Ontario apple season is underway, with popular varieties including Gala and Honeycrisp now being picked across the province. 

After a growing season marked by challenging weather conditions, Ontario Apple Growers (OAG) chair and Norfolk County apple grower Chris Hedges says Ontarians can expect good availability and excellent quality from this year’s crop.

“It’s been a bit of a roller coaster when it comes to weather, from a hot, dry summer last year and a cold winter to temperatures that have gone up and down throughout spring bloom and into the growing season,” says Hedges. “Fortunately, most growing areas have had ample rainfall, and we’ve seen very little hail this year, so consumers can look forward to good-sized, high-quality Ontario apples this fall.” 

To help more shoppers find and choose local fruit, Ontario Apple Growers is also launching Pick Ontario Apples, a new consumer campaign running from mid-September through March 2027. 

The campaign will reach shoppers through digital grocery flyers, social media, YouTube and lifestyle influencers with a simple message: Pick Ontario apples. It will highlight the freshness, flavour, quality, value and versatility of locally grown apples while helping consumers learn more about the varieties grown in the province. 

“Ontario growers work hard all year to produce the apples consumers are looking for, and harvest is an exciting time to see that work come together,” says Hedges. “When shoppers pick Ontario apples, they’re getting fresh, high-quality fruit while supporting growers and communities here at home.” 

PickOntarioApples.ca is a new mobile-first consumer website featuring Ontario apple variety information, seasonal recipes, storage tips, facts about apple growing and an interactive map to help consumers find an apple-picking farm. 

The Ontario Apple Growers represents the province’s 200 commercial apple farmers growing on more than 15,000 acres. Follow Ontario Apple Growers on Instagram (@ontarioapples) and Facebook (@Ontarioapples). 

Source: Ontario Apple Growers September 15, 2026 news release