Unpacking Ontario Apples! Plus Win A Weekend Surfing Trip To Puerto Rico & More Great Flight Deals! 🇨🇦
"Over the Hill" | 35
We barely unpacked our carry-ons from that amazing Quebec Maritime Road Trip, and we were already back on the road, out in rural Ontario, doing a typical Ontario/Canadian right-of-passage activity: apple picking!
Ontario is known for apple picking, and honestly, my province simply does it the best! The weather was perfect, and not only is it an annual tradition, but it's also a great way to seek some forgiveness from my home province after that, ahem, extended Quebec love affair before heading off to Europe this Friday, starting in Cologne!
Tasting the best of what my province offers…
Apple picking in Ontario is a quintessential Canadian experience. With more than 15 different main varieties grown on nearly 16,000 acres, Ontario is actually the country's largest producer of apples, growing about 35% of all Canadian apples.
With major producing areas stretched out along the shores of the Great Lakes, many orchards have transformed into agri-tourism destinations, offering a chance to get a first-hand look at where our food comes from. Beyond just picking, places offer wagon rides, corn mazes, and on-site bakeries filled with fresh apple pies.
The McIntosh apple, a Canadian classic, but not really my favourite, was actually discovered in Dundela, Ontario! That said, I'm more of a Honey Crisp, Golden Crisp, Fuji and Silken type of guy!
My 5 Faves: Ontario Apple Spots
Chudleigh’s Entertainment Farm: At Chudleigh’s Entertainment Farm out in Milton, they offer a fun, family-friendly environment with activities geared to all ages. They got all types of things to choose from: apple picking, live music nights, a nature trail, farm animals, wagon rides, playground equipment, and a lookout tower. They also sell delicious baked goods made from farm-fresh fruit. YAAS!
Applewood Farm: Located in Stouffville, Applewood Farm has become a “must-visit” location for the whole family. The farm features 32 acres of apples and 5 acres of strawberries, pumpkin picking, a corn maze, and wagon rides. It’s a family-run farm, with three generations working together to plant, nurture, and harvest the crops.
Albion Orchards Apple Farm & Country Market: Established in 1967, this orchard in Caledon East continues to produce some of the best apples in the province. Not only do they offer apple picking near Toronto, but there is also a pumpkin patch for those getting ready for Halloween and a cut-your-own Christmas tree farm in December.
Smyth’s Apple Orchard: Near the historic hamlet of Dundela, where the McIntosh apple is believed to have originated, Smyth’s Apple Orchard has been operating since the 1800s. Yes, you heard me right! Although it doesn’t offer pick-your-own, it provides a selection of high-quality, locally-grown apples, jams, jellies, and pies.
Carl Laidlaw Orchards: Located near Brampton, Carl Laidlaw Orchards is a family-friendly, dog-welcoming farm run by the 6th generation of the same family. Visitors can enjoy over 20 varieties of apples and pears, along with attractions like wagon rides, a corn maze, and a chance to meet farm animals.
We’ve been going here for the past couple of years, but it feels like the prices are getting higher and the apple-picking bags they provide are getting smaller.
Tips, Tricks & Hacks
If you have one, bring a foldable wagon. Apples can get heavy, and walking several acres looking for the perfect apples will tire you out.
Wear hiking boots or comfortable, sturdy shoes, as a lot of walking and standing will be involved.
Bring water. Apple picking is physical work!
Be prepared for the weather. This means a sweater for cool days, a rain jacket, or sunscreen.
Pay attention to the tips provided by the orchard staff; they will know which areas offer the best apples.
When picking, choose apples that are firm to the touch and free from wrinkles or blemishes.
To pick an apple, don’t tug at it. Instead, roll it up off the branch with a gentle twist.
If an apple falls to the ground while you're picking it, it's still good. Just pick it up and place it in your basket. However, avoid apples that were already on the ground, as they are past their prime.
Be gentle when handling your apples. They bruise easily and will spoil faster, hence the phrase “one bad apple…”
Unpacked Travel Insider
Win a Surf & Sunset Escape to Puerto Rico! 🏄♀️🇵🇷
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Click here to enter and secure your chance at a fall break surf and wine getaway!
Charleston Calling! ☀️🌴🍤
Looking for a new urban adventure? Here are some fantastic flight deals to Charleston (CHS), where you can dive into another vibrant culture. The normal roundtrip price is around $400, but check out these current deals. 💰
U.S. Cities: From Albuquerque (ABQ) - $340, Asheville (AVL) - $290, Atlanta (ATL) - $199*, Austin (AUS) - $151, Baltimore (BWI) - $279*, Boston (BOS) - $147*, Charlotte (CLT) - $355*, Chicago (ORD) - $299*, Cincinnati (CVG) - $76*, Cleveland (CLE) - $169, Dallas (DFW) - $118*, Denver (DEN) - $337*, Detroit (DTW) - $120*, Hartford (BDL) - $103*, Houston (IAH) - $359*, Indianapolis (IND) - $144, Jacksonville (JAX) - $187, Kansas City (MCI) - $297, Las Vegas (LAS) - $213, Louisville (SDF) - $88, Minneapolis (MSP) - $199*, Nashville (BNA) - $369*, New Jersey (EWR) - $60*, New Orleans (MSY) - $118*, New York (JFK) - $157*, New York (LGA) - $157*, Oklahoma City (OKC) - $307, Omaha (OMA) - $264, Philadelphia (PHL) - $139*, Phoenix (PHX) - $279*, Pittsburgh (PIT) - $78*, Portland (PDX) - $275*, Raleigh (RDU) - $135, Richmond (RIC) - $98*, Sacramento (SMF) - $262, St. Louis (STL) - $231, Salt Lake City (SLC) - $220, San Antonio (SAT) - $199, San Diego (SAN) - $275, San Francisco (SFO) - $185, San Jose (SJC) - $337, Seattle (SEA) - $257*, Tampa (TPA) - $88*, Washington DC (DCA) - $189*, and Washington DC (IAD) - $189*.
Nonstop flights
Canadian Cities:
Calgary (YYC) - $326 CAD
Montreal (YUL) - $297* CAD
Toronto (YYZ) - $140* CAD
Vancouver (YVR) - $534* CAD
Nonstop flights
Airlines: Delta, American, United, JetBlue, Frontier, Alaska, Southwest, Spirit
When to Visit: There's availability from September through December
Act fast! These deals are expected to be gone in 2-3 weeks. Click here to check for flights and book your Charleston escape!
Soak Up the Sun in San Diego! ☀️🏄♀️
Looking for a new urban adventure? Here are some fantastic flight deals to San Diego (SAN), where you can dive into another vibrant culture. The normal roundtrip price is around $400, but check out these current deals. 💰
U.S. Cities: From Albuquerque (ABQ) - $171*, Asheville (AVL) - $259, Atlanta (ATL) - $217*, Austin (AUS) - $124*, Baltimore (BWI) - $144*, Boston (BOS) - $217*, Charleston (CHS) - $209, Charlotte (CLT) - $341*, Chicago (ORD) - $153*, Cincinnati (CVG) - $190, Cleveland (CLE) - $174, Dallas (DFW) - $172*, Denver (DEN) - $74*, Detroit (DTW) - $320*, Hartford (BDL) - $229, Houston (IAH) - $379*, Indianapolis (IND) - $260*, Jacksonville (JAX) - $249, Kansas City (MCI) - $280*, Las Vegas (LAS) - $49*, Louisville (SDF) - $209*, Minneapolis (MSP) - $198*, Nashville (BNA) - $220*, New Jersey (EWR) - $237*, New Orleans (MSY) - $281*, New York (JFK) - $247*, New York (LGA) - $147, Oklahoma City (OKC) - $146, Omaha (OMA) - $142, Philadelphia (PHL) - $323*, Phoenix (PHX) - $64*, Pittsburgh (PIT) - $144*, Portland (PDX) - $177*, Raleigh (RDU) - $218*, Richmond (RIC) - $214, Sacramento (SMF) - $74*, St. Louis (STL) - $230*, Salt Lake City (SLC) - $84*, San Antonio (SAT) - $249*, San Francisco (SFO) - $64*, San Jose (SJC) - $74*, Seattle (SEA) - $177*, Tampa (TPA) - $167*, Washington DC (DCA) - $237*, and Washington DC (IAD) - $217*.
Nonstop flights
Canadian Cities:
Calgary (YYC) - $263* CAD
Montreal (YUL) - $768* CAD
Toronto (YYZ) - $411* CAD
Vancouver (YVR) - $253* CAD
Nonstop flights
Airlines: Delta, American, United, JetBlue, Frontier, Alaska, Southwest, Spirit
When to Visit: There's availability from September through December
Act fast! These deals are expected to be gone in 2-3 weeks. Click here to check for flights and book your San Diego escape!
Mexico City Awaits! 🇲🇽🌮
Looking for a new urban adventure? Here are some fantastic flight deals to Mexico City (MEX), where you can dive into another vibrant culture. The normal roundtrip price is around $400, but check out these current deals. 💰
U.S. Cities: From Albuquerque (ABQ) - $530, Asheville (AVL) - $542, Atlanta (ATL) - $532*, Austin (AUS) - $318*, Baltimore (BWI) - $400, Boston (BOS) - $488*, Charleston (CHS) - $480, Charlotte (CLT) - $552*, Chicago (ORD) - $253*, Cincinnati (CVG) - $379, Cleveland (CLE) - $362, Dallas (DFW) - $310*, Denver (DEN) - $278*, Detroit (DTW) - $600*, Hartford (BDL) - $485, Houston (IAH) - $226*, Indianapolis (IND) - $412*, Jacksonville (JAX) - $429, Kansas City (MCI) - $440*, Las Vegas (LAS) - $227*, Louisville (SDF) - $538*, Minneapolis (MSP) - $386*, Nashville (BNA) - $426*, New Jersey (EWR) - $408*, New Orleans (MSY) - $513*, New York (JFK) - $348*, New York (LGA) - $403, Oklahoma City (OKC) - $443, Omaha (OMA) - $427, Philadelphia (PHL) - $424*, Phoenix (PHX) - $308*, Pittsburgh (PIT) - $500, Portland (PDX) - $380, Raleigh (RDU) - $498*, Richmond (RIC) - $522, Sacramento (SMF) - $345, St. Louis (STL) - $379, Salt Lake City (SLC) - $416, San Antonio (SAT) - $211*, San Francisco (SFO) - $398*, San Jose (SJC) - $512, Seattle (SEA) - $688, Tampa (TPA) - $288*, Washington DC (DCA) - $456, and Washington DC (IAD) - $486*.
Nonstop flights
Canadian Cities:
Calgary (YYC) - $582 CAD
Montreal (YUL) - $688* CAD
Toronto (YYZ) - $550* CAD
Vancouver (YVR) - $363* CAD
Nonstop flights
Airlines: Delta, American, United, JetBlue, Frontier, Alaska, Southwest, Spirit
When to Visit: There's availability from October through January
Act fast! These deals are expected to be gone in 2-3 weeks. Click here to check for flights and book your Mexican escape!
Now that you've got the scoop on Ontario's best apple spots, what's a favorite fall activity in your neck of the woods? Share your best fall travel story in the comments below!
Out in the orchard, I ate like four apples. One must test out the product, no? Anyway, it's time to get back to packing! While gallivanting around Germany, Luxembourg, and Eastern Europe, mainly the Balkans, I'll do my best to pop on the Substack and share some stories and pictures!
In the meantime,
—stay Rudderless
I don’t doubt that at all! 😀
Especially having just returned from an awesome road trip in that province!
good strategies on apple picking.
Quebec is also a great place for Apple picking. There are places just outside Montreal we go to every fall.