12 Ontario Apple Orchards to Fall in Love With This Autumn

Less noise, more nature — and plenty of apples to take home.

Apple picking has become a full-scale fall event at some Ontario orchards — and while that can be fun, sometimes you just want space to roam, crisp air, and the simple pleasure of filling a basket. These 12 quieter orchards near the GTA and Niagara skip the midway rides and music stages, focusing instead on apples, scenery, and a warm family welcome.

GTA & Surrounding Area

1. Pine Farms Orchard – King City

Rolling hills, tidy rows, and a country café make this orchard feel like a postcard. You can wander the rows, sample different varieties, and end with homemade pie or soup in the cozy café.

• Location: King City
• Best for: Families wanting a peaceful orchard + lunch spot
• Why families love it: Beautiful setting, friendly owners, great café food
• What to know: No admission fee; café is open year-round

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2. Applewood Farm – Stouffville

Family-run with a few kid-friendly extras like wagon rides and a corn maze — but still low-key enough for a relaxed day.

• Location: Stouffville
• Best for: Families with younger kids
• Why families love it: Balance of picking and simple activities
• What to know: Modest admission fee; weekends busier than weekdays

3. Organics Family Farm – Markham

Certified organic orchard with a strong focus on sustainability. No entertainment, just trees heavy with fruit and a small barn store.

• Location: Markham
• Best for: Organic produce lovers
• Why families love it: Naturally grown apples, peaceful setting
• What to know: Smaller parking area; go early on weekends

4. Carl Laidlaw Orchards – Brampton

Old barns, hay bales, and apple rows stretching toward the Credit River. A little rustic, a lot charming.

• Location: Brampton
• Best for: Families who love a farm feel
• Why families love it: Relaxed pace, heritage feel
• What to know: Bring cash for farm store purchases

5. Albion Orchards – Caledon

Country drive, historic barn, simple farm store. An unhurried place to pick apples and take in fall scenery.

• Location: Caledon
• Best for: Day trips from the city
• Why families love it: Country charm, scenic drive
• What to know: No big parking lot; arrive early

6. Applevale Orchards – Burlington/Milton Border

Rows upon rows of apple trees, old tractors for kids to explore, and one of the best variety selections in the GTA.

• Location: Burlington (near Milton)
• Best for: Variety seekers and bigger family groups
• Why families love it: Space to roam, relaxed atmosphere
• What to know: No admission; bring your own bags if you like

Niagara & Golden Horseshoe

7. Windwood Farms – Niagara-on-the-Lake

Family-run and quiet, with orchard views framed by nearby vineyards.

• Location: Niagara-on-the-Lake
• Best for: Pairing apple picking with wine country exploring
• Why families love it: Scenic, peaceful, high-quality fruit
• What to know: Cash preferred for smaller purchases

8. DeVries Fruit Farm – Fenwick

Friendly service and a calm orchard experience in the heart of Niagara farm country.
Location: Fenwick
Best for: Families who value a slower pace
Why families love it: Great produce variety, farm market
What to know: Limited weekday hours; check before going

9. Weiland’s Orchards – Niagara-on-the-Lake

Small, quiet, and charming with apples, pears, and a lovely orchard layout.

• Location: Niagara-on-the-Lake
• Best for: Adding to a day trip in NOTL
• Why families love it: Calm environment, friendly owners
• What to know: Not all rows stroller-friendly

10. Parkway Orchards – Niagara-on-the-Lake

Simple picking with beautiful escarpment views.

• Location: Niagara-on-the-Lake
• Best for: Scenic apple picking
• Why families love it: Beautiful surroundings, good parking
• What to know: Great choice for midweek visits

Bonus Hidden Gems

11. Smith Brothers Farm – Port Perry

A friendly family operation with seasonal u-pick and easy parking.

• Location: Port Perry
• Best for: North Durham day trips
• Why families love it: Welcoming feel, fresh air
• What to know: Fewer varieties than larger orchards

12. Nature’s Bounty Farm – Scugog

Hilltop views, open fields, and plenty of room for kids to explore.

• Location: Scugog
• Best for: Scenic fall drives
• Why families love it: Relaxed vibe, sweeping views
• What to know: Bring boots if visiting after rain

When to Pick Which Apples — and What They’re Best For

Variety	Typical Picking Time (Southern Ontario)	Best For
Gala	Early–mid September	Fresh eating
McIntosh	Mid September	Snacking, applesauce
Cortland	Mid–late September	Baking, salads (won’t brown quickly)
Empire	Late September–early October	Snacking, pies
Honeycrisp	Late September	Fresh eating, sweet cider
Spartan	Early–mid October	Snacking, crisp desserts
Northern Spy	Mid–late October	Pies, crisps, baking
Ida Red	Mid–late October	Pies, cider, long storage

Tip: Weather can shift picking dates earlier or later by a week — always check the orchard’s daily update before heading out.

Final Thoughts

Apple picking doesn’t have to be an all-day theme park adventure — and for many families, that’s the point. These orchards offer space to wander, taste, and connect without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. It’s the sound of apples dropping into a basket, the quiet between rows, the warm cider afterward.

When your kids look back, they won’t remember ticket lines or bouncy castles. They’ll remember your hand in theirs, the crunch of an apple fresh from the tree, and the calm that only comes from time well spent outside together.

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• 10 Indoor Rainy Day Adventures for Outdoor Loving Families in Ontario

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