*The workshop will be given in French, but the instructor is bilingual and available to provide support in English.
Master the Essentials of Wild Edible, Medicinal and Toxic Mushrooms of Quebec!
This intensive three-day training experience includes two days of in-depth classroom instruction and one full-day field excursion. It is specifically designed for outdoor enthusiasts, aspiring guides, and commercial foragers who want to safely harvest, handle, and market wild mushrooms.
Key Skills and Outcomes
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Foraging Safety: Master the identification of toxic species to ensure safe foraging. (A 100% score on the toxic species section of the exam is required to obtain the training certificate.)
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Commercial Expertise: Understand regulations, proper handling, preservation, and sales strategies for wild mushrooms in the marketplace.
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Hands-on Practice: Participate in a practical classroom identification lab and complement your training with a full-day field excursion (2027 season).
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Comprehensive Knowledge: In-depth study of edible, gourmet, and medicinal species of Northeastern North America.
Cost: $350 CAD. Includes the 2-day classroom course and one field excursion to be chosen from the 2027 activity calendar.
Trainers: Biologist and certified mushroom foraging instructor, assisted by field specialists.
Participants: Designed for avid hikers, commercial foragers, and prospective mycotourism guides. Note: Basic knowledge of French is recommended.
Dates: Saturday and Sunday, Febuary 6 and 7, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm + 1 full-day excursion selected from the 2027 activity calendar.
Location: A conference room near Mycoboutique’s shop.
Preliminary Program
Day 1: Theory, Safety, and Identification
The first day covers foundational mycology, ecology, and essential safety knowledge.
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9:00 – 9:15 am: Goals and Expectations
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9:15 – 10:30 am: The Fungi Kingdom, Ecological Roles & Sustainable Foraging
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10:30 – 11:30 am: Identification: Poisonings & Allergies
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11:30 am – 12:30 pm: Good Practices & Regulations
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1:30 – 2:30 pm: Identification: Morphology and Key Characteristics
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2:30 – 3:30 pm: Practical Identification Workshop (using keys and fresh specimens)
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3:30 – 4:00 pm: Gastronomic Species of Northeastern North America
Day 2: Species, Commerce, and Evaluation
The second day focuses on specific species, commercial logistics, and practical evaluation.
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9:00 – 10:00 am: Edible Species
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10:15 – 11:30 am: Medicinal Species and Their Uses
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11:30 am – 12:30 pm: Field Safety and Insurance
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1:30 – 3:00 pm: Handling, Conservation, and Commercial Sales
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3:00 – 4:00 pm: Final Exam and Q&A
Day 3: Field Excursion
Select one guided excursion from the available options on the 2027 activity calendar.
Note on Certification: A certificate of completion is awarded upon attending all sessions and passing the final exam, which requires a 100% score on toxicity questions.
