As autumn sets in, visiting apple orchards and pumpkin patches is a delightful way to embrace the season. These locations offer the opportunity to hand-pick fruits for baking, select pumpkins for carving, and capture picturesque moments amid the orchards and fields. Many farms also feature attractions like corn mazes, petting zoos, and wagon rides, catering to both families and budget-conscious visitors.
Apple harvesting typically spans from late August to October, while pumpkins are usually ripe by mid-September. It’s advisable to check the local farms’ websites and social media for real-time availability, especially for specific fruit varieties. Here are ten picturesque destinations across Canada worth exploring this fall.
1. Ferme Genest in Lévis, Quebec, boasts vast pumpkin fields and apple orchards, offering a variety of apples and on-site amenities like farm animals and a playground.
2. Dixie Orchards in Inglewood, Ontario, near Toronto, offers a range of family-friendly activities alongside apple, pumpkin, and hazelnut picking, including unique apple varieties like Bubblegum and Macoun.
3. Prairie Gardens in Bon Accord, Alberta, provides a diverse selection of potatoes, apples, and pumpkins, including specialty varieties such as Grey Ghost and Sugar Pie, along with farm-to-table dining experiences.
4. Davison Orchards in Vernon, British Columbia, is a pet-friendly farm where visitors can pick apples, pumpkins, and spaghetti squash, enjoy tractor tours, interact with farm animals, and explore a children’s play area.
5. RiverBreeze Farm in Upper Onslow, Nova Scotia, offers fall festivals, pumpkin picking, corn maze games, and encounters with kangaroos.
6. Verger Belliveau Orchard in Memramcook, New Brunswick, features over 110,000 apple trees with 20 apple varieties to choose from, as well as cider and wine tastings and live entertainment on select dates.
7. Lester’s Farm Market in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, hosts seasonal events like Pumpkinfest and farm haunts, showcasing a wide array of fruits and vegetables, including numerous pumpkin varieties.
8. Belvedere Orchard in Brookfield, Prince Edward Island, presents stunning views, a diverse apple selection, and the opportunity to pick apples like Gala and Cox’s Orange Pippin.
9. Albion Orchards in Caledon, Ontario, offers apple and pumpkin picking, along with a country store selling freshly baked goods and local produce, conveniently located near scenic leaf-peeping spots.
10. Robertson Valley Farm in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, provides a variety of pumpkins and squash, both pre-picked and pick-your-own, with assistance available to choose from their wide pumpkin selection.
These Canadian destinations promise a memorable and festive experience for all visitors seeking to celebrate the autumn season amidst nature’s bounty.