It’s business as usual this year for West Niagara area apple farms, though most have added a few new basic measures to keep people safe from COVID-19.
Since apple picking is a popular Fall past-time in West Niagara, Niagara Info reached out to area farmers to give residents the full scoop.
Simaril Farms in Grimsby
Simaril Farms, located at 144 Russ Road in Grimsby, is open for apple picking this season. This year, anyone looking to pick is asked to call before visiting the farm. The farm’s apple-picking hotline has a recorded message that is changed daily to indicate what varieties of apples are available.
“We always recommend people call ahead in case of last-minute changes to times or days and what apples are ready. No reservations are required,” said Michelle Seaborn, owner of Simaril Farms.
The farm offers eight apple varieties, including favorites such as McIntosh, Empire, and Golden Delicious. Each variety is available at different times until the end of October. Also, no need to climb up a ladder to pick apples at Simaril Farms. “We have dwarf trees so no ladders required,” said Seaborn.
With regard to COVID-19 safety measures, the farm has added a few procedures this year. “We limit the number of people in each section of the orchard…Most people wear masks and are told that once in the orchard they must practice social distancing and (since pickers are outside) the mask is a choice,” said Seaborn.
Apple picking at Simaril Farms runs Friday to Monday. It is recommended to call 905-945-7963 on the day of your visit. Also, anyone can visit the famr’s web site for more information on the apple varieties: SimarilFarms.ca.
Puddicombe Estate Farm and Winery in Winona
Puddicombe Estate Farm and Winery, located at 1468 Regional Road 8 Highway in Winona, is also open this year for apple picking. It is open Wednesday to Sunday each week.
The farm and winery offers pick-your-own apples from September to October. They have 13 types of apples, including Fuji, Cortland, and Red Delicious. Puddicombe also offers pick-your-own pears each September.
Visitors can also enjoy a train ride at Puddicombe Estate. Riders should call to reserve their place in advance to avoid line ups by calling 905-643-1015. Masks and gloves are also mandatory on the train. Visit the Puddicombe Estates website at PuddicombeFarms.com for more information.
Windwood Farms in Beamsville
Windwood Farms in Beamsville is open on weekends for apple picking. The farm is located at 4198 King Street, Beamsville. This year, no groups larger than eight people are allowed As well, visitors are asked not to linger on property or have a picnic once they are finished picking for safety reasons.
Visitors can purchase 5-20 lb bags of pick-your-own apples at Windwood Farms. For more information on picking at there call 905-401-0515 or see its website at WindwoodFarms.ca.
Luna Farms in Stoney Creek
Luna Farms is open daily and has a remarkable 22 varieties of apple to choose from. The farm is located at 661 8th Rd. E, Stoney Creek. It offers the more commonly known apple types such as Ambrosia, Gala, and Empress, but also some very unique varieties like Gibson Golden, Jona Gold, and California Blue.
Luna Farms also has strict social distancing guidelines in place. The number of people allowed in the orchard at the same time will be limited. They have masks and gloves on sale, and systems in place to ensure public surfaces frequently sanitized.
For more information on apple picking at Luna Farms call 647-237-2321 or visit their website for full information at LunaFarms.ca.
West Niagara residents have many safe options this year for apple-picking fun. The Fall favorite fruit can also be purchased by the basket at many road sides stands and markets throughout the Niagara Region, and at the Grimsby and Stoney Creek farmer’s markets that will run for two more weeks, until Thanksgiving.