Looking for a fun fall activity near Ottawa? Apple picking is still one of the best ways to spend a crisp autumn day with family and friends. We’ve checked out the local orchards and even found some cool online alternatives for those rainy days when you can’t make it to the farm.
Getting Your Apple Fix Online with Casino Games
Before diving into the orchards, let’s look at how apple picking can inspire fun online. Beyond casual farming games like Hay Day, online casino games add an exciting twist with apple-themed slots like Golden Apple Slots and Apple Fortune. These games not only feature stunning graphics but also offer chances to win real rewards, making them a favourite among casino enthusiasts. With many platforms now optimizing for mobile play, finding the most rewarding sites for players with the best online casino Ontario can make all the difference.
Here, you’ll not only find plenty of trusted options but also detailed insights into how the best online casinos are selected, ensure a safe and enjoyable gaming experience. From getting started at top-rated platforms to exploring the various gambling options available, every aspect is covered to help players make informed choices. Additionally, you can learn about deposit and withdrawal methods, discover the best casino apps for 2025, and even explore how Ontario regulates its online gambling sector. Whether you’re curious about responsible play practices or need answers to frequently asked questions about the best online casino Ontario offers, this resource provides everything you need. For those who enjoy a fruity twist in their gaming experience, apple-themed slot games offer a fun and visually engaging way to spin the reels while exploring top casino platforms.
| Apple-Themed Slot Game | Features |
|---|---|
| Golden Apple Slots | Classic slot with golden apple bonus rounds |
| Apple Fortune | Progressive jackpot with apple-themed wilds |
| Big Apple Wins | New York-inspired slot with fruity rewards |
| Orchard Riches | Harvest-themed game with free spin bonuses |
| Crisp Apple Spins | Fast-paced slot with cascading apple symbols |
If you’re ready to put the screens aside and head out for a real apple-picking experience, the next section covers the best orchards near Ottawa.
Best Apple Picking Orchards in Ottawa and Nearby
Let’s get to the good stuff – here are the top spots for real apple picking near you in Ottawa. We’ve visited these orchards to give you the inside scoop on what makes each one special.
Shouldice Berry Farm & Market
📍 Location: 6494 Franktown Rd., Richmond Village
🕒 Hours: Seasonal (June-October)
🍎 Known for: Strawberries, apples, pumpkins
💰 Pricing: Various sizes available
🚗 Parking: Free
Shouldice Berry Farm has become one of the most popular destinations for apple picking in Ottawa since 1993, expanding to multiple convenient locations throughout the region. Their farm shops offer fresh produce, homemade jams, and preserves, while the picking fields are well-organized and maintained. The farm is currently preparing for the 2025 season when they plan to reopen their apple orchard alongside their popular strawberry and pumpkin patches. Visitors appreciate their clear signage and helpful staff, who make picking easy for families. The farm’s roadside locations make it convenient for those who prefer pre-picked produce.
Verger Croque-Pomme
📍 Location: Lochaber-Ouest, Outaouais
🕒 Hours: Seasonal
🍎 Known for: Organic apples, artisanal ciders
🌱 Special: Half certified organic
💰 Pricing: Market rates
🐕 Pet Policy: No dogs in orchard
As a leading apple orchard in Ottawa, Verger Croque-Pomme stands out for its commitment to organic farming, with half the orchard certified by Écocert Canada and the remainder in transition. The 20-hectare property features 3,000 apple trees growing approximately 30 varieties, including many heritage types not found in commercial stores.
Visitors can enjoy the elevated terrace overlooking the orchard while sampling their selection of seven different ciders, three juice varieties, and apple cider vinegar. The orchard also grows pears, plums, rhubarb, and various berries throughout the season. Educational tours highlight their sustainable farming practices and the importance of biodiversity.
Log Cabin Orchard (CLOSED)
📍 Location: 6121 Cabin Rd., Osgoode
🏛️ Historical significance: Founded 1840s
🍎 Legacy: Known for unique McIntosh variety
📌 Status: Permanently closed as of 2023
While no longer operating, Log Cabin Orchard deserves mention for its historical significance to Ottawa orchards. The 180-year-old property, established by Irish immigrant Clark Moses, featured a historic log cabin that served as a cherished country store. During its operation, the orchard was known for its exceptional McIntosh apples and family-friendly atmosphere, including a petting zoo and wagon rides. Though closed, its legacy continues to influence the region’s apple-growing tradition.
Mountain Orchards
📍 Location: 10175 Clark Rd., Mountain, ON
🕒 Hours: Seasonal (August-October)
🍎 Known for: Wagon rides, corn maze
🥧 Special: Fresh donuts and butter tarts
💰 Pricing: Various packages available
Operating since 1970, Mountain Orchards maintains a strong focus on family activities and remains one of the best apple orchards near me for many Ottawa residents. Their wagon rides transport visitors through the orchard from 10am to 6pm on weekdays and 9am to 5pm on weekends. The bakery produces fresh donuts and butter tarts daily, using recipes perfected over generations.
Beyond apple picking, visitors can explore forest trails featuring diverse tree species, enjoy covered picnic areas, and challenge themselves in the seasonal corn maze. The orchard offers multiple apple varieties throughout the season, from early Sunrise apples in August to late-season Golden Delicious in October.
Hall’s Apple Market
📍 Location: 2930 2nd Concession Rd., Brockville
🕒 Hours: Year-round store, seasonal picking
🍎 Known for: Fresh apples, country store
🥧 Special: Homemade pies, cider donuts
💰 Pricing: By bushel (1/4: $17, 1/2: $28, full: $48)
Hall’s Apple Market has been a cornerstone of Ottawa apple picking since 1947, starting as a mixed farm before specializing in apples. Their controlled atmosphere storage facility, the first of its kind in the area, allows them to offer fresh apples year-round. The on-site bakery produces everything from scratch, including their popular apple cider donuts and various pie varieties. They maintain strong connections with local farmers’ markets in Kingston, Ottawa, and surrounding areas.
The country store features local products, crafts, and seasonal items, making it a destination even outside the picking season. Visitors particularly enjoy their fresh-pressed sweet apple cider, produced weekly during the season using a blend of apple varieties.
Cannamore Orchard
📍 Location: 1480 County Rd. 32, Crysler
🕒 Hours: Seasonal + special events
🍎 Known for: Acres of Terror Halloween event
🎪 Activities: Multiple mazes, pedal cars
💰 Pricing: Day admission $25, Night events $35
🎃 Special events: Family weekend packages available
A favourite among Orleans apple-picking enthusiasts, Cannamore Orchard combines traditional apple picking with unique entertainment options. During the regular season, visitors can enjoy picking from varieties like Paula Red, McIntosh, and Honeycrisp, with pre-picked options available in their store for $12 per 4-litre basket. The property features five different maze experiences, including two large hedge mazes and a cedar tree labyrinth.
Their famous “Acres of Terror” Halloween event transforms the orchard after dark, offering family-friendly daytime activities and spookier nighttime experiences. The orchard also operates a chip truck and country canteen during peak season, serving fresh food and beverages. Group tours are available by appointment, with special rates for schools and organizations.
Smart Tips for Apple Picking
After visiting these orchards, here’s what we’ve learned:
Timing Is Everything
- Early birds get the best apples
- Weekday mornings are usually less crowded
- Check social media for picking updates
What to Bring
- Comfortable walking shoes (you’ll be doing lots of walking)
- Water bottle and snacks
- Cash (some orchards are cash-only)
- Reusable bags or baskets
Picking Like a Pro
- Twist apples gently upward instead of pulling
- Check the whole apple for bruises
- Don’t shake the trees (seriously, the orchards really don’t like this)
Making the Most of Your Visit
Here’s what we’ve discovered works best:
- Pack a picnic lunch
- Take lots of photos
- Try different varieties of apples
- Don’t rush – make a day of it
- Check out the farm stores for local treats
When You Can’t Make It to the Orchard
On those days when you can’t get to a real orchard, try these fun alternatives:
- Download online farming games
- Make apple recipes at home
- Plan your next orchard visit
- Watch apple-picking tutorials online
Each orchard and apple farm in Ottawa offers something unique, so it’s worth trying different ones throughout the season. Whether you’re picking real apples or playing farming games, there’s something special about the apple-picking experience that keeps bringing people back year after year.
Note: The apple picking season varies at apple orchards in Ottawa, so always check each orchard’s website or social media before visiting – hours and fruit availability can change based on weather conditions and picking volume.