On September 23 and 24, 2023, you’re invited to the annual Bronte Creek Harvest Festival.
Experience harvest season as it might have been over 100 years ago at Bronte Creek Provincial Park‘s historic Spruce Lane Farm!
The history
In the 1900s, farms hired extra workers to help bring in large harvests, and when harvest time rolled around, all the farms would compete to get the best farm workers.
In addition to their pay, these workers were given meals and a place to stay, so a good way to get the best workers was to offer the best food and drink.
One of Spruce Lane Farm’s main crops was apples (and cider!). By making the best cider and giving it to their farm workers, they often attracted better farm workers, reducing costs and increasing the quality of the harvest.
Our cider press will be in full operation during the festival. (You can try some, but first we need your help pressing the apples!)
The festival
Brought to you by the Friends of Bronte Creek Park, the annual Harvest Festival has lots of things to do for young and old!
Staff will be dressed in historical attire and provide some hands-on demonstrations which will enhance your understanding of the early settlement era.
The park is nurturing a whole field of pumpkins (over 300 and still growing!).
Bring your friends and family, and:
Pick your own pumpkin (carve it with us or take it home)- Watch demonstrations of apple cider pressing
- Tour a turn-of-the-century farmhouse
- Try a four-foot-long cross-cut saw and make a souvenir medallion
- Enjoy a wagon ride
- Sample kettle corn, cotton candy, hot dogs, fresh corn, apple blossoms, and apple cider*
Everything (*except the food) is included in your daily park admission fee:
| Daily Vehicle Permit (however, many people are in the car) | $18.00 |
| Senior Permit (65+) | $14.50 |
| Disability Permit (with proof of Ontario Disability Permit) | $9.00 |
| Bus Permit | $62.50 |
To help guarantee access for day use, our visitors can plan their trip ahead of time and obtain a daily vehicle permit in advance.
Advance daily vehicle permits are available at 7:00 a.m., five days in advance of your arrival date. Reservations can be made online (here’s a walkthrough of how to book, including how to use your seasonal permit).
Ready to celebrate the harvest?
The festival runs September 23 and 24 at Bronte Creek — don’t miss it!