Pumpkin patches, apple picking, farmers markets and more in St. Catharines
Crisp days, pallets of reds, oranges and browns and a mosaic of flavours of the season will soon be all around us in the heart of Niagara. Welcome to autumn in St. Catharines. Is there anything better than the sweet, caramelized aroma of apple crisp wafting through the air and mingling with the spicy-sweet scent of pumpkin spice on a chilly September day? It’s like a cozy blanket of the warmth and sweetness that feels like home.
Feeling the cool air, hearing the crunch of leaves underfoot and breathing in the tang of ripe apples conjures up cherished memories of family visits to apple orchards and pumpkin patches. I can still remember cousins chasing me up and down the rows of trees after “stealing” apples from their bushels.
Harvest time treks to local farms are annual traditions we continue today, and autumn remains one of my favourite times to be outside. Whether your stepping back in time to relive your cherished childhood memory or starting your own family traditions, St. Catharines is the perfect place to experience the magic of autumn. Here are some great farms and farmers markets to visit this season.
St. Catharines Farmers Market
- 91 King Street
Find everything Niagara grows, bakes and makes at the St. Catharines Farmers Market at Market Square in Downtown St. Catharines. Offering fresh produce, delicious foods and handmade items since the early 1860s, the St. Catharines Farmers Market is the place in Niagara to mingle with the friendly vendors, farmers and artisans and a thrilling farm-to-table experience you don’t wat to miss.
Overholt Orchards Farm Market
- 1656 7th Street Louth
Located in the heart of Niagara, Overholt Orchards is a family-owned and operated and rooted in sustainable farming practices. The mission at Overholt Orchards Farm Market is to provide high-quality farm fresh fruits vegetable and other seasonal delights, such as decorative gourds, straight from its orchards to your table. Visit to enjoy the beauty of the orchards and experience the difference farm-fresh makes.
Werner’s Fruit Farm
- 406 Lakeshore Road
Werner’s Fruit Farm is a roadside stand on Lakeshore Road on the east side of the Welland Canal with a bounty of freshly picked fruits and vegetables. There’s much on offer, all grown at the family farm. However, the produce goes quickly. So, stop by to fill you bushel with your fall favourites while you can. Pro Tip: while you’re in the area check out Happy Rolph’s Animal Farm fun, free animal viewing and park exploration experience for all ages!
White Meadows Farm
- 2519 Effingham Street
Gather under the iconic leaves of Maple trees at the White Meadows Farm sugar bush for an “off-season” adventure like no other. Visit the sugar shack, enjoy a tractor-pulled wagon ride, explore the groomed walking trails through the forest with your guide and finish your tour with a maple syrup tasting. You can also order maple tea and a maple-inspired charcuterie board to enjoy indoors or out. Sweet.
Wander Niagara, enjoy the fresh air and check out these great farms near St. Catharines.
Howells Adventure Farm
- 2878 Holland Road, Fonthill
A visit to the pumpkin patch is the quintessential outdoor fall activity for the whole family. Only about a 5 minute drive from White Meadows, Howells Adventure Farm has a large selection of pumpkins, gourds and giant pumpkins to pick from as well as and sweet corn, and sunflowers. Feeling adventurous? Day passes give access to favourite pumpkin farm attractions, including games, playgrounds, corn maze, jumping pillow and more.
Windwood Farms
- 4198 King Street East, Lincoln
Enjoy the simple things in life at Windwood Farms, just a short drive down the QEW highway in the Niagara Benchlands. A friendly family-run pick-your-own apple, pear and plum farm (depending on time of year). After picking, sip on freshly-pressed apple cider, try Windwood’s home-made apple fritters while you warm up by the fire pit.
Be sure to check with the farms and farmers markets about business hours, admission fees, what’s in season, pet policies and other information to help plan your visit..
