I am definitely a summer girl, but there is something really special about fall in Ontario. The air gets crisp, we get to put on cozy sweaters, my kids love jumping onto crunchy leaves then throwing them up in the air and best of all… it’s Ontario apple picking season!
If you’ve been searching for apple picking Ontario, you’re in the right place. Ontario is packed with family-friendly farms where you can pick your own apples, sip cider, snack on donuts and enjoy wagon rides.
There are so many farms surrounding the Greater Toronto Area, some where you can buy pre-picked and others that are pick your own. I happen to think picking your own apples is so much fun, so I have a list here of our top 10 apple orchards in Ontario to go apple picking.
So, whether you’re planning a day trip or a full weekend adventure, these apple orchards around the GTA are the perfect way to spend time outdoors with your kids.
Why Go Apple Picking in Ontario?
Apple picking isn’t just about the apples. It’s about the experience.
Family fun – Kids can run through orchards, climb hay bales, and explore corn mazes. Many of the farms offer festivals that include shows, slides, bouncy castles and more!
Fresh air – It’s the perfect way to get outside. We are always advocating for fun ways to be away from screens.
Delicious treats – Most of the farms offer some kind of baked goods like pies, fritters, and donuts. Don’t forget the apple cider!
Seasonal tradition – Apple picking in Ontario is a must-do fall tradition. There are so many varieties of apples in Ontario.
The best part? Most of these farms are less than two hours from Toronto. That means you can easily plan a day trip without too much driving.
10 Best Apple Picking Near Toronto
Here are 10 Ontario apple orchards you’ll want to add to your fall bucket list.
1. Chudleigh’s Apple Farm
Located in Milton, Ontario, I think Chudleigh’s is one of the most famous apple-picking spots in Ontario! They have over 18 varieties of apples to pick!
WHAT IS THERE TO DO?
There are farm animals to visit. Wagon rides through the orchard. Nature Trails. A fun kids play area with slides and climbing. Don’t miss their famous apple blossoms. This is the perfect spot for families who want a full fall experience, not just apple picking.
Tickets Price:
Adults $18
Kids 3+ $16
0-3 Free
Seniors $17
Make sure you book online ahead of time. Plan ahead as times do get booked out!
2. Albion Orchards
A smaller, family-run orchard that feels cozy and welcoming. It is located in Caledon, Ontario. Unlike some of the other farms with lots of activity, Albion Orchards is purely an apple picking farm (or pumpkins and christmas trees later on).
The offer a great apple of varieties
There is a country store with fresh-baked pies, cider and unique gifts
A quieter option compared to bigger farms
If you’re looking for a relaxed apple-picking day, Albion is a great pick.
3. Andrews Scenic Acres
This farm is not just about apples, Andrews Scenic Acres in Halton Hills, Ontario, offers walking trails, wagon-rides, a playground, petting zoo with farm animals, climbing a straw mountain and seasonal mazes. Pick-your-own apples, pumpkins, flowers and more. On weekends you can enjoy BBQ and ice cream stands.
There is also a winery on-site for the grown-ups
Price List:
Buy Online ahead of time to get a better price.
$15 +HST: Ages 6-64 can secure their spot online.
$10 +HST: Seniors aged 65+
FREE: Little ones aged 0-5 can join the fun for free!
It’s perfect if you want apple picking plus a little something extra.
4. Brooks Farms
This farm is a hit with families thanks to its giant play area. Brooks Farms in Mount Albert/ Uxbridge area has a fall festival in September and October. They have everything from Barnyard playland with jumping pillows, zip lines, and slides. Farm animal to pet. Plenty of apple varieties to pick. A delicious market with baked goods.
Price List:
This one is really fun, but you get what you pay for, the price for the fall festival at Brooks Farms is $25 in October, $20 in September.
Your kids won’t want to leave this one, it has everything!
5. Watson Farms
Located in Bowmanville, Watson Farms is a friendly, no-frills orchard with everything you need for a fall day. Of course you can pick-your-own apples and pumpkins, but they also have Tractor rides, petting zoo, corn maze and a playground. There is also a Farm market with cider and treats
Adults: $5
Children Age 3+: $3
It’s an affordable and fun option for families east of Toronto.
6. Puddicombe Estate Farm
Puddicombe Estate Farm, located in Stoney Creek, is more than just an apple orchard. It’s also a winery and bakery. It’s a great spot if you want something fun for both parents and children.
They offer a wide variety of pick-your-own apples. They also have a fall festival weekend in September and October that include things like a scavenger hunt, rope maze, family fun zone and snacks. They also offer train rides on the weekend, Wine tasting for adults
Puddicombe Estate Farm has a lot to offer but it comes at an increased price compared to some of the others.
Price List:
For the fall festival: Ages 3–13 ($35.95 + tax), Ages 14+ ($30.95 + tax)If you want to skip the festival and just pick the apples, that is also an option.
7. Dixie Orchards
Dixie Orchards is located in Caledon and it’s one of my favourites. This orchard is known for both apples and pumpkins. It’s a smaller farm, but I always find we have the best days here as it is not too busy. Enjoy a wagon ride, corn maze, jumping in hay bails and visiting some farm animals. There are a ton of apple varieties to pick throughout the season. There is also a pumpkin patch if you are coming later in the season.
Price list:
$6.20 per person over the age of 2
8. Carl Laidlaw Orchards
This farm located in Brampton is a local favourite because it’s simple and family-focused. It’s been in the family for 7 generations!
They offer a wide variety of apple and pumpkin picking, a bonfire spot to roast hot dogs, farm animals, a wagon ride, a corn maze and more!
It’s a great pick if you want to slow down and enjoy a classic farm day.
Price list:
Kids 2 and up: $9 plus hst.
Adults 18+: $16 plus hst
9. Great Lakes Farms
Okay, this one is just over two hours from Toronto, but trust me, it’s worth the drive. Great Lakes farms is located in Port Stanley, since its bit of a hike, you can make a day of it and hang out in the town when you’re done at the farm!
Great lakes Farms is so cute for kids, they have a pirate ship playground, wagon rides, hay bale jumping, corn maze and more!
Of course they have amazing apple and pumpkin picking and delicious apple baked goods.
If you want to make a weekend out of it, Port Stanley has gorgeous beaches nearby too.
Price List:
For the fun zone it is $7
10. The Apple Orchard
One of Hamilton’s hidden gems, The Apple Orchard is definitely one to add to your list!
They offer dozens of apple and pear varieties!. Fun things for the family include a petting zoo, wagon rides, corn maze and walking trails.
This orchard feels cozy and welcoming that is perfect for families who want a laid back apple picking day.
Price List:
18 and over – $11.73 + HST
Seniors – $11.29 + HST
2 to 17 – $10.84 + HST
under 2 – Free
Tips for Apple Picking in Ontario
Want to make the most of your apple picking Ontario trip? Here are some quick tips:
- Go at different times throughout the season – September and October is the best time for crisp, juicy apples, but different varieties grow at different times (see below)
- Wear comfy shoes – You’ll be walking through fields and orchards.
- Bring cash – Some smaller farms don’t take cards.
- Pack snacks – Or just plan to buy donuts and cider at the farm.
Check the farm’s website – Apple varieties and opening hours change often.
When is Apple Picking Season in Ontario?
Apple picking in Ontario usually runs from late August through October. Different apple varieties ripen at different times, so you’ll want to check with each farm before you go.
🍏 Early season (late August–early September): Paula Red, Ginger Gold, Zestar
🍏 Mid-season (September): McIntosh, Cortland, Honeycrisp (perfect for baking)
🍏 Late season (October): Empire, Red Delicious, Fuji, golden delicious
Ontario apple season is more than just a fall activity, it’s a family tradition. I love bringing my kids to spend a day outside in the fall when the weather is just right! Whether you want a big farm with wagon rides and apple cider donuts, or a smaller orchard where you can just enjoy the quiet and maybe a sweet apple pie, there’s something for everyone.
👉 Which farm will you visit first? Have one to add? Comment below!
Looking for other things to do in Ontario? Why not spend a day in Caledon-click to read more!