Whether it’s a chilly September morning gathering Mcintosh apples or a crisp October afternoon purchasing jugs of cider from the farm store, Waddell Apples is the place to be this fall.
For over two decades, Waddell Apples (1345 Washburn Road) has opened its orchard to the public on Labour Day weekend. Their pick-your-own orchard is open daily until the end of October from 10 am to 4:30 pm and features several varieties throughout the fall season.
Steeped in tradition
The Waddell family has been in the apple farming industry for over 130 years. The family-run farm in Kingston opened in 2003 when Charlie and Marita Waddell purchased the property. Charlie and Marita utilized sustainable and environmentally friendly practices to cultivate their apples. After running the orchard for 20 years, they passed Waddell’s off to their eldest daughter, Carmen, and her husband, Rik Vanderlinde.
While the face of Waddell’s changed in 2022, loyal customers stayed. Families have made Waddell’s part of their fall tradition, taking the 20-minute drive from downtown Kingston through lush country roads to the farm every September and October.
An idyllic visit to the orchard
If you’re a newcomer, here’s what to expect during your first visit to Waddell’s.
Before hitting the orchard, you’ll walk into the farm store–an 1830s log cabin adorned with cedar logs and exposed beams. The farm store, open 10 am to 5 pm daily, sells a variety of locally made sweet treats, including Mrs. Garrett’s butter tarts, chocolates from Ridgway Confections, and Wilton Cheese Factory cheeses.
After exploring the assortment of goodies, you’ll head down to the apple picking kiosk to meet Nicky who’s worked at Waddell’s since the beginning; she’ll hand you your an apple-picking bag. Using her extensive experience, she’ll tell you where to locate the best apple trees.
Bundled in your sweater and scarf, it’s time to go apple picking. Trees are tagged to indicate the type of apple they offer. If you visit Waddell’s in October, you can pick Rik’s favorite apple, the vibrant, semi-sweet Macoun apples. If you come to the farm in September, be sure to grab Carmen’s preference—the Cortland apple.
Once your basket is full, take a stroll along the Rideau Canal or head back to the farm store and snack on a fresh apple at one of the picnic tables.
No apple left unpicked
After the orchard closes in late October, bakers in and around Kingston visit the farm to grab late-season apples, incorporating them into sauces and preserves. Waddell’s also collaborates with Loving Spoonful, whose volunteers glean apples and distribute them to Kingston community partners, working towards a resilient and equitable food system.
As Carmen and Rik, with the help of their two young children, Owen and Charlotte, as well as their family and other longtime employees, prepare the orchard for its grand opening, they’re reminded of the farm’s rich history and the deep value it holds in the hearts of both Kingston community members and visitors.
Make this multi-generational farm a part of your fall tradition and visit Waddell Apples.
