Fun fact: most of Hamilton is actually rural.
That means fresh air, pick-your-own fields, and rolling farmland views are just a short drive away. And what’s better than a day in the country during harvest season? So, grab your baskets and get ready to soak up all the fall feels.
Just be sure to check in with each spot for the latest hours before you head out!
1. Carluke Orchards
2194 Shaver Road S., Ancaster
Thirteen apple varieties and a selection of pumpkins are waiting to be picked at this Ancaster orchard. The family that runs it has been farming in the Hamilton area for 200 years, with three generations currently working at the orchard. After you’ve worked up an appetite, satisfy your sweet tooth at the on-site bakery and gourmet food market.
PYO checklist:
Apples
Pumpkins
Squash
Season: Early September to mid-October
2. Dyment’s Glen Drummond Farm
416 Fallsview Road E., Dundas
The scenic 120-acre Glen Drummond Farm centres around a sprawling pumpkin patch, but there are a whole lot of other things going on, from a nine-hole mini putt to a family-friendly corn walk. Explore the seriously scary haunted house if you dare. Wagon rides take you to the edge of the escarpment, where you’ll catch breathtaking views. Their bakery and market are a must-visit, too!
PYO checklist:
Pumpkins
Check out Dyment’s website for details on this year’s Pumpkin Patch Festival.
Season: Weekends and select weekdays in October
3. Hanes Farmland & Corn Maze
#1001 Highway 5 West, Dundas
Come for the pumpkin patch, stay for the 20-acre corn maze and 8-acre sunflower maze of beautiful, Insta-worthy blooms. Pre-register for the maze, hands-on play, and animal areas for younger visitors. Don’t leave without popping into The Tiny Shop Bakery, specializing in from-scratch fruit pies in over 30 varieties! Then head across the street to Christie Lake Conservation Area for some hiking.
PYO checklist:
Pumpkins
Season: August to October
4. Josmar Acres
568 Lynden Road, Lynden
Enjoy the country vibes and pick your own apples straight from the orchard every Friday and Saturday. The kids will love the Kidz Korral, featuring a variety of lawn games. Experience this farm in every season, from fresh-picked summer and fall produce to locally grown winter favourites.
PYO checklist:
Strawberries
Raspberries
Apples
Season: Early spring to late fall
5. Puddicombe Farm & Estate Winery
1468 #8 Highway, Winona
There’s a lot going on at this historic farm, including a pick-your-own schedule. Let Little Pudd, the agricultural touring train, take you through the orchard and around the winery. Visit the Farm Market & Country Store for a sample of local foods or to purchase a bottle of one of their 30+ wine varieties.
PYO checklist:
Cherries
Pears
Apples
Pumpkins
Season: Summer and fall
6. The Apple Orchard
1668 Highway 6, Hamilton
Stroll through the impressive fields of sunflowers before checking out the 10,000-tree orchard. Pick apples, pears, pumpkins, and squash, priced by the pound. Kids will love the wagon rides, walking trails, hay barns, miniature ponies, and 1960s tractors. Season passes available.
PYO checklist:
Apples
Sunflowers
Pumpkins
Squash and gourds
Raspberries
Pears
Season: Mid-August to late October
7. Sam’s Orchard
154 Concession 8 E., Freelton
Pick your own apples, sunflowers, and wildflowers at this scenic, pet-friendly farm. Don’t forget to bring a basket, a blanket, and furry friends for a picnic while you take in the 360-degree hilltop views. Afterward, embrace some friendly competition with a game of cornhole and horseshoes. Let the kids lead the way through the corn maze or head to the kids’ fun zone.
PYO checklist:
Apples
Flowers
Season: Weekends in September and October
8. Murphy’s Country Produce
2040 Guyatt Road, Binbrook
Experience the farm-to-table freshness as you pick your own fruits and vegetables straight from the fields. This picturesque farm features 50 acres of fields to explore, filled with seasonal produce ready for harvest. After picking, wind through the corn maze before wrapping up the day with a stop at their Farm Stand, where you’ll find even more fresh produce and locally made goodies.
PYO checklist:
Strawberries
Peas
Beans (fava, romano, yellow, green)
Tomatoes
Eggplants
Sweet and hot peppers
Pumpkins
Squash
Season: Early spring to late fall
9. Parkside Acres
573 Parkside Drive, Waterdown
Pick your own tulips in the spring, wander through the sunflowers in summer, and hunt for the perfect pumpkin in the fall. While you’re visiting, refuel with fresh coffee, butter tarts, or cookies from the farm.
PYO checklist:
Tulips
Sunflowers
Pumpkins
Season: Spring, late summer to late fall
10. Luna Farms
661 8th Road E., Stoney Creek
Located on the beautiful Niagara Escarpment, this family-friendly apple and fruit farm grows over 25 varieties of apples available for picking. After filling your basket, stop by the Apple Shop to grab some fresh concord grapes, empire plums, and even more home-grown apples.
PYO checklist:
Apples
Season: Tuesdays, Thursdays, and weekends