As summer transitions into autumn in the Ottawa region, local farms fill up with seasonal fun. These countryside gems often offer pre-picked or pick-your-own (u-pick) apples and pumpkins, plus giant mazes, hayrides, picnics and other activities. Whatever your fall traditions, you can get your fill of pumpkin patches and apple orchards at these lovely farms in the Ottawa region. (Apple season typically runs from mid-August through September, and pumpkin season from late September through October.)
Proulx Maple & Berry Farm
After berry season, the Proulx Maple & Berry Farm, located just 30 minutes east of downtown Ottawa, is transformed into Pumpkin Fest. On weekends from the end of September to the end of October, the farm offers a Halloween playground, haunted houses and hayride through the “Mysterious Forest.” In addition, you can pick your own pumpkin from the patch, or choose one from one of the many pumpkin displays around the farm or at the boutique. Pick-your-own pumpkin option with event ticket.
Ouimet Farms Adventure
With its brightly-painted Popsilo graphic mural of the “Farm Boy,” Ouimet Farms Adventure is hard to miss in Vankleek Hill, an hour’s drive east from Ottawa’s downtown core. The farm is known for its giant corn maze, family fun zone with pedal karts and giant jumping pillows, as well as their u-pick pumpkin patch. Weekends only. Pick-your-own available (pumpkins only).
Les Vergers Villeneuve and Blueberry Farm
Les Vergers Villeneuve not only cultivates blueberries, but other berries and fruit, including cherries, pears, grapes and apples. When you visit this historic farm east of Ottawa in the fall, you might be able to pick your own pears and apples. And you can always purchase their produce as well as fruit wines produced on site, schedule a tasting or see what special events are offered. Pick-your-own available (apples and pears).
Millers Farm & Market
Take a tractor wagon ride, play in the corn mazes, and pick-your-own pumpkins and other seasonal produce at Millers Farm & Market, located just south of the lovely village (and Ottawa suburb) of Manotick. You might also see Petunia the bunny and Vinny the dog! Make sure to stop at the produce and garden centre to shop for farm-grown and local products, plants and décor. Limited programming on weekdays; full programming on weekends. Pick-your-own available (pumpkins and more).
Cannamore Orchard
Cannamore Orchard, about a 40-minute drive southeast of Ottawa, is known for its cow-train rides, giant mazes, pedal cars as well as fruit picking. These family activities are offered on weekends only, but you can usually pick your own apples and pumpkins (stocks depending) any day of the week. Pumpkin picking may be limited during the Acres of Terror event running for the month of October. Pick-your-own available (apples and pumpkins).
Saunders Farm
Known for its Haunting Season and the largest collection of full-sized hedge mazes in North America, Saunders Farm is a popular autumn attraction located just 30 minutes west of downtown Ottawa. On weekends from late September to the end of October, you can visit during the day for family-friendly hayrides, games and entertainment, or wait until the sun goes down for spooky surprises during FrightFest. This 100-acre farm offers lots of pre-picked pumpkins for purchase, along with other goodies including local cider. Pre-picked pumpkins only.
