Rustique is the gold standard for pie in Montreal, and you can’t go wrong with any of the seasonal flavours currently on offer, each of which is made with the Saint-Henri pie shop’s signature thick, buttery crust. If you’re a traditionalist, go for the classic pumpkin (served with fresh whipped cream and toasted pumpkin seeds), or choose another fall favourite, like Quebec apple or pecan. Can’t decide? Opt for an assortment of 2-inch mini pies in an assortment of three flavours.

The best pies are often the most rustic, which certainly checks out in the case of Sweet Lee’s. The newly renovated Verdun bakery does a great pie, and this season they’ve got an apple and caramel combo (available as 9-inch pies, 4-inch pies, or mini tartlets). Good luck making it out of the shop without an armful of Sweet Lee’s equally delicious assorted vegan goodies, viennoiseries, savoury pastries, and bread.

This relative newcomer to Montreal’s South Shore has Filipino pies worth the detour. Go for a slice of coconutty buko pie or whatever is on rotation. If you’re lucky, it could be creamy ube with marshmallow fluff or a calamansi meringue pie. Ahead of Thanksgiving weekend, the café is also taking orders for whole buko pies. Place them here.

Montreal’s premier vegan bakery, Sophie Sucrée, is offering pumpkin tartlets — complete with plant-based versions of the flaky crust and whipped cream topping — as part of its autumn menu, which also includes a spiced apple crumble cake. 

If you’re pie-purchasing style is more “drop in and hope for the best” than “research and order ahead,” Lanauderié’s Création Madeleine, which operates a stand in the Jean-Talon Market, may be the way to go. With over 20 classic pie flavours, including fall favourites like maple sugar and apple, you may have to make some difficult decisions.

With six locations around town, local chain Mamie Clafoutis can always be counted on for a great seasonal pie. This autumn, it’s all about the apple, with a Tarte Normande (a shortcrust-based apple tart) and a cinnamon apple crumble pie.