9 cider houses in Ontario that deserve a fall road trip to kick off apple season

There’s never a bad time to enjoy a crisp apple cider, but it’s even sweeter to sip when the air starts to cool and the leaves change color.

Ontario is full of many different cider houses that create alcoholic beverages with local apples and here are nine you can visit right at the source.

Whether you’re looking to get apple season started early, love to hop on the patios, or need an excuse for a road trip to Ontario, these local cider houses are worth a visit.

West Avenue Cider House

Price: $15 for a volley of 3 ciders

When: Tuesday-Sunday until Thanksgiving, then Friday-Sunday until spring

Address: 84 Concession 8 E., Freelton, ON

Why you need to go: The cider house uses rare heritage apples from its orchard to create its heritage cider as well as around 15 varieties of cider that are rotated. This fall the “Oracle” cider will be released and it is a sparkling pink rosé flavor. There’s an Airbnb cottage on the property so you can sip flights and then stay overnight.

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Spy Distillery

Price: $12+ per flight

Address: 808108 Side Rd. 24, Clarksburg, Ontario

Why you need to go: You can make reservations online to enjoy cider flights or boozy cocktails in a tasting room or on the terrace. Choose to sit in The Spartan, a vintage trailer where you can choose a fireside experience with wine pairings or hang out at The Nest for picturesque nature views.

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Saunders Cider

Price: $10 for a volley of 4 ciders

When: The cider house is open on Saturday and Sunday

Address: 7893 Bleeks Road. B, Ottawa, Ontario

Why you need to go: Saunders Farm is known for their summer camp and Halloween Fright Fest, but they also have a cider house where you can sip pints and munch on snacks. You can spend the weekend or add a booze break to your other farming activities.

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Ironwood Cider Mill

Price: $15 flights of 4 ciders

When: Open daily

Address: 1425 Lakeshore Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON

Why you need to go: This is the only cider house in the Niagara region and it serves craft ciders as well as a full lunch and tapas menu. Enjoy your meal and drinks while admiring a peach orchard. Reservations are available for guided tastings only.

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Twin pine orchards and cider house

Price: Prices vary

When: Open daily, tastings on weekends

Address: 8169 Kennedy Line, Thedford, ON

Why you need to go: From locally grown fruit, you can stop in to buy bottles of cider or enjoy a weekend tasting flight on the patio or in the tasting room. They also have cider mimosas and you can pick apples from the orchard in September.

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Crimson Cider Company

Price: $12 for cider slushie flights or $8 per drink

When: Open daily

Address: 13762 Loyalist Pkwy., Picton, ON

Why you should go: If you’re looking for something unique, this cider house offers cider slush in a variety of flavors, from spring to fall. When they don’t have slushies, they have hot apple cider that you can sip next to a roaring campfire.

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Cider BUSL

A volley of hard cider on a terrace overlooking an orchard in Ontario.

Megan Johnson | Narcity

Price: Prices vary

When: Wednesday to Sunday

Address: 75 Quabbin Road, Mallorytown, ON

Why you need to go: You’ll find unique hard cider flavors like cherry and haskap, as well as seasonal options like pumpkin in the fall. Sip in the tasting room or outside with a view of a picturesque orchard. They also have a yurt for rent if you are looking for a unique overnight stay.

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Cider factory

Price: Cider House Experience $20 per person, $16 for a flight of 4

When: Open daily

Address: 709 Queen Street East, Toronto, Ontario

Why you need to go: You can enjoy this popular brand of cider from the source in its spacious tavern in Toronto, as well as local dishes or you can soak up the sun on its terrace. The cider house experience includes a 15-minute cider house tour and guided tasting. There is also a drag brunch every month.

Website

Thornbury Craft Co.

Price: $13 flights of four ciders

When: Open daily

Address: 90 King Street East, Thornbury, ON

Why you have to go: Try a number of hard cider flavors like honey crisp, raspberry, tropical, or pear with a snack menu. There are also cider seltzers (also available in flight) which you can drink in the spacious dining room or on the outdoor terrace.

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Narcity does not condone the overconsumption of alcohol or other legal substances. If you are going to drink alcohol or use cannabis, please do so responsibly and only if you are of legal age.

Before you go, check out our Guide to Responsible Travel to be informed, be safe, be smart, and most importantly, be respectful on your adventure.

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