As the weather cools down, a great way to enjoy the fall season is by visiting a local apple orchard or pumpkin patch. These destinations offer the chance to hand-pick your own fruits for baking, find the ideal pumpkin for Halloween decorations, and capture charming photos amidst the orchards and pumpkin fields. Many farms also feature additional attractions such as corn mazes, petting zoos, and wagon rides, making them ideal for families and those on a budget.
Typically, apple season spans from late August to October, while pumpkins are usually ripe for picking as early as mid-September. To ensure availability, it’s recommended to check the websites and social media of local farms, particularly if you have specific preferences.
Here are ten picturesque locations across Canada worth exploring this autumn:
1. Ferme Genest, located in Lévis, Que., offers vast fields with over 100,000 pumpkins and twelve varieties of apples. Visitors can also enjoy farm animals, a playground, and purchase artisanal snacks and preserves.
2. Dixie Orchards, situated in Inglewood, Ont., provides access to family-friendly activities like a corn maze and tractor rides, along with apple, pumpkin, and hazelnut picking opportunities.
3. Prairie Gardens in Bon Accord, Alta., just north of Edmonton, allows visitors to pick potatoes, apples, and pumpkins, including a variety of specialty options like Grey Ghost and Sugar Pie.
4. Davison Orchards in Vernon, B.C., is a dog-friendly farm offering U-pick options for apples, pumpkins, and spaghetti squash, as well as tractor tours and a kids’ play area.
5. RiverBreeze Farm in Upper Onslow, N.S., hosts seasonal events such as a fall festival, pumpkin picking, and a corn maze mystery game, with the chance to interact with kangaroos.
6. Verger Belliveau Orchard in Memramcook, N.B., boasts over 110,000 apple trees with 20 apple varieties to choose from, along with cider and wine tastings on select dates.
7. Lester’s Farm Market in St. John’s offers a wide array of fruits and vegetables, including numerous pumpkin varieties, and hosts events like Pumpkinfest and a farm haunt.
8. Belvedere Orchard, located in Brookfield, P.E.I., features scenic views, more than 10,000 fruit trees, and various apple varieties such as Gala and Honeycrisp.
9. Albion Orchards in Caledon, Ont., provides apple and pumpkin picking activities, as well as a country store selling pies, honey, and cider, close to picturesque leaf-peeping spots.
10. Robertson Valley Farm in Saskatoon offers a selection of classic pumpkins and decorative squash, with options for both pre-picked and pick-your-own pumpkins from their diverse collection.
These destinations offer a perfect way to enjoy the beauty of autumn and engage in seasonal activities with loved ones.