As the temperature starts to drop and fall arrives, heading to a local apple orchard or pumpkin patch is a perfect way to embrace the season. You can handpick your own fruits for baking, select pumpkins for carving, or capture picturesque moments amidst the apple trees and pumpkin fields. Many farms also offer additional attractions such as corn mazes, petting zoos, and wagon rides, making these visits enjoyable for families and easy on the budget.
The apple season typically spans from late August to October, while pumpkins are usually ready by mid-September. It’s advisable to check the farm’s website or social media for the most up-to-date information on availability, especially if you have specific preferences.
Here are ten picturesque locations across Canada to explore this autumn:
1. Ferme Genest in Lévis, Quebec, offers vast fields of over 100,000 pumpkins and a variety of apple orchards, just a short distance from Quebec City. Visitors can also enjoy farm animals, a playground, and purchase artisanal snacks and preserves.
2. Dixie Orchards in Inglewood, Ontario, around 42 kilometers from Toronto, provides access to family-friendly activities like a corn maze and tractor rides. In the fall, the farm is popular for apple, pumpkin, and hazelnut picking, with a selection of unique apple varieties available.
3. Prairie Gardens in Bon Accord, Alberta, located 35 kilometers north of Edmonton, allows visitors to pick their own potatoes, apples, and pumpkins. The farm offers a diverse range of pumpkin varieties, including specialty and culinary options like Grey Ghost and Sugar Pie.
4. Davison Orchards in Vernon, British Columbia, is a family-friendly farm that allows visitors to pick apples, pumpkins, and spaghetti squash during September and October. The farm features tractor train tours of the apple orchard and a play area for children.
5. RiverBreeze Farm in Upper Onslow, Nova Scotia, hosts various autumn events, including a fall festival running from September 27 to November 1. Visitors can pick pumpkins, explore corn mazes, and interact with kangaroos.
6. Verger Belliveau Orchard in Memramcook, New Brunswick, boasts over 110,000 apple trees with 20 different apple varieties available for picking. The orchard also offers cider and wine tastings, along with live music and food trucks on select dates.
7. Lester’s Farm Market in St. John’s, Newfoundland, grows a wide range of fruits and vegetables, including numerous pumpkin varieties. The farm hosts annual events like Pumpkinfest and features activities such as pumpkin drops and farm haunts.
8. Belvedere Orchard in Brookfield, Prince Edward Island, offers stunning views and more than 10,000 fruit trees with over a dozen apple varieties. Visitors can pick favorites like Gala and Honeycrisp, as well as unique varieties like Cox’s Orange Pippin and Wild Pink.
9. Albion Orchards in Caledon, Ontario, provides apple and pumpkin picking opportunities, along with a country store selling fresh pies, honey, and apple cider. The farm is close to scenic spots for leaf-peeping, allowing visitors to enjoy the fall foliage.
10. Robertson Valley Farm in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, offers a variety of pre-picked and pick-your-own pumpkins, including decorative squash in different colors and shapes. The farm staff can assist in selecting from their extensive collection of pumpkin types.
Whether you’re in search of the perfect pumpkin for carving or looking to enjoy a day of apple picking, these Canadian farms offer a wonderful autumn experience for all.