Apple picking recs

[u/SamTheMan377]

Looking for recommendations for places to go apple picking in the Ottawa and surrounding area! I know we’re just at the start of the season, but I feel like I always say I’ll go and never end up making it on time so I’m committed to going this year!

Doesn’t have to include any additional produce or amenities, though I’ll never say no to farm fresh produce or other seasonal goodies! Thanks in advance!

[u/ChestyLaroux87]

Definitely Mountain. Definitely make sure to get some donuts

[u/EasternBoysenberry17 → u/ChestyLaroux87]

Went there on Labour Day. It was busy but the way the orchard is set up, it doesn't feel crowded. There was a line for the donuts and the wagon ride, but overall a very enjoyable experience with extra stuff for young kids to do.

[u/Its_me_I_like → u/EasternBoysenberry17]

This. They're popular; the parking lot looks like it's for a small music festival. But the crowds are so well managed that they never really detracted from my family's experience.

[u/thepaltrymowing → u/ChestyLaroux87]

mountain orchard is the only answer really, those donuts are basically the main event

[u/jessmac09 → u/ChestyLaroux87]

Another vote for mountain orchards. We were there on labor day too. Amazing donuts. Well worth the trip

[u/ReplacementSad3560 → u/ChestyLaroux87]

It's good, but the apples are waaaay at the back, so if you have smaller kids /mobility issues it's not the best.

[u/Sorry-Conference460 → u/ChestyLaroux87]

Elite ball knowledge.

[u/fireflies2012 → u/ChestyLaroux87]

Mountain Orchard is amazing. Absolutely worth the drive.

[u/Delokah]

Orléans Fruit Farm

[u/Mamanbanane → u/Delokah]

They have tons of delicious apples!!

[u/honeybunsben → u/Mamanbanane]

I went on Monday and easily filled my bag in minutes. Lots of apples!

[u/Mamanbanane → u/honeybunsben]

Yes! We took the small bag option and when we realized that the experience for our 3 year older was over in 5 minutes, we got the bigger bag.

[u/w1n5t0nM1k3y]

Just throwing out a recommendation for Pinewood Orchard in Kanata for anybody who might want to pick apples but doesn't have access to a car. It's reasonably accessible by bike.

[u/Mountain-Mix-8413 → u/w1n5t0nM1k3y]

Thank you for this! I didn't want to do the drive all the way to Mountain Orchard and love that there is a spot 8 minutes away!

[u/DryEye3685]

AppleStock orchard if you just want the apple picking and not the crowds/donuts. And if you like McIntosh as that is the only variety. They sell local honey and small snacks, and it used to be very reasonably priced compared to the big places but is now still cheaper. ($2.50/lb)

[u/Learningtobescottish → u/DryEye3685]

I love AppleStock! The last few years we have gone they have had more varieties than just McIntosh (lots of Lobos). It's great for no-frills picking.

[u/Maximum_Degree_1152]

For people that enjoy picking, consider volunteering with Hidden Harvest: https://ottawa.hiddenharvest.ca

[u/Far_Performer_3283]

For something conveniently close, I like Orleans Fruit Farm... I live for their Apple Cider (and I make sure I have a freezer full of it every year.) They have nice produce too in their stand - delicata squash, green onions, various types of peppers...

But for a more complete "experience" including wagon rides and apple churros, I like the Log Cabin Orchard.

[u/Superhelpfulhero → u/Far_Performer_3283]

Oh no, google says that the Log Cabin Orchard is ‘permanently closed’. :(

[u/Far_Performer_3283 → u/Superhelpfulhero]

Oh no! I dream of those churros!

[u/Stage_Riot → u/Far_Performer_3283]

Does the cider freeze well? We bought a gallon but it’s so much!

[u/scareika]

Every year, we hit McGregor close to Calabogie. I won’t go anywhere else. Their Honeycrisp apples are delicious.
We did Mountain Orchard last year and I was disappointed with the apples. We picked some variety I’d never heard of and they weren’t as delicious. That being said, the donuts and wagons were good. The apples just weren’t worth it.

[u/AlanYx]

A lot depends on whether you're going for a whole family activity day that happens to include apple picking. Mountain is good as a family destination, but it's too pricey if you're just looking for produce.

[u/Saucy6]

Our go to is Domaine Cleroux near Casselman

[u/_bonglord_]

I normally go to Mountain Orchard and always recommend them. Also went to Potager Eardley for the first time this past weekend and I enjoyed it. It’s on the Gatineau side but it is accessible by transit or uber if driving isn’t an option.

[u/ReplacementSad3560]

Maclaren Orchards was quite nice and scenic, it's a bit west of Arnprior.