It’s finally fall, that short but oh-so-sweet season that calls for cozy layers, pumpkin everything, and apples – so many apples.
Apple picking – and documenting it on social media – is a major must once the leaves start to change colour, whether you make a romantic date out of it, take the niece and nephew, or grab a few friends and make it part of a Sunday Funday.
Here are 9 spots to pick apples close to Toronto.
Pingle’s Farm Market
If farm-to-table is your thing, not only will you find an apple orchard at Pingle’s Farm Market in Clarington – which features varieties like Honey Crisps, Red Delicious, and Ambrosia – you can take home other farm offerings at the spot’s huge farmers’ market. Added draws include a corn maze and wagon rides.
Applewood Farm Winery
At Applewood Farm Winery – located near Stouffville – your apple picking session can also come with some locally made wine and cider. In addition to Royal Gala, Macintosh, and Cortland apples, you can also pick squash and pumpkins, and then unwind with an adult beverage made on the property.
Chudleigh’s
One of the most well-known spots to apple pick is Chudleigh’s, a farm in Milton that has been producing delicious apples for three generations. If you want to make a day out of it, this is the place to do so; the spot features the fully licensed Farm Kitchen and Silo Bar, a massive play area that includes a large hay maze and nature trails, and farm animals.
Pine Farms Orchard
In King City, Pine Farms Orchard boasts 21 varieties of apples – more than most people probably knew existed. Apples are weighed by the lb., with a minimum purchase of $5.00 per person. An on-site bakeshop serves up pies, tarts, and a selection of other sweet and savoury goodness.
Brooks Farms
If you’ve never been to Mount Albert, Ontario, a fall day in the country – complete with apple picking – makes for the perfect excuse for a road trip. In addition to apples ($13.50 for a 5 lb. bag), you can also score yourself some fresh squash, sweet corn, and pumpkins. Added talking points include pig races and pumpkin cannons.
Organic Family Farms
This popular Markham farm features Lobo, Sweet Sixteen, and Honey Crisp apples this season. There is a $12 minimum purchase upon arrival, which includes one 5 lb. bag of PYO apples and the farm recommends calling ahead for a crop update before making the trek up there.
Watson Farm
East of the city, you can find all the Cortland, Paula Red, Royal Gala, and Gingergold apples your heart desires at Bowmanville’s Watson Farm. You’ll also find other fresh Ontario fruits and veggies for purchase here.
Archibald Orchard & Estate Winery
Also in Bomanville is Archibald Orchard & Estate Winery, which has been a pick-your-own apple spot since 1967 and features almost 10,000 trees. In addition to the abundant apples, you can also discover an assortment of wines made with fresh fruit from the property and ciders made with fresh-off-the-tree apples.
Downey’s Farm
At Downey’s farm – located in picturesque Caledon (which is even prettier in the fall) – you can pick 13 varieties of apples. Offering a more affordable option than some of the others, there is no entrance fee here, and the only requirement is that you buy at least $5.00 of apples.
Are you going to pick apples this fall? Let us know in the comment section!
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