Alan ‘Bo’ BorensteinThere’s something about the crisp snap of a freshly picked apple that takes me back to my childhood days. I can practically smell the sweet scent of ripe fruit hanging in the air as I eagerly plucked apples straight from the tree.
If, like me, you’ve got an insatiable craving for that nostalgic apple-picking experience, then you’re in the perfect place. Just as we did when we explored berry farms, we’ve combed the region to uncover the top 6 apple-picking spots within Metro Vancouver.
Willow View Farms
Address: 288 McCallum Rd, Abbotsford, BC V2S 8A2, Canada
Phone: +1 604 854 8710
Opening Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Website
In 2023, Willow View Farms is celebrating their 30th year selling produce directly from the farm. With such a staying power, this farm has become a go-to farm in the fall for U-pick apples, as well as pumpkins, plums, and pears.
If you’re mainly looking to pick apples, you’ll find a variety in Willow View. They have Ambrosia, Jonagold, Honeycrisp, Elstand, Fuji, Gala, Summer Red, McIntosh, Gingergold, Alkmene, and Gravenstein.
They provide updates regularly, both on-site and online, so be sure to check for your preferred types.
As for U-pick containers, you can either purchase bags on-site or bring your own bags or boxes for picking and storing your goods. If you think your container is too heavy, have it weighed before heading to the orchard.
To know which rows are prime for picking, don’t forget to pick up a farm map near the entrance. It’s updated daily, so you can save time looking for the best rows on your own.
Pro tip:
If it’s your first visit to the farm, don’t hesitate to approach a staff member. They’ll gladly guide you around and provide specific directions to make your U-pick experience at Willow View Farms enjoyable.
Taves Family Farms Applebarn
Address: 333 Gladwin Rd, Abbotsford, BC V2S 8A7, Canada
Phone: +1 604 853 3108
Opening Hours: Sunday-Saturday 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Website
Taves Family Farms is a must-visit destination for both summer and fall seasons, as it offers a delightful taste of the countryside through a wide range of attractions.
You’ll find a sunflower patch, U-pick berries, corn mazes, pumpkin patches, and even the opportunity for goat cuddles.
For U-pick apples, you have two options. You can visit their main location or head to 270 Gladwin, which specifically offers Jonagold apples and is open from Thursday to Sunday.
You can choose from a selection of apple varieties including Ambrosia, Fuji, Honeycrisp, and Jonagold. To determine the best time for apple picking, you can check their website for updates on apple availability.
If you’re looking for other apple varieties like Alkmene, Elstar, Gala, and Gravenstein, you can find them in-store at Taves Family Farms.
Pro tip:
If you have children with you, Taves Family Farms is a great place to visit. Not only can they enjoy the petting barn, but there are also fun activities like jumping pillows and pedal karts that will keep them entertained.
Murphy’s Christmas Tree Farm and Fruit Orchard
Address: 25377 124 Avenue, Maple Ridge, Canada
Phone: +1 604 479 0187
Opening Hours: Sunday – Saturday 9:30 am – 5:30 PM
Website
Located just 45 minutes east of Vancouver, Murphy’s Christmas Tree Farm and Fruit Orchard primarily offers U-Cut Christmas trees, both ready-cut and for U-Cut.
But they also have an impressive fruit orchard that opens for U-pick until quantities last. They take pride in offering no-spray apples, a simple but appealing touch to those who choose a healthier and more environmentally friendly lifestyle.
The types of apples you can find at Murphy’s include Florina, Gala, Jonagold, Spartan, late Golden, and Gravenstein. To plan your visit, you have to make an appointment so be sure to have their phone number ready.
Pro tip:
Check out their Facebook page for updates for the latest updates and additional produce offerings such as garlic scapes.
Davison Orchards Country Village
Address: 3111 Davison Rd, Vernon, BC V1H 1A2, Canada
Phone: +1 250 549 3266
Opening Hours: Sunday-Saturday 9:00 am – 5:30 PM
Website
Davison Orchards is an all-in-one spot to visit during the summer or fall season. If you’re mainly looking to pick apples, you can drop by in September to pick Spartan, Ambrosia, Aurora, Honeycrisp, Arlet, Gala, Ginger Gold, McIntosh, and more.
If you want apples for fresh eating, get their Honeycrisp, Aurora, or Ambrosia, but if you’re making some apple sauce, their Golden Delicious, Ginger Gold, and Mutsu are more fit.
While you’re there, you can also check out their other produce, including corn, peppers, grapes, and squash.
We said all-in-one destination, right? Check out their Farmhouse Cafe, open daily from 9 AM to 4:30 PM, and their Farmhouse Bakery, where you can get their famous Deep Dish Apple.
There’s also The Old Brick Press which offers specialty coffees, ice cream, and Appleanche Screamers, or natural, farm-produced apple juice combined with soft-serve ice cream. You can also try it with caramel or creamy mocha flavors.
Pro tip:
The Davisons are very generous with their family recipes. Here’s a video of them making their creamed corn casserole.
Cherry Lane Farm
Address: 9571 Beckwith Rd, Richmond, BC V6X 1V8, Canada
Phone: +1 604 379 5561
Opening Hours: Thursday-Sunday 9:00 am – 5:00 PM
Website
Dave’s Orchard
Address: 5910 – 216 Street, Langley BC, Canada
Phone: +1 604 534 9979
Opening Hours:
- Summer and Fall 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Winter 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Dave’s Orchard, a beloved spot in Langley for its apples, pears, and potatoes, has been a cherished part of the community for more than 70 years.
Dave Ormrod, the owner, operates the farm alongside his wife, Shiela, and their fresh produce has brought joy to the local residents.
If you’re interested in picking apples at Dave’s Orchard, you can find several delightful varieties, including Gravenstein, Orenco, Northern Spy, Bramley apples, and Sierra pears.
They also offer a pumpkin patch experience in October and have cut flowers available during the summer and fall seasons.
Pro tip:
In May 2023, a community effort was launched to support and revitalize the farm, which had been severely impacted by the pandemic.
If you have been a regular visitor to Dave’s Orchard in the past and want to help keep this cherished farm afloat, consider dropping by to contribute to their recovery efforts.
Ravenskill Orchards
Address: 1240 Coats Drive, Gabriola Island, BC
Phone: +1 604 534 9979
Opening Hours: Friday – Sunday 11 AM – 5 PM
Website
Ravenskill Orchards, located approximately three hours’ drive from Vancouver, is a worthwhile destination for those seeking a vast farm with heritage apple trees that produce high-quality apples.
At Ravenskill, apples are priced at CAD 2 per pound, and they offer three appealing varieties: Fameuse, Blondee, and Jonagold. All three varieties are sweet and perfect for fresh eating, with Fameuse being particularly well-suited for making apple sauce.
This year, the farm management at Ravenskill advises U-pickers to wear shoes and long sleeves to protect themselves from wasps while on the farm.
In addition to freshly picked apples, Ravenskill Orchards also offers a variety of apple-related products, including apple butters, sweet apple caramels, fresh-pressed apple juice, and Gabbie’s Premium Hard Cider.
Pro tip:
During the summer season, Ravenskill Orchard hosts live folk music on select Fridays from 5 PM to 7 PM. This is a good way to make the most of your time on Gabriola Island.
Please note that they have limited seating capacity on their patio, accommodating only 30 people at a time. To secure a table, it’s a good idea to arrive early and enjoy the musical entertainment.
