There's little more that's as festively fall as a stroll through a pumpkin patch... except, perhaps, a stroll through a pumpkin patch that's located in cottage country.
Whether you've escaped the city only for a moment, or you've taken the plunge towards a full-on move into more rural Ontario lands, there's no denying that the northern pockets of the province are the places to be this time of year.
Natural treelines, ample opportunities to spot wildlife, brisk mornings overlooking clear lake waters with a hot coffee in hand and, of course, those family-owned farm visits. From Collingwood to Kawartha Lakes to Lindsay, pumpkin patches and the farmlands they exist on are calling your autumn-loving self to stop by.
And we've rounded up the best of them.
READ: Listed: Gorgeous 4-Bed Cottage Country Gem for Less Than $1 Million
Pick one -- or a few! -- of these spots to hit en route to the cottage this weekend, or to make a day trip to if you call cottage country home. Regardless of whether the pumpkins you choose are destined for the doorstep or the inside of a pie plate, they're waiting to make your autumn experience complete.
Buckhorn Berry Farm
Part of the McLean and Buckhorn Berry Farm family, pick-your-own pumpkin fun is happening at Buckhorn Berry Farm this season. Park in the field and hit the dirt to scour for the perfect, bright orange squash to bring home. Usually, the farm runs Pumpkinfest activities at this time of year, but this time around, pick-your-own is all that's on, due to COVID-19. You can visit the farm on weekends from 10 am to 5 pm.
Address: 3055 Berrie Road, Lakefield ON
Hours: 705-657-8888
Homestead Orchards
This Georgina pumpkin patch offers a variety of different kinds of pumpkins for you to choose from. If you'd prefer not to partake in the hunt, there are also pre-picked pumpkins and squash available in store... but of course, we encourage you to go full-festive and choose your pumpkin yourself. The farm is open on Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm, and on Friday from 10 am to 6 pm.
Address: 3961 Old Homestead Road, Georgina ON
Phone: 905-722-5325
Stellmar Farm
Giant pumpkins and squash alike are what make this Little Britain farm a must-visit. Stroll through the pumpkin patch and pick-your-own while the smell of mulled cider on the woodstove wafts through the air, tantalizing your tastebuds and warming your heart. The farm is open Fridays from noon to 5 pm, and weekends from 10 am to 5 pm; due to COVID-19, you're welcomed to book an appointment online for your visiting time slot.
Address: 136 Sand Bar Road, RR#1, Little Britain ON
Phone: 705-786-0431
Rounds Ranch
The options for autumnal fun at this Elmvale pumpkin patch are essentially endless. Beyond pick-your-own, the farm features pony rides, obstacle courses, zip lies, tire swings, a corn maze, a pedal cart racetrack, and so much more. Due to COVID-19, tickets are being sold at a maximum of 15 per time slot; you can book online to guarantee your spot. On October 17, 18, 24, and 25, entry for adults and youth 10+ is $17.95, while kids aged two to nine enter for $14.95. On Friday, October 23 -- a scheduled PA Day -- adults and youth will be charged $15.95, and the cost drops to $12.95 for kids.
Address: 1922 County Road 92, Elmvale ON
Phone: 705-322-6293
Morrison Pumpkin Farm
Just south of Collingwood, this farm waits with an open-air, family-friendly market. Anticipate 30 kinds of pumpkins, 20 types of squash, and decorative gourds, ornamental corn, bales of straw, and corn stalks aplenty. The place is open daily from 8 am to 8 pm, and 5% of all proceeds are donated to Collingwood G&M Hospital.
Address: 4449 County Road 124, Collingwood ON
Phone: 705-445-8833
