Thanksgiving is behind us and the leaves are mostly down, but New Brunswick apple season isn’t over yet. Many of the province’s orchards run into the last week of October, and a few push into November if the weather and the crop cooperate. The late-season apples are worth the trip. Cold nights firm them up and sharpen the flavour, and the crowds are gone.
One caveat before you go. U-pick seasons depend on weather, crop size and demand, so end dates shift from year to year. Always call or check the orchard’s Facebook page before you drive out. Several orchards also had their 2026 dates listed as “to be announced” when I last checked.
Along the Saint John River (Fredericton area)
Johnny Appleseed U-Pick Orchard, Keswick Ridge. This is one of the older orchards near Fredericton. It has been welcoming pickers since the 1950s, and its season usually runs to late October. The farmstand sells pre-picked apples, cider, pumpkins and jellies if the trees are looking bare. (146 Crocks Point Road)
Hall’s Orchard, Fredericton Junction. Hall’s grows Cortlands, Spartans, Golden Russets and MacIntosh, and its season is listed as running September into November. It’s a good pick for late-season pumpkins, squash and pressed cider. Call ahead on (506) 368-1898. (216 Gore Road)
Gilbert Farms, Burton. The season usually runs from the first week of September to late October, with picking from 10 am to 5 pm. The orchard has river views, and the resident cows are a hit with kids. Call (506) 357-8634 to confirm. (419 Route 102)
River View Orchard, Keswick. This is a good choice for families because it has wagon rides, a duck pond and a corn maze. One listing puts its season at early September to early November, but another says picking ends on Thanksgiving Monday. Check its Facebook page or call (506) 284-6497 before going. (251 Route 616)
Gagetown and the Kingston Peninsula
Charlotte’s Family Orchard, Gagetown. This orchard has been open for more than 30 years, and its farm market in the old Blacksmith’s Shop sells pre-picked apples, plums, pears and vegetables. It’s a safe fallback if the picking is slim. (2287 Route 102)
Hazen Cameron’s Family Apple Orchard, Gagetown. You can pick MacIntosh, Spartan and Cortland apples, then stop at the roadside market for pies, jams and their well-known cider. It was listed as open for the 2026 season. (2260 Route 102)
Mackay Apple Orchard, Long Reach. The orchard is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am to 4 pm, and the weather decides when the season ends. Afterwards, Yip’s Cidery next door offers tours and tastings, which makes for a nice end to the day. (3155 Route 845)
Southeastern New Brunswick
La Fleur du Pommier, Cocagne. The season runs from mid-September to the end of October. The orchard grows a wide range of varieties, including Yellow Transparent, Jersey Mac and Paula Red. It also sells juice, jelly and cider. (79 Chemin Rue Goguen)
Verger de la rivière Cocagne. It is listed as open daily from 9:30 am to 6 pm, September 15 to October 31, with a cider mill on site and both U-pick and already-picked apples. It’s one of the better bets for a pick on the last weekend of October.
Orchards that have likely wrapped up
Everett Family Orchard in Fredericton, Verger Belliveau in Memramcook and Uris Williams & Sons in Saint-Antoine usually finish by mid-to-late October. Belliveau Orchard also runs a year-round farm market. They’re still worth a call if you’re nearby, but don’t count on picking.
Tips for a late-October pick
- Dress for it. Mornings can be frosty, and orchard grass stays wet. Wear waterproof boots and layers.
- Aim for early afternoon. The day has warmed up and the best-looking fruit hasn’t all been taken.
- Check the variety. Late-season picking tends to favour Cortland, Spartan, Golden Russet and other hardy varieties.
- Pick gently. Roll the apple upward off the branch with a slight twist rather than pulling straight down.
- Keep your apples cool. They last much longer in the fridge or a cold garage than on a kitchen counter.
- Bring cash. Some farmstands are small and don’t take cards.
Don’t forget the cider
If an orchard’s trees are picked out, the cider, pies and pumpkins are a decent consolation prize. Several of the orchards above press their own cider, and a late-October jug is hard to beat.
Listings and hours are drawn from regional U-pick directories and may have changed. Confirm dates with each orchard directly before heading out.
