From Greece to Quebec: How Apple Picking Helped Me Feel at Home

Hey there friends!

When you move to a new country—especially a whole new continent—it’s like being handed a blank canvas. Exciting, yes. But also a little intimidating. You bring your colors, your stories, your habits, and your flavors, but the landscape is unfamiliar. Even if you fall in love with the place right away, like I did with Canada, it still takes time before it truly feels like home. For me, it took about five years before I could say, “Yes, this is my homeland now.” Five years to feel the rhythm of the seasons, to understand the local spirit, and to absorb the culture in a way that felt natural.

One thing that helped me immensely in this journey was participating in local traditions—those small, seasonal rituals that shape the soul of a place. Quebec, where I now live, is worlds apart from Greece. The differences are everywhere: the language, the climate, the lifestyle, the cuisine, the currency, even the way people greet each other. I’m not saying one is better than the other. They’re just different. And when you’ve spent most of your life in one place, it’s only natural that adjusting to a new one takes time.

But here’s the magic: when you start joining in the local customs, you begin to feel like you belong. One tradition that truly helped me connect with Quebec’s heart is apple picking.

Every fall, from mid-September to late October, Quebecers head out to the countryside to pick apples. It’s not just about gathering fruit—it’s a celebration of the season, a way to soak in the golden light and crisp air before winter tiptoes in. Families pile into cars, drive to one of the many orchards scattered across the province, and spend the day wandering among rows of apple trees, baskets in hand.

Here’s how it usually goes: you arrive at the farm and pay a small fee, which covers your entry and the box or bag you’ll fill with apples. Then, you hop onto a charming tractor-pulled wagon—something between a train and a chariot—that takes you deep into the orchard. The ride itself is part of the fun, especially for the kids, who squeal with delight as the wagon bumps along the dirt path.

Once you’re among the trees, it’s time to explore. The orchard becomes a playground, a treasure hunt, and a picnic spot all rolled into one. Ladders are scattered throughout, making it easy for even the littlest ones to climb up and pluck apples straight from the branches. The look of pride on their faces when they manage to twist off a shiny red apple is absolutely priceless.

Some farms go beyond apples, offering blueberries, pumpkins, and other seasonal treats. But apples are the stars of the show—crisp, juicy, and bursting with flavor.

After your box is brimming with apples and your heart is full from the fresh air and laughter, you hop back on the wagon and return to the main area of the farm. This is where the magic continues. Many orchards have small petting zoos, where kids can meet goats, chickens, and rabbits. There are playgrounds to burn off the last bits of energy, and cozy farm shops selling local products like honey, cider, and jams.

And then there’s the food. Oh, the food.

On our last apple-picking adventure, we treated ourselves to a rustic meal at the farm’s restaurant. Everything was infused with the essence of autumn. We warmed up with a rich onion soup, followed by apple crumble that melted in our mouths. There were apple donuts, gooey and golden, and a bubbling pot of cheese fondue served with freshly baked bread—yes, with apple slices tucked inside. It was a feast for the senses, and a beautiful way to end the day.

But perhaps the most breathtaking part of apple picking in Quebec is the foliage. The trees put on a show that rivals any fireworks display. Shades of emerald, gold, amber, and ruby red blend together like a painter’s dream. It’s impossible not to stop and stare, to feel a sense of awe at the beauty of nature’s transition.

There’s a bittersweetness to it, of course. As Jim Morrison once sang, “Summer’s almost gone.” The warm days are fading, and winter is waving from the corner. But instead of mourning the change, Quebecers embrace it. Apple picking is a way to say goodbye to summer with gratitude and welcome autumn with open arms.

And of course, you get to bring a piece of that experience home with you. Those apples become the stars of your kitchen. You can bake pies, simmer applesauce, make muffins, or simply slice them up for a snack. My kids love helping me in the kitchen, turning our harvest into cozy treats we can enjoy together. It’s a way to stretch the joy of that day into the weeks that follow.

Stay tuned for some apple-making improvisations—because what’s autumn without a little kitchen magic?

Love, Katerina