On-Farm Experiences in Simcoe County
From apple-picking to boo barns and everything in between - Simcoe County's farm scene is pretty incredible. We have pumpkin patches galore, lavender fields you won't want to miss, sunflowers and farm markets that are well worth the drive.
Pumpkins, Corn Mazes and Farm Fun
For a complete fall on-farm experience, head to Rounds Ranch. On weekends until October 31st, the farm is in full swing for Pumpkin Mania - pick your own pumpkins, corn field maze, games and Ranchland activities. They are also open on Saturday evenings for those adventurous souls who want to go through the corn maze by flashlight. To guarantee your spot, book a timed entry online. See their website for details and covid-19 safety measures in place.
Visitors to Chappell Farms can book a 2-hour time slot any day of the week until October 31st to explore the hay bale maze, visit with the farm animals, and more. Arrive on time to make the most of your time slot. Walk-ins are accepted when there is availability.
On October 18th, head to E.F.T. Farms in Innisfil, for their third annual Pumpkin Harvest Festival. Pick a pumpkin, fun for kids and potentially a corn roast (pending covid-19 restrictions). A wonderful way to thank their loyal customers for another great season.
Another great day trip option is Drysdale's Tree Farm's Halloween & Harvest Village, starting on October 10th. Take part in activities for the kids and get all your fall decor items, like pumpkins and corn stalks. Book your timed entry from their website.
Murphy's Farm Market is hosting a Fall Festival starting September 19th, with pumpkin picking, corn trail, wagon rides and more. Plus head to the farm in your costume on Halloween for trick-or-treating and a scavenger hunt, in addition to all of the fall activities. The Market is open daily. Find details on events on their Facebook page.
To find a farm near you, check the listings below.
Get in the Saddle
Experience the scenic views of Simcoe County on horseback at Glen Oro Farm in Oro-Medonte! Your adventure includes a safety orientation, basic instructions and a 2-hour trailride through field and forest. Your guided ride is exclusive to your group of up to 6 people, and there is plenty of time to take some insta-worthy photos. Reservations are required, and can be made through their website.
An Apple a Day...
Is it even fall if you don't go apple picking?
Barrie Hill Farms, in Springwater Township, is ready to welcome you to the farm for apple-picking. They have 6 varieties to pick yourself or buy them by the bushel from the farm store. They also have lots of pumpkins, so you can check that off your list too! Come prepared - all pickers must wear a face covering at all times (even when outdoors) and gloves are not permitted. See their website for covid-19 safety measures in place.
Farm to Glass
Book a tour of Heritage Estate Winery & Cidery, to learn how they turn their apples into hard cider and wine. Pre-registration is required. Your ticket includes a 1-hour tour and 4 samples. The patio is also open for wine by the glass or flights, and charcuterie boards.
Head to Dunridge Farms, home to Duntroon Cyder House, to enjoy a glass of their delicious hard apple cider, right on the farm! Even though you can get their products at LCBO locations, there are some organic varieties that are exclusive to those who visit the farm. Follow their Facebook page for news on pop-up events too!
Spooky Stuff
Full disclosure, these next ones are not on-farm experiences, but make for a fun fall night out anyway!
Discovery Harbour will not be hosting Pumpkinferno this year, but instead is offering ghost tours on Wednesday and Saturday nights in October. Capacity is limited, so book a timed entry from their website. No tickets will be sold on site. For a fun date night, you can book a tour with delicious fall-inspired dinner at Captain Robert's Table. Ghost tours are not recommended for children under the age of 13. Walking tour lasts on average 1.5-2 hours and involves a considerable amount of walking.
Penetanguishene Centennial Museum is offering 3 different types of tours this fall! Learn the original uses of the buildings lining Main and Owen Streets on a Historical Downtown Walking Tour, or learn the stories behind the displays and statues in the stunning waterside Rotary-Champlain-Wendat Park. And this year, they have changed their Meet the Spirits event, to allow your family to drive from point to point along a ghostly scavenger hunt on Friday to Sunday evenings.
#MadeInSimcoeCounty Farm Producers
Click here to find a farm near you, where you can get farm-raised and farm-grown products from across Simcoe County. Visit the farm yourself or order online from many of them. Some community farmers' markets are also open into the fall or offer online purchasing systems.
Click the image to download the Simcoe County Farm Fresh Agritourism Map
Want your own paper copy? Send your name and complete mailing address to tourism@simcoe.ca and we will mail you one!
