A day at the Orchards
A Day at Downey's: Two Farms, One Perfect Fall Day
Opening day of Pumpkinfest, spent between two farms that sit across the road from one another in the rolling hills of Caledon.
Morning: Downey's Strawberry & Apple Farm
We start in the orchard, just behind the parking area at 13707 Heart Lake Road. Mid-September is prime picking: McIntosh, Cortland, Gala and Macoun are all on the trees, and Honeycrisp has just come into season. Everyone heads home with a 5 lb bag of apples they've picked themselves, included in your trip. Wagon rides run out to the orchard, and the season's first fresh-pressed cider is ready.
Afternoon: Downey's Farm and Pumpkinfest
Then it's a short walk across the road to Downey's Farm for opening day of Pumpkinfest, with admission included. Forty-plus attractions come to life at once: an eight-acre corn maze, the Boo Barn, jumping pillows, the Goat Mountain slide, pedal carts, duck races, the straw jump, barnyard animals and wagon rides running continuously all day. The Rock 'n' Ray Michaels Roadshow broadcasts live from the farm from 10am to 4pm, with entertainers and puppet shows on both stages through the afternoon. When you need a breather, the farm market and bakery have pies, butter tarts and everything else that makes a fall afternoon worth lingering over.
Two farms, one road between them, and a bag of apples on your lap for the ride home.
What's included
- A 5 lb bag of pick-your-own apples per person at Downey's Strawberry & Apple Farm
- Admission to Downey's Farm for opening day of Pumpkinfest
Good to know
- The orchard is open 9:30am to 5:30pm, with last entry to the field at 5pm. Downey's Farm runs 9:30am to 5pm, with last admission at 4pm.
- Both farms are pet-free (certified service animals excepted).
- Bags, backpacks and large purses must stay in the vehicle during apple picking — you'll want your hands free.
- No outside food or picnics at Downey's Farm; the market and bakery handle lunch.
Ticket Prices
- Adults - $90
- Student/Seniors - $81
- Children - $63
Pickup Locations
1
Downey's Strawberry Apple Farm
Estimated arrival
10:30 AM
Departure
1:00 PM
2
Downey's Farm
Estimated arrival
1:05 PM
Departure
4:00 PM
What's the bus like? This trip is run on a standard yellow school bus.
Is this trip guided? No — this is a self-guided day.
What is there actually to do: Downey's Strawberry Apple Farm is your classic fall apple orchard, and Downey's Farm is a GTA quintessential experience for all ages. Apple picking, wagon rides and corn mazes, no shortage of activities. You can check out Downey's Farm by clicking HERE.
What should I bring? A refillable water bottle, sunscreen, and sturdy shoes to take yourself through the orchards to get your apples. Food is available at Downey's Farm, they do not allow outside food and beverage in.
Where does the bus leave from, and what time should I be there? 34 Asquith Ave, just north of Yonge & Bloor subway station. Departure is 9:00 AM sharp — plan to arrive a few minutes early.
Is this trip good to do solo? Sure. You set your own pace either way, but the whole group will be at both destinations.
What if it rains? This trip runs rain or shine. The only exceptions are an active Environment Canada weather warning or a cancellation request from the park authority — if either happens and Parkbus cancels, you'll get a full refund.
What's the cancellation and refund policy? Inside 14 days, tickets aren't refundable except for a genuine last-minute medical emergency — a doctor's note submitted within 14 days of the missed trip can qualify you for a 50% refund. Full details are on the Parkbus Terms of Service page.
Can I give my seat to someone else if I can't make it? Yes. Tickets are transferable — you can change the passenger name on your booking up to 48 hours before departure.
