Bushel, Bag, or Pick-Your Own?

One of the best things about fall harvest time has to be the bounty of local apples. And there are several orchards in the area you can visit to either buy a bushel or a bag or – better yet – pick your own. Why not make it a fun family outing for everyone to enjoy?

Here are five orchards to tempt your taste buds.

Chudleigh’s

It’s “where bliss grows on trees” the farm likes to boast, and it’s not wrong! Celebrating 50 years this year, Chudleigh’s has grown from a simple harvest apple-picking destination to a range of activities aimed at discovery and enjoying farm life. With a whopping 20 varieties to choose from, there’s an apple flavor for everyone. They don’t all ripen at the same time, though, so check their site before going to see if the variety you love is ready for harvesting.

Where: 9528 Regional Road 25, Halton Hills
Information: Visit their website; 905-878- 2725

Orchard Home Farm

This family-run apple and pear orchard has been in the family since 1949. Located halfway between Cambridge and Brantford, the 80-acre orchard makes picking easy thanks to its dwarf and semi-dwarf trees, which means ladders aren’t needed. And if you don’t feel like picking your own, you can always choose from the ready-picked varieties. Whether eating or baking, there are 18 varieties of apples and pears to choose from. Just check their site to see which ones are ready.

Where: 235 Howell Road, St. George
Information: Visit their website; 1-888- 274-2563

Andrews’ Scenic Acres

More than just an apple orchard, this berry farm offers all kinds of sweet treats, along with pick-your-own corn, flowers, pumpkins, you name it. There is an admission charge on weekends, but also lots to see and do.

Where: 9365 10th Sideroad, Halton Hills
Information: Visit their website; 905-878- 5807

Frootogo Orchards

Frootogo grows 16 varieties of apples on easy-to- pick dwarf apple trees. They’ve been growing apples for more than 30 years and pride themselves on providing high-quality fruit in a family-fun environment. Besides it being rewarding and fun to pick your own fruit, Frootogo notes that children will often eat more fruit at home knowing they picked it themselves. Hmmm….

Where: 573 Parkside Drive, Waterdown
Information: Visit their website; 905-689- 1652

Brantview Apples

Talk about longevity: This orchard has been in production for almost 200 years. Today there are up to 20 varieties available and, along with picking your own, you can enjoy a tractor ride through the orchard and have a chance to find your way out of the eight-acre corn maze. Check their site to see which varieties are ready when.

Where: 225 Howell Rd, St. George
Information: Visit their website; 519-448- 1323