Where to go apple picking in Ontario 2023

Southwestern Ontario

Thiessen Apple Orchards

Thiessen Apple Orchards grows has nine varieties of apple, including the popular Ambrosia apples, which are normally available early to mid-September. This smooth honey-flavoured delight also makes a delicious addition to salads and is a favourite for snacking.

During your visit, be sure to check out the savoury soups, chilis, sweet baked goods and many lip-smacking treats like caramel apples at Kountry Kitchen.

Kids will want to take the wagon ride to the apple orchards and enjoy all the kid-approved activities at The Fun Acre.

Details:  Apple picking season starts on September 7, 2023. All activities are included with the admission cost

Location: 400 Talbot Road East, Leamington

Apple Land Station

Second generation farm, Apple Land Station tends to several varieties of apples, including Paula Red apples, the sweetest variety of apples that ripen early in the season. Paul Reds are perfect for making delicious apple sauce and butter.

Mile High Pie is the farm’s signature homemade pie tfilled with over a kilogram (3 pounds) of apples from the orchard. To avoid disappointment, make sure to pre-order your pie online and pick it up when you visit.

Apple Land features lots of activities for kids. Sand Mountain offers hours of fun. Venture into the corn maze. The young ones will want to catch the performance of the Singing Chicken Show.

Details: Apple picking season begins in September 2023, admission cost applies.

Location: 329 Richmond Street, Thorndale

Great Lakes Farms

Located in Elgin County’s Port Stanley, family-owned Great Lakes Farm grow 15 varieties of apples, including Zestar! apples ripen early in the season, are juicy and crisp with a zesty flavour  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, apple cookies and pre-picked apples.

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

Details: The farm is open from August until October for apple picking. Free access to the U-Pick Orchard. Fees are applied to the Family Fun Farm.

Location: 5111 Union Road, Port Stanley

Wagner Orchard and Estate Winery

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

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

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

Details: Apple picking season starts September 6, 2023 and the farm is dog friendly.

Location: 1222 Lakeshore Road 103, Lakeshore

Hamiton, Halton and Brant

Luna Farms

Just and hour drive away from Toronto, outside of Hamilton, Luna Farms was established in 2019.

Named after the family dog, Luna, the farm offers picturesque orchard and escarpment views to enjoy while you pick apples. This farm grows an impressive 25 varieties of apples, including variations of the Gala, such as the Imperial Gala, Regal Gala and the Gala Twin Bee.

Details: Apple picking season begins in August, 2023, no entrance fee, pay for what you pick, and naturally, the farm is dog-friendly.

Location: 661 8th Road East, Stoney Creek

Carluke Orchards

Carluke Orchards has been family owned for three generations. There are 13 varieties of apples on the orchard, including Northern Spy apples. This variety blooms late in the season. It has complex flavours that make it great for snacking and baking, especially pies.

Pick-your-own apples normally starts the second week of September, check the schedule online to find out what apples are available.

If you’re in the mood for more treats, Carluke’s bakery supplies locally sourced products including a wide variety of pies, cookies, muffins, frozen meals and apple cider slushies.

Details: No entry admission, pay by the bag for apples, the farm is dog-friendly.

Location: 2194 Shaver Road South, Ancaster

Brantview Apples & Cider

Brantview Apples & Cider is family-owned and has been around for almost 200 years. The farm specializes in almost 20 varieties of apples, including the Mutsu. This juicy fruit keeps its shape and makes the perfect ingredient to use in pies.

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

Details: There’s no entry fee, pay per bag, dogs are welcome.

Location: 225 Howell Road, St George

Chudleigh's Apple Farm

Chudleigh’s is a beloved destination that has welcomed families to experience the country atmosphere while enjoying picking apples for decades.

There are 22 types of apples in the orchard, including the Wealthy apple, which is aromatic, crispy and juicy and makes a great snack.

The entire family can enjoy lots of entertainment. Children can have fun on slides, swings and other exciting activities. Moreover, young families have access to convenient changing facilities on the property.

When you’re hungry choose from four eateries where menu items range from homemade comfort food to tasty treats and drinks.

Details: General admission includes access to the children’s play area, viewing farm animal and nature trails. Timed entry tickets can be purchased online since walk-ins are not allowed. Dogs allowed except in restaurant.

Location: 9528 Regional Road 25, Halton Hills

Puddicombe Estate Farm, Winery & Cider

Puddicombe Estate is a family-run fruit farm, winery and cidery, that has been operating for over 200 years.

The orchard grows 13 varieties of apples, including Fuji apples, one of the sweetest varieties of apples and Granny Smith apples, one of the most tart apples.

Activities on the property include roasting marshmallows and s’more around a campfire.

Train rides around the property are also available. Another popular draw is the thin crust pizza made in the wood fire pizza oven on the property.

Details: No entry fee, however fees apply for activities. Pick-your-own apples will be charged according to bag sized filled.

Location: 1468 #8 Highway, Winona

Brantwood Farms

Family farm grows vegetables, flowers and fruits, including apples.  

Early blooming varieties of apples at Brantwood Farms include Sunrise apples, which tend to be ready around late August. They make a great snack, so stock up when they are ready.

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

Details: No entry fee, cost of apples based on weight.

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 wildly popular Honey Crisp and the mid-season bloomer Silken apple. Golden on the outside, Silken is sweet with a crisp texture that makes it a great snack.

The farm has a magical storybook ambiance, complete with adorable farm animals, scenic riverside views and a whimsical café where you can enjoy fresh apple cider.

In addition to apple picking this outing offers hours of enjoyable moments in the countryside. Of course, a classic apple pie recipe makes the trip truly inspirational.

Details: Entry fee applies, dog-friendly.

Location: 9496 Heritage Road, Brampton

York, Durham and Headwaters

Pine Farm Orchard

Choose from 12 different varieties of apples at Pine Farm Orchard. Smaller, kid-sized trees makes it a fun activity for families.

If you’re wondering when the Honey Crisp apples will be ready, be sure to keep an eye on the latest events and find out which varieties of apples are ready to pick.

Details: Admission fees to the orchards, cost for pick-your-own apples based on weight, well-behaved dogs welcome.

Location: 2700 16th Sideroad, King City

Dixie Orchards

Located in Caledon, Dixie Orchards grows over 20 apples, including unique Bubblegum apples.

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.

Details: Reservations must be made before visiting farm.

Location: 14309 Dixie Road, Inglewood

Albion Orchards

Located under an hour northwest of Toronto, Albion Orchards grows many varieties of apples including Empire apples. Known for its red and golden exterior, Empire apples can be roasted, baked or sauteed and even pressed into apple cider.

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

Details: Pick-your-own apples are only available on weekends and holidays. Be sure to arrive early since it’s on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Location: 14800 Innis Lake Road, Caledon

Applewood

Applewood is a family farm that has been operating for almost 50 years. The Spencer apples are one of over a dozen varieties found here late in the season. A cross between McIntosh Apples and Golden Delicious, Spencer apples are a balance of sweet and tart and are great in pies and sauces.

Say hello to the farm animals on your visit to the farm. Kids will enjoy the play area that includes a slide, swingers and stairs. There’s also a chip truck on the property. Shop for butter tarts, maple syrup, pre-packaged apples and more at the market.

Details: Entry fee applies (no reservations or pre-bookings) and dogs are welcome.

Location: 12416 McCowan Road, Stouffville

Watson Farms

Watson Farms specializes in Ginger Gold, a sweet yellow apple with a tart flavour (ready about late summer) great for salads and baking and Golden Delicious, the perfect ingredient for apple sauces and an apple cobbler.

The play area for kids, is affectionately known as Watsonland, and access to the petting zoo are free with admission to the farm. Kids will also enjoy the corn maze and a tractor ride to the apple orchards.

Details: Entry fee applies, apples can also be purchased at the market.

Location: 2287 Highway 2, Bowmanville

Bruce, Grey and Simcoe

The Farmer’s Pantry

One of the exciting stops on the Apple Pie Trail, The Farmer’s Pantry is a fun place to visit with the family. Endless activities for kids include wagon rides, mini golf and a corn maze.

The farm boast 15 varieties of apples, including Cortland apples. This juicy apple is sweet with a hint of tart and makes a wonderful addition to salads and charcuterie boards since they don’t discolour quickly.

Details:  Entrance fee applies, purchase a pass to participate in outdoor activities.

Location: 788030 Grey County Road 13, Clarksburg

Here are 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, which also includes a 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.

Details: Dogs are welcome.

Location: 1633 County Road 3, Carrying Place

Mountain Orchards

Mountain Orchards grows almost a dozen apple varieties, including Golden Delicious and Eden apples. Soft in texture, it’s perfect for making apple butter or apple sauce. Eden apples are firm and juicy with a hint of a tart taste that makes it great to toss into a salad or baking a pie. The inside of the apple is a brilliant white that does not discolour quickly.

The market sells pie kits that you can use at home to make your own pies. These kits come with a shell, sugar and spice kit.

Lots of kid-friendly activities are available for families, such as wagons rides and corn maze. There’s also a spacious picnic area to relax and enjoy the beautiful county setting.

Details: Free admission, no reservations required and dogs are allowed.

Location: 10175 Clark Road, Mountain

Cannamore Orchard

Cannamore Orchard is located approximately 35 minutes southeast of Ottawa. From mid-August to the end of September, you can enjoy apple picking on the farm.

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

Don’t miss out on the popular fudge and apple butter when you visit the market. The honey sold comes from the bees that are on the property.

Kids are welcome to navigate the corn maze and visit the farm animals.

Details: Admission fee applies.

Location: 1480 County Road 32, Crysler

Log Cabin Orchard

Just 20 minutes drive south of Ottawa, this charming small family farm features a homestead log cabin from the 1840s that now serves as the farm shop.

The farm grows six varieties of apples, including, Ontario’s iconic McIntosh Apples. The “Mac”, as it is lovingly called, a is crowd pleaser and a classic for snacking.

Shop for baked goods, apple cider and pre-picked apples. Don’t forget to try the candy apples, churros and apple cider when you visit.

Details: Apple picking starts in the end of August, no admission fees apply.

Location: 6121 Cabin Road, Osgoode

Hall’s Apple Market

This farm grows 25 varieties of apples, including Lobos, which is a tart flavoured delight that sweetens in time. It’s firm, but juicy and has a great taste and texture for baking pies.

Delicious apple butter is available at the market and contains natural ingredients, including Hall’s own apples. Apples are kept fresh all year round in a state-of-the-art controlled atmosphere storage at Hall’s Apple Market.

You can also shop for  apple cider donuts, apple crumble and apple cinnamon buns too.

Details: No admission fee, apple are sold by the bag.

Location: 2930 2nd Concession Road, Brockville

Tips and things to know before you go

• Different varieties of apples ripen at different times throughout the season. The conditions of the growing season can also affect their timing. To avoid any disappointment, it's a good idea to check what’s in season before you plan your visit.

• Get familiar with the apple-picking rules and instructions at the orchards and farms you visit.

• Handle apples with care while picking them, since yanking the apple can harm the development of future apples. The experts at the orchards and farms can show you the proper way to pick apples from the tree.

• Leashed dogs are allowed at some orchards and farms. Make sure to clean up after your dog.