Photo: Bethany Ballantyne/Unsplash
As summer rolls into fall, the apple harvest begins. Celebrate in Vancouver by visiting an orchard, shopping at a farmers market, or attending an apple festival.
UBC Apple Festival
Every fall volunteers from the Friends of UBC Botanical Garden organize the UBC Apple Festival as a fundraiser to support the garden. This year’s festival takes place on October 19 and 20 at UBC Botanical Garden and includes the famous apple-tasting tent and areas where you can buy bagged apples and apple trees. There will be also lots of apple-themed activities and education. Buy tickets online in advance.
Southlands Heritage Farm
Did you know there is a working farm tucked away in South Vancouver? Southlands Heritage Farm is open to the public for free visits so you can meet the farm animals. Be sure to stop at the farm stand to pick up fresh fruits, veggies, baked goods, jam, and eggs. In the fall they have apples for sale and on weekends they offer pony rides.
Photo: Sydney Rae/Unsplash
Vancouver Farmer’s Markets
This fall there are seven Farmer’s Markets in neighbourhoods across Vancouver every week. At each market, you can find vendors selling freshly picked apples from farms across BC. Many other vendors embrace apple harvest season by selling apple pies and tarts, apple butter, apple cider, and more.
West End Farmers’ Market. Photo: Destination Vancouver/Vision Event Photography Inc.
Willow View Farms
Family-owned Willow View Farms in Abbotsford is opening its U-pick orchard this fall for its 31st season. You can pick pears, plums, pumpkins and 15 different varieties of apples. If you don’t have time to pick your own, you can buy bags in their farm store. In September and October, you can visit the sheep, goats, and chickens in the Big Red Barn. And on weekends their concession is open so you can enjoy popcorn, hot drinks, and their signature apple cider slushie.
Photo: Willow View Farms
Taves Family Farms Applebarn
Home to the famous Applebarn, Taves Family Farms in Abbotsford has been opening their orchard to the public for over thirty years. They have U-pick goji berries, plums, pumpkins, and of course apples. Stop in to the Applebarn Country Store to buy a seemingly endless parade of apple products: cider, pies, preserves, apple butter, and other sweet treats. The farm also makes a great family-friendly fall outing. Access to the U-pick and store is free, but you can also purchase a Fun Pass to experience mazes, a playground, pedal karts, a petting barn, a jumping pillow, and more.
Photo: Taves Family Farm/Instagram
