By admin Monday, September 8, 2025

Apple-picking season in Ontario typically runs from late August through October, offering everything from early-season McIntosh to late-harvest Fuji and EverCrisp. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly destinations, bakery treats, or scenic views, this guide brings fresh picks for 2025!

Apple Picking in GTA 

• Chudleigh’s Entertainment Farm (Milton)
  A beloved family destination since the 1960s, offering pick-your-own apples, hay mazes, farm animals, tractor rides, homemade apple blossoms, and frozen treats. Open July through October
• Carl Laidlaw Orchards (Brampton)
  A rustic orchard featuring apple picking, pumpkin patch, wagon rides, farm animals, a corn maze, hay-bale hills, apple cider by the Credit River and more!
• Pine Farms Orchard (King City)
  A cozy countryside orchard with a café—perfect for a relaxing, romantic fall outing
• Dixie Orchards (Inglewood)
  Over 23 apple varieties, PYO Hazelnuts, pumpkin patch, wagon rides, a corn maze, farm animals, snacks, and seasonal activities—book ahead, weekends sell out
• Brooks Farms (Mount Albert, east of Newmarket)
  Famous for its Fall Fun Festival, Brooks Farms is a family favourite with wagon rides, corn mazes, zip lines, farm animals, pumpkin picking, and plenty of seasonal treats. Their apple orchard has several varieties ready for U-Pick in September and October.
• Downey’s Farm Market (Caledon, near Brampton)
  A one-stop destination for apple picking, pumpkin patches, and the Fall Farmyard Play Area, which includes wagon rides, corn mazes, slides, and even a Boo Barn for Halloween season. Their market offers baked goods, pies, cider, and preserves—making it a top family spot every fall.

Apple Picking in Southwestern ON

• Great Lakes Farms (Port Stanley)
  A family-owned 155-acre orchard offering U-Pick apples (and seasonal peaches/pumpkins), a fun farm featuring outdoor activities from zip lines to pumpkin launchers, a bakery, a cider café, and a corn maze.
• Orchard Home Farm (St. George)
  A sprawling 80-acre farm with both pick-your-own and ready-picked varieties like Honeycrisp, Gala, and Spartan.
• Puddicombe Estate Farm (Winona, Hamilton)
  Offers apple and pumpkin picking plus tons of family activities like train rides, pumpkin decorating, games, wine & cider tastings and baked goods.
• Thiessen Orchards (Leamington)
  A family-run orchard offering a wide variety of fun family activities from wagon rides, a corn maze, live entertainment, farm animals, mini put, rides, Halloween events and so much more!
• Apple Land Station (Thorndale, near London)
  Known as the home of the train that runs through the orchard, Apple Land Station is a favourite with families. Kids can ride the train, pick apples and pumpkins, explore the Sand Mountain, and visit the friendly farm animals. The bakery is a must-stop for their famous mile-high apple pies and apple cider donuts.

Apple Picking in Eastern ON & Ottawa

• Mountain Orchards (Kemptville)
  In additon to apple picking there is so much to do at this farm. Famous for its cider donuts, wagon rides, and an overall charming family experience.
•  (Crysler)
  Pick-your-own apples, a pumpkin patch, tons of family fun activities and a popular fall haunted attraction.
• Waddell Apples Orchard & Farm Store (Kingston region)
  Enjoy pick-your-own apples through November, plus local honey, preserves, maple syrup, and baked goods.
• Campbell’s Orchards (Carrying Place)
  Orchard fun with apple picking, wagon rides, cider, and a farm market—ideal for a full day in PEC.

Apple Picking in Muskoka, Collingwood & Central Ontario

Central Ontario is one of the most important places in Ontario for commercial production of apples, but it also has some fun places to PYO.  However, what it is known for is the Apple Pie Trail in the Blue Mountain, Collingwood & Meaford. This award-winning apple-inspired regional trail unites art, apple history, food, ciders, treats, and apple pies at 28 local orchards, and other apple -focussed businesses in the UNESCO Niagara Escarpment along the shores of Georgian Bay. Hike, hike, paddle or cook and sink your teeth into delicious, crunchy apples!

Fall Apple Festivals in Ontario

• Brighton Applefest (Brighton, Ontario)
  Held the last full weekend of September, this street festival draws 20,000–30,000 visitors with a parade, street food, crafts, hayrides, live music, fireworks, and more.
• Apple Harvest Weekend at Blue Mountain Village (Collingwood)
  A fall weekend festival, Oct. 10-13th, featuring live music, apple-inspired treats, and family fun set against the Niagara Escarpment backdrop.

Smart Tips for Apple-Picking Season

• Check current schedules: Varieties like Honeycrisp sell fast—confirm before you go!
• Bring cash: Smaller farms may not accept cards.
• Dress for fall: Boots and layers keep you comfy in muddy orchards.
• Combine activities: Many orchards are near wineries, hiking trails, or quaint towns—perfect for day trips.

There is so much Fall Fun to be had in Ontario, visit summerfunguide.ca for more ideas on how to make the most of the season!

Happy Harvest season!

Natalie