Looking for the best apple picking in Ontario? These day trips combine scenic orchards, crisp ciders and local bites with charming overnight stays. Whether you are coming from Toronto, London or Hamilton, each trip is within easy driving distance and perfect for soaking up Ontario’s fall magic.
Apple Picking in Grey County Ontario: Orchards, Cider and Cozy Stays
A cozy, apple-filled adventure awaits you in Grey County!
How to Spend Your Apple-Filled Day in Grey County
Pick ‘em fresh in Clarksburg: Start your adventure at Farmer’s Pantry near Clarksburg in Grey County, one of the best spots for apple picking in Southern Ontario. The orchards are bursting with varieties and the farm shop is famous for pies and apple cider vinegars that may just upstage the apples themselves. If you’re travelling with kids, this stop also boasts a petting zoo, mini golf and more!
Just want to grab and go? Grandma Lambes in Meaford or Thornbury is also a great option!
Sip it local in Clarksburg: Head just one minute down the road to Grey & Gold Cider for a tasting. Their small-batch ciders are made with Grey County apples and showcase the region’s cool-climate flavours.
This fall, we’re excited to sip their Heritage Dry Cider made with Northern Spy and Golden Russet Ontario apples as well as their Spruce of the Bruce cider which boasts locally-foraged, early-spring spruce tips. This spot is Feast On® certified as well so you can feel good knowing you’re supporting Ontario farmers as you sip!
Feast On certified dining in Thornbury: Dinner at Bruce Wine Bar in Thornbury is a must. Just minutes away, this Feast On® certified restaurant highlights Ontario-grown ingredients through wood-fired pizzas, small plates and thoughtful seasonal menus. Fall pizzas often display matchstick market-fresh apples and go perfectly with the restaurant’s epic cocktail list.
Turn the Day Trip into an Overnight
Want to keep this train rolling? Love that!
Stay overnight in Thornbury: Penny’s Motel blends retro charm with modern style right in Thornbury, making it the perfect boutique stay after a day in the orchards. You can even use one of their on-site bikes to head to the orchards on two wheels. Don’t sleep on the on-site Après Snack Bar either. It’s a great spot to wind down with eats like Bavarian pretzels and shared charcuterie.
Keep it rolling with the Apple Pie Trail: Extend your Grey County getaway by following the Apple Pie Trail, a self-guided route connecting orchards, bakeries, cideries and restaurants across Collingwood, Blue Mountains and Thornbury.
Apple Picking in Elgin County Ontario: Orchards and Lake Views
Welcome to Farm Country! Elgin County is practically bursting at the seams with farm fresh goodness in the fall. Here’s how we’d spend the perfect, apple-filled day.
How to Spend Your Apple-Filled Day in Elgin County
Pick ‘em fresh near Port Stanley: Begin at Great Lakes Farms in Elgin County, about two hours from Toronto and just outside the lakeside village of Port Stanley. The family-run farm offers acres of apples plus a country store with homemade treats and a Farm Fun Zone for those travelling with kids. Want to know what you can pick? Check out their website for what’s currently available.
Sip it local by the lake: After the orchard, cool off with a pint at Port Stanley Brewing Company, a small brewery just steps from Lake Erie. It is a great spot to relax before dinner and has views of the lake, making it super relaxing for a beautiful fall day. Come fall, we recommend grabbing a pint of the Dunkel Lager. Deep amber-brown in colour, it has tasting notes of toasted malt and even hints of chocolate and caramel.
Feast On certified dining in Port Stanley: Dinner at Two Forks brings Ontario-grown ingredients to the table with creativity and care. As a proud Feast On® certified restaurant, it is a destination in itself for food lovers exploring Southwestern Ontario. They don’t take reservations, so show up early and expect to stand in a wee line. Trust us, it’s worth it.
Turn the Day Trip into an Overnight
Stay overnight in Port Stanley: Turn your day trip into a weekend with a stay at The Windjammer Inn, a cozy heritage inn known for hearty breakfasts and warm hospitality.
Apple Picking in Brant County Ontario: Orchards, Donuts and Cider
Known for its farm fresh eats and charming small towns, Brant County should top your list for appley escapes this fall.
How to Spend Your Apple-Filled Day in Brant County
Pick ‘em fresh in St. George: Kick off your trip at Brantview Apples and Cider near St. George, a family-run orchard that has been growing apples for over 200 years. After picking, grab a few cans of Howell Road Cider (made right on site) to enjoy at their picnic tables in the orchard. We love the off-dry flagship which features 6 different varieties of grown-on-the-farm apples.
Those who prefer a sweet finish will love the pear cider which features a co-ferment of Ontario apples and pears. Before leaving, be sure to grab a pack of their apple cider donuts which scream fall in every bite.
Bite break in St. George: Stop at Drongkowski’s in the heart of St. George for an epic sandwichl sure to hit the spot. It is a small-town gem worth planning around. We recommend ordering up the Great Avocadowski or St. George Beef and pairing it up with a pack of their homemade chocolate chunk cookies.
Feast On® certified cider in Freelton: About a half hour away, West Avenue Cider House in Freelton is both a cidery and a Feast On® certified destination. Enjoy award-winning ciders paired with bites that celebrate Ontario’s farms and orchards.
In the fall, visiting this orchard farm just feels like a must. Made with heritage apples grown on site, we love their inventive flavours from their classic Heritage Dry to the Northern Lights, a cognac barrel-aged ice cider.
We hope you saved room for food too! With a menu that changes daily, you can expect seasonal eats like homemade soup flights when the weather cools off, Ontario burrata and their famous wood-fired pizzas.
Turn the Day Trip into an Overnight
Stay overnight in Paris, Ontario: Wrap up your Brant County getaway with a stay at the Arlington Hotel in downtown Paris. Each room is uniquely designed and the boutique atmosphere matches the charm of “Canada’s prettiest little town.” Plus, the on-site bar has great cocktails and a speak easy sort of vibe.
Final Thoughts
Apple picking in Ontario is more than a seasonal activity. It’s a chance to explore the province’s orchards, cideries and local food culture. From Grey County’s scenic trails to Elgin County’s lakeside charm and Brant County’s historic small towns, these day trips prove that a simple basket of apples can turn into a full weekend of adventure.
