15 Best Apple Picking Farms Near Toronto: The Perfect Fall Day Out
There is a moment every September when summer quietly loosens its grip on Ontario.
The mornings arrive cooler. The first leaves begin curling gold around the edges. Roadside markets fill with pumpkins, squash and baskets of apples polished by the sun. Suddenly, staying home on a Saturday feels almost impossible.
That is usually when we begin planning an apple-picking day trip from Toronto.
There is something wonderfully uncomplicated about wandering through an orchard. You follow rows of trees until you find a branch heavy with fruit, twist an apple gently into your palm and hear that satisfying little snap as it leaves the stem. For a few hours, traffic, screens and unfinished to-do lists seem very far away.
Fortunately, some of Ontario’s loveliest orchards are within an easy drive of Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Markham and the rest of the GTA. Some are simple working farms where the apples are the main attraction. Others turn the harvest into a full fall festival with wagon rides, corn mazes, farm animals, live music, cider doughnuts and enough activities to keep children busy for hours.
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This guide brings together 15 of the best apple-picking farms near Toronto, with practical details on admission fees, expected visit length, parking, activities, apple varieties, crowd levels and the best time to visit in 2026.
Important 2026 note: Farm hours, admission prices and available varieties can change because of weather, crop conditions and visitor volume. Always check the farm’s website or social media on the morning of your visit—especially if you are travelling for Honeycrisp, Ambrosia or another specific variety.
Apple-Picking Season Near Toronto: 2026 Harvest Forecast
Apple-picking season in Southern Ontario generally runs from late August through late October, but there is no single perfect weekend for every apple.
Early varieties—including Sunrise, Ginger Gold, Paula Red and Zestar—usually appear from mid-August to early September. McIntosh, Gala, Cortland and Honeycrisp often take over during September, while Ambrosia, Empire, Mutsu, Fuji, Northern Spy and Golden Delicious tend to ripen from late September into October.
Ontario’s 2026 crop outlook is generally positive, although spring frost and dry summer conditions affected some orchards and varieties differently. Royal Orchards, for example, has advised that some of its apples may be smaller than usual following the summer drought, while still remaining juicy. That variation is precisely why a farm’s same-day crop update is more useful than relying exclusively on a general calendar.
For the broadest choice of apples, our favourite window is usually mid-September through the first week of October. For apples and pumpkins during the same outing, aim for late September or early October.
What About the Apple-Bloom Forecast?
Apple blossoms belong to spring, not fall. Around the GTA, trees typically bloom in May, depending on the temperature and location. By apple-picking season, those blossoms have long since transformed into fruit.
If you want flowering trees and soft spring photographs, watch individual farms for blossom events next May. If you want to pick apples, use the harvest and ripening forecast in this guide instead.
Apple Varieties by Approximate Picking Period
Approximate period | Apples commonly available |
Mid-August to early September | Sunrise, Ginger Gold, Paula Red, Wealthy, Zestar |
Early to mid-September | McIntosh, Gala, Lobo, Silken |
Mid to late September | Honeycrisp, Cortland, Macoun, Spartan, Crimson Crisp |
Late September to early October | Empire, Jonagold, Golden Delicious, Ambrosia |
October | Mutsu, Northern Spy, Fuji, Russet, Red Delicious, Ida Red |
These are planning windows, not guaranteed dates. Warm weather can move a harvest forward, while cool or wet weather can delay it.
Quick Guide to the Best Apple-Picking Farms Near Toronto
Farm | Area | Approx Drive | Best for |
Chudleigh’s Farm | Milton | 55–75 min. | The classic all-around experience |
Downey’s Strawberry & Apple Farm | Caledon | 50–70 min. | Serious apple picking without admission |
Dixie Orchards | Caledon | 55–75 min. | Apples, pumpkins and hazelnuts |
Applewood Farm | Stouffville | 45–65 min. | Families and east-GTA visitors |
Organics Farm | Markham | 40–60 min. | Certified-organic apples |
Carl Laidlaw Orchards | Brampton | 45–65 min. | Rustic countryside charm |
Royal Orchards | King City | 45–60 min. | Live music and affordable picking |
Albion Orchards | Caledon | 50–70 min. | Simple, budget-conscious picking |
Andrews Farm Market & Winery | Milton | 50–70 min. | Flowers, fruit, animals and wine |
The Apple Orchard | Hamilton | 60–85 min. | A full family farm day |
Brooks Farms | Mount Albert | 60–80 min. | Children and festival attractions |
Pingle’s Farm Market | Hampton | 65–85 min. | Food, entertainment and fall atmosphere |
Nature’s Bounty Farm | Port Perry | 65–90 min. | Scenery and apple variety |
Archibald’s Orchard & Winery | Bowmanville | 65–85 min. | Drive-in picking and cider |
Brantwood Farms | Paris | 75–100 min. | A destination-style fall festival |
Drive times are estimates from downtown Toronto and can increase significantly during weekend traffic.
1. Chudleigh’s Farm—Milton
📍 9528 Regional Road 25, Milton, Ontario
If apple picking near Toronto had a grand old family favourite, it would probably be Chudleigh’s.
The farm has welcomed generations of visitors since 1967 and now grows thousands of trees across its rolling Milton property. It is polished enough to feel like a special fall outing but still has the unmistakable pleasures of an orchard: low branches, rows of ripening fruit and the scent of leaves warming beneath the afternoon sun.
Its 2026 timed admission includes three hours on the farm, with access to the orchard, tractor-wagon rides, farm animals, a nature trail and children’s play areas. Apples are purchased separately. The café and market add another temptation altogether—this is not the place to promise yourself that you will leave without pie.
The orchard opened for the 2026 season in August, with varieties changing throughout September and October. Chudleigh’s requires advance online tickets, and popular weekend slots can sell out.
Book Your Tickets: Chudleigh's Farm booking
Plan Your Visit
2026 admission: Approximately $18–$18.50 for adults, $16–$16.50 for children ages 4–13 and free for children three and under; prices vary by date
Apples: Purchased separately in farm-provided bags
Best time to visit: Mid-September for variety; late September for stronger fall atmosphere
Expected visit: The admission window is three hours
Parking: Free on-site farm parking
Activities: Wagon ride, orchard, farm animals, nature trail, play area, café and market
Avoid the crowd: Book the first available morning session on a weekday
Important tip: Your three-hour window ends at its scheduled time even if you arrive late
Why choose it: Chudleigh’s is our top overall recommendation for first-time visitors who want apple picking, photographs, food and family activities in one well-organized outing.
2. Downey’s Strawberry & Apple Farm—Caledon
📍 13707 Heart Lake Road, Caledon, Ontario
Downey’s keeps its apple-picking experience refreshingly focused. There is no separate admission charge for the orchard; instead, each group purchases a bag based on the number of people entering.
For 2026, a 10-pound bag costs $28 and covers up to three people, while a 20-pound bag costs $46 and covers up to five. The season began with Ginger Gold and Sunrise, followed by McIntosh, Gala, Cortland, Honeycrisp, Empire, Ambrosia, Northern Spy, Fuji and other varieties as the calendar advances.
One of Downey’s greatest strengths is its detailed harvest schedule. If you are choosing apples for a particular purpose—Cortland for salads, Northern Spy for pie or Honeycrisp for eating in the car before you reach home—it is one of the easiest farms to plan around.
Book Your Tickets: Downey’s Farm booking
Across the road, Downey’s Farm Market operates its own ticketed seasonal entertainment area. Treat the orchard and entertainment farm as separate experiences with separate costs.
Plan Your Visit
Admission: No separate orchard admission
Apple prices: $28 for 10 pounds or $46 for 20 pounds
Hours: Daily, generally 9:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.; last field admission at 5 p.m.
Best time to visit: September 16 to early October for the widest useful mix
Expected visit: 60–90 minutes for picking; longer if visiting the entertainment farm
Parking: Free lot beside the orchard
Activities: Apple picking and weekend wagon rides, weather permitting
Avoid the crowd: Arrive at opening on a weekday
Important tip: Large purses, backpacks and outside picking bags must remain in your vehicle
Why choose it: This is one of the best options for visitors who care more about filling a bag with good apples than paying for a large collection of attractions.
3. Dixie Orchards—Caledon
📍 14309 Dixie Road, Inglewood, Ontario
Dixie Orchards feels like several autumn traditions folded into one country afternoon.
Its orchard grows more than 18 varieties, beginning with Paula Red, Sunrise, Ginger Gold and the wonderfully named Bubblegum apple. Gala and McIntosh generally follow in mid-September, with Cortland, Jonagold, Golden Delicious and Spartan later in the month. Empire, Ambrosia, Macoun, Mutsu and Fuji bring the season into October.
Admission provides access to the farm’s wagon rides, corn maze, straw jump, farm animals and seasonal fields. Apples and other produce are charged separately. In late September and October, visitors can also look for pumpkins and one of the farm’s most unusual attractions: pick-your-own hazelnuts.
Dixie’s 2026 season opened on August 26. Advance tickets are recommended on weekends, although walk-ins are often accommodated when capacity permits.
Book Your Tickets: Dixie Orchards' booking
Plan Your Visit
Admission: Date-dependent farm-access ticket; confirm the live booking price before purchasing
Produce: Apples, pumpkins and hazelnuts cost extra
Best time to visit: Late September for apples, pumpkins and the beginning of hazelnut season
Expected visit: Two to three hours
Parking: Free on-site parking
Activities: Wagon ride, corn maze, straw jump, animals, orchard, pumpkin patch and market
Avoid the crowd: Choose Wednesday through Friday or arrive before 10 a.m.
Important tip: Medium and large bags are not permitted; clear bags are encouraged
Why choose it: Dixie Orchards is an excellent choice when different members of the group want different things—apple picking, photographs, a maze, pumpkins or simply an excuse to buy a candy apple.
4. Applewood Farm—Stouffville
📍 12416 McCowan Road, Whitchurch-Stouffville, Ontario
Applewood Farm is one of the most convenient orchards for visitors coming from Toronto’s east end, Markham, Richmond Hill, Scarborough or Pickering.
The Passafiume family has farmed here for close to 50 years, and three generations now help operate the property. The experience is lively but not overwhelming: pick apples, ride a wagon, visit the animals, wander through the corn maze and let younger children loose in the play area.
Applewood’s 2026 apple season began on August 29. The farm grows Ginger Gold, McIntosh, Cortland, Honeycrisp, Gala, Ambrosia, Spartan, Sweet Sixteen and several other varieties. Admission is $13 per person ages three and older. A small apple bag is $20 and holds close to 10 pounds; a large bag is $35 and holds close to 20 pounds. Admission also includes one pumpkin or squash per person when the crop is available.
Book Your Tickets: Applewood Farm’s booking
Plan Your Visit
Admission: $13 per person ages three and older; ages two and under are free
Apple prices: $20 small bag or $35 large bag
Best time to visit: Mid-to-late September; October for Ambrosia and later varieties
Expected visit: Two to three hours
Parking: Free on-site parking
Activities: Wagon rides, animals, playground, corn maze, sunflower field, pumpkin picking and market
Avoid the crowd: Visit Wednesday through Friday; the farm is closed Monday and Tuesday
Important tip: Last admission is one hour before closing, and reservations are not accepted
Why choose it: Applewood offers an appealing middle ground—more activities than a basic orchard, but a gentler atmosphere than some of the GTA’s largest fall festivals.
5. Organics Farm—Markham
📍 7550 19th Avenue, Markham, Ontario
For visitors searching specifically for organic apple picking near Toronto, Organics Farm is the standout.
The farm grows approximately 15 certified-organic apple varieties, from early Sunrise and Ginger Gold to Gala, Honeycrisp, Crimson Crisp, Empire, Ambrosia, Ida Red and Honey Gold. Because organic fruit may not look as uniformly polished as grocery-store apples, this is also a lovely place to show children what real food looks like before it is graded, packed and placed beneath fluorescent lights.
Admission is $17 per person ages three and older and includes a five-pound bag of pick-your-own apples. Additional bags cost $12 for five pounds, $24 for 10 pounds and $48 for 20 pounds. The farm’s wood-fired bakery and local-food market make it dangerously easy to extend the visit by another half hour.
Book Your Tickets: Organics Farm’s booking
Plan Your Visit
Admission: $17 per person ages three and older, including five pounds of apples
Additional apples: $12 for five pounds, $24 for 10 pounds or $48 for 20 pounds
Best time to visit: Around September 20 for Honeycrisp, Empire and Sweet Sixteen
Expected visit: 90 minutes to two hours
Parking: Free on-site parking
Activities: Orchard, wood-fired bakery and organic/local farm market
Avoid the crowd: Wednesday or Thursday morning is usually calmer than weekends
Important tip: Every visitor ages three and older must purchase the admission-and-bag package
Why choose it: This is our best recommendation for organic apples and a quieter food-focused visit close to Markham.
6. Carl Laidlaw Orchards—Brampton
📍 9496 Heritage Road, Brampton, Ontario
Carl Laidlaw Orchards has the sort of character that cannot be manufactured for a seasonal event. The farm sits in the Credit River Valley and has been worked by seven generations of the same family. Its 100 acres hold more than 20 apple varieties and three types of pears, but the real attraction is the atmosphere: weathered barns, river-valley scenery, wagon rides, old-fashioned games and room to slow down.
Admission is $16 plus HST for adults and $9 plus HST for children ages two and older. A generous picking bag holding more than 10 pounds costs $20. The farm does not weigh the bag—you simply fill the supplied container without bringing your own basket.
Unlike many popular orchards, Carl Laidlaw does not sell advance tickets or take reservations. Visits are walk-in only, and the orchard is open on weekends in September and October.
Book Your Tickets: Carl Laidlaw Orchards' booking
Plan Your Visit
Admission: Adults $16 plus HST; children ages two and older $9 plus HST
Apple bag: $20 for a bag holding more than 10 pounds
Best time to visit: A September morning for apples; October for deeper fall scenery
Expected visit: Two to three hours
Parking: Free farm parking
Activities: Apple and pear picking, wagon rides, riverside scenery, games and seasonal treats
Avoid the crowd: Arrive before opening; there is no way to reserve a quieter time
Important tip: The farm is open rain or shine and does not issue rain cheques
Why choose it: Come here when you want an orchard with personality, history and a genuinely rural setting rather than a highly commercial festival.
7. Royal Orchards—King City
📍 3105 16th Sideroad, King City, Ontario
Royal Orchards may be one of the GTA’s best-kept fall secrets.
Its 12-acre orchard opens for the 2026 picking season on September 11, with McIntosh, Cortland, Spartan, Golden Delicious, Red Delicious, Gala, Silken, Ambrosia and Shizuka among its crops. Honeycrisp is expected to be available pre-picked rather than as a pick-your-own option.
General admission is $10, seniors pay $5 and children under two enter free. Apples cost $2.35 per pound. Friday admission is free, and the farm states that admission may also be waived for guests visiting solely to pick apples.
Weekends bring tractor rides, food trucks and live music from 1–4 p.m., turning the orchard into an easygoing open-air afternoon. The farm also allows friendly dogs on leash and permits outside food in the designated entertainment area.
Book Your Tickets: Royal Orchards' booking
Plan Your Visit
Admission: $10 general, $5 seniors and free for children under two
Apple price: $2.35 per pound
Best time to visit: Friday for value; weekend afternoon for live music
Expected visit: 90 minutes to three hours
Parking: Free on-site parking; remain in your vehicle until directed
Activities: Apple picking, tractor rides, food trucks, market, live music and play area
Avoid the crowd: Visit Friday or arrive when gates open
Important tip: Weekend gates may temporarily close when the farm reaches capacity
Why choose it: Royal Orchards combines reasonable pricing with live music and a relaxed King City setting remarkably close to Toronto.
8. Albion Orchards—Caledon
📍 14800 Innis Lake Road, Caledon East, Ontario
Albion Orchards is for people who want the simple version of autumn: trees, apples, fresh air and something warm from the bakery.
The farm opened its 2026 pick-your-own season with McIntosh apples. Additional varieties are released as they ripen, with weekly updates posted by the orchard. Visitors can also browse the farm store for ready-picked fruit, pears, pies, cider and seasonal baked goods.
For the opening period, Albion announced no admission fee. A 10-pound apple bag costs $25 and permits up to three people, while a 20-pound bag costs $45 and covers up to five people. That makes it a particularly attractive option for couples or small families who do not need a long list of amusement-style activities.
Book Your Tickets: Albion Orchards’ booking
Plan Your Visit
Admission: No separate admission announced for current apple picking
Apple prices: $25 for 10 pounds or $45 for 20 pounds
Best time to visit: Mid-September onward as more varieties become available
Expected visit: One to two hours
Parking: Free on-site parking
Activities: Apple picking, farm store, baked goods and later pumpkin picking
Avoid the crowd: Wednesday through Friday between 10 a.m. and noon
Important tip: The available picking variety may change weekly; check before driving
Why choose it: Albion is an approachable, budget-conscious alternative to Caledon’s larger ticketed attractions.
9. Andrews Farm Market & Winery—Milton
📍 9365 10 Side Road, Milton, Ontario
Andrews Farm is the sort of place where an apple-picking visit can quietly become an entire afternoon.
Set across 165 acres near the Niagara Escarpment, the property combines pick-your-own crops with flowers, wagon rides, animals, a playground, walking space, a market and an on-site winery. Apples and pumpkins are available for picking in fall, while the remaining flowers can add a surprising splash of late-season colour.
General admission is $17.50 plus HST at the gate for visitors ages 6–64, while advance online tickets can reduce the base price to approximately $15.50–$16.50 plus fees and tax. Children five and under enter free. Produce is purchased separately by weight.
Book Your Tickets: Andrews Farm Market & Winery booking
Plan Your Visit
Admission: From approximately $15.50 online; $17.50 plus HST for adult walk-ins
Produce: Charged separately, usually by weight
Best time to visit: September for apples and flowers; October for pumpkins
Expected visit: Three to four hours
Parking: Free on-site parking
Activities: Apple and pumpkin picking, flowers, wagon rides, animals, playground, market and winery
Avoid the crowd: Pre-book a weekday morning
Important tip: Pets may enter parts of the farm but are not permitted in food-picking patches
Why choose it: Andrews works especially well for a mixed-age group or fall date where not everyone wants to spend the entire visit picking apples.
10. The Apple Orchard—Hamilton
📍 1668 Highway 6, Hamilton, Ontario
The Apple Orchard lives up to its wonderfully direct name, but apples are only the beginning.
Admission includes wagon rides, farm animals, sunflower fields, walking trails, a corn trail or maze, grain bins and a hay barn. Apples and pears are then priced at $2.37 per pound, allowing visitors to take home exactly what they want rather than committing to a large bag.
For 2026, adult admission is $12.83 plus HST, seniors pay $12.39 plus HST, children ages 2–17 pay $11.95 plus HST and children under two enter free. Wagon rides run hourly, with the last ride at 4 p.m. A weekend concession stand serves food and drinks, while pre-picked fruit can be purchased from the storefront without paying admission.
Book Your Tickets: The Apple Orchard’s booking
Plan Your Visit
Admission: $11.95–$12.83 plus HST depending on age
Apple price: $2.37 per pound
Best time to visit: September for apples and sunflowers; October for the full harvest look
Expected visit: Three to four hours
Parking: Free on-site parking
Activities: Wagon rides, animals, sunflowers, corn maze, trails, grain bins and hay barn
Avoid the crowd: Thursday or Friday morning
Important tip: Harvest dates may shift by approximately 10 days depending on weather
Why choose it: This is one of the strongest-value full-farm experiences west of Toronto, particularly for families who want several hours of activities.
11. Brooks Farms—Mount Albert
📍 122 Ashworth Road, Mount Albert, Ontario
At Brooks Farms, apple picking is only one chapter in a much larger fall story.
The farm’s 2026 Fall Fun Festival begins September 12 and runs on weekends through October, plus Thanksgiving Monday. There are wagon rides, farm animals, giant jumping pillows, zip lines, pirate ships, play structures, a corn maze, singing chickens, live entertainment and the delightfully dramatic pumpkin cannon.
September weekend admission is currently listed at $21.48, including the ticket fee, before applicable tax. October weekend admission is $26.48. Apples and picking containers are an additional purchase, and everyone aged six and older entering the orchard must have the required farm-provided bag or basket.
This is not a quick orchard stop. It is a festival day, complete with doughnuts, poutine, fries and enough activity to send younger visitors home pleasantly exhausted.
Book Your Tickets: Brooks Farms’ booking
Plan Your Visit
Admission: $21.48 on September weekends; $26.48 on October weekends, plus applicable tax
Apples: Purchased separately in farm-provided containers
Best time to visit: September for slightly lower admission; October for peak festival atmosphere
Expected visit: Four to five hours
Parking: Free on-site parking with overflow areas
Activities: Extensive playland, animals, maze, wagon rides, shows, live entertainment and food
Avoid the crowd: Choose a fall weekday for the playland or arrive before 9:30 a.m. on festival days
Important tip: Thanksgiving Monday is typically one of the farm’s busiest days
Why choose it: Brooks Farms is one of the best apple-picking destinations near Toronto for families with energetic children.
12. Pingle’s Farm Market—Hampton
📍 1805 Taunton Road East, Hampton, Ontario
Pingle’s approaches fall with joyful excess—and we mean that as a compliment.
During its 2026 Harvest Festival, the farm combines pick-your-own apples with a 6.5-acre corn maze, toddler maze, wagon rides, playland, live music and an impressive menu of brisket, pizza, fried apples, cider doughnuts and seasonal drinks. The Thirsty Goat bar adds something for the adults while children continue plotting another trip through the maze.
Harvest Festival admission varies by day. September tickets range from $8 on promotional Wednesdays to $18 in advance on weekends, rising to $24 in advance on October weekends. Door prices are higher. A 10-pound apple bag is approximately $26.91, while a 20-pound bag is approximately $40.37.
Book Your Tickets: Pingle’s Farm Market booking
Plan Your Visit
Admission: Approximately $8–$29 depending on date and advance purchase
Apple prices: Approximately $26.91 for 10 pounds or $40.37 for 20 pounds
Best time to visit: Wednesday for savings; a September weekend for the complete experience
Expected visit: Three to five hours
Parking: Free on-site parking
Activities: Apple picking, corn mazes, playland, wagon rides, live music, food and bar
Avoid the crowd: Visit Wednesday or Thursday morning
Important tip: Buy in advance—same-day and gate tickets can cost considerably more
Why choose it: Pingle’s is one of the liveliest fall outings east of Toronto and a particularly good choice for groups, food lovers and families.
13. Nature’s Bounty Farm—Port Perry
📍 651 Scugog Line 2, Port Perry, Ontario
Nature’s Bounty Farm feels less like a roadside attraction and more like an invitation into the countryside.
The orchard rests across the rolling landscape of the Oak Ridges Moraine, with roughly 14,000 trees and more than 20 apple varieties. Ginger Gold, Silken, Gala, Honeycrisp, Cortland, Crimson Crisp, Empire, Ambrosia, Shizuka, Mutsu, Fuji, Northern Spy and Golden Russet are among the reasons serious apple lovers return at different points throughout the season.
The farm also grows pumpkins and squash, keeps sheep and offers a market with cider and seasonal produce. Its scenery is one of its greatest attractions: wide skies, softly sloping rows and enough breathing room to make Toronto feel much farther away than it is.
Admission and produce pricing can change, so consult the farm’s live booking page or call before visiting.
Book Your Tickets: Nature’s Bounty Farm booking
Plan Your Visit
Admission: Confirm the current 2026 farm-pass rate when booking
Apples: Charged separately; current price depends on the picking format
Best time to visit: Make multiple visits—September for Honeycrisp and October for Mutsu, Fuji or Russet
Expected visit: Two to three hours
Parking: Free on-site parking
Activities: Orchard, farm market, cider, animals, pumpkins and scenic walks
Avoid the crowd: Wednesday or Thursday morning
Important tip: Cash or debit may be preferable; verify payment options before arriving
Why choose it: This is our pick for beautiful orchard scenery and one of the most interesting apple selections near the GTA.
14. Archibald’s Orchard & Estate Winery—Bowmanville
📍 6275 Liberty Street North, Bowmanville, Ontario
Archibald’s offers one of the most unusual apple-picking experiences in Ontario: you drive directly into the orchard.
Visitors check in from their vehicle, purchase a 20-pound bag and receive a map showing the varieties and rows open that day. Once directed to the correct area, you park beside the trees and begin picking. The system is convenient for families, seniors and visitors with mobility challenges, although you can still walk as much as you wish after parking.
The 2026 pick-your-own season begins September 12 with Silken, Gala and McIntosh. Other varieties follow as they ripen. There is no general admission fee, but each vehicle must purchase at least one 20-pound bag for $45.
Fresh cider is pressed on Fridays, while apple pies and dumplings are baked on weekends. The winery also offers complimentary wine and cider tastings on a first-come basis.
Book Your Tickets: Archibald’s Orchard & Estate Winery booking
Plan Your Visit
Admission: No separate fee
Minimum purchase: One 20-pound bag for $45 per vehicle
Best time to visit: Mid-September for early fruit; late September or October for greater variety
Expected visit: 90 minutes to two-and-a-half hours
Parking: Inside the orchard near designated picking rows
Activities: Apple picking, winery, cider tasting, farm market and weekend baking
Avoid the crowd: Tuesday through Friday morning
Important tip: Pets are not permitted, and the last vehicles enter at 4:30 p.m.
Why choose it: Archibald’s is ideal for adults who want to pair apple picking with local cider or wine—and for anyone who appreciates the convenience of parking beside the orchard.
15. Brantwood Farms—Paris
📍 251 Powerline Road, Brantford, Ontario
Brantwood Farms is the farthest option in this guide, but it earns its place by turning an apple-picking trip into a genuine fall day away.
The farm celebrates its 135th apple season in 2026, with picking beginning September 5. Its 14 varieties include Ginger Gold, Sunrise, Silken, Gala, McIntosh, Honeycrisp, Cortland, Crimson Crisp, Empire, Ambrosia, Mutsu, Northern Spy, Salish and Fuji.
The accompanying Fall Festival is substantial: wagon rides, jumping pillows, a character corn maze, obstacle course, tractor go-karts, apple slingshots, pumpkin bowling, a train ride, forest activities, animals and a farm store known for baked goods and apple-cider doughnuts.
Admission is $17.50 plus HST for guests ages two and older, with children under 24 months free. The farm recommends allowing at least three hours, though many families stay longer.
Book Your Tickets: Brantwood Farms’ booking
Plan Your Visit
Admission: $17.50 plus HST, ages two and older
Apples: Picking bags purchased separately
Best time to visit: Mid-to-late September for apples and comfortable weather
Expected visit: Three to five hours
Parking: Free on-site parking
Activities: Apple picking, train, wagon ride, corn maze, jumping pillows, animals, games and café
Avoid the crowd: Choose the opening weekend or arrive promptly at 10 a.m.
Important tip: Confirm the correct visitor entrance before setting out
Why choose it: Brantwood is worth the longer drive when you want the farm itself to be the day trip rather than one short stop along the way.
How to Choose the Best Apple-Picking Farm
The “best” farm depends on the kind of day you want.
Best Overall Apple-Picking Experience
Choose Chudleigh’s Farm for a polished, classic outing with apple picking, wagon rides, animals, a nature trail and irresistible baked goods.
Best for Affordable Apple Picking
Consider Downey’s, Albion Orchards, Royal Orchards or Archibald’s, where admission is free or can be avoided under certain picking arrangements.
Best for Families with Young Children
Choose Brooks Farms, Pingle’s, The Apple Orchard or Brantwood Farms. These destinations have enough activities to occupy a child long after the apple bag is full.
Best for Couples and Adult Groups
Try Archibald’s for cider and wine, Andrews Farm for flowers and a winery, or Nature’s Bounty for a quieter, more scenic afternoon.
Best Apple Picking Near Brampton and Mississauga
Carl Laidlaw Orchards, Dixie Orchards, Downey’s, Albion Orchards and Chudleigh’s are among the most convenient choices west and northwest of Toronto.
Best Apple Picking Near Markham and Scarborough
Start with Organics Farm, Applewood Farm, Royal Orchards or Brooks Farms.
How to Avoid Crowds at Apple-Picking Farms
There is no completely secret weekend once the September sunshine appears, but a little planning makes an enormous difference.
Arrive during the first hour after opening. Parking is easier, the air is cooler and the most accessible rows have not yet filled with visitors. If the farm operates timed tickets, choose the earliest slot available.
Whenever possible, visit on Wednesday, Thursday or Friday. Pingle’s even discounts some weekday admission, while farms such as Organics and Applewood offer full picking experiences without weekend-level crowds.
Avoid Thanksgiving weekend unless you enjoy festival energy and do not mind lineups. It is one of the busiest apple-and-pumpkin weekends of the year.
Finally, do not assume that October always means better picking. Popular varieties can disappear quickly. If Honeycrisp is your priority, follow the farm’s crop updates and visit as soon as picking begins.
What to Wear and Bring
Apple orchards are working farms, not paved botanical gardens. Even on a bright day, morning grass can soak through thin shoes, and rain from the previous evening can turn field entrances muddy.
Prepare your backpack:
Closed-toe shoes or waterproof boots
Layers for changing fall temperatures
Sunscreen and a hat
A refillable water bottle
Hand wipes or sanitizer
A charged phone or camera
A cooler if you plan to buy cider, meat or other perishable farm products
Check each farm’s bag policy before packing. Several GTA orchards prohibit backpacks, large purses and outside baskets in picking fields.
How to Pick an Apple Properly
Do not pull an apple straight down or shake the branch.
Cup the apple gently in your palm, lift it slightly and give it a small twist. A ripe apple should separate without force. Avoid climbing trees or using ladders unless the farm explicitly permits it, and never throw apples or strip fruit from rows that have not been opened for picking.
Once home, refrigerate apples you will not eat immediately. Keep bruised fruit separate and use it first for sauce, muffins, crisp or pie.
Turn Apple Picking Into a Full Ontario Fall Day Trip
Part of the pleasure of leaving Toronto in autumn is allowing the drive to become part of the day.
A Milton orchard can be paired with a walk near the Niagara Escarpment. A Caledon visit can continue along winding roads beneath changing maples. Apple picking in Port Perry or Bowmanville can become an excuse to explore a smaller Ontario town before returning home.
And if one crisp afternoon leaves you dreaming of a longer escape, take the season farther with our guide to spending a long weekend in Muskoka or begin planning your first trip with our guide to Algonquin Park. For somewhere farther from the usual weekend circuit, explore these hidden gems in Northern Ontario.
Because that is the lovely thing about fall in Ontario: one orchard road has a habit of leading to another adventure.
FAQs: About Apple Picking Near Toronto
When is the best time to go apple picking near Toronto?
The main season runs from late August through October. Mid-September to early October usually offers the best combination of apple variety, comfortable weather and fall activities.
Where can I go apple picking without paying admission?
Downey’s, Albion Orchards and Archibald’s currently offer arrangements without a separate general admission charge, although a minimum apple-bag purchase applies. Royal Orchards also offers free Friday admission and may waive admission for picking-only visits.
When is Honeycrisp apple picking near Toronto?
Honeycrisp typically ripens from early to late September, depending on the orchard. Supply is often limited and can be picked out quickly. Check same-day farm updates before visiting.
Which apple-picking farm is closest to Toronto?
Depending on where you live, Organics Farm in Markham, Royal Orchards in King City and Applewood Farm in Stouffville are among the closest. From Toronto’s west end, Milton and Caledon farms may be faster.
Are apple-picking farms dog-friendly?
Most farms do not allow pets because apples are a food crop. Royal Orchards and Carl Laidlaw Orchards permit well-behaved dogs on leash, while Andrews allows pets in some general areas but not inside food-picking patches. Always confirm before visiting.
Do apple farms near Toronto accept walk-ins?
Many do, but Chudleigh’s requires advance online tickets, and large festivals may reach capacity. Advance booking is strongly recommended for weekend visits to Chudleigh’s, Dixie Orchards, Pingle’s, Brooks Farms and Brantwood Farms.
How long should we spend at an apple orchard?
Allow one to two hours at a simple picking orchard and three to five hours at a farm with wagon rides, mazes, food and children’s attractions.
Can we eat apples while picking?
Unless the farm explicitly says otherwise, do not eat fruit before paying for it. Apples should also be washed before eating.
One Last Apple picking Before We Go...
The best apple-picking day rarely requires an elaborate itinerary.
It begins with a quiet drive beyond the city, continues beneath trees filled with red and gold fruit and somehow ends with muddy shoes, a heavier-than-expected bag and a warm box from the farm bakery balanced carefully on someone’s lap.
Whether you choose the familiar magic of Chudleigh’s, the countryside charm of Carl Laidlaw, the organic orchard at Organics Farm or the festival energy of Pingle’s and Brooks Farms, the real pleasure is the same: slowing down long enough to notice that another Ontario season has arrived.
Pick the apple that comes away with one gentle twist. Take the photograph before everyone gets tired. Buy the cider doughnuts while they are still warm.
Fall is brief here—and perhaps that is exactly why we love it.
💬 Have you visited any of these apple-picking farms near Toronto? Tell us your favourite orchard, apple variety or must-buy farm treat in the comments. And bookmark this guide before your next fall day out—the best varieties never stay on the trees for long!
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