The Best Places to Go Apple Picking Near Mississauga 2024
Looking for a great place to go apple picking near Mississauga? We have got you covered!
Once September arrives, the kids are back to school and sweater weather slowly begins to creep in.
Along with crisp fall evenings and the changing colours of the foliage, many people look forward to the tradition of apple picking with their families.
We are pretty lucky in that there are a ton of great places to go apple picking just outside of the city.
In fact, we enjoy the outing almost as much as the wonderful fruit we bring home!
Want to learn where you can pick your own apples with your family? Let’s dive right in!
Apple Picking Near Mississauga
One of the reasons that we love apple picking, is that not only do we not need to drive very far to do it, but there is no special equipment needed and very little preparation involved.
And with many apple farms in the area, you not only get to enjoy picking your own fruit, but they also offer wagon rides, corn mazes, freshly baked goodies to take home, and other fall family-friendly activities.
When Can You Go Apple Picking in Ontario?
The apple picking season in Ontario usually begins in mid-August and runs through to about October.
September is usually the prime time to pick your fruit at many apple farms in Ontario.
Of course, depending on which variety of apples you are looking for, and where in the province you are located, will have an impact on the peak apple-picking time.
What is the Best Month to Go Apple Picking?
For the most part, September to early October is the prime apple-picking season. But once again, this is dependent on where in Ontario you are living, and what variety of apples you are looking to pick.
How Long is Apple Picking Season in Ontario?
Apple picking Season in Ontario usually runs from mid to late August until the end of October.
You can expect to find approximately 20 varieties of apples to choose from.
Can You Go Apple Picking in Mississauga?
No, you can’t actually go apple picking in Mississauga. Unfortunately, the city of Mississauga is mostly urban.
There are very few areas of farmland still found within its borders.
Where Can You Go Apple Picking Near Mississauga?
Fortunately, there are a ton of amazing places to go apple picking near Mississauga.
Some of the farms are literally 10 minutes outside of our city limits! We have decided to break down the best orchards to visit by city or region.
Apple Picking Orchards in Brampton and Caledon
One of the best places to go apple picking near Mississauga is in Brampton.
Brampton is home to several really nice farms that not only have pick-your-own fruit, but many offer other family-friendly activities as well.
🍏 Downey’s Farm
Downey’s Farm is definitely one of the more popular farms in Caledon.
This family-friendly attraction offers pick-your-own strawberries, raspberries and apples, as well as many seasonal events held throughout the year.
Located just behind the parking area at Downey’s Strawberry & Apple Farm, the apple orchard contains 13 varieties of apples and is open daily from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm.
When a variety of apples is ready to be picked, you can typically expect about a three-week window before they are done.
When you arrive at the farm, all fruit is paid for at the time of entrance and complimentary bags are provided.
You have the choice of picking a 10 lb bag of apples for $26 (max 3 people per bag) or a 20 lb bag of apples for $42 (max 5 people per bag).
During the apple harvest, there are wagon rides, candy apples, and freshly pressed apple cider available on the weekends.
Be sure to check the website for the availability of both the treats and the type of apple that is currently ready to be picked.
Address: 13707 Heart Lake Road, Caledon, ON
Admission: Free. Minimum purchase of $8.50 per person.
Website
🍏 Carl Laidlaw Orchards
Located in Brampton, Carl Laidlaw Orchards is open Saturday and Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm ONLY for pick-your-own apples.
With over 20 varieties available, you will surely find the perfect apple.
Apples that you pick at Carl Laidlaw are not weighed. Instead, generous 10-pound bags to pick in are sold for $20.
You can find the bags located conveniently at the entrance and throughout the farm. Baskets or outside bags may not be brought into the orchards.
Carl Laidlaw Orchards does not sell tickets in advance or take reservations. Dogs on a leash are welcome in the orchards.
Be sure to check the website for when each variety is ready to pick.
Address: 9496 Heritage Road, Brampton, ON
Admission: Adults $15 plus HST, Child $9 plus HST.
Website
🍏 Albion Orchards
Considered one of the top four orchards in Canada, Albion offers pick-your-own fruit on weekends and holidays only from 10 am until 4 pm.
With 12 delicious apple varieties to choose from, you shouldn’t have a problem finding a couple you love.
Be sure to check the website for when each type of apple is ready to be picked.
Albion Orchards offers guests 10 lb bags (max 2 people) for $20 or 20 lb bags (max 4 people) for $40, and ask for a minimum of 5 lbs of apples per person at the farm.
Unfortunately, no dogs are allowed in the orchards.
Be sure to drop by the Albion Orchards Country Market for freshly baked pies, honey (harvested on-site), meat pies, jams and more, as well as a variety of handmade gift items and baskets.
The market is open from Tuesday to Sunday.
Address: 14800 Innis Lake Road, Caledon, ON
Admission: Free. Minimum purchase of 5 lbs per person.
Website
🍏 Spirit Tree Estates
Apple picking at Spirit Tree Estates runs from approximately mid-September to Thanksgiving weekend.
They are open on Saturday and Sunday ONLY for pick-your-own from 10 am until 4 pm.
Spirit Tree provides customers with a 10 lb bag for picking at a cost of $25. No outside bags or backpacks are allowed.
10lb Bags and 20lb bags that are pre-picked are also available for purchase.
Unfortunately, the farm is CASH ONLY at this time, but they do have an ATM located inside their Farm Shoppe.
Be sure to stop by Bistro Cider Gardens before leaving the farm! Similar to a traditional Beer Garden (but with cider), you will find several varieties of cider to choose from.
Made on-site, if you can’t decide on just one to try, Spirit Tree Estates offers a Cider Flight!
Of course, Bistro Cider Gardens also offers a wonderful menu. Try anything from wings to burgers, or even an awesome charcuterie board.
They also have a Pizza Night every Friday and Saturday after 4 pm where a delicious wood-fired oven pizza is served.
And aside from the Pizza, every Friday & Saturday (4:30 pm to 7:30 pm) you will also find their LIVE MUSIC Series featuring local musicians.
Address: 1137 Boston Mills Road, Caledon, ON
Admission: Age 5 and older – $5
Website
🍏 Dixie Orchards
Dixie Orchards is located in Caledon and offers much more than apple picking.
From a corn maze to a straw jump, animals, a pumpkin patch and wagon rides, this popular farm is definitely worth visiting.
Dixie Orchards has 20 varieties of apples available for pick-your-own, with trees that are small enough to be kid-friendly.
Choose from either 5lb or 10lb bags for picking, or select a pre-picked bag from the Market.
Reservations are recommended especially if you are visiting on a weekend. Walk-ins will only be permitted if there is space.
Book your spot online before you go using the online reservation system. Payment for admission is made at the farm gate via debit or cash and cannot be pre-paid online.
Items that you pick are an additional fee beyond the admission fee. Dogs are not allowed in the apple orchards.
Be sure to stop by the porch market. There you will find ready-picked apples, hazelnuts, pumpkins for Halloween and seasonal produce.
You will also find baked goods and a wide variety of specialty items including jam, honey, maple syrup, candy apples, popcorn, pies, cookies, gelato and other seasonal snacks.
Gift items, candles, and other décor can also be found at the porch market.
And just a last note, Dixie Orchards has some great props scattered around the farm that are perfect for photo opportunities!
Address: 14309 Dixie Road, Caledon, ON
Admission: Age 2 and older – $6 + tax
Website
🍏 Big R’ Apple Farm
Located in Brampton, the Big R’ Apple Farm has been family-operated for over 40 years. The farm is open on weekends only from 8 am until 5 pm for pick-your-own.
Big R’ Apple Farms offers 12 varieties of apples that are available for picking beginning in September.
Address: 8674 Heritage Road, Brampton, ON
Admission: Free
Website
The Best Apple Orchards in Milton & Halton Hills
🍏 Chudleigh’s
Chudleigh’s is definitely more than just an orchard! Since opening to the public in 1967 as a pick-your-own apple farm, Chudleigh’s has become a place where families can enjoy a little bit of country life.
With over 47,500 trees across 60 acres in their orchard, Chudleigh’s offers over 22 varieties of apples for guests to choose from.
The farm is open daily at 8:30 am, with their peak apple-picking season in September and October.
Aside from the orchards, Chudleigh’s also offers play areas, nature trails, farm animals, a restaurant, and a stage for live music on the weekends.
Tickets must be purchased online in advance, with no walk-ins accepted.
Upon booking, guests will have a 3-hour timeslot in which to pick their apples and enjoy all the other farm activities.
Chudleigh’s uses all forms of contactless payment, but cash is not accepted.
Dogs are allowed on the farm but must be kept on a leash at all times.
Don’t forget to stop by the pantry for jams, dressings, spreads and honey. All products are small batch and made from scratch, using only locally grown fresh produce.
You can also purchase pre-packaged desserts like apple blossoms, ciders, or even sparkling fruit drinks.
Address: 9528 Regional Road 25 Halton Hills, Ontario
Admission: Adult $17 Child $15
Website
🍏 Wheelbarrow Orchards
Located in Milton, Wheelbarrow Orchards has over 2000 trees and offers 14 varieties of apples.
They are open daily from 9 am to 5 pm for pick-your-own.
Wheelbarrow Orchards offer guests a choice of 5lb bags for $12 or 10lbs bags for $20.
You will also find some pretty nice spots inside the orchard for those perfect Instagrammable photos.
Dogs are allowed inside the orchard, provided that they are on a leash at all times.
Be sure to stop by the Market, where you can purchase Harvest Goodies products including jam, jellies, salsa, salad dressing, hot sauce, baking kits, cookies and frozen pies.
You will also find the best eggs, honey, maple syrup, and granola.
Wheelbarrow Orchards also produces its own fresh pressed Sweet Apple Cider, as well as its own licensed Hard Cider called Fraser’s Craft Cider (5.5% alc.).
Lastly, you will also find some pretty delicious Spark Sparkling Waters made with real Ontario fruit juice.
Address: 8277 10 Side Road, Milton, ON
Admission: Age 16 and older – $8
Website
🍏 Willis Family Fruit Farm
The Willis Family Fruit Farm is a family-friendly farm located in Milton. This farm offers 14 varieties of apples available for pick-your-own or pre-picked.
The farm is open on weekends from 10 am, with closing times determined weekly by the farm staff.
In addition to apple picking, Willis Family Fruit Farm also offers wagon rides (weather permitting) in the mornings.
Unfortunately, dogs are not permitted in the orchards. Only cash and debit are accepted at this farm.
Address: 6063 Fifth Line, Milton
Admission: Free. Minimum purchase of $10 per person.
Website
🍏 Rural Route Orchard
Located in Halton Hills, Rural Route Orchard offers 18 different varieties of apples to choose from.
Rural Route gives you the choice to pick your own apples, or purchase bags of pre-picked fruit if you are in a rush.
The orchard is open on weekends only and also offers guests the opportunity to purchase fresh Cider, apple cider vinegar and bulk cider for home-brewing your own Hard Cider.
Address: 10308 Fourth Line, Milton, ON
Admission: Free
Website
🍏 Williams’ Orchard
Established in 1983, Williams’ is a traditional, family-run apple-picking orchard located in Milton.
The farm covers over 26 acres of established fruit orchards with over 1500 apple, pear, and plum trees.
Williams opens for the apple-picking season in September. The farm is open daily for pre-picked only, and on weekends from 9 am to 5 pm for picking your own.
Williams’ has free admission and free parking. You just need to pay for the fruit that you pick.
Dogs are welcome in the orchard, provided they are on a short leash at all times.
Williams’ also has a barn that is stocked with pre-picked apples, pears and plums, local honey, and non-alcoholic apple cider available for purchase.
Please note that this farm only accepts cash. No credit, debit or app payments are available.
Address: 10101 Hume Court, Milton
Admission: Free
Website
🍏 Applevale Orchards
Applevale Orchards is a family-owned farm located in Milton.
They offer both pick-your-own apples and pears, as well as ready-picked produce at their market.
Applevale offers 5 different bag sizes ranging from small (3lbs) up to X-Large bags (20lbs), as well as by the bushel.
Guests looking to pick their own apples will be provided with all the necessary packaging, as well as carts for holding bushels and small children.
You will find plenty of free parking at the orchard. Dogs are allowed inside the orchard as long as they are on their leash at all times.
Applevale Orchards also offers Apple Cider, Honey, Pumpkins and firewood.
Address: 5144 Derry Rd, Burlington, ON
Admission: Free. Minimum purchase of $42 per family.
Website
Apple Picking A Little Further Out
🍏 Pine Farm Orchards
Although the furthest drive from Mississauga, Pine Farms is still just a short 30-minute trek from the city. And trust us, it’s definitely worth it!
Pine Farm Orchards offers 21 varieties of apples, on small kid-sized trees, making for the perfect family apple-picking experience.
And of course, you can always purchase pre-picked fruit at the farm as well.
The cost of the pick-your-own apples is based on weight and is $2.00/lb.
You may bring your own reusable bags, or you can use the ones provided by the farm.
Dogs are welcome in the orchard as long as they are on a leash at all times. And as a bonus, Pine Farm Orchards offers ice cream for pups as well!
Of course, all that apple picking is sure to work up an appetite.
Pine Farm Orchards has both a small cafe that serves delicious housemade soups and sandwiches and a bakeshop where you will find incredible cakes, cookies, pastries, tarts and donuts.
Address: 2700 16th Side Road, King, ON
Admission: Adults – $10, Children under 12 – $5.00
Website
Types of Apples in Ontario
As we mentioned earlier, Ontario has many different varieties of apples available for picking.
Most farms will advertise which apples are ready for picking, and how long the window is for that particular variety.
Some of the most popular varieties you will find when going apple picking near the Mississauga area include:
What Are the Best Types of Apples to Pick?
So in terms of variety, what are the best apples to pick in Ontario? It all depends on what you are planning to do with them!
Many apple varieties are perfect for baking and pies, while some are better for making applesauce, and others are just right for eating as is!
Apple Picking Tips
Before you head out on your adventure in the apple orchard, there are a few things to know about apple picking:
Only Pick Ripe Apples
Sounds pretty basic right? But often apples may look ripe, even though they are not quite ready to pick.
Remember, once you pick an apple it stops the ripening process!
Your best bet for finding the most delicious fruit is to ask what varieties are ripe when you arrive at the orchard.
The staff can point out which types are ready for picking, and where they can be found in the orchard.
Work from the Outside In
When picking apples, start picking from the outside of the tree, and then work your way towards the middle.
Apples growing on the outer branches will always ripen faster than those hiding in the center.
Be sure to look for apples that are firm and free of bruises or wrinkles.
Pick the Apples Carefully
There is actually a correct way to pick an apple that prevents damaging the tree branches. Just remember – “Eye to the sky and twist.”
Just imagine that the bottom of an apple looks like an eye.
Hold the apple carefully, roll it upwards, and then give it a gentle twist.
The apple should come off pretty easily. If you really have to work at it, then the apple is most likely underripe and not ready to be picked.
If there are two or three apples clustered together, use two hands and gently pick all the fruit in the cluster.
Do not forcibly try to remove apples from the tree, and definitely do not ever shake the branches. Even a gentle shake can cause a bunch of apples to fall to the ground.
This will not only bruise the fruit, but it will cause unnecessary food waste.
Avoid Bruising
Apples bruise easily so try not to drop or squeeze them.
Most orchards will provide you with reusable bags or baskets to do your picking.
Be sure to place the apples gently in the bags or basket to avoid damaging the fruit.
Bruised apples rot faster and will actually cause other apples stored together to rot as well.
Skip the Apples on the Ground
Windfall apples, or apples that are lying on the ground, should be left there, even if it seems wasteful.
That is unless you were the one who knocked it out of the tree, in which case, feel free to retrieve it.
Apples that have been lying on the ground for a while are probably not in the best of shape.
They may be bruised or cut, may be infested with bugs or worms, and may be rotting or contain toxic fungi.
Apple Storage
Once you arrive home with your delicious Ontario apples, be sure to store them correctly so that they can be enjoyed for as long as possible.
Don’t wash your apples until just before you are going to use them. This will prevent them from spoiling at a faster rate.
If you are planning to eat them right away, or perhaps bake up some homemade goodies, the apples can be stored on the counter for several days.
If you need them to stay fresh longer, apples can be placed in the refrigerator where they will keep for about a month.
Just be aware, that apples produce ethylene gas that causes other fruits to ripen faster, so it’s best to keep them separate from other fruit.
If you have picked a large number of apples, they can be stored in a cool, dark, well-ventilated place like a garage or fruit cellar.
Be sure to cover the apples loosely with plastic to keep humidity in the container.
And just a heads up, you cannot freeze whole apples. This ruptures all of an apple’s cells, causing the apple to turn completely brown and mushy overnight!
Apple Facts
Final Thoughts
Fall is one of the nicest times of the year in Ontario. Whether you live here or are just visiting, the weather is perfect for spending time outdoors.
Go for a walk or hike, try a wagon ride with the kids, do some leaf-peeping, or head to the farm to enjoy the harvest.
And with so many wonderful farms and orchards to choose from, you will have no problem finding an awesome place to go apple picking near Mississauga.
Does your family enjoy apple picking every fall? We would love to hear about your traditions!
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