The Rural Review: Country farms near Toronto
Three words: Pick. Your. Own. Whether you’re looking to come home with a bag of freshly plucked Ontario apples or frolic about the pumpkin patch with your pals, these Ontario farms are ready with all the essential autumnal activities. These close-to-the-city spots offer everything from a quintessential fall wagon ride through the field, to estate wineries, to weekend farmers markets. [Image credit: iStock.com/FamVeld]
Carl Laidlaw Orchards
9496 Heritage Rd, Brampton ON L6X 0A1Stop into this Brampton-based farm on a Saturday or Sunday (because they’re only open on the weekends) for a little apple or pear picking. Mark and Laura are the sixth generation of Laidlaws to operate the farm (and their cute kids make the seventh!). With 100 acres overlooking the Credit Valley River, it’s the spot to grab some views and get a little fresh air out of the city. Check out the website for mouth-watering family recipes like the autumn fruit crisp and the classic Laidlaw family apple pie.
Orchalaw Farm
9726 Heritage Rd, Brampton ON L6X 0A2This country farm is a convenient 45 minutes-or-so drive for west-enders looking for a quick day trip out of the city. Visit the pumpkin patch for some seriously jack-o-lantern-ready gourds, or stock up on squash (with six different varieties, you can have a pretty serious squash bake when you get home). If you’re a fan of decking out your spot with corn stalks, seasonal gourds, and hay bales, Orchalaw Farms can hook you up with that, too.
Pine Farms Orchard
16th Sdrd, King City ONWhat could be better than giving the gift of a bushel of freshly plucked Ontario apples (tastefully wrapped in cellophane and twine, no less). Pick them up at this country farm just a scoot up the 400 between King City and Kettleby. Pick your own with the kids, or visit the charming general store for your pick of candy apples and delicious baked goods, including a stop-you-in-your-tracks pumpkin cheesecake.
Applewood Farm Winery
12442 McCowan Rd, Stouffville ON L4A 7X5As much a treat for adults as their eager kids, this award-winning fruit farm is the spot to pick your own apples and pumpkins, visit a quaint petting zoo, and finish it off with a quick wine tasting at the on-site winery. Notable libations include the black currant port, the apple jack bourbon whiskey, and of course, the Applewoods apple cider.
Whittamore's Berry Farm
8100 Steeles Ave E, Markham ON L6B 1A8This closeby Markham farm is more of a wholesome, rural theme park. A perfect place to tire out a gaggle of kids, Whittamore’s hosts Halloween programming that includes a Spooky Forest, a slew of play-places that beg to be climbed (think tire-swing horsies, turbo slides, and hay bale pyramids), plus a corn stalk maze that will equally delight and spook. Pick up fresh apples and pumpkins as well as a host of other goodies at the Whittamore’s Farm Shop.
Pingles Farm Market Ltd
1805 TauntonRd, Oshawa ON L0B 1J0The ideal family getaway-for-the-day for Toronto’s east enders, this Hampton farm truly celebrates all things autumnal. Pick your own apples to bring home to the baker of the house, or peruse the garden centre for gorgeous plants that are perfect for fall. Also pick up ready-made baked goods at the Pingle’s bakery and tour the Farm Market store for seasonal Ontario fruits and veggies, as well as an assortment or giftware, preserves, and garden décor. The charming farm will also host a spooky parade on Halloween Day – show up in costume for a fun daytime activity with the kids.
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