Summer may not be over yet, but there’s one sure sign that fall is fast approaching: apple season. While apples may seem like solidly a September and October fruit, in Ontario, they certain varieties are ready for picking as early as late August.
In Ontario, multiple pick-your-own apple farms open for visits this weekend. Before you head to the farm closest to you, make sure to call ahead or check their website to know exactly what types of apples will be available for picking. Some apple orchards will sell by the bag, while others will sell by weight.
While going apple picking in August may feel a little like deliberately cutting your summer short, going early means you’ll likely beat the crowds.
If you’re excited for fall and want to make a visit to an orchard this weekend, check out these five Ontario farms opening early.
Downey’s Strawberry & Apple Farm
This Caledon farm is currently picking Ginger Golds and Sunrise apples! Guests can choose between a 10-pound bag of apples for $28, with a maximum of three people per bag, or a 20-pound bag for $46 (maximum of five people per bag). No bags, purses, backpacks and diapers can come into the farm with you. You can visit between 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. daily, and the last admission to the field is 5 p.m.
Chudleigh’s
As of Thursday, Aug. 27, Chudleigh’s will be picking three varieties: Sunrise, Ginger Gold and Wealthy. On top of apple picking, the farm also has play areas, farm animals, tractor wagon rides and nature trails to explore, plus a Blossom Cafe for you to enjoy seasonal desserts and drinks. You can purchase a three-hour time slot admission ticket at $18 per adult, $16 per child between 4–14 and $17.50 per senior.
Applewood Farm
Apple picking officially opens on Aug. 29 at Applewood Farm, and they’ll be picking Ginger Golds only at that time. Once you pay the $13 admission fee for everyone three and up, you can also enjoy wagon rides, farm animals, a farm market, playground area, picnic tables and a weekend chip truck. You can pay $20 for a small bag, which holds close to 10 pound, or $35 for a large bag, which holds close to 20 pounds. Make sure to fill your bags all the way up to get the most out of what you’re paying!
Pieter’s Appleyard
There is no admission fee to enter Pieter’s Appleyard, one of the last few orchards in Ontario to do so. In the latest update on their website, they plan to open this upcoming weekend for apple picking, though the farm has yet to share what varieties will be available. Dogs are also permitted at the farm, though only on farm pathways, not within picking areas. The farm offers two nature trails and picnic tables — visitors are encouraged to pack a lunch and enjoy it in the middle of the fields.
Dixie Orchards
Opening the sunflower fields and apple picking on Wednesday, Aug. 26, Dixie Orchards offers two different admission fees: one for both apples and sunflowers, one for farm access without the sunflower fields. If you solely want to go apple picking, you’ll pay $8.50, versus $15 if you want the full farm experience. Even without sunflower field access, you’ll get to enjoy a corn maze, wagon rides, straw jump and the animal area.
Organics Apple Farm
This farm actually opened for apple picking on Aug. 22! Sunrise are currently available for picking, and there will be an admission cost of $17 per person to enter the farm, which includes a 5-pound bag for apples. Any apples picked on top of that will cost $12 for a 5-pound bag, $24 for a 10-pound bag and $40 for a 20-pound bag.