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Apple season has arrived, and we couldn’t be more excited! Throughout September and October, the GTA becomes home to tons of thriving apple orchards. Open to the public, visitors are invited to pick their own apples with lots of varieties available throughout the season. Check out the best spots for apple picking in the GTA.
Applewood Farm is one of the most popular spots for apple picking in the GTA and is located in Stouffville, just north of Markham. This family-run farm is open all season long with different apple varieties becoming available each week. Apples are sold by the bag and are available in 10lb or 20lb bags, and admission costs $10 per person. This year’s picking schedule includes royal gala, McIntosh, honey crisp, spartan, empire, ambrosia, spencer, red delicious, and more. More than just apples, Applewood Farm is also home to a pumpkin patch and right now, admission to the farm includes one free squash or pumpkin (while quantities last)! Note that masks are mandatory when entering the farm and in all areas where social distancing isn’t possible.
Inglewood, Ontario is home to Downey’s Apple Farm, another popular apple orchard in the GTA. Here you’ll find wagon rides and rows upon rows of apple trees, making it a great spot to spend an afternoon (be sure to bring your camera!). There is no admission fee to the farm, meaning guests only pay for the apples they pick (there is a minimum requirement of $8 though). Visitors can choose to pick 10lb or 20lb bags and Downey’s 2021 harvest calendar includes tons of different varieties, like jonagold, honey crisp, empire, ambrosia, mutsu, northern spy, red fuji, and more.
Not far from the Deluxe Inn Toronto is Carl Laidlaw Orchards. Nestled in Brampton’s farm country, Carl Laidlaw Orchards is open on Saturdays and Sundays throughout September and October (as well as Thanksgiving Monday). Though they typically have both pear and apple trees, this year they will only have apples. For the 2021 season, Carl Laidlaw Orchards is charging $20 for a 10lb bag of apples, plus the admission fee of $7 for children and $12 for adults. Bags and baskets are provided, so guests are discouraged from bringing their own. Carl Laidlaw Orchards offers the greatest variety of apples of any orchard in the GTA, with options like honey gold, spartan, McGowen, creston, fortune, wealthy, Rhode Island greening, and many more.
If you plan on visiting Toronto this fall, then be sure to check out any one of the apple farms above. And if you need a place to stay during your visit, we’d love to host you at the Deluxe Inn Toronto.
