As autumn ushers in cooler temperatures, visiting a local apple orchard or pumpkin patch is a delightful way to embrace the season. These destinations offer the opportunity to hand-pick fresh fruits for baking or carving, as well as picturesque settings for memorable photos amid the lush fields and orchards. Many farms also feature additional attractions like corn mazes, petting zoos, and wagon rides, making them ideal for family outings that are both enjoyable and affordable.
Apple season typically spans from late August to October, while pumpkins are usually available from mid-September onwards. To ensure availability of specific varieties, it is advisable to check the websites and social media pages of your local farms.
Here are ten picturesque locations across Canada to explore this fall:
1. **Ferme Genest** in Lévis, Quebec: Visitors can wander through vast pumpkin fields and orchards boasting a dozen apple varieties, just a short distance from Quebec City. The farm also features farm animals, a playground, and offers artisanal snacks and preserves for sale.
2. **Dixie Orchards** in Inglewood, Ontario: Located near Toronto, this charming farm offers activities like corn mazes and tractor rides, alongside apple, pumpkin, and hazelnut picking. With over three hectares of pumpkins and 18 apple varieties, including unique options like Bubblegum and Creston, there’s plenty to choose from.
3. **Prairie Gardens** in Bon Accord, Alberta: A short drive from Edmonton, this 14-hectare farm allows visitors to hand-pick potatoes, apples, and pumpkins. In addition to traditional carving pumpkins, the farm offers specialty and culinary varieties like Grey Ghost and Sugar Pie, and hosts farm-to-table dining experiences.
4. **Davison Orchards** in Vernon, British Columbia: This family-owned farm welcomes visitors to pick apples, pumpkins, and spaghetti squash in September and October. Guests can enjoy tractor train tours of the apple orchard, interact with farm animals, and explore the expansive kids’ play area.
5. **RiverBreeze Farm** in Upper Onslow, Nova Scotia: North of Halifax, this entertainment farm hosts various autumn events, including a fall festival featuring field pumpkin picking, corn maze games, and the chance to meet kangaroos.
6. **Verger Belliveau Orchard** in Memramcook, New Brunswick: With over 110,000 apple trees, this orchard south of Moncton offers 20 apple varieties for picking, along with cider and wine tastings and occasional live music and food truck events.
7. **Lester’s Farm Market** in St. John’s, Newfoundland: Known for growing a wide array of fruits and vegetables, including numerous pumpkin varieties, the farm hosts annual events like Pumpkinfest and a pumpkin drop, perfect for seasonal fun.
8. **Belvedere Orchard** in Brookfield, Prince Edward Island: Situated near Charlottetown, this orchard features scenic views, more than 10,000 fruit trees, and over a dozen apple varieties, including both popular choices like Gala and unique options like Cox’s Orange Pippin.
9. **Albion Orchards** in Caledon, Ontario: This farm north of Toronto offers apple and pumpkin picking, in addition to a country store selling freshly baked goods, honey, and apple cider. The farm’s proximity to leaf-peeping spots like Forks of the Credit Provincial Park adds to the fall experience.
10. **Robertson Valley Farm** in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan: Whether seeking traditional pumpkins or decorative squash in various colors and shapes, this Saskatoon farm offers diverse options for both pre-picked and pick-your-own produce. With staff assistance, visitors can choose from around 50 pumpkin varieties.