds to Plantagenet, through Clarence-Rockland and St-Pascal Baylon.
Directions to Cumberland:
From Ottawa: Take the 417 East, then follow Ottawa Regional Road 174.
From Toronto: Take Transcanadian Highway 7, then 417 E towards Cumberland.
From Montreal: Follow Highway 40 West, then take County Road 17.
Download the itinerary right into your Maps application before leaving.
- Option 1: (includes all three park options).
- Option 2: (includes only Simon Park).
- Option 3: (includes only Du Moulin Park).
- Option 4: (includes only James and Marie Fox Park).
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Country markets are the perfect place to stock up on fresh, seasonal produce. Until October 8, we invite you to visit the Cumberland Farmers Market, which takes place every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Wilfred Murray Park, about 20 minutes from Ottawa. Not only can you meet farmers, gardeners and bakers, but you can also admire the talents of artists and creators of all kinds: handmade jewelry, artisanal soaps, sculptures, knitting and much more. In total, more than sixty suppliers are present each week, proud to present the fruits of their labor.
Not to be missed in September: the Annual Harvest Market, which will be held on September 24, 2022 (from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) at the Cumberland Heritage Village Museum. Over 100 local vendors will be on site.
Afterwards, take your gourmet finds to a park for a picnic. Whether you’re looking for a quiet place to relax in nature or a vibrant place to entertain the kids, there are several parks nearby for a dose of the outdoors.
In Clarence-Rockland, Simon Park, with its play structures and tennis and volleyball courts, is a great place to stretch your legs. For a beautiful view of the waterfront, Du Moulin Park, as well as James and Marie Fox Park (Clarence Island) are popular with families or couples looking for tranquility.
In fact, if you have the opportunity to come back another time, these last two places are a must to admire the sun setting on the horizon, reflected on the water. At each location, take the time to admire the landscape, whose colors change over the weeks to give way to the magnificent fall colors.
Before continuing your journey to Plantagenet, a short detour to Saint-Pascal Baylon is a must, where Vergers Villeneuve is located. For four generations, this family business has specialized in the production of many varieties of fruit (pears, grapes, apples, blueberries, raspberries and cherries). Although the pick-your-own season is over by the time you come along, we invite you to book a tasting of local wines and cheeses, available by appointment only. You will have the opportunity to taste 16 different wines made from locally harvested fruit, paired with cheeses, fresh baguette and smoked meats. This also includes a guided tour of the orchard and the wine cellar. Occasionally, this activity is accompanied by musical performances. Before heading out back on the road, stop by the boutique to pick up your favorite bottle of wine or discover other goods from local producers (honey, cherry jam, etc.)
Once in Plantagenet, we recommend a visit to the Café sur la rive, a place that, as its name suggests, invites you to enjoy the view of the river. Its family atmosphere and warm welcome will seduce you immediately. Initially offering a selection of coffees, pastries and take-out meals, it was in 2021 that the owner was inspired by her trip to Italy to start producing handmade gelatos. That’s how Nonna’s Gelato was born. Each gelato is named after the person who inspired the flavor, and you’ll notice the passion to create flavors that feature local products. You’ll find blueberries from Vergers Villeneuve, strawberries from Ferme Proulx and cameos from Fruits du Poirier. Under the same roof, you can also attend yoga and zumba classes as well as hypnosis and meditation sessions at the Centre Un pas pour Soi.
Finally, the road ends at Mariposa Farm in Plantagenet, a place where sustainable agriculture, animal welfare and buying local are at the heart of their priorities. From the moment you arrive, you will be enchanted by the warm welcome, the friendly team and the passion that emanates from this place. Since 1980, this farm has been passionate about offering quality meat and poultry, especially duck, goose and pork. Distributing their products to restaurants in the region, they are known for the richness of their flavours and the quality of their ingredients. As the seasons change, a selection of garden vegetables (squash, carrots, mushrooms, garlic, microgreens, onions, beets, etc.) can also be purchased on site. The products offered vary from week to week, depending on the harvest and the weather. You are welcome on Saturdays between 9:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. for a visit to the farm or at the boutique to enjoy the freshness of the products.
If you have fallen under the spell of the region and its attractions, why not extend your stay by staying overnight at one of the Mariposa Farm cabins? In the heart of rural life, there is no better place to get away from it all. They offer three uniquely decorated cottages built with trees harvested from the land. The Poplar Cabin will appeal to glamping enthusiasts, with its rustic feel nestled in the forest. The Perched Cabin will give you the impression of being completely elsewhere, with its large windows offering an incredible view of the surrounding nature. Nearby, many walking trails allow you to soak up the calm of the forest. Finally, the Apple Tree Cabin is a small haven of peace, both comfortable and warm. The pond in front of us will allow you to admire the wildlife while the chairs on the terrace invite you to enjoy the moment.
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