One for the basket, and one for me. Arriving in late August and here to stay through November, Ontario’s apple season is a wonderful time filled with delicious opportunities to explore the provinces rural roots at your own pace.
In Season Now: APPLES!
The ultimate way to enjoy apple season in Ontario is to spend a day on the farm in an orchard picking your very own apples! With so many delicious varieties grown across the province including popular types like McIntosh, Honeycrisp, and Northern Spy, you can bet that these crisp and sweet fruits will be your go to snack for eating both fresh and for cooking.
To help guide your rural adventures we’ve compiled some of our favourite pick-your-own spots into a nice little list for all you apple-loving bakers. Take an afternoon, visit a farm and pick your own this season!
Important to Note:
With another busy season expected, be sure to check opening dates as they may change with the growing season. It’s always best to call ahead or check out the farm’s website or social media channels for when PYO apples are ready to be harvested!
Shuh Orchards
Where: 6515 Line 86, West Montrose, ON (View Map)
At Shuh Orchards, four generations of family farming have gone into producing one of the best-tasting apples in Ontario, with 62,000 trees spread across 50 acres of land in Elmira. Using a modern trellis system the farm grows a variety of apples from Gala to Ambrosia and Honeycrisp ready for you to pick! Opening their orchards September 7th, be sure to stop by the farm shop and pick up some Apple Chips using apples picked from the orchards and processed at the nearby Martin’s Family Fruit Farm plant in St. Jacobs.
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Applewood Farm
Where: 12416 McCowan Rd, Whitchurch-Stouffville, ON (View Map)
Applewood Farm has been a family run operation for over 40 years, and that expertise shows in the way they run their business. There is something for everyone at this farm, including tractor rides through the orchards and a playground for the little adventurers. Applewood grows a variety of apples, starting with the Ginger Gold variety in early September.
Dixie Orchards
Where: 14309 Dixie Rd, Inglewood, ON (View Map)
Opening August 17th, Dixie Orchards has over 23 types of apples for you to choose from. But it doesn’t stop there, once you’re done picking apples for the day, the whole family will enjoy winding with an adventure through the corn maze, watching the farm animals play, posing for a picture or enjoying a snack from the market. The farm is a crowd favourite so be sure to book a spot through their website, especially if you’re visiting on the weekend!
Carluke Orchards
Where: 2194 Shaver Rd, Ancaster, ON (View Map)
Carluke Orchards is a family operation now spanning 3 generations! After you wander the orchard and pick your apples, be sure to visit their bakery for some fresh apple cider, pies, cookies, and other treats! This is a popular spot so come early as they do occasionally sell out. Be sure to check their website for details.
Carl Laidlaw Orchards
Where: 9496 Heritage Rd, Brampton, ON (View Map)
Carl Laidlaw Orchards is the place to go if you’re looking for a day of apple picking, but also if you’re looking for more than just pick-your-own. There are wagon rides, hay bales & a barn beam walk, a corn maze, sunflower field, roasting hotdogs and corn, sipping apple cider by the credit river, and farm animals to meet. Call ahead to make sure you know what’s still available!
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Chudleigh’s
Where: 9528 Regional Rd 25, Milton, ON (View Map)
If you haven’t been to Chudleigh’s before, we suggest you pack your family in the car and head out there ASAP because this farm is a tradition for many families for a reason.
During the harvest season, there are lots of activities for both adults and children. In addition to apple picking, there are tractor rides, scarecrow-making, and homemade apple pies for the taking! Even Summer Music Nights at the farm featuring live music, a hard cider bar plus delicious bites like mac n’ cheese and cheese blossoms. Make sure you purchase tickets in advance though, this is a hot ticket with limited capacity.
Mountain Orchards
Where: 10175 Clark Rd, Mountain, ON (View Map)
Purchased by the Lyall and Hobson families in 1973, Mountain Orchards has been running a pick-your-own operation for decades, and plans to continue doing so for decades to come! After you’ve picked all the apples you can carry, spend the afternoon wandering the beautiful forest trail or getting lost in the corn maze.
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Nature’s Bounty Farm
Where: 651 Scugog Line 2, Port Perry, ON (View Map)
This beautiful farm looks exactly how its name suggests. Enjoy the views of the property while you pick from over 10 different varieties of apples. You can see what’s pickable each week on their site. Afterwards, you can attempt their obstacle course, visit the sheep, or relax and enjoy some fresh apple cider
Waddell Apples
Where: 1345 Washburn Rd, Kingston, ON (View Map)
The orchard at Waddell Apples overlooks the historic Rideau Canal, making for the perfect backdrop to your pick-your-own adventure running from Labour Day to Thanksgiving. There’s also fresh apple cider, and farm store offering some baked goods and treats to take home.
Brantview Apples + Cider
Where: 225 Howell Rd, St George, ON (View Map)
Producing apples for over 200 years the orchards at Brantview Apples and Cider offers pick-your-own experiences for families and grows 22 different varieties in a single season! After picking-your-own apples, be sure to grab some apple cider donuts fresh from the farm store for a snack, and don’t forget to stock up on other farm goods as well! While you’re there be sure to try the Howell Road Cider made on-site using the farm’s apples! We recommend trying their flagship and hopped cider, but any flavour you choose will be a home run!
Downey’s Apple Farm
Where: 13707 Heart Lake Rd, Inglewood, ON (View Map)
Fun on the farm is what Downey’s Apple Farm is all about! With ten varieties of apples to pick from throughout the season, repeat visits will quickly become a must! Downey’s is a great family friendly option as well, filled with corn maze activities, wagon rides experiences and pumpkin bowling get ready to pack up the kids for a full day of fun!
STOCK UP AT THE FARM MARKET: EXPLORE MORE WAYS TO ENJOY FRESH ONTARIO APPLES ALL SEASON LONG!
To help guide your apple picking adventures across Ontario check out the map below! Don’t forget along the way to stop by and visit nearby cideries, distilleries, and breweries crafting delicious sips using fresh, Ontario-grown apples. The perfect compliment to savour Ontario’s apple season!
