Apple picking is one of the most iconic activities in Ontario in the fall, and there’s no shortage of places to do it in the Greater Toronto Area. There’s a wide range of activities and apple varietals that come with each spot, too, and some even have cool events to explore. Here are some of the best spots to go apple picking in the GTA.
Where to go apple picking in the GTA
Albion Orchards Apple Farm & Country Market
Address: 14800 Innis Lake Rd, Caledon
Both Chatelaine Magazine and the Food Network listed this orchard as one of the top four in Canada, with good reason: It also has a market that sells homemade pies and preserves, and there are a ton of apple varietals, as well as pumpkins, growing on the property. It costs $25 for a 10-pound pick-your-own bag, and the staff has a reputation for being supremely kind and helpful.
Applewood Orchards
Address: 12416 McCowan Rd, Whitchurch-Stouffville
Applewood Orchards was one of the first places to offer family apple picking in the GTA, and has been doing it for over four decades. It also has an award-winning winery on the premises, which offers 13 selections of wine. Admission to the farm is $12 and includes a pumpkin or squash from the field, and the pick-your-own apple option is $20 for a small bag and $35 for a large bag.
Brooks Farms
Address: 122 Ashworth Rd, Uxbridge
This pick-your-own orchard also hosts a ton of family-friendly activities, from a magic show, to interacting with farm animals, to a play land and even a ton of activities. It’s open year round, so there are also maple sugar activities, various seasonal fruits to pick, as well as camps and even field trips available. To go picking, all visitors need is to buy a basket, and then they can peruse the grounds at their own pace.
Carl Laidlaw Orchards
Address: 9496 Heritage Rd, Brampton
This Brampton orchard is family-run, and its now run by the 7th generation of the Laidlaw clan. It’s been a farm for decades, and today the 100 acres house 20 varietals of apples as well as pears. Guests can learn about the property and the fruits at the welcome table, enjoy a wagon ride, and even wander through the corn maze. Admission is $16 for adults and $9 for kids, and 10-pound bags to pick fruit costs $20.
Dixie Orchards
Address: 14309 Dixie Rd, Inglewood
With a very reasonable $6 entry fee and a variety of pumpkins and apples on offer, Dixie Orchards is certainly one of the best places to go apple picking in the GTA. It also has a bunch of apple-related goods available for purchase. The pick-your-own option amounts to $11 per five-pound bag, and wagon rides are available around the massive property to check out each varietal. For added fun, visitors can enjoy a corn maze and feed farm animals.
Pine Farm Orchards
Address: 2700 16th Sideroad, King City
Pine Farm Orchards is arguably one of the most photogenic apple orchards in the GTA, and it’s very easy to spend a full day on the property. There’s a cafe that even boasts ice cream for dogs, a market, and 21 varietals of apples to pick from. Guests can pick apples by the pound, and the bags are free to make customizing the selection easier. There are pumpkins available every fall, too, and the year-round orchard hosts activities like hiking and biking, too.
Springridge Farm
Address: 7256 Bell School Line, Milton
There’s a little bit of everything at Springridge Farms, so it has to be included on any list of the best places to go apple picking in the GTA. It’s got a front porch canteen which serves up sandwiches, soups and drinks, a play area, and a market, as well as a pick-your-own orchard. From the market, the apple fritters and tarts are a must-try sweet treat, and there are a ton of cool fashion finds and prepared foods on offer.
Apple picking in the GTA is a classic fall activity, and its a truly tasty experience for the entire family. And the added bonus of sweet treats and a fun fall activity make it an experience that’s sure to create a lasting memory.
