There’s something almost magical about September mornings in the Ottawa Valley—that first bite of crisp air, the smell of fallen leaves, and rows upon rows of apple trees heavy with fruit just waiting to be picked. If you’ve ever driven past those hand-painted “U-Pick” signs on country roads and wondered whether it’s worth the detour, let me save you the suspense: it absolutely is. Apple picking near Ottawa isn’t just a weekend activity; it’s a full sensory experience that connects you to the land, the seasons, and (if you’re lucky) some truly spectacular apple cider donuts.
I’ve spent more autumn weekends than I can count exploring the orchards scattered around the National Capital Region. Some are sprawling operations with corn mazes and hayrides. Others are quiet family farms where you might be the only visitors that morning. Each has its own character, and knowing what to expect before you go can make the difference between a perfect fall day and a frustrating one. This guide covers six of the best apple picking destinations near Ottawa, with the practical details you actually need: what varieties ripen when, what to wear, and which farms locals genuinely prefer (Reddit opinions included).
Key Highlights
TL;DR: Apple picking season near Ottawa runs late August through late October. Mountain Orchards offers the widest selection but gets crowded on weekends. Proulx Farm is the local favourite for fall activities. For a quieter, more authentic experience, try Log Farm. Pro tip: go on weekday mornings, bring cash, and call ahead to check what’s ripe.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| 📅 Season | Late August – Late October |
| 📍 Closest Option | Orleans Fruit Farm (~15 min from downtown) |
| 💰 Average Cost | $15-25 per bag (varies by farm) |
| ⏰ Best Time | Weekday mornings for fewer crowds |
| 🚗 Driving Range | 20-45 minutes from downtown Ottawa |
The Best Apple Picking Farms Near Ottawa
Ottawa residents are fortunate to have half a dozen quality orchards within an hour’s drive. Each offers something slightly different, from massive fall festival operations to intimate family-run farms. Here’s what you need to know about each one.
Mountain Orchards – The Big One
Location: 10175 Mountain Road, Mountain, ON (~45 minutes south of Ottawa)
If apple picking were a sport, Mountain Orchards would be the major leagues. This sprawling family farm has been growing apples for generations, and they’ve gotten quite good at it. With over 30 apple varieties, you’ll find everything from early-season Paula Reds to late-October Northern Spies.
What sets Mountain Orchards apart is the sheer scale of the operation. Beyond the apple orchards, you’ll find a pumpkin patch, corn maze, on-site bakery (their apple pies are worth every calorie), and a playground for kids. It’s less “quick farm visit” and more “we’re spending the whole afternoon here.”
The honest truth: Mountain Orchards gets crowded. Really crowded. As one local put it on Reddit, “Mountain Orchards has the best apple selection but gets crowded on weekends.” If you’re planning a Saturday visit in peak September, arrive early—like, gates-open-early. The parking lot fills up by mid-morning, and popular varieties like Honeycrisp can get picked clean by noon.
Best for: Families wanting a full fall experience with multiple activities Pro tip: The bakery line gets long after 11am. Grab your treats before heading to the orchard.
| Details | Info |
|---|---|
| Distance | 45 min from downtown Ottawa |
| Varieties | 30+ (McIntosh, Honeycrisp, Empire, Cortland, Northern Spy, more) |
| Extra Activities | Corn maze, pumpkin patch, bakery, playground |
| Cash/Card | Both accepted |
Proulx Farm – The Local Favourite
Location: 1865 O’Toole Road, Cumberland, ON (~30 minutes east of Ottawa)
Ask longtime Ottawa residents where they go for fall activities, and Proulx Farm comes up again and again. While it’s technically more famous for its pumpkin patch, the apple picking here is genuinely good, and the overall fall festival atmosphere is hard to beat.
Proulx offers the classic autumn trifecta: apple picking, corn maze, and pumpkin patch. They’ve also got farm animals for the little ones, hayrides through the property, and that intangible “small family farm” feeling despite being a fairly substantial operation.
One Reddit commenter summed it up perfectly: “Proulx is the local favourite for fall activities.” It’s not just about the apples here—it’s about the whole experience. The corn maze alone has kept my friends’ kids entertained for embarrassingly long periods while we adults wandered the orchard at a more leisurely pace.
Best for: Families looking for a complete fall day out; groups who want more than just apple picking Pro tip: Combine apples and pumpkins in one trip. The pumpkin selection is outstanding.
| Details | Info |
|---|---|
| Distance | 30 min from downtown Ottawa |
| Varieties | Good selection (McIntosh, Cortland, Empire, others) |
| Extra Activities | Pumpkin patch, corn maze, hayrides, farm animals |
| Cash/Card | Cash preferred (ATM on-site) |
Log Farm – The Quiet Gem
Location: 683 Cedarview Road, Nepean, ON (~20 minutes from downtown)
Log Farm is what apple picking used to be before Instagram and corn mazes complicated things. This small, family-run operation offers a more authentic orchard experience—just you, the trees, and the satisfying work of filling your bag with freshly picked fruit.
What Log Farm lacks in flashy attractions, it makes up for in charm. They do cider pressing demonstrations during peak season, and watching fresh apple cider being made the old-fashioned way is genuinely fascinating. The apple selection is solid though not as extensive as larger farms, but the quality is consistently excellent.
“Log Farm is smaller but feels more authentic,” one local noted. That’s the perfect description. If you’re overwhelmed by the chaos of larger operations or simply want a peaceful morning outdoors, Log Farm delivers.
Best for: Couples, seniors, anyone seeking a quieter experience Pro tip: Perfect for photography—fewer crowds mean better shots
| Details | Info |
|---|---|
| Distance | 20 min from downtown Ottawa |
| Varieties | Smaller selection (focus on classics) |
| Extra Activities | Cider pressing demonstrations |
| Cash/Card | Cash preferred |
Cannamore Orchard – The Donut Destination
Location: 13031 St. Albert Road, Crysler, ON (~40 minutes southeast of Ottawa)
Some people come to Cannamore Orchard for the apples. Many, if I’m being honest, come for the apple cider donuts. These warm, cinnamon-dusted creations have achieved something close to legendary status among Ottawa’s fall enthusiasts.
The orchard itself is well-maintained with a good variety of apples. They’ve also invested in hedge mazes and, during October, their “Acres of Terror” haunted attraction draws crowds from across the region. But let’s be real: those donuts are the main event.
“The apple cider donuts at Cannamore are worth the drive alone,” declares one local opinion that I’ve personally verified multiple times. Get them fresh, still warm from the fryer, and eat them in the orchard while the sugar dust gets everywhere. It’s messy and perfect.
Best for: Donut enthusiasts, families with older kids interested in Halloween attractions Pro tip: The donuts sell out on busy weekends. Seriously. Get there before noon.
| Details | Info |
|---|---|
| Distance | 40 min from downtown Ottawa |
| Varieties | Good selection |
| Extra Activities | Hedge mazes, Acres of Terror (October), bakery |
| Cash/Card | Both accepted |
Rideau Pines Farm – The Hidden Gem
Location: 5381 Prince of Wales Drive, North Gower, ON (~25 minutes south of Ottawa)
If Ottawa’s apple picking scene had an underdog story, Rideau Pines Farm would be it. This peaceful farm flies under the radar compared to larger operations, which is exactly why some people love it.
“Rideau Pines is underrated—less crowded, great berries earlier in summer too,” one local observed. The farm offers multiple pick-your-own crops throughout the season: strawberries and raspberries in summer, apples in fall. The grounds are wheelchair accessible, which is a genuine consideration that many farms overlook.
The setting is serene. Trees in neat rows, open countryside views, and significantly fewer people than you’ll encounter at Mountain Orchards or Proulx. If you’re prioritizing a relaxed experience over extensive amenities, Rideau Pines deserves a spot on your list.
Best for: Those seeking a peaceful, less commercialised experience Pro tip: Visit in summer for berries, return in fall for apples—double your farm visits
| Details | Info |
|---|---|
| Distance | 25 min from downtown Ottawa |
| Varieties | Solid selection |
| Extra Activities | Multiple PYO crops seasonally |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair accessible |
| Cash/Card | Cash preferred |
Orleans Fruit Farm – The Convenient Option
Location: Orleans, ON (~15 minutes from downtown)
Not everyone has time for a 45-minute drive to the countryside. Orleans Fruit Farm offers the closest apple picking option to downtown Ottawa, making it perfect for busy families or anyone wanting to squeeze in some picking without an expedition.
The farm is smaller and the experience more straightforward—you’re here to pick apples, not navigate corn mazes. They offer seasonal produce beyond apples, and the proximity to the city means you can easily combine a visit with other Orleans-area activities.
Best for: Time-pressed pickers, Ottawa east-enders Pro tip: Great for a quick weeknight visit if you can get there before closing
| Details | Info |
|---|---|
| Distance | 15 min from downtown Ottawa |
| Varieties | Standard selection |
| Extra Activities | Seasonal produce |
| Cash/Card | Cash preferred |
When to Pick: Apple Variety Timing Guide
Not all apples ripen at the same time, and timing your visit correctly can mean the difference between scoring your favourite variety or finding bare branches where Honeycrisps used to hang.
Early Season (Late August – Early September)
The season kicks off with early varieties that are often overlooked:
- Paula Red – A local favourite for sauce-making, with a mild tartness
- Sunrise – Sweet and crisp, perfect for fresh eating
- Ginger Gold – Yellow-skinned, mellow flavour, good for those who don’t like tart apples
These early birds are worth seeking out if you’re eager to start the season, but they won’t last long on the trees.
Mid-Season (September)
September is peak apple season in the Ottawa Valley. This is when the heavy hitters ripen:
- McIntosh – The quintessential Ontario apple, slightly tart, iconic red-and-green skin
- Cortland – Snow-white flesh that resists browning (perfect for salads)
- Empire – A McIntosh-Delicious cross that balances sweet and tart
- Honeycrisp – The celebrity apple that commands premium prices and peak-season lines
About Honeycrisp: This variety has achieved something close to cult status. They’re explosively crisp, perfectly balanced between sweet and tart, and they sell out fast. “Honeycrisp peaks mid-September and sells out fast” is not an exaggeration. If Honeycrisp is your target, plan your trip for mid-September and arrive early.
Late Season (October)
As temperatures drop, late-season varieties reach their prime:
- Northern Spy – An old Ontario heritage variety, excellent for pies
- Mutsu – Large, greenish-yellow apples with honey-like sweetness
- Fuji – Sweet, dense flesh that stores beautifully
- Ida Red – Bright red skin, tangy flavour, another great pie apple
Late-season picking has its own rewards: thinner crowds, stunning fall foliage, and apples that store well through winter.
What to Wear and Bring
Apple picking is not a fashion show, but what you wear matters more than you might think. Here’s the practical checklist:
Clothing
- Closed-toe shoes – Orchards are uneven, sometimes muddy, and you’ll be walking more than you expect. Leave the sandals at home.
- Layers – September mornings can be crisp (single digits) while afternoons warm up significantly. A light jacket you can tie around your waist is ideal.
- Long pants – Branches scratch, grass is often dewy, and sitting on hay bales in shorts is itchy.
- Hat and sunscreen – The sun in orchards is surprisingly intense; there’s little shade between the trees.
What to Bring
- Cash – Many farms still prefer cash or have cash-only operations. Some have on-site ATMs, but don’t count on it.
- Your own bags or containers – “Bring your own bags—some farms charge extra,” one Redditor warned. While most farms provide bags, bringing your own can save money and is more environmentally friendly.
- Water bottles – Orchards get warm, and you’ll be more active than you think.
- Snacks – Especially if you’re bringing kids. Lines at farm bakeries can be long.
- Cooler for the car – Fresh-picked apples last longer if you keep them cool on the drive home.
Pro Tips
- Phone your farm first – Call ahead to confirm what varieties are currently ripe. Websites aren’t always updated in real-time.
- Go early – “Go on weekday mornings if you can—weekends are a zoo,” advises one experienced picker. This applies to every farm on this list.
- Check weather – Orchards close or limit picking after rain. Wet conditions make the ground slippery and can damage fruit.
Apple Picking with Kids
Bringing children to an orchard transforms apple picking from a simple shopping trip into genuine adventure. Here’s how to make it work:
Best Farms for Families
Mountain Orchards and Proulx Farm are specifically designed for family visits, with playgrounds, farm animals, and multiple activities to keep kids engaged when they inevitably declare they’re “done picking” after fifteen minutes.
Log Farm works well for older kids who can appreciate a quieter experience, or for families who want to avoid the overstimulation of festival-style farms.
Tips for Success
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Lower the branches – Many orchards have dwarf apple trees that put fruit at kid-height. Ask staff to point you toward these sections.
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Make it a game – Challenge kids to find the biggest apple, or count how many red versus green they can find. Competition motivates.
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Pack more snacks than you think – Fresh air + physical activity = hungry children. The farm snack bar line is always long when you need it most.
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Have an exit strategy – Know your kid’s limit. A two-hour visit is probably plenty for most under-10s.
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Embrace the mess – There will be juice, dirt, and possibly apple cores in pockets. Bring wipes and accept the chaos.
What to Do with Your Apples
You’ve picked them, you’ve loaded them into your car, and now you have twenty pounds of apples staring at you from the kitchen counter. Here are some ideas:
For Fresh Eating
- Honeycrisp, Empire, and Gala varieties are best eaten fresh
- Store in the refrigerator crisper drawer; they’ll keep for weeks
For Baking
- Northern Spy and Ida Red hold their shape in pies
- Cortland works well for tarts because it doesn’t brown quickly
- Mix varieties for complex flavour in your baked goods
For Sauce and Butter
- McIntosh breaks down beautifully into applesauce
- Paula Red is another excellent sauce apple
- Combine with cinnamon and a touch of maple syrup for a Canadian twist
For Cider
- Mix sweet and tart varieties for balanced flavour
- Most farms also sell fresh-pressed cider if you’d rather skip the work
Storage Tips
- Apples emit ethylene gas, which ripens (and rots) other produce. Store separately from other fruits and vegetables.
- Check regularly and remove any that show soft spots—one bad apple really does spoil the bunch.
A Brief History of Apple Growing in the Ottawa Valley
Before we talk logistics, it’s worth understanding why Ottawa happens to be surrounded by such excellent orchards. The Ottawa Valley’s climate—cold winters, warm summers, and that crucial temperature swing between day and night—creates ideal conditions for apple growing. The region’s glacial soils, deposited thousands of years ago, provide the drainage and mineral content that apple trees love.
European settlers recognised this potential early. By the mid-1800s, apple orchards dotted the countryside around what would become Ottawa. Many of today’s farms have been in continuous operation for three, four, even five generations. When you’re picking apples at Mountain Orchards or Log Farm, you’re participating in an agricultural tradition that predates Confederation.
Ontario’s apple industry peaked in the early 20th century, when thousands of orchards shipped fruit across the country and overseas. While the industry has consolidated since then, the farms that remain are often the best of the best—operations that survived because of quality, location, or sheer family determination.
The pick-your-own trend that drives modern orchard visits really took off in the 1970s and 1980s, when urban families began seeking connections to rural life. Today, apple picking is as much about the experience—the hayrides, the corn mazes, the Instagram moments—as it is about the fruit itself. But the apples remain genuinely excellent, and knowing that you’re supporting multi-generational family farms adds meaning to the activity.
Planning Your Perfect Apple Picking Day
Getting the most out of your orchard visit requires a bit of forethought. Here’s how to plan a day that minimises frustration and maximises enjoyment.
Choosing the Right Farm
Consider these factors when selecting your destination:
Distance vs. Experience: Orleans Fruit Farm gets you picking in 15 minutes; Mountain Orchards offers more variety but requires a 45-minute commitment. Be honest about how much driving your group can tolerate.
Crowd Tolerance: If your ideal apple picking experience involves solitude and quiet, skip the major farms on peak weekends. Log Farm or Rideau Pines will serve you better.
Child Ages: Little ones need entertainment beyond apple trees. Proulx Farm and Mountain Orchards have built their business around family experiences. Older kids and teenagers might prefer the simplicity of a smaller farm.
Physical Considerations: Rideau Pines is specifically wheelchair accessible. Other farms vary in terrain difficulty—some involve significant walking on uneven ground.
Timing Your Visit
Day of Week: Weekdays are dramatically less crowded than weekends. If you have any flexibility, a Tuesday or Wednesday morning visit transforms the experience.
Time of Day: Gates typically open around 9 or 10 a.m. Arriving in the first hour offers the best selection, freshest fruit, and shortest lines. By afternoon, popular varieties may be picked out and parking becomes challenging.
Season Planning: Different priorities call for different timing:
- Early September: Fewer crowds, early varieties
- Mid-September: Peak selection, Honeycrisp season
- Late September/Early October: Fall colours, classic varieties
- Late October: Thinning crowds, late keepers, Halloween atmosphere
Making a Day of It
Some of Ottawa’s best orchards are located near other attractions worth combining:
South Ottawa Route: Rideau Pines pairs well with a stop at Manotick’s shops and cafes, or a scenic drive along the Rideau River.
East Ottawa Route: After Proulx Farm, explore Cumberland’s historic village centre or continue to the trails around Mer Bleue Bog.
Southeast Route: Cannamore Orchard isn’t far from Upper Canada Village, making for an educational double-header on history and agriculture.
Getting There
Most Ottawa-area orchards are not accessible by OC Transpo. You’ll need a car, or get creative with ride-sharing. Here’s the drive time breakdown from downtown Ottawa:
| Farm | Approximate Drive Time |
|---|---|
| Orleans Fruit Farm | 15 minutes |
| Log Farm | 20 minutes |
| Rideau Pines Farm | 25 minutes |
| Proulx Farm | 30 minutes |
| Cannamore Orchard | 40 minutes |
| Mountain Orchards | 45 minutes |
Tip: Combine your orchard visit with other rural attractions. The drive to Mountain Orchards passes through beautiful countryside; consider stopping at farm stands along the way.
FAQ
Q: When is the best time for apple picking near Ottawa?
The apple picking season runs from late August through late October, but the sweet spot is mid-September to early October. This is when the most popular varieties—including Honeycrisp, McIntosh, and Empire—are at peak ripeness. Early morning visits on weekdays offer the best selection and shortest lines.
Q: Do I need to make a reservation for apple picking?
Most farms near Ottawa operate on a walk-in basis without reservations. However, it’s smart to call ahead, especially on busy fall weekends. Some farms limit admission during peak times to prevent overcrowding. Checking the farm’s social media or calling the day before your visit can save disappointment.
Q: How much does apple picking cost near Ottawa?
Expect to pay between $15 and $25 per bag, depending on the farm and bag size. Some farms charge by weight instead. Entry to the orchards is typically included in the cost of your apples, though corn mazes, hayrides, and other activities often carry separate fees. Bringing cash is strongly recommended.
Q: Which Ottawa-area farm has the best apple cider donuts?
Cannamore Orchard has developed a reputation for the best apple cider donuts in the region. These fresh, warm, cinnamon-dusted treats draw people from across Ottawa and are genuinely worth the 40-minute drive. Mountain Orchards also has an excellent bakery with fresh pies and baked goods.
Q: Can I bring my dog to apple picking farms?
Policies vary by farm. Many orchards allow leashed dogs in the parking areas and picnic grounds but not in the actual orchard rows where fallen fruit could be a hazard. Always call ahead to confirm the specific farm’s pet policy before bringing your four-legged friend.
Final Thoughts
Apple picking near Ottawa is one of those seasonal activities that sounds almost too simple to be exciting—until you’re standing in an orchard on a cool September morning, basket in hand, with rows of fruit-laden trees stretching toward the horizon. There’s something deeply satisfying about choosing each apple yourself, about knowing exactly where your food comes from, about biting into something you picked minutes earlier.
Whether you choose the bustling family atmosphere of Mountain Orchards, the local favourite energy of Proulx Farm, or the quiet authenticity of Log Farm, you’ll find quality apples and a genuine connection to Ottawa Valley agriculture. Just remember: go early, bring cash, wear sensible shoes, and save room for those apple cider donuts.
The trees are waiting. The apples won’t pick themselves.
Sources: Farm websites and direct contact, Reddit r/ottawa community discussions, Ontario Apple Growers Association
