Our apple picking season opens in late August and remains open until early November. Please see the harvest calendar below for start dates for each variety of apple. Weather can impact when the apples will be ready so check back before coming to visit.
See you in the fall!
Apple Picking
We make it easy, so you can have the maximum amount of fun. Here’s how it works:
Bags: Complimentary plastic and reusable cloth bags will be provided upon arrival. All bags are heavy-duty and will hold approximately 8 kg (20 lbs) of your choice of apples.
Entrance Fee: There is no entrance fee to enter the orchard, however, we do ask that a minimum of $5.00 of apples be picked per person. If the minimum per person is not picked the difference will be charged at checkout.
Pick-Your-Own Price: Fill your bag to the top and it’s yours for $26. If you don’t quite make it to full then it’s $1.45/lb.
Ready Pick Apples: Are available from mid-September until closing.
Harvest Calendar:
| VARIETY | START DATE | APPROX END DATE | DESCRIPTION | BEST USE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ginger Gold | Aug 26 | Sept 17 | Sweet & mildly tart | Eating |
| McIntosh | Sept 8 | Sept 24 | Tender, juicy, aromatic, tart-sweet | Tender, juicy, aromatic, tart-sweet |
| Cortland | Sept 15 | Oct 1 | Tart with hint of sweet and tangy | Eating (cut fruit is slow to brown) |
| Gala | Sept 15 | Oct 1 | Crisp, firm, juicy, mild and sweet | Eating |
| Honey Crisp | Sept 22 | Sept 29 | Crisp, juicy, mild, honeyed flavour | Eating, Baking |
| Empire | Sept 22 | Oct 15 | Sweet-tart, juicy cross between Red Delicious and McIntosh | Eating, Baking |
| Ambrosia | Sept 29 | Oct 22 | Juicy, Honeyed Flavour | Eating, Baking |
| Golden Delicious | Sept 29 | Oct 22 | Crisp, mild, sweet | Eating, Baking (when making pies, reduce the total sugar) |
| Jonagold | Sept 29 | Oct 22 | Crisp, juicy, sweet | Baking |
| Mutsu | Sept 29 | Oct 22 | Sweet-tart, distinct flavor | Eating, pies, salads |
| Northern Spy | Oct 6 | Oct 30 | Sweet, mildly tart | Eating, baking |
| Red Delicious | Oct 6 | Oct 30 | Sweet, juicy | Eating, salads, not particularly suitable for cooking or baking |
| Red Fuji | Oct 13 | Nov 6 | Mild sweet, juicy, firm | All uses, especially snacks |
Please note that when varieties become ready, we are typically picking them for about 3 weeks.
More Information
Location: Our apple orchard is located just behind the parking area at Downey’s Strawberry & Apple Farm
Wagon Rides: Are available each weekend out to the orchard
Apple Cider: Freshly pressed, our cider is available mid-September until closing early November
Candy Apples: Are available on weekends late-September until the end of October
Buses: If you are planning a bus trip to pick at the orchard, please contact us before you come so that we are ready for you!
School Tours: We offer hands-on, educational tours of the orchard. Please visit the School Tours pages on Downey’s Farm Market