Apple picking is a tradition that brings friends and families together to commemorate the end of the summer and the beginning of Autumn. As the leaves begin to change colour, farms open up their gates and invite people from all over to pluck an assortment of delicious apples from their orchards. Additionally, many of these farms have a selection of baked goods, sweet treats, organic vegetables, and more delicacies to choose from. Here are some of the best spots around the GTA that are opening up their farms to the public for apple picking.‍

Albion Orchards

Named one of the top four apple orchards in Canada by both Chatelaine Magazine and the Food Network, Albion Orchards is located an hour north of Toronto and is a perfect place for the apple connoisseur. Visitors have the opportunity to pick from a variety of different apples, including McIntosh being available for the first time this coming Labour Day weekend!

Location: 14800 Innis Lake Road, Caledon, ON.

Phone Number: 905-584-0354.

Visit their website for more information!

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Applewood Farm

With over 30 acres of apples and nearly 50 years of experience, the Passafiume family have made Applewood Farm one of the premier apple picking destinations in the GTA. Opening for the season on Saturday, September 3rd, the farm features something for everybody; wagon rides, a corn maze, a sunflower field, and fresh cut chips will all be available to visitors of one of Stouffville’s longest running pick-your-own fruit farms.

Location: 12416 McCowan Road, Stouffville, ON L4A 4C5

Phone Number: 905-640-5357.

Visit their website for more information!

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Carl Laidlaw Orchards

Located alongside the Credit River in Brampton, Carl Laidlaw Orchards is a beautiful destination for apple picking with a great variety of flavours to choose from. Their season commences this Labour Day weekend, and they’ll be offering McIntosh, Ginger Gold, Gravenstein, Prima, and Royal Gala apples. Additionally, this fun farm offers attractions such as the barn beam walk, dessert at the quirky cottage, and adorable farm animals to visit this holiday!

Location: 9496 Heritage Rd, Brampton, ON, L6X 0A1.

Phone Number: 905-456-2095.

Visit their website for more information!

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Chudleigh’s Entertainment Farm

While Chudleigh’s has expanded their dessert offering to grocery stores, there still is nothing like going to the farm and getting it fresh. For 55 years, Chudleigh’s Entertainment Farm has been giving the Halton Hills community a place to pick fresh apples, buy delicious cider, pantry goods, and more. Their current apple offerings include Ginger Gold, Wealthy, and the rare and delicious Sunrise apple! On Sunday, September 4th, they will also be hosting a backyard bonfire with s'mores kits available for purchase, which will run from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Location: 9528 Regional Rd 25, Milton, ON L9T 2X7.

Phone Number: 905-878-2725.

Visit their website for more information!

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Downey’s Strawberry & Apple Farm

With two locations a short drive away from the GTA, Downey’s Strawberry & Apple Farm has a variety of fresh produce for visitors to pick all year round (including fresh corn (It’s corn!)). Apple picking season began on August 20th of this year, with the Caledon location currently having Ginger Gold apples available and McIntosh apples ready for harvest on September 9th at both their Caledon and Breslau locations! 

Breslau Location: 1355 Hopewell Creek Road, Breslau, ON, N0B 1M0.

Phone Number: 519-590-4777.

Caledon Location: 13707 Heart Lake Road, Caledon, ON, L7C 2K7.

Phone Number: 905-838-4777.

Visit their website for more information!

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Pine Farms Orchard

25 minutes off of Highway 401, you’ll find this delightful little spot called Pine Farms Orchard. They’ve got limited quantities of Paula Red and Melba apples, as well as Ginger Gold, Wealthy, and McIntosh apples available starting on Friday, September 2nd. In addition to their apple selection, they’ve got a bakeshop with fresh pies, cookies, and cakes, and you can have a delicious lunch at the Orchard Cafe!

Location: 2700 16th Side Road, King, ON, L7B 1A3.

Phone Number: 905-833-5459.

Visit their website for more information!

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With a variety of locations to choose from, apple picking in the GTA is one of the best ways to spend your Labour Day weekend!