Apple picking is the quintessential fall activity across Canada and the United States. With hundreds of u-pick orchards to choose from, the hardest part is knowing when to go and which farm to visit. Here's your complete guide.
When is apple picking season?
Apple season runs from late summer through fall, but the exact timing depends on the variety and your region:
| Region | Season |
|---|---|
| Ontario, Canada | Late August to October |
| British Columbia | August to October |
| Michigan | Late August to October |
| Washington | August to November |
| California | August to October |
| Iowa | September to October |
Early varieties like Ginger Gold and Paula Red ripen in late August. The most popular varieties — McIntosh, Honeycrisp, Empire — peak in September. Late varieties like Fuji and Mutsu carry through October.
Find apple picking orchards near you
Browse u-pick apple farms by region:
- Apple picking in Ontario
- Apple picking in British Columbia
- Apple picking in Michigan
- Apple picking in Washington
- Apple picking in California
Or use the farm map and filter by apple to see every orchard near your location.
Apple varieties: which to pick and when
| Variety | Ripens | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Ginger Gold | Late August | Eating fresh, applesauce |
| McIntosh | Early September | Cider, applesauce |
| Honeycrisp | Mid September | Eating fresh |
| Empire | Late September | Eating, baking |
| Spy | October | Baking, pies |
| Fuji | October | Eating fresh, long storage |
Call your local orchard before visiting — not all varieties are available at every farm, and ripening dates shift by 1–2 weeks depending on the growing season.
How much does u-pick apple picking cost?
Expect to pay $1.50 to $3.50 per pound at most u-pick orchards. A half-bushel bag (about 20 lbs) typically costs $25–$50. Some farms sell pre-picked apples at a slight discount if you'd rather not pick yourself.
Tips for a great apple picking trip
Twist, don't pull. Grip the apple firmly, lift and twist. A ripe apple releases cleanly. If you have to yank hard, it's not ready yet.
Check the flesh, not just the skin. Press gently near the stem — ripe apples give very slightly. Rock-hard apples may need another week.
Look up. The best apples are often higher on the tree where they've had the most sun. Most farms provide picking poles for high branches.
Pick more than you think you need. Apples store well — up to several months in a cool place. You won't regret having extra.
Go on a weekday if you can. Apple orchards are busy on fall weekends. Weekdays are quieter and you'll get your pick of the tree.
How many apples should I pick?
- For snacking: 5–8 lbs per person
- For a pie: 3–4 lbs
- For a batch of applesauce: 6–8 lbs
- For cider: 10–15 lbs per gallon
Apples last 1–2 weeks at room temperature and up to 2 months in a cold fridge or cold room.
Frequently asked questions
When is apple picking season near me? In most of North America, apple picking season runs from late August through October. Ontario and Michigan start in late August with early varieties; peak season is September. See the table above for regional timing.
When does apple picking season start? The earliest u-pick orchards open in late August with early varieties like Ginger Gold and Paula Red. Most orchards reach full swing in September when McIntosh, Honeycrisp and Empire are ready.
When does apple picking season end? Most orchards close u-pick operations in late October, though some stay open into November for late varieties like Fuji and Mutsu.
What is apple picking? Apple picking (also called u-pick or pick-your-own) is when you visit an orchard and harvest apples directly from the trees yourself. You pay by weight for what you pick. It's typically much fresher and often cheaper than store-bought apples.
How do I find apple orchards near me? Use our farm finder and filter by apple, or browse by your province or state using the links above. We list hundreds of u-pick apple orchards across Canada and the US.