Where to go apple picking in Ontario

Southwestern Ontario

Thiessen Apple Orchards

Thiessen Apple Orchards grows nine varieties of apples, including the popular Ambrosia apples, which are normally available early to mid-September. This smooth honey-flavoured fruit also makes a delicious addition to salads.

Check out the savoury soups, chilis, sweet baked goods, caramel apples and other lip-smacking treats at Kountry Kitchen.

Kids are invited to ride the wagon to the apple orchard and enjoy the activities at The Fun Acre.

Location: 400 Talbot Road East, Leamington

Apple Land Station

Apple Land Station, a second-generation farm, tends to several varieties of apples, including Paula Red. These are among the sweetest varieties of apples that ripen early in the season and are perfect for making apple sauce and butter.

Mile High Pie is the farm’s signature homemade pie filled with over a kilogram (three pounds) of apples from the orchard. To avoid disappointment, pre-order your pie online and pick it up when you visit.

Activities for kids include Sand Mountain, a corn maze and a Singing Chicken Show.

Location: 329 Richmond Street, Thorndale

Great Lakes Farms

Located in Elgin County’s Port Stanley, family-owned Great Lakes Farm grows 15 varieties of apples, including Zestar. These crisp and zesty apples ripen early in the season and are great for baking pies.

Bags or baskets can be purchased before you head to the U Pick Orchard. Visit Apple Barn Cafe to shop for fresh baked goods such as strudels, muffins, cookies and pre-picked apples.

The Family Fun Farm is a dedicated playground with fun activities for adults and kids.

Location: 5111 Union Road, Port Stanley

Wagner Orchard and Estate Winery

In 1986, Wagner Orchard and Estate Winery started as a small pick-your-own farm. Since then, the business has grown to include winemaking, raising chemical-free livestock and running a farm bakery.

The pick-your-own orchard offers five varieties of apples, including Royal Gala, which pairs nicely with nut butter or tossed in a salad.

Stock up on apple pies made from an old family recipe at the bakery.

Location: 1222 Lakeshore Road 103, Lakeshore

Apple Hill Lavender

Nestled in Norfolk County, Apple Hill Lavender’s century-old family farm grows Silken, Gala and Honeycrisp apples. Picnic among fragrant lavender fields and under a bountiful apple orchard. Enjoy snacks from the Bakehouse, including Udderly Ridiculous’s award-winning lavender vanilla bean ice cream, and shop for small-batch home and body care products at the Carriage House Boutique.

Location: 1795 Windham Road 11, Windham Centre

Hamiton, Halton and Brant

Luna Farms

Named after the family dog, Luna Farms is home to a picturesque orchard featuring views of the Niagara escarpment.

The farm grows 25 varieties of apples, including variations of the Gala, such as the Imperial Gala, Regal Gala and the Gala Twin Bee.

Naturally, this farm is dog-friendly.

Location: 661 8th Road East, Stoney Creek

Carluke Orchards

This family-owned orchard grows 13 varieties of apples, including the Northern Spy, which blooms late in the season. Its complex flavours work well for baking, especially pies.

The pick-your-own season generally starts during the second week of September; check online to find out what apples are available.

Carluke’s bakery stocks an assortment of pies, cookies, muffins, frozen meals and apple cider slushies.

Location: 2194 Shaver Road South, Ancaster

Brantview Apples & Cider

Brantview Apples & Cider is a family-owned farm that’s been operating for almost 200 years.

The farm specializes in upwards of 20 varieties of apples, including the Mutsu. This juicy apple is another great ingredient for pies.

Brantview’s scratch bakery sells all sorts of tasty treats, including apple cider donuts and award-winning apple cider.

Location: 225 Howell Road, St George

Chudleigh's Apple Farm

Chudleigh’s is a beloved destination that has welcomed guests, especially families, to experience the country atmosphere for decades.

Of the 22 types of apples grown in the orchard, the Wealthy apple is aromatic, crispy and juicy.

In addition to apple picking, kids will enjoy slides, swings and other fun activities in the designated play area. On-site eateries offer a range of homemade comfort food, tasty treats and drinks.

Location: 9528 Regional Road 25, Halton Hills

Puddicombe Estate Farm, Winery & Cider

Puddicombe Estate is another family favourite fruit farm, winery and cidery that has been operating for over 200 years.

The orchard grows 13 varieties of apples, including sweet Fuji and tart Granny Smith apples.

Activities on the property include train rides and roasting marshmallows and s’more around a campfire. Another popular draw is the thin-crust pizza made in a wood-fired pizza oven.

Location: 1468 #8 Highway, Winona

Brantwood Farms

This farm grows vegetables, flowers and fruits, including apples. Early blooming varieties of apples at Brantwood Farms include Sunrise, which tends to be ready for harvest in late August.

The farm shop sells all sorts of goodies, including fresh pressed apple cider and home-baked goods such as bread, cookies, pies and dumplings.

Location: 251 Powerline Road, Brantford

Greater Toronto Area (GTA)

Carl Laidlaw Orchards

Formerly a dairy farm, Carl Laidlaw Orchards grows over 20 varieties of apples, including the popular Honey Crisp and the mid-season bloomer Silken apple. Golden on the outside, Silken is sweet with a crisp texture.

Soak in the magical storybook ambiance with farm animals, scenic riverside views and a whimsical cafe where you can enjoy fresh apple cider.

Location: 9496 Heritage Road, Brampton

York, Durham and Headwaters

Pine Farm Orchard

Choose from 12 different varieties of apples at Pine Farm Orchard.

Keep an eye on seasonal events and when the different varieties of apples are ready to pick.

Location: 2700 16th Sideroad, King City

Dixie Orchards

Located in Caledon, Dixie Orchards grows over 20 types of apples, including the unique Bubblegum variety.

In early October, hazelnuts are also available for picking, or pre-picked bags can be purchased. Be sure to try the jam, candy, specialty popcorn and more in the porch market.

Location: 14309 Dixie Road, Inglewood

Albion Orchards

Located under an hour northwest of Toronto, the Empire is one of the varieties grown here. Known for its red and golden exterior, Empire apples can be roasted, baked, sauteed and even pressed into apple cider.

You’ll also find pure and unpasteurized honey, maple syrup, jam and vegetables at the Country Market.

Location: 14800 Innis Lake Road, Caledon

Applewood

Operating for almost 50 years, Applewood grows over a dozen apple varieties. Pick Spencer apples later in the season. A cross between McIntosh Apples and Golden Delicious, Spencers have a uniquely balanced sweet and tart flavour and are great in pies and sauces.

Families with kids are invited to visit the farm animals and enjoy the slides and swings in the play area.

Shop for butter tarts, maple syrup, pre-packaged apples and more at the market and treat yourselves to a snack from the chip truck.

Location: 12416 McCowan Road, Stouffville

Watson Farms

Watson Farms specializes in Ginger Gold, a sweet yellow apple with a tart flavour. They are usually ready for harvest in late summer and are great for salads and baking. You’ll also find Golden Delicious, the perfect ingredient for apple sauces and an apple cobbler.

Access to the petting zoo and children’s play area, which is affectionately known as Watsonland, are included in the admission fee. Kids will also enjoy the corn maze and a tractor ride to the apple orchards.

Location: 2287 Highway 2, Bowmanville

Nature’s Bounty Farm

Experience a slice of country life at the picturesque farm that is home to nearly 14,000 apple trees. Notable apple varieties include Silken, Gala and Blondee. Located on the Oak Ridges Moraine, Nature’s Bounty Farm invites guests to take self-guided nature walks around the farm, explore the corn maze and unwind in the picnic area. In addition to apples, the farm grows a variety of peppers, which are also available for picking. Guests are encouraged to book their visit in advance.

Location: 651 Scugog Line 2, Port Perry

Kent Farms

Apple picking season at Kent Farm runs until the last week of October. You can choose from various fresh apples, such as Honey Crisp, Royal Gala, and Ambrosia, all straight from the orchard. Kids can have fun on the Hay Climber, and food truck services are available on weekends for hot meals. Additionally, you can shop for squash, pumpkins, delicious pies, and fall decorations in the market.

Location: 3292 Concession Road 3, Newcastle

Bruce, Grey and Simcoe

The Farmer’s Pantry

The Farmer’s Pantry is one of the highlights along the popular Apple Pie Trail. Seasonal activities for kids include wagon rides, mini golf and a corn maze.

The farm boasts 15 varieties of apples, including Cortland apples. These juicy apples are sweet with a hint of tart and make a wonderful addition to salads and charcuterie boards since they don’t discolour quickly.

Location: 788030 Grey County Road 13, Clarksburg

Discover more places to enjoy apple picking in South Georgian Bay.

Southeastern Ontario

Campbell’s Orchards

The apple picking season runs from August to October at this Prince Edward County family-owned orchard, farm market, bakery and vineyard.

Varieties of pick-your-own apples include Yellow Transparent, an early-season apple that is firm and tangy and can be used to make pie.

Location: 1633 County Road 3, Carrying Place

Mountain Orchards

Mountain Orchards features almost a dozen apple varieties, including Golden Delicious and Eden apples. Soft in texture, Golden Delicious is great for making apple butter and apple sauce. Eden apples are firm and juicy with a hint of a tart that tastes great in a salad or a pie. The inside of the apple is a brilliant white that does not discolour quickly.

The market sells pie kits with shells, sugar and spices to make a pie at home with your freshly picked apples. Kid-friendly activities include wagon rides and a corn maze. There’s also a spacious picnic area to relax and enjoy the beautiful county setting.

Location: 10175 Clark Road, Mountain

Cannamore Orchard

Cannamore Orchard is located approximately 35 minutes southeast of Ottawa with an apple-picking season that runs from mid-August to the end of September.

Half a dozen varieties of apples are grown on the farm including the Spartan apple. A relative of the MacIntosh, the Spartan is sweet, firm and juicy, so great for baking and juicing.

You’ll want to sample the popular fudge and apple butter and pick up honey made from the bees on the property. Kids are welcome to navigate the corn maze and visit the farm animals.

Location: 1480 County Road 32, Crysler

Hall’s Apple Market

This farm grows 25 varieties of apples, including Lobos, a tart-flavoured delight that sweetens in time.

Delicious apple butter is available at the market and contains natural ingredients, including Hall’s own apples. Apples are kept fresh year-round in a state-of-the-art controlled atmosphere storage at Hall’s Apple Market. Shop for apple cider donuts, apple crumble and apple cinnamon buns as well.

Location: 2930 2nd Concession Road, Brockville

Waddell Apples Orchard and Farm Store

Enjoy a farm outing to the Kingston countryside for fresh, ready-picked or pick-your-own apples. Other delicious treats and local products include cider, homemade preserves, local honey, maple syrup and baked good.

Waddell Apples has been supplying locally grown apples for over 20 years. The apple-picking season runs from August through to November.

Location: 1345 Washburn Road, Kingston

Northumberland County

Cricklewood Farm  

Bring your bags for apple picking at Cricklewood Farm, where apples are sold by the pound. Visit the picnic area to relax and chat while keeping a watchful eye on the kids play on the straw pile, swings and climbers. Try your luck navigating through the corn maze on the farm. Proceeds from the admission to the maze go towards an orphaned wildlife charity.

Location: 14953 County Road 2, Brighton

Pieter's Appleyard

Pieter’s Appleyard is open daily except on Tuesdays and Wednesdays until the middle of October. The orchard offers a many types of apples, including later varieties such as Mutsu, Idared, and Northern Spy. You can visit the market to enjoy freshly pressed apple cider made from hand-picked apples from the orchard.

Location: 13516 County Road 2 RR 4, Colborne