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Apple Picking Ontario | 25+ Pick-Your-Own Orchards to Visit this Fall

apple picking ontario

When you hear apple-picking Ontario, who doesn’t get excited? There is something quite magical about strolling through apple orchards in Ontario and selecting your very own fruit to take home with you. Couple that with a full day of farm fun, like corn mazes and wagon rides, and you have the ideal day out with the family. 

What could be better than baking your apple and pumpkin pies after picking the ingredients with your hands? If this sounds like something you’re looking to add to your to-do list this fall, keep reading. 

Here’s a list of all the best places to pick your own apples in Ontario.

Last Updated: July 26, 2023

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Apple Picking Season in Ontario

Ontario apple picking season usually starts mid-August and runs through to about October. For many apple farms in Ontario, September is the prime time to pick your fruit. However, the varieties you’ll find and peak apple picking time depend on where you live in the province.

young girl taking a bite out of an apple | apple picking ontario

Apple Farms in Ontario

If you’re looking for an enjoyable fall activity in Ontario, pack the kids in the car and head to your nearest orchard. Each of these farms allows you to pick your own apples at reasonable prices. Each farm has its own opening and closing dates, and many have other entertainment available for visitors.

Best Places for Apple Picking Near Toronto

If you are searching for the best apple picking in Toronto and the surrounding area, we have you covered! We’ve divided the province into four regions – east, west, north and south (Toronto). If you live in Toronto (like us) and want to get away for a day trip, here are some great locales where you can pick apples. They’re all within an hour of downtown Toronto.

Chudleigh’s Entertainment Farm

One of the best things to do in Milton besides visiting its beautiful natural surroundings is to go to Chudleigh’s.

During the harvest season, there are many activities for kids and grownups, from apple picking and pumpkin picking to hayrides and pumpkin carving. They have a variety of tasty treats like their deliciously famous pie and ice cream.

Milton
9528 Regional Rd 25, Milton, ON L9T 2X7
Chudleigh’s Entertainment Farm

Carl Laidlaw Orchards

Averaging about a 40-minute drive (on a good day), Brampton is super close to Toronto, so this is a great 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 such as family fun.

Wagon tours, hay bales, a giant straw maze, a pumpkin patch, eating hot dogs and sausages, and drinking apple cider with farm animals will keep your family busy.

Brampton
9496 Heritage Rd, Brampton, ON L6X 0A1
Carl Laidlaw Orchards

Big R’ Apple Farm

Another no-frills and fuss-free picking farm for apple picking in Brampton is the Big R’ Apple Farm. You can pick apples, pears, and strawberries here, depending on your visiting season. What this place lacks in extras, they make up for in their products and the friendliness of the owners. 

There is also a large selection of vegetables like cucumbers, squash, and more. This is an excellent stop for a calm day out in the sun as you pick through only the best fruits for your own kitchens.

Brampton
8674 Heritage Rd, Brampton, ON L6Y 0E1
Big R’ Apple Farm

apple pie sitting next to an off-white candle | pick your own apples ontario

Applewood Farm

Another great option for apple picking near Toronto is Applewood Farm. It opens in early September for apple picking, and throughout fall, they also offer pumpkin picking and a corn maze.

While here, visitors can take wagon rides, say hello to the barn animals, and spend some time enjoying the play yard before finding the perfect pumpkin. And, of course, gathering a bucket of apples to take home.

Stouffville
12416 McCowan Road, Stouffville, ON, L4A 4C5
Applewood Farm

Sign for the entrance into the Applewood Farm apple orchard | apple picking
row of trees in an apple orchard | apple picking

Pine Farms Orchard

Visiting Pine Farms Orchard gives you a natural ‘farm’ feel. Along with the orchard opening in mid-August, there is a bakeshop filled with freshly-baked treats and a cafe for coffee and snacks. 

For the real active outdoor lovers, there is a hiking and biking trail on the farm called Oak Ridges Trail. Bring the family, have breakfast, take a hike, then come back for lunch and apple picking before heading home—the perfect fall day. 

King City
2700 16th Sideroad, King City, ON L7B 1A3
Pine Farms Orchard

close-up view of apples still growing on the tree | apple orchards in ontario

The Apple Orchard Inc.

This is a great, family-friendly farm to visit for the day. The farm grows a variety of apples, and harvest times vary from early September to late October, depending on the type of apple.

At the farm, visitors can enjoy wagon rides, a corn maze, an animal petting zoo, and a corn pit play area for the kids. There are also pears, pumpkins, squash, and even sunflowers to pick and take home with you. (Depending on the harvest times of each one).

Hamilton
1668 Hwy 6, Hamilton, ON L8N 2Z7
The Apple Orchard Inc

rows of trees at an apple orchard | apple farms

Downey’s Apple Farm

Downey’s is serious about apple farming, but the farm also has a great selection of strawberries and raspberries. The farm is run by ​​Greg Downey, a 3rd-generation apple farmer who has taken over his family’s business pridefully. 

While the bells and whistles have been mostly skipped on Downey’s, this is an excellent spot for some quiet picking. Here you can pay your entry fee, take a tractor ride up the orchards, and begin your pick! Select the freshest and plumpest fruit to take home with you and enjoy. 

And while you’re in the area, why not pop over to Greg’s parents’ entertainment farm, Downey’s Farm Market & Winery, where many of the apples from Downey’s end up. There are also pumpkins and the market so you can kill two birds with one stone. 

Caledon
13682 Heart Lake Rd, Caledon, ON L7C 2J5

Downey’s Apple Farm

baskets of apples | pick your own apples

Dixie Orchards

Not only will you find some of the best apple picking in Ontario at Dixie Orchards, but you’ll also be amazed at the variety of fun on the farm. The great thing about this orchard is that it has different apples growing throughout fall. So even if you’re visiting in late October, you’ll still find some apples left. 

The farm is famous, so it gets busy, but reservations can be made on the farm’s website, which is recommended. While gathering your apples, the whole family can enjoy the pumpkin patches, sunflower fields, wagon rides, and farm animals. 

Note: Around Thanksgiving time, Dixie Orchards also offers pick-your-own hazelnuts!

Caledon
Address: Dixie Rd, Inglewood, ON
Dixie Orchards

two apples hanging from a branch | apple farms in ontario

Albion Orchards

This is another famous apple farm in Ontario, and it’s been featured in several online magazines, including Chatelaine Magazine. Albion Orchard prides itself on producing top-quality apples and opens the farm up to visitors on a first-come-first-served basis. 

Several varieties of apples grow here, and the farm also has a small pumpkin patch. If you’re looking to come back, December is a great time since they also grow Christmas trees. 

Caledon East
14800 Innis Lake Rd, Caledon East, ON L7C 2Y8
Albion Orchards Apple Farm & Country Market

wooden bins of apples | apple picking ontario season
apple-shaped sign for Albion Orchards | apple picking ontario season

Apple Farms In Ontario’s East End

Watson Farm Market

Another family-run business, Watson Farms, offers a pick-your-own (PYO) selection and a Farmer’s Market. PYO produce on this farm consists of apples, pears, squash, and pumpkin in the fall. But other seasons offer strawberries, peas, raspberries, and peas.

There is also fun for kids in the form of a playground, wagon rides, a petting zoo, and a corn maze. And for those memory-makers, there are several photo stations all over the farm. After being established and run by Tom Watson for years, the farm was taken over by his son, Paul, and continues to grow and flourish. 

Bowmanville
2287 Durham Regional Hwy 2, Bowmanville, ON L1C 3K7
Watson Farm Market

several apples still on the tree | apple picking season

Archibald Orchards & Winery

The Archibald Family has been farming fruit since 1967. Since the early 80s, they’ve offered “Pick Your Own Apples.” with over fifty years of experience, a trip to Archibald Farm is the perfect autumn escape. Located on forty beautiful acreages, the Archibald farm offers visitors an opportunity to taste freshly picked apple varieties in Ontario. 

As if delicious and crunchy apples weren’t enough, they are also home to one of the best wineries in Canada. They produce a wide range of delicious wines, including various fruit wines and ciders. 

Bowmanville
6275 Liberty St N, Bowmanville, ON L1C 6L1
Archibald Orchards & Winery

The Campbell’s Orchard & Country Market

Campbell’s Orchards has all the fun and fall-tastic things you’d expect to find at an Ontario apple farm. First is their selection of apples that groups of up to four people can wander through and pick. 

The farm also has a pumpkin patch where you can book a wheelbarrow and fill it out with your carefully chosen pumpkins. And while you’re visiting, you might as well take advantage of the wagon rides, corn maze challenge, and perhaps a flight of Apple Falls Cider?
Since it is close to Price Edward County, you can incorporate a possible PEC wine tour.

Carrying Place
1633 County Rd 3, Carrying Place, ON K0K 1L0
The Campbell’s Orchard & Country Market

two people picking apples | apple picking ontario

Wynn Farms

Wynn Farms is owned and operated by the husband and wife team, Jim and Sarah, along with their three young kids and a staff team member. It’s a family business that caters to your whole clan. Add this to your list of things to do in Napanee

If you live nearby, there are plenty of fun events on the farm to take part in. The farm has stunning rows of apple trees to pick from. The orchard is usually open from September through mid-October. There is also a pumpkin patch and a corn maze. 

You can join in on the moonlight maze walk or participate in the scary Haunted Halloween event or the more friendly Kids’ Halloween. And then take home candy apples and popcorn cobs. 

Greater Napanee

8191 Hwy 33, Greater Napanee, ON K0H 1G0
Wynn Farms

several rows of apple trees under a clear blue sky | apple picking

Cannamore Orchard

Get lost in the apple farm life when visiting Cannamore Orchard. This is a great option for those interesting in apple picking in Ottawa and the surrounding area. The farm has apples, strawberries, and pumpkins available to pick depending on the season. But regardless of your visit, a fun weekend with the kids is guaranteed. 

The famous cow train is the most popular activity, taking kids around the farm area on a cow-shaped seat. The covered wagon works in almost any weather. Giant hedge mazes and pedal cars are great for older kids. The roaming farm animals will greet you. 

Families can also compete against each other in the water-pump-powered duck races, labyrinths and mazes. After you’ve had fun and picked your share of fruit, visit the farm store for fresh food and the famous Cannamore homemade fudge. 

Crysler
1480 County Rd 32, Crysler, ON K0A 1R0

Cannamore Orchard

several baskets of apples | apple picking in ontario

Waddell Apples

With 20 varieties of apples and a prime location on the banks of the historic Rideau Canal, Waddell Farms is an excellent Kingston activity. Charlie and Marita run the farm and work hard to ensure that their product is top-quality. 

Besides choosing your fruit in their orchards, you can visit the Waddell Farm store and grab fresh foods like cider, preserves (for those fall pies) and cheese. Nearby is the canal, Rock Dunder for walking trails, and many green parks for picnics. 

Kingston
1345 Washburn Rd, Kingston, ON K0H 2N0
Waddell Apples

three apple trees in a row | apple farms in ontario

Avonmore Berry Farm

Although massively known for its strawberry picking, Avonmore Berry Farm is still one of the noteworthy apple orchards in Ontario. There is so much fun here, from the wagon rides to the children’s farm-style play areas. 

Along with apples (in season from late August to late October) and strawberries, you can also pick your own raspberries, tomatoes, pumpkins, and more! And if all the hard work makes you hungry, the Pantry is there to fill you up with delicious food and drinks. 

Avonmore
16365 4 Rd, Avonmore, ON K0C 1C0
Avonmore Berry Farm

four apple trees in a row | apple picking season

Mountain Orchards

Founded in 1973 by the Lyall and Hobsons families, Mountain Orchards has been operating a pick-your-own apple farm since then and continues to do so today.

When you’ve finished picking all the fruit, you can pick, go for a walk through the beautiful forest or get yourself hopelessly stuck in the corn maze.

Mountain
10175 Clark Rd, Mountain, ON K0E 1S0
Mountain Orchards

Smyth’s Apple Orchard

Located an hour south of Ottawa in the town of Dundela, rumours say that Dundela was once the apple-growing region where McIntosh apples were first cultivated.

A man named John McIntosh discovered an original McIntosh sapling on his Dundela Farms in Upper Canada in 1812. They grew their own trees and began selling the fruits in 1835. It was first produced commercially in 1870 and has become widespread in northeastern North America since 1900.

This makes visiting the nearby Smyth’s Apples Orchard a must. Smyth’s Apple Farm has been operating since the 1800s, making it one of the oldest family-owned farms in Ontario. It offers a wide selection of fresh apples and an array of delicious baked goods made from local ingredients.

Iroquois
11652 County Rd 18, Iroquois, ON K0E 1K0

Algoma Orchards

Algoma Orchard is an enormous apple orchard with over 1,600 acres spread across the Durham region! Algoma is one of Canada’s leading producers of apples, pears, and juices.

**It is important to note that they do not allow you to pick your own apples, but their Gourmet Marketplace is open year-round with apples and seasonal foods.**

Newcastle
201 Durham Regional Rd 42, Newcastle, ON L1B 0T9
Algoma Orchards

Pick Your Own Apples In Ontario’s West End

Apple Land Station

With nearly 50 acres of space, Apple Land Farm is a wonderland of fun during the fall. The apple season here starts at the beginning of September, and the farm has a full calendar of events and activities throughout the month. 

There is a sunflower field, a corn maze, and the farm’s famous ‘sand mountain.’ In addition, a train will transport your family up to the orchards and then fetch you again once you’ve picked up your apples. 

Thorndale
329 Richmond St, Thorndale, ON N0M 2P0
Apple Land Station

hand holding up an apple in an orchard | apple picking in ontario

Carluke Orchards

Carluke Orchard is a family business now spanning three generations! After you walk through the orchard picking your apples, stop by their bakery for some freshly baked goods, pies, and other goodies!

Ancaster
2194 Shaver Rd, Ancaster, ON L9G 3L1
Carluke Orchards

Apple Picking Ontario: Northern Ontario Apple Growers

Here are a few more places to find fun, delicious, and organic apple picking in Ontario.

Barrie Hill Farms

If you want organic apple picking in Ontario, Barrie Hill Farms is not too far from Toronto. For over 40 years, Barrie Hill Farms has been the spot to pick various fruit, from strawberries to apples. They offer pick-your-own-apples from the end of August through to early November.

Springwater
2935 Barrie Hill Rd, Springwater, ON L9X 1S8
Barrie Hill Farms

Smiths’ Apples And Market

Run by a family of Ontario apple growers, Smith’s Orchard has been in business since the mid-1800s and is still going strong. The farm offers a variety of apples in their store and is available for picking. 

There is also a corn maze to explore, and the Farm Market has plenty of fresh pies and other wholesome food on sale. This is easily a full-day activity for the whole family. 

Port Elgin

470 The River Rd, Port Elgin, ON N0H 2C7
Smiths’ Apples And Market

several apples on a branch | apple picking season

Nature’s Bounty Farm

Located in one of our favourite little towns, you can add apple picking to your things to do in Port Perry!

This beautiful farm looks exactly how its name suggests. Enjoy the views of the property while you pick from over 10 varieties of apples. Afterwards, you can explore the obstacle course, play with the sheep, or just sit back and relax with fresh apple cider.
Port Perry
651 Scugog Line 2, Port Perry, ON L9L 1B3
Nature’s Bounty Farm

Maxwell Apple Orchards

Formerly Meesters Farms, Maxwell Apple Orchards is a passionate family farm dating back over 30 years. If you are exploring things to do in Collingwood & Blue Mountain Resort, including a day of apple picking!

They are dedicated to producing fresh fruit and vegetables on their vast 460-acre farm. Maxwell Apple Orchards grows 24 different types of apples, and their apple harvest runs from August through early November. They also run a market selling apples, sweet corn, berries and ciders. 

Collingwood
2697 Concession 10 N Nottawasaga Rd, Collingwood, ON L9Y 3Y9
Maxwell Apple Orchards

There are plenty of apple orchards in the area, and if you’re up in Collingwood/Blue Mountains, consider The Blue Mountains Apple Pie Trail.

The Blue Mountains Apple Pie Trail

Explore the best culinary, drinks, and outdoor experiences in the southern part of Georgian Bay, Ontario.

Explore the Apple Trail’s many local orchards, breweries, cideries, distilleries, and artisans who inspire them to create their products. Find out what motivates these people to be so passionate about apples.

**Download the Apple Pie Trail mobile application or use the interactive Google Maps version to plan your trip.**

apples growing on a branch | apple picking ontario season

Organics Farm

Are you looking for a place to go apple picking in Markham, Ontario? This small family-run farm is the only certified Organic Farm in the Greater Toronto Area operating a Wood Fire Bakery. Locally Gathered and Certified Organic Fruits and Vegetables are available. Naturally Pastured Meats are also available throughout the season.

Markham
7550 19th Ave, Markham, ON L6B 1A8
Organics Farm

Apple Picking & Storing Tips

  • Bring some water bottles, comfortable walking/running sneakers, and clothing that doesn’t mind getting dirty. Also, be sure to bring a sweater for cool days and sunscreen.
  • Choose firm apples that do not have any wrinkles or blemishes.
  • Apples can last for up to a year if kept properly. Small quantities may be stored in the refrigerator for about a month. In contrast, large amounts should be stored in an airtight container such as a cellar, fridge or freezer.
  • Avoid placing apples on top of each other, as they will bruise easily. If you see any overripe or soft spots on an apple, remove them because they’ll start turning the rest of the fruit into mush.

Apple Picking in Ontario

We can almost guarantee that there is an apple orchard in Ontario just waiting for you to visit and take your pick of their juicy and delicious fruit. This is a great family activity but can be done with friends and as part of a romantic getaway in Ontario

So pick your nearest apple farm – or take a bit of a long drive for a scenic route – and try your hand at picking apples, pumpkins, and maybe even flowers. And don’t miss out on all the other farmyard fun while visiting.

two children walking through an apple orchard | apple picking ontario
Photo by: Mieke Campbell

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