Fall is around the corner and for me the autumn season means walking through and raking up burnt orange, crimson and golden leaves; going for a walk in the crisp, cool air with the sun beaming brightly while wrapped up in a cozy cardigan, and making a nourishing soup with squash or root vegetables such as this Curried Carrot Soup with Apple. Visiting an Ontario fall fair or going apple picking near Toronto in 2022 is another fun thing to do in fall since it enables us city dwellers to go for a drive in the country. Apple picking offers so many benefits including being outdoors in the fresh air, bonding with family or friends, and of course, bringing home a bushel of apples that you can enjoy. Plus it’s a great way to get out and see the fall colours.
You should be aware that some apples are better for baking while others are better for eating. The best apples for baking are Honeycrisp, Northern Spy, Cortland, Mutsu, Braeburn and Jonagold. The best apples for cooking are Granny Smith, Gala, Honeycrisp, Cortland, Empire, Fuji, and Golden Delicious. If you simply want to eat freshly picked apples, you’ll find that the best apples for eating are McIntosh, Honeycrisp, Golden Delicious, Red Delicious, Empire and Granny Smith. Find out where to go apple picking near Toronto in 2022 at the following apple farms that offer pick-your-own apples.
Pick Your Own Apple Farms in Milton 2022
- Chudleigh’s, 9528 Regional Road 25, Halton Hills, 905-878-2725 offers many apple varieties for pick-your-own and ready picked. The apple farm also features a licensed restaurant, store and family friendly activities. The first day of apple picking is August 18, 2021. The first apple variety of the season is Tydeman Reds, which is a sweet and tart apple that is suitable both for eating and baking. Apple species available later on include Ginger Gold, Wealthy, Silken, McIntosh, Gala, Cortland, Kerr Mini, Red Delicious, Empire, Northern Spy, Honeycrisp, Creston, Russet, Golden Delicious. Admission is Adult (13-64) $16, Child (4-13) $14, Senior (65+) $14, 3 and under Free; Group rate (20+ people) $13. General admission rate applies to upper yard (farm animals, tractor wagon rides, play area, nature trail and bail jump). Timed entries. Admission must be purchased in advance online. Parking is free. The farm is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day including Holiday Mondays until October 31, 2022.
- Willis Family Fruit Farm, 6063 Fifth Line, Milton, 905-876-2606 is not open for the 2022 season due to COVID.
King City Pick Your Own Apple Farms 2022
- Pine Farms Orchard, 2700 16th Sideroad, King City, 905-833-5459 have been in operation for 50 years selling Melba, Wealthy, Spartan, McIntosh, Red Delicious, Cortland, Northern Spy and limited quantities of other varieties. Ready Aug. 23, 2019: Ginger Gold; Aug. 31: Wealthy; Sept. 7: McIntosh; Sept. 10 Cortland; Sept. 18: Royal Gala and Spartan; Sept. 20: Honeycrisp and Empire; Sept. 25: Mutsu; Sept. 28: Red Delicious; Oct. 1: Ambrosia, Jonagold, Russett; Oct. 5: Northern Spy and Ida Red. Fall hours from mid-August to Nov. 1, 2019 are Monday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $5 per person; 2 and under Free. Admission is cash only; Visa and debit accepted for all other items. No outside food allowed. Bring your own bags if possible.
- JC Agri Orchards, 3105 16th Sideroad, King City, 705-733-5369, offers pick-your-own apples priced by the pound. Available now: Spartan, Golden Delicious, Northern Spy, Ambrosia, Red Delicious, Shizuka. Mid-Sept.: Royal Gala, Honeycrisp, Cortland, McIntosh, Silken. You are encouraged to bring your own bags. Bags are available for 25 cents each. Cash, debit, Visa or Mastercard accepted for apples. Cash only for snacks and beverages at Apple Road Cafe. Open Friday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Pick Your Own Apples in Stouffville 2022
- Applewood Farm Winery, 12442 McCowan Road, Stouffville, 905-642-4720 has apple orchards containing McIntosh, Red Delicious, Honeycrisp, Spartan, Royal Gala, Ambrosia, Golden Delicious, Paula Red, Cortland and Spencer varieties. Pick-your-own apples begin on Sat., Sept. 7, 2019 and are $20 for a 20 lb. bag. Admission is $10 (ages 3-65) and includes includes one pick your own pumpkin or squash per paid entry or one half peck of apples; full use of play yard, animal barn, wagon ride, corn maze and Straw Mountain. Hours after Labour Day 2019 are Monday and Tuesdays closed, Wednesday-Friday noon to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Thanksgiving Monday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Brampton Pick Your Own Apple Farms
- The Big R’ Apple Farm, 8674 Heritage Road, 1 1/2 kilometres north of Steeles, 905-455-8414 is open Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Apple varieties for picking in September include Fortune, Empire, McIntosh, Golden Delicious, Jonagold, Royal Gala, Honeycrisp, Mutsu, Ginger Gold, Wealthy, Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, and Northern Spy. Schedule a visit on their website.
I hope you get a chance to go apple picking near Toronto in 2022. Let me know in the comment section if you have visited one of these pick your own apple farms.
