Produce doesn’t get much fresher than the offerings from a pick-your-own farm. In the summer, you can find strawberries, blueberries, corn, beans and more. But pick-your-own outings get even more fun as fall descends. Apple orchards and
pumpkin patches are quintessential to the autumn experience (and lucky us, there are many to choose from in Durham Region!). Read on for eight locations in the area to check out this year.
APPLES
Archibald’s
Estate Winery
Don’t be fooled by the winery callout in the name — this farm has been open for pick-your-own apples for almost 40 years. Archibald’s boasts an orchard of 10,000 trees and 13 different varieties of apples, so you’ll definitely be able to get your fill for the season. When you arrive, you’ll check in at the welcome booth and then actually drive into the orchard; this is for safety and accessibility reasons. There’s no admission fee, but there is a minimum order of half a bushel ($45) per car.
Watson Farms Farmer’s
Market and PYO
This family-run business has been a Durham Region staple since 1970. The original owner, Ted Watson, is now retired, but his dream of creating the ultimate pick-your-own experience is in good hands under the leadership of Ted’s son, Paul. Watson’s grows a number of different apple varieties, with the current crop listings available on their website and on their crop hotline (seriously!). Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for children and seniors are free on Mondays and Wednesdays; apples are priced at $2.75 per pound.
Nature’s Bounty Farm
Owners Cathy McKay and Marvin Stevenson bought this farm together as a young couple more than 40 years ago. They began planting apple trees in 1980, carefully cultivating their orchard; they opened it up to the public in 1993 and haven’t looked back. They now have nearly 14,000 trees producing popular apple varieties, like Honeycrisp and Gala. In addition to the pick-your-own offerings, this farm also features a market, a corn maze and more. Pre-booking your visit is strongly recommended to avoid disappointment.
Applewood Farm
Started by Frank and Diane Passafiume in the 1970s, this farm now has three generations of family working the land. In addition to 32 acres of pick-your-own apples, visitors can also enjoy wagon rides, a sunflower field, a children’s play area, a corn maze and more. Admission to the farm is $10 per person for ages three and up. Apples are charged per bag — $25 per 20 lb bag, $15 per 10 lb bag.
Knox’s Pumpkin Farm
PUMPKINS
Knox’s Pumpkin Farm
The Knox family has been farming in Durham Region for four generations, and this farm has become an autumn mainstay for area residents and visitors. Their tagline is “come for the pumpkins, stay for the fun!” This farm features pick-your-own pumpkins and squash, as well as expanded activities on weekends that include wagon rides, animal visits, a corn maze, treats for sale and more. Admission must be pre-paid due to COVID protocols.
Pingle’s Farm Market
Pingle’s is a pick-your-own paradise. Starting in May with asparagus and strawberries and extending into October with apples and pumpkins ensures that it’s always a hopping place. The fall is an especially fun time to visit, though, with Pingle’s harvest festival taking place in September and October. The event features pick-your-own produce, a 6.5-acre secret agent-themed corn maze, wagon rides, live music, food and drinks, and much more. Tickets range from $10 to $20 for a single-day general admission.
Linton’s Farm Market
Linton’s started out as a tomato producer for a canning company more than 50 years ago. As the years went by, they gradually added more crops and expanded into a farm market. Now, in addition to the market, Linton’s is also home to seasonal you-pick (including pumpkins!), a kid’s play area, a host of special events and more.
Forsythe Family Farms
In with multi-generation family farms is a relative newcomer to the scene: Forsythe Family Farms was established in 2009 and offers everything from learning programs axnd community supported agriculture to pick-your-own programs, farm animal visits and more. The annual fall festival includes the pumpkin patch (of course!), tricycle and pedal go-kart tracks, a two-acre corn maze and more.
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