Top Places for Apple Picking 2026

Fall is a magical time in Ontario, especially when apple season rolls around. From family-friendly orchards to picturesque pick-your-own farms, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the harvest. Whether you’re filling baskets with crisp apples or sipping warm cider on a sunny afternoon, apple picking in York Durham Headwaters is the perfect way to celebrate the season.

Discover Apple Orchards Near Toronto this Fall

Apple season typically kicks off in mid-August and keeps the excitement rolling through September and October. Each orchard sets its own opening day, so check in directly with the farm before you head out for a fresh-picked fall adventure.

Don’t be a Bad Apple! The Art of Apple Picking

Whether you’re visiting for the first time or you’re a seasoned picker, these tips will help you harvest apples respectfully, safely, and like a true orchard expert.

How to Pick an Apple

• Inspect the Apple
  Look for vibrant colour, firm texture, and a blemish-free surface. Using your eyes and sense of touch ensures you choose the ripest and sweetest fruit.
• Position Your Hand
  Gently cup the apple with your fingers and thumb near the stem to prepare for a clean pick.
• Twist and Lift
  Instead of pulling, twist the apple upwards and away from the branch. A gentle twist-and-lift motion helps detach the fruit naturally without damaging the tree.
• Avoid Yanking
  Never yank the apple — it can injure the branch and dislodge nearby unripe fruit.
• Maintain Tree Health
  Be mindful of branches. Don’t bend or break limbs while picking. Treat trees with care so they can continue producing fruit season after season.
• No Biting, No Wasting
  Don’t sample and toss. Partially eaten fruit attracts pests and wastes the hard work of growers.
• No Tree Climbing: Stay on the Ground
  Climbing is unsafe and harmful to the trees. If you need to reach higher fruit, use orchard-approved ladders or picking poles, and always follow staff instructions.

Apple Orchard Etiquette Guidelines

• Park in Designated Areas
  Only park where indicated to protect the farm’s land, animals, and vegetation.
• Check Pet Policies
  Not all farms allow pets. Some, like Nature’s Bounty, have designated pet-friendly zones. Always confirm before visiting.
• Stay in Public Areas
  Respect that farms are working businesses, often with private residences. Only enter areas marked for visitors. Many orchards have designated play areas for children like
• Supervise Children
  Keep an eye on little ones, even in play zones. Teach them to respect the farm’s produce, as it’s the farmer’s livelihood.

Visitor Tips for the Farm

• Confirm Hours of Operation
  Be sure to confirm the hours and any special events directly with the farm or orchard before heading out.
• Bring a Camera
  The orchard’s colourful foliage and rows of trees offer plenty of scenic photo opportunities.
• Time Your Visit
  Peak apple season is just around the corner, so visit soon to enjoy trees laden with ripe, flavour-packed fruit.
• Dress for Fall Weather
  It’s all about layering. Wear a t-shirt under a cozy sweater or light jacket to stay comfortable in both the sun and crisp autumn air.
• Wear Sturdy Footwear
  Choose comfortable boots you won’t mind getting a bit muddy while wandering the rows.
• Make it a Family Outing
  Apple picking is an easy, kid-friendly activity that makes for a memorable day together.
• Bring a Thermos
  Wander the grounds of the apple orchard with a cozy cup of apple cider in hand.
• Plan for Baking
  Apples are a nutritious snack, but they’re even better in a homemade pie, crisp, or muffin. Yum!

Apple Varieties in Ontario

• Gala (September to June)
  Small, yellow-orange with a red blush. Sweet and crisp. Perfect for snacking.
• Honeycrisp (late September to June)
  Large, red-yellow skin. Exceptionally juicy and sweet-tart. Best fresh.
• Ambrosia (October to June)
  Pink blush over creamy-yellow. Sweet, low-acid, and aromatic. Great for fresh eating.
• McIntosh (September to June)
  Red and green skin with white flesh. Soft, juicy, and mildly tart. Ideal for sauces and pies.
• Red Delicious (October to July)
  Dark red and elongated. Mildly sweet and crisp. Best for fresh salads.
• Empire (October to July)
  Red with creamy flesh. Crisp and slightly tart. Great for snacks and applesauce.
• Red Prince (February to June)
  Deep red with firm flesh. Sweet-tart and crunchy. Perfect for cheese pairings and baking.
• Golden Delicious (October to May)
  Golden-yellow skin. Sweet, mellow flavour. Excellent for baking and snacks.
• Cortland (October to April)
  Red-orange stripes on a large apple. Mildly sweet and crisp. Great for salads and pies.
• Idared (October to July)
  Bright red and round. Tart with a firm bite. Holds shape well for baking.
• Fuji (mid-late October to April)
  Pink-green blush with firm white flesh. Very sweet and crisp. Best fresh.
• Crispin (October to April)
  Green with a slight yellow hue. Sweet-tart and juicy. Great for pies and chunky sauces.
• Jonagold (late September to February)
  Red-gold blush with firm flesh. Sweet with a hint of tang. Good for eating and cooking.
• Russet (Late October to January)
  Rough, golden-brown skin. Sweet and nutty. Perfect fresh or in sauces.
• Spartan (October to April)
  Deep red and medium-sized. Sweet with a crisp bite. Great fresh or in pies.
• Northern Spy (October to May)
  Red-striped and large. Crisp, tart, and juicy. Excellent for baking.

Pro tip: Northern Spy is one of the most popular baking apples. It’s a tart and tangy apple with a firm flesh. If you like a splash of sweetness, pair it with some slices of Honeycrisp in your recipe.

Learn more about the apple varieties grown in our region: https://onapples.com/ontario-apple-varieties

Updated: August 11, 2026