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Fall has arrived, and that means it’s officially apple picking season! Thankfully, there is no shortage of apple orchards in the GTA where you can pick your own apples. From ginger golds to McIntosh to royal galas, be sure to go apple picking this fall in Toronto.
Located in Inglewood, Downey’s Apple Farm is a must-visit spot come fall. Featuring wagon rides and endless rows of apple trees, this is an idyllic place to spend an afternoon. Guests have the option of picking a 10lb or 20lb bag of apples, and there is no admission fee to the farm (though there is a minimum picking requirement of $8). Their 2021 harvest calendar includes all kinds of varieties, like golden delicious, mutsu, northern spy, red fuji, and more.
Stouffville (just north of Markham) is home to the popular Applewood Farm. This lovely family-run farm is open for business all season long. Apples are sold by the bag and are available in 10lb or 20lb bags. This year’s picking schedule sees new apple varieties becoming available each week, including royal gala, McIntosh, honey crisp, spartan, empire, ambrosia, spencer, red delicious, and more. Beyond apples, Applewood Farm is also home to a pumpkin patch and right now, admission to the farm for apple picking includes one free pumpkin or squash. Please note that masks are mandatory when entering the farm and in all areas where social distancing isn’t possible.
Carl Laidlaw Orchards is located in nearby Brampton and is home to all varieties of apples. Open on Saturdays and Sundays throughout September and October (as well as Thanksgiving Monday), here you’ll find everything from honey golds, spartans, and cortlands to ambrosias, empires, and fujis. As with all apple farms on this list, different varieties of apples are available at different times of the fall, so be sure to consult the schedule on their website if there’s a specific variety you’re looking for. This year, Carl Laidlaw Orchards is charging $20 for a 10lb bag of apples (bags and baskets are provided), plus the admission fee of $7 for children and $12 for adults.
If you plan on visiting Toronto this summer, then be sure to spend an afternoon at one of the apple orchards above. And if you need a place to stay during your visit, you’re always welcome at the Super 5 Inn Toronto.
