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.

The post Where to Go Apple Picking in the Greater Toronto Area appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

Beyond Monet Immersive Experience: Metro Toronto Convention Centre North Building. Ongoing. Fans of the artist and his works will enjoy being surrounded by his thoughts, his words, and his works. The immersive grand scale room offers a moving experience as virtual brushstrokes come to life in Claude Monet’s most famous paintings that’s larger than life along with an incredible musical score.

Masai Ujiri Humanity Arts Installation: September 1 to October 31. Union Station. Masai Ujiri unveiled the Humanity Art Installation that is made up of 35 words that reflect what humanity means to him. Representing peace, togetherness, youth and diversity, the artwork uses light to create a ripple effect with its words, symbolizing the need to spread more humanity. Built in a seamless circle formed under the humanity symbol, the 8-foot high sculpture by builder Ramm Design, is a reminder to the world that we’re still far from the day where everyone is treated equally. This art installation aims to engage visitors in conversation about what a kinder world looks like.

Is My Microphone On?: September 2 to September 19. Dream in High Park, Canadian Stage. Young people will no longer be able to avoid the consequences of climate change. They speak to the adults in the audience, holding them to account, questioning the choices that have not been made, the ones that children will be forced to make, and what kind of future they stand to inherit.In this Canadian premiere of Governor General’s Award-winner Jordan Tannahill’s newest play in the form of a protest song, the creative team led by director Erin Brubacher supports a chorus of kids ages 12-17 in turning the theatre into a site of intergenerational reckoning. Urgent, moving, and confrontational, Is My Microphone On? is both a declaration of war and a declaration of love.

An Evening with Jeremy Dutcher: September 6 to 8. Dream in High Park, Canadian Stage. A thrilling outdoor concert with Polaris Prize-winner Jeremy Dutcher. Touted as one of the most exciting artists in the country, Dutcher is a performer, composer, activist and musicologist.  A Wolastoqiyik ember of Tobique First Nation of New Brunswick, Dutcher’s music playfully integrates classical influences into traditional songs of his Wolastoqiyik Nation people.

Toronto International Film Festival: September 9 to 18. One of the world’s most important film festivals returns to our city this month offering film lovers an impressive selection of titles. This year’s festival will be presented both in-person, drive-in as well as digital. Along with the many premieres there are special events and talks worth checking into. We’ve got our eye on “In Conversation With…Kristen Stewart” (Free virtual event) as part of the TIFF’s Share Her Journey showcasing incredible women in film. Stewart plays Lady Diana in the highly anticipated film, Spencer. Check the official site for updates and COVID health and safety protocols. Our team has pulled together titles that have already made it on our radar – see our previous post.

The Word on the Street: September 16 to 26 (virtual). Toronto’s annual book and magazine festival celebrates virtually this year. Tune in for poetry, memoirs, mysteries and more. Join in and listen to authors, panelists and other guests speakers (free). Something for all ages. Full schedule and line up now on their site.

Redpath Waterfront Festival: September 17 to October 3. Spanning from Lower Sherbourne to Lower Spadina, the Redpath Waterfront Trail will include unique augmented reality stops, a mix of permanent, live and public art installations. From walking on water to seeing whales swim in the sky, the AR experiences will showcase the past, present and future of Toronto’s Waterfront. Complete line up and descriptions can be found at TOwaterfronttrail.com

Blindness: at Princess of Wales Theatre returns September 24 to October 24. Ease back into the theatre in this spine-chilling performance. Blindness, based on the book by José Saramago’s 1995 dystopian novel, is about a city where many become infected with a mysterious virus that causes them to lose their sight. Read our review here.

Cinderella Movie Pop-Up: September 3. The Fermenting Cellar. Celebrating the launch of Amazon Prime Video’s highly anticipated Cinderella Movie musical with a stellar cast including Camila Cabillo, Idina Menzel, and Billy Porter the streaming company is hosting a one day pop up for all ages. Inside the magical world of Cinderella is a replica of Ella’s basement space where she dreams of becoming a fashion designer. Guests can experience what it’s like to be Cinderella through a digital painting that gets them Grand Ball ready and be dazzled by thousands of projected and moving butterflies! Free ticketed event.

Breaking the Frame Photography Exhibit at the ROM: ongoing to January 16, 2022. This new exhibition highlights key moments in photographic practice through work spanning almost 200 years. The exhibit includes rarely seen work by iconic figures of photography; lesser known but highly influential artists; Canadian photographers; and innovative works from photo studios in West Africa and India. The exhibition also examines how artists experimented with photography through time and how individual photographers from different locations around the world have made important contributions throughout its development. One of the highlights include the achievements of female photographers and how they are amongst the most important both artistically and technologically.

Andy Warhol Exhibition at the AGO: until October 24. This blockbuster retrospective exhibition reconsiders the personal, social and political backdrop that influenced Warhol’s groundbreaking art. Be sure to also check out the various events,  art workshops, and lectures. Fans of the 20th century contemporary artists won’t want to miss this exhibition. Timed ticketed entry must be reserved in advance.

Whales Exhibition at the ROM: If you think you know all about whales, you may just be surprised at what is at this new exhibition at the Royal Ontario Museum. With a focus on the Great Whales from the coasts of Canada, this impressive exhibition explores the evolution, communications, their relations with humans, conservation, and examines the creatures importance life to death.

CALL IT LOVE: A New Musical: September 3 to 12. Stratford Perth Museum. If you are looking to venture slightly out of the city this is definitely worth exploring as we took note of the Eclipse Theatre Company’s stellar creators and cast (Brandon Antonio, Dan Chameroy, Robert Markus, Jennifer Rider-Shaw, and Yemie Sonuga). Written by Broadway star Chilina Kennedy and Eric Holmes this live in concert production is a ground breaking new musical that follows Olivia as she finds herself in the hospital suffering from memory loss. As she goes through the series of tests, she dissects past relationships. Her journey to self-love and forgiveness is shrouded in pain, but ultimately illuminates the joy and love that were never lost.

Pull Up! Exploring Black Youth Club Culture in Toronto: September 9 launching on Myseum site. This digital experience is dedicated to documenting the experiences of Black youth in alternative party spaces. Conceptualized by Fresh Moses, Love Bonez, and curated by Jessica D’Angelo of Serious Betty, Pull Up! will include an archive of photos from various Toronto night life spaces, mixes created by Canadian BIPOC DJs, interactive elements and more.

Mikhail Baryshnikov ‘Looking for the Dance’ Photo Exhibition: 1 Yonge Street. September 18 to October 17. Known for having dominated and revolutionized the panorama of classic ballet for decades, first as a dancer and later as a choreographer, Baryshnikov has expanded his talent through digital photography. A series of engaging photographic portraits of dancers whom he met during extended travels between Argentina and India, the work in LOOKING FOR THE DANCE depicts the intimate essence of dance, its constant transformation and its most abstract and purest concept in this new exhibition.

dance: made in canada Festival: September 22 to 25. This year’s festival themed InTo Focus offers both live and virtual performances. The live performances will take place as part Canadian Stage’s Dream in High Park programming. Free programming has been added to this year’s Festival virtually, including ‘The D Word’ podcast (now available through Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Spotify)  and six limited run film program (beginning September 20).

All AXIS Festival: 722 College Street. September 9 and 10. This two-day hybrid event will feature both in person performances as well as pre-recorded streams (via Happin) Line up features Savannah Ré, The Dirty Nil, DijahSB, Dylan Sinclair and many more will perform at the newly renovated venue. Full line up and ticket info can be found at theaxisclub.com

Gallery Weekend Toronto: September 23 to 26. Toronto joins international cities (Paris, Berlin, Barcelona and others) with the first ever gallery weekend. The Contemporary Art Galleries Association brings together 22 participating galleries (with customized routes to follow) to view over 80 artists and programming. Three unique tours are also offered with starting points.

Yorkville Murals Festival: September 24 to 26, Yorkville. A full arts festival complete with an outdoor art fair, featuring nine female artists from the Toronto area, a YVM Block pARTy with live music and over 20 different murals showcased by international artists.

September Song: Harbourfront Centre Theatre, September 11 to 19. A new visual and sound experience created 20 years after the events of 9/11. The theatrical experience is artist Heather Nicol’s first hand experience and lingering memories of that tragic morning.

Currents: Niagara’s Power Transformed: Niagara Parks Power Station, Niagara Falls: launches September 3. The newest landmark attraction opens daily for guided or self-guided tours and at night now guests can experience the power station in an entirely new way. During the day, visitors can explore the interior of the Niagara Power Plant. See artifacts, interactive exhibits and interpretive installations. Guests will learn first-hand how this hydropower pioneer harassed the power of Niagara Falls to generate electricity. Then at night, the new sound and light experience “Currents” create by Thinkwell brings the historic power station back to life with captivating visuals and breathtaking musical score.

Drive Festival: September 10 to 12. Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (Bowmanville). The first-ever outdoor interactive exhibition in Canada for auto enthusiasts and based on the most famous car events in the world. The Festival will showcase, rare, exotic, race and manufacturers models with test drive opportunities on three tracks. See and here over 100 manufacturer and classic car roar up The Dream Car Speed Run. This is a family friendly ticketed event.

…AND WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE FOOD SCENE?

Chef Daniel Boulud at Café Boulud (Four Seasons Toronto): September 15. For one night only celebrity chef Daniel Boulud and restauranteur returns to Toronto for this very special celebration dinner. In partnership with world-renowned Champagne house Maison Ruinart, an unforgettable four-course prix-fixe menu curated by Chef Daniel and the Café Boulud team will be presented with champagne, of course. To reserve call 416-964-0411.

AsialiciousTO: September 11 to 26. The annual Asian food fest is back covering all kinds of cuisine including Chinese, Filipino, Indian, Japanese, Korean, Thai and many more. Over 130 venues join in this year’s celebration offering diners set menus priced at either $10, $20, or $30. Restaurants and cafes will offer dine-in, take-out and/or delivery options as well. See their site for updates on participating restaurants.

Apple Picking at Luna Fruit Farms: 661 8th Street East. ‘Tis the season! Located just an hour away in Stoney Creek, city folks can escape to this wholesome and beautiful apple orchard to pick their own in peak season. Over 25 apple varieties are grown here. Family and dog friendly! We love this farm as they also donate a portion of their apple haul to local food banks. Visit their site for hours open to the public.

UPDATED ADDITION…this just in! 

Michelin-star Chef Oliver Glowing at TOCA Restaurant: September 29. TOCA at The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto. The acclaimed chef will be flying in from Rome to take over the kitchen at TOCA, bringing authentic tastes from the Eternal City in this one-night only special dining experience. Guests can expect an intimate cocktail reception followed by a five course menu featuring hand-selected charuterie & cheese, burrata, truffle, gnocchi and more. Limited space at this exclusive event. Reservations required by link here or by calling 416-572-8008.

The post The Best of what to see & do in Toronto this September appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

Here are some family-run farms that are within a few hours drive where you can take your furry friend to:

The Apple Orchard: Hamilton. Visitors can pick their own apples, pumpkins and squash — or just grabbed freshly pre-picked at the onsite market. No reservation required here. Some activities and facilities are adjusted because of COVID19 e.g no wagon rides on weekends. Want to take photos but don’t have someone that has a good eye? They have an onsite photographer too (pre-book).  Closed Tuesday/Wednesday.

Chudleigh’s: Halton Hills. The most popular of farms aims to provide visitors a fun-filled outing on this massive farm. They grow 22 apple varieties and have 47,500 trees on site. A glorious pumpkin patch is nestled in between the apple orchard. The farm is a big attraction for families with lots to see and do including a small farm petting zone, corn mazes, rides, and a cafe. Don’t leave without picking up some of their famous Apple Blossoms.

Carl Laidlaw Orchards: Credit River Valley, Brampton. Only open to the public  on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holiday Mondays. No reservations needed. This 100 acres farm is home to 20 apple varieties and 3 pear varieties. Pick your own apples and pears (or just pick up some from their parked wagon). There’s also a pumpkin patch, corn maze, hay bales to jump in, and farm animals to visit at this family-run farm.

Pine Farms Orchard: King City. A great pick-your-own working farm that started as a small log cabin on 100 acres of land and retreat from the city for a Toronto family. In 1948, the family begun planting apple trees on the property. Today, it is still run by family.  They encourage you to pick what you need and also visitors will be informed as to what is ripe for picking. Apples varietals are ripening in waves! Market and cafe are also on site. Also sells dog ice cream at their market shop.

Andrew’s Scenic Acres:Normally, they would host special dog visit days for the public. However, at the time of publishing this article, all events have been postponed. Keep an eye on their site for any updates. Visits with dogs are allowed but call ahead to confirm which days.

Dubeau Family Farm: Tiny, North Simcoe. A small family-run farm that’s been in business for the last 20 years. Small pumpkin area and a great spot to pass through and quickly pick up seasonal fruits and vegetables if you’re in the area. Cute photo opps while supporting local farmers.

What you should know:

Check individual websites for any restrictions on dates and times, and if there are any additional charges when bringing a pet. With COVID19, there are limits to the number of visitors allowed at any given time.

Be sure to also check with individual farm COVID19 protocols about where you (humans) will be required to wear a mask (indoors and outdoors).

Best to avoid going on weekends or PA days as the farms will be at allowable capacity and there are wait times getting into the popular farms. If you must go on the weekend, then go closer to the end of the day when most families have exhausted themselves and head home. Besides, the golden hour is gorgeous for photos.

If you’re planning on a full out photoshoot – say for engagement or annual family photos with your pooch,  inquire ahead of time about special permits and fees.

Dogs must be kept ON LEASH at all the farms we’ve researched. Since the farms have other visitors including families with young kids it’s wise to keep your fuzzball with you. Also, keeps them from trampling on plants and trees.

Bring your own poop bags and clean up after your dog.

Getting There:

Road trip! Most of the farms are within a couple of hours drive out of the city. But if you don’t have access to a car we found Your Dog Butler Pet Taxi service a reliable and comfortable option not just for city rides but for your daytrips too. While they have fleet of vehicles, you’ll want to book ahead. They will provide rates ahead of time. They are well equipped for all dog needs including ramps to get in and out of the vehicles if necessary. Safety is a priority. But if you also want to ride in style, you can request their black car service for ultimate comfort. Longer drives factor in pitstops along the way if needed.  They also clean their vehicles in between customer rides. They can also accommodate up to 5 people and 2 dogs (within your family bubble) in the vehicle.

Goober Rides is another a Toronto-based ride service created for pets. Easy and efficient rides without all the bells and whistles. Aaron will get you and your pet safely where you need to go without hassles. No more worrying about being ghosted by a regular cabbie or ride share driver. Book ahead of time to secure your ride.

*photos in the piece were provided by the dog families and published with their permission.

The post Ontario Apple Orchards & Pumpkin Patches that are Dog Friendly appeared first on Toronto Guardian.