We’re in the final weeks of peak apple-picking season here in Ontario, and if you haven’t yet made a day of this classic fall ritual, now is the time to pencil it in! There are several farms within an hour of the city with abundant orchards where you can PYO, so a day trip is totally sufficient. Choose your location and head out to stock up on the freshest, tastiest local fruits and enjoy some quality time with your family or friends.
Here’s where to go apple picking around Toronto.
Downey’s Strawberry & Apple Farm
This 206-acre family farm is just 40 minutes north of the city of Caledon. Currently, Jonagold, Mutsu, Northern Spy, Red Fuji, and Empire are in season and ripe for picking until November 5th. Guests can choose a 10 lb bag for $26, or a 20 lb bag for $42. There’s no admission for the farm, but an $8.50 minimum pick per person is required.
The Apple Orchard
The Apple Orchard is just outside of Hamilton and boasts over 10,000 apple trees and a 5-acre pumpkin patch. Braeburn, Fuji, Red Jonagold, Northern Spy, and Golden Delicious are ripe for picking until mid-late October. Admission to the farm is $10.20, which includes wagon rides, a corn maze, and access to the walking trails. PYO apples are $2.25 per pound.
Albion Orchards Apple Farm & Country Market
Take a weekend drive out to Albion Orchards in scenic Caledon for a day of apple and/or pumpkin picking. Choose from Ida Red, Macintosh, Cortland, Northern Spy, Granny Smith, and more. Get a 10 lb bag for $25, or a 20 lb bag for $45.
Applewood Farm
One of the first pick-your-own strawberry and apple farms in Stouffville now includes 32 acres of apples and strawberries. Take a 45-minute drive from Toronto and spend a day browsing the orchard aisles for Ambrosia, Spartan, Spencer, Red Delicious, and more. Admission is $15 per person for ages 3 and up, and apples are $20 for a small bag and $35 for a large bag.
Organics Farm
Since 2004, this certified organic farm just outside of Markham has been growing crops entirely free of pesticides and herbicides. Ambrosia, Honey Gold, Liberty, and Crimson Crisp, are all ready to pick around mid-October. Admission to the farm is $15 per person 3 years old and up, which includes a 5 lb bag of pick-your-own apples, but you can pay more if you want to take more than the entry bag.
Watson Farms
This family farm in Bowmanville just east of Oshawa has been offering PYO apples since 1970. McIntosh, Gala, Snowflake, Cortland, Honeycrisp, and more are ripe for picking currently, and apples are $2.75 per pound. Admission to the farm is $5 for adults and $3 for children, which includes the petting zoo, wagon rides, and access to the fields.
Luna Farms
This fruit farm in the scenic Niagara Escarpment in Stoney Creek offers over 5,000 apple trees. U-pick is available on the weekends, and the farm is currently picking Honeycrisp, Imperial Gala, Jona Gold, Regal Gala, Jona Star, and Cortland apples.
Chudleighs
Chudleighs in Halton Hills is open for your apple-picking pleasure! The farm grows over 18 varieties of apples that are available to be picked across its 47,500 trees and 60-acre orchard. Weekends tend to sell out during October, so be sure to buy your tickets in advance here.
Pine Farms Orchard
Just a few minutes away from Canada’s Wonderland, you’ll find Pine Farms Orchard! The farm has a variety of apples to pick at $2.35 a pound, along with its $7 per-person admission fee. They even have “kid-sized” trees, so any age can enjoy picking their own apples. Be sure to visit its cafe before you leave!
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12 Affordable & Fun Fall Activities To Do In And Near Toronto
Need some ideas and inspiration to kickstart the Fall season? There are plenty of affordable, activities to get involved in as well as beautiful scenery in and near Toronto. Although you may be a little sad that you can no longer enjoy some poolside lounging in Ontario, the fall time definitely has its perks with gorgeous leaves and cozy vibes.
Here are affordable & fun fall activities to do in and near Toronto.
Albion Hills Conservation Area
Located in Caledon, take a hike, a run, or even a bike ride around the beautiful area and breathe in the fresh air. Have a picnic surrounded by the colour-changing leaves. Obsessed with the area? Grab your tent and take a camping trip for a couple of nights.
Leslieville Farmers’ Market
A fresh produce farmers market is just what you need for the fall time. Free to enter, browse around veggies, fruits, and more. Get fresh ingredients to begin your pumpkin-spiced baking, or even grab yummy goodies that are ready to eat. Open on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. You can also check out the Trinity Bellwoods Farmers’ Market, Anette Village Famers’ Market, or the virtual Junction Farmers’ Market.
Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster
Are you an adrenaline junkie? Check out this mountain coaster just a few hours from Toronto in Blue Mountain where you can explore beautiful terrain where you are the driver. You can even get to speeds of about 42km/h!
Kitchener/Waterloo Oktoberfest
Tickets for the 55th annual Bavarian Festival are on sale now! Enjoy delicious Bavarian cuisine from local restaurant partners, live entertainment, drinks with friends, and so much more at Oktoberfest!
Knox Pumpkin Farm
Opening on September 23 for some pumpkin patch fun in Hampton, Knox Pumpkin Farm has you covered for a great fall activity. Enjoy wagon rides, a corn maze, pumpkin picking, farm animals, and more.
Martino Manor
Another idea for affordable fall activities is Martino Manor in Etobicoke. If you love all things spooky and scary, you’ll love walking through the manor or the outdoor maze — you never know what lurks around the next corner! Prices are $19.99-$29.99 per person and the Martino Manor is open every weekend starting September 29th to October 31st.
The Apple Orchard Inc.
The Apple Orchard Inc. is ready for you to do some picking. Open Thursday to Monday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., grab some delicious apples and enjoy. Use this as an opportunity to put your baking skills to the test — there’s nothing like a spiced apple pie to put you in the mood for fall.
Pumpkinferno
Want to walk through an outdoor art exhibit full of 7,000 carved pumpkins? Now’s your chance. Breathtakingly gorgeous carved pumpkins lit all night long down a kilometer-long path at Upper Canada Village in Morrisburg. Grab your tickets for $22 starting September 29 to October 31.
Grape Escape Wine Tours
A lover of wine? Head on over to Wine Country, Niagara-On-The-Lake, and have fun on a bike wine tour. For $40, you get your own rental bike and a map of the local wineries to explore.
Toronto Islands
Check out the Toronto Islands during the fall for a beautiful view of the Toronto skyline. Be sure to bundle up as it can get quite chilly near the water. A perfect spot to have a picnic and chill out!
Johnston’s Cranberry Farm
Johnston’s Cranberry Farm at Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery is located about two hours away from Toronto. This cranberry farm has things to do all year round! This fall you can take a wagon tour, see the harvest, visit the Cranberry Café, or take the insta-worthy Cranberry Plunge, where you actually go into a cranberry marsh!
Aberfoyle Antique Market
Open every Sunday until October 29 is the Aberfoyle Antique Market! There’s no time like the fall to explore this large antique market full of different treasures and treats. It costs $5 to get in and is open from 8 am to 4 pm so you have plenty of time to look around.
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It’s officially cuffing season, the time of year when the weather gets colder and when we leave behind our wild and free-spirited ways of summer in favour of settling down and cuddling up with someone special. But deciding what to do on your date can be tough and going to the same old restaurant everytime gets boring. Whether it’s you’re going on your first date, your 10th date, or your 100th date, getting some fresh and new date ideas can never hurt.
Here are 5 super fun and cozy date ideas that are perfect for fall!
Go Apple Picking
Not only is apple picking one of the more classic fall activities, it’s also an easy and casual date idea. What could be more romantic than strolling through the apple orchards, holding hands with your significant other, while wearing matching cable knit sweaters? Take this date one step further by taking your freshly picked apples and turning them into a sweet baked good. After all, nothing is better than apple pie, especially when it’s made with a secret ingredient — love.
Rent a Cabin for a Cozy Weekend Getaway
Before the crazy holiday season starts with parties and gatherings, take some time for a cozy weekend getaway with bae at a cozy cabin in the woods. The time together away from the hustle and bustle of your day-to-day lives will allow you two to really connect and focus on each other on a deeper level. While you’re there, spend your time cuddled up on the couch, roasting s’mores over a bonfire, and drinking hot chocolate.
Go for a Hike
Get outdoors while you still can without having to pile on a million layers of clothing and take a romantic hike with your boo. The best thing about the autumn season is all the colours of the changing leaves on the trees. So, grab your date and hit the trails to soak in the fresh air and admire that gorgeous view with your date!
Head To The Museum
Fall is known for its chilly and rainy days, but don’t let the weather stop you from leaving the house. Head to one of Toronto’s many museums for a dose of culture and fun day out with your SO. Regardless of what you both are into, you’re bound to find a spot that peaks both of your interests.
Spend An Afternoon At The movies
It’s a known fact that boys have been using movies as an excuse to put their arm around the ladies for years. For days when it’s too nasty and cold to spend time outside, snuggle up with your boo at the movies. Make your date even more special by upgrading to VIP where you get a comfier chair, more room, and in-seat food and drink service!
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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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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