Nothing says classic fall fun like apple picking, and for us here in Toronto, we’re close to so many farms and orchards to enjoy the fun!
September and October are peak apple months, from Honeycrisp to Red Delicious, and these bountiful trees are waiting to be picked across the Greater Toronto Area.
Grab your plaid, bring a bucket, and head out to the orchard, Toronto. Here’s where to pick your own apples that won’t take you far from the city.
Chudleigh’s Entertainment Farm in Milton has been an apple-picking haven since 1967, with over 18 apple varieties to pick. The 60-acre orchard is home to tart honeycrisps and perfect sweet fuji’s, with a peak picking period from September to October.
Look out for some rare varieties like the juicy Creston, now available in Ontario and picking from Oct. 8, and the Kerr Mini, an adorable snack-size apple. Be sure to check which apples are ready to be picked, as dates can change due to weather, and buy tickets online before.
Just a quick trip to Brampton will have you whisked away to a 7th-generation-run farm that offers pears and apples. Carl Laidlaw Orchard covers 100 acres across the Credit Valley River with over 20 apple varieties and three pear varieties.
Mid-to late September brings out a ton of beauties like Aurora Golden Gala and Empire, with the picking season lasting until late October, and final apples like Granny Smith, Ida Red, and Red Delicious.
You-pick apples await at Dixie Orchards, just a touch outside of Brampton, where both pumpkins and apples are ready to be plucked until mid-to-late October. We’re talking mutsu, macoun, ambrosia, jonagold, spartan, and more.
Fun fact: Dixie Orchards is one of the very few farms in Eastern Canada that offers hazelnut picking, available for a few weeks in early October.
A widely recognized orchard for apple picking in Ontario, Albion Orchards in Caledon is a beautiful farm only a quick trip from Toronto. October at Albion is when apple picking is at its best for tasty Northern Spy, Golden Russet, Royal Gala, and more.
Classic fall apple-picking traditions are the vibe here at Williams Orchards in Milton, which also offers pears and plums. The 26-acre orchard with 1500+ fruit trees started out as an empty cornfield all the way back in 1983 and continues to be run by the same family.
Pick-your-own is available on the weekends; however, no admission fees, parking charges, or appointments are required.
With a rich history as one of the first pick-your-own farms in Stouffville, Applewood Farm boasts a ton of seasonal activities alongside apple picking, like wagon rides, sunflower fields, a corn maze, and pumpkin picking, too.
Back to the apples — favourites like Honey Gold, Honey Crisp, and Spartan are available, but don’t forget to check out the Spencer (a cross between Macintosh and Golden Delicious) and the Sweet Sixteen, a uniquely flavoured apple that’s a hybrid between a Matilda and Northern Spy.
Anybody in the mood for apple pie? Happy picking season, Toronto!
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