Apple Picking Farms Near Blue Mountain and Collingwood

Apple picking season near Blue Mountain runs from late August through October, coinciding perfectly with some of the most beautiful weather of the year. The orchards and farms in the Collingwood, Thornbury, and Meaford area are set against the backdrop of the Niagara Escarpment and Georgian Bay, making this more than just a farm visit — it is a full autumn experience.

Top Orchards and Farms

Thornbury Village Cidery and Brewery

While primarily a cidery and brewery, Thornbury Village Cidery is surrounded by apple orchards that supply their celebrated cider. The cidery offers tastings, tours, and a beautiful property that captures the essence of the region's apple-growing heritage.

• **Location:** Downtown Thornbury, 15 minutes from Blue Mountain
• **Highlights:** Cider tastings, brewery, beautiful grounds, retail shop
• **Apple Varieties:** The cider is made from local heritage varieties
• **Best Time:** September through October

Grandma Lamb's

This family-friendly farm near Thornbury offers pick-your-own apples along with a farm market, baked goods, and seasonal activities. The farm has been operating for decades and captures the charm of a traditional Ontario orchard experience.

• **Location:** Near Thornbury
• **Highlights:** Pick-your-own apples, farm market, baked goods, family atmosphere
• **Apple Varieties:** Multiple varieties through the season
• **Best for:** Families with children

Local Orchards along the Georgian Bay Shoreline

The stretch of land between Thornbury and Meaford is one of Ontario's premier apple-growing regions. The climate moderated by Georgian Bay creates ideal conditions for apple cultivation, and several smaller orchards along this corridor welcome visitors during harvest season.

Drive along County Road 2 between Thornbury and Meaford, and you will pass multiple orchards with farm-gate sales. Many offer informal pick-your-own experiences, and the prices are typically lower than larger commercial operations.

Farmer's Markets

If you prefer to buy your apples rather than pick them, the region's farmers markets are excellent sources:

• **Collingwood Farmers Market** — Saturdays in downtown Collingwood
• **Thornbury Farmers Market** — Seasonal market in downtown Thornbury
• **Meaford Farmers Market** — Seasonal market in Meaford

Apple Varieties and Their Seasons

Early Season (Late August to Mid-September) - **Paula Red** — Tart, crisp, excellent for applesauce - **Gala** — Sweet, mild flavour, great for eating fresh

Mid-Season (Mid-September to Early October) - **McIntosh** — The classic Ontario apple, slightly tart with soft flesh - **Cortland** — White flesh that resists browning, perfect for salads and baking - **Honeycrisp** — Extremely popular, sweet-tart with exceptional crunch

Late Season (October) - **Spy (Northern Spy)** — Considered the best pie apple, tart and firm - **Empire** — Cross between McIntosh and Red Delicious, balanced flavour - **Ida Red** — Great for baking, stores well through winter

What to Know Before You Go

What to Bring

• Comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven ground
• Layers — Fall mornings can be cool, but afternoons warm up
• Bags or containers for your apples (some farms provide, some do not)
• Cash (some smaller farms do not accept cards)
• Camera for capturing the autumn scenery

Tips for the Best Experience

1. <strong>Call ahead</strong>: &mdash; Harvest timing varies each year, and not all farms are open every day. A quick call confirms they are open and which varieties are currently ready.
2. <strong>Go early</strong>: &mdash; Morning visits mean cooler temperatures, less crowded orchards, and the best selection of fruit.
3. <strong>Pick from the outside of the tree</strong>: &mdash; Apples on the exterior are usually riper and have had more sun exposure.
4. <strong>Twist, do not pull</strong>: &mdash; Gently twist the apple upward to separate it from the branch without damaging the tree.
5. <strong>Only pick what you will use</strong>: &mdash; It is tempting to fill bags, but a bushel of apples is a lot. Plan your recipes before you pick.

What to Do with Your Apples

Classic Apple Recipes

• **Apple pie** &mdash; Use a mix of Spy and Cortland for the best flavour and texture
• **Applesauce** &mdash; McIntosh apples cook down beautifully into sauce
• **Apple crisp** &mdash; Easier than pie and equally delicious, using any baking apple
• **Caramel apples** &mdash; A fun activity for kids using firm apples like Gala
• **Apple cider** &mdash; If you have a press or juicer, fresh cider is outstanding

Storing Your Apples

Apples keep best in cool, humid conditions. A cold cellar or the crisper drawer of your refrigerator will keep most varieties fresh for weeks. Spy and Ida Red varieties store particularly well, often lasting through the winter if kept cool.

Make It a Full Fall Day

Apple picking pairs perfectly with other autumn activities near Blue Mountain:

• **Morning apple picking + afternoon fall colour drive** through the Beaver Valley
• **Apple picking + Thornbury village visit** for lunch, shops, and cider tasting
• **Apple picking + baking at the chalet** &mdash; Make pie or crisp together as a family or group activity

Bake at Blue View Chalets

One of the best parts of picking your own apples is baking with them, and Blue View Chalets provides fully equipped kitchens that make chalet baking sessions possible. Buy your apples in the morning, stop at the grocery store for butter, flour, and sugar, and spend a cozy afternoon baking apple pie or crisp while the fall colours glow outside. Our chalets have everything you need — baking dishes, mixing bowls, and proper ovens. It is the kind of experience that creates lasting family memories.