The Big Apple
The Big Apple
3.5
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 7:30 PM
About
A Little Bit of Country... A Whole Lot of Fun! And everything's about apples! We offer a bakery and pie factory where our famous pies and breads are made right before your eyes - everyday! We offer a cafeteria-style restaurant with paninis, burgers, poutine, pizza, specialty apple items, and more. Gifts, souvenirs and unique market items surround you as you browse our establishment. A fun, whimsical area awaits you where you'll feel 'like a kid in a candy shop' again! Our apple cider brewery offers FREE cider sampling and a wonderful selection of bottled apple-icious cider blends. Outside (weather permitting), you'll find Mr.Applehead, an observatory - and the world's largest apple-shaped structure, in which you can ascend inside to discover breath-taking vistas of surrounding countryside. We also offer a kiddie train-ride, outdoor activities such as mini-golf, ping pong, lawn bowling, animal attractions, and more! Best of all, all these activities are FREE!
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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3.5
928 reviews
Excellent
255
Very good
302
Average
170
Poor
92
Terrible
109
Murray M
Cobourg, Canada2 contributions
Sept 2020
Everything on our trip was good to the Big Apple until we started shopping. A Small Bottle Of Maple Syrup was nearly $18.00 ....A Single Candlie Apple dipped in Caramel was $6.00 .....and we could have lived with the carzy prises until we sat down for dinner on Thanksgiving. We had spent as a Family over $300.00 at the Big Apple and one of the things we always buy there is Pies. This time we thought we would get one of everything ..however at dinner....The Pumpkin pie , even after well cooed, was runny, the crust was so thin at the bottom we couldn't even serve the pie , it came out in a runny mess. The Pie came in a Box , big enough for TWO Pies and I guess that is to make you think your getting a lot more than you really are. What had been a perfect dinner my wife had prepared for our entire Family was ruined and over shadowed by everyone laughing at the ridiculous poorly made Pumkin Pie that was so overpriced , that too made it all the worse. Walmart in Cobourg has better Pumkin Pies.
Written 13 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello and thank you for your recent visit and review. We appreciate all feedback and are very sad to learn that your pumpkin pie was not up to our normal standards, something you definitely noticed as a regular customer. We would like to learn more about the timing of your purchases so we may investigate the cause of these problems. If you could reach out to us at 'customer-service@thebigapple.ca', we would appreciate the opportunity to discuss your issues, in greater detail, and try to discover the reason they happened. We try to price all of our pies competitively and the pumpkin pie has only gone up $1 in 5 years. We also now offer a bake-at-home, frozen pumpkin pie for $11.99 ($1 less than the baked pumpkin pies). We do hope you will continue to visit us and have a more positive experience, in the future. Please have a good day!
Written 16 October 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Arthur M
Hamilton, Canada1,628 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
When going to Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec City, or the Maritimes, most will pass through this roadside attraction. But finally after all these years just passing through it, my family has decided to pay a visit.
Parking was full when we went. Lots of people despite the pandemic. Maybe visitng on Sunday noon with people from the cottages coming back to the GTA was the main cause of my observation.
Grocery store was busy, no distancing whatsoever, but there are employees at the entrance ensuring mandatory hand sanitizing is enforced.
There is a clear glass area where you can see the BTS of making their pies.
There is also a Kawartha Dairy in there. HUGE servings. One scoop is actually equivalent to a clam chowder to-go cup, and two scoops is actually equivalent to a clam chowder to-go bowl.
Parking was full when we went. Lots of people despite the pandemic. Maybe visitng on Sunday noon with people from the cottages coming back to the GTA was the main cause of my observation.
Grocery store was busy, no distancing whatsoever, but there are employees at the entrance ensuring mandatory hand sanitizing is enforced.
There is a clear glass area where you can see the BTS of making their pies.
There is also a Kawartha Dairy in there. HUGE servings. One scoop is actually equivalent to a clam chowder to-go cup, and two scoops is actually equivalent to a clam chowder to-go bowl.
Written 28 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello. We apologize for our late reply, we are just coming out of a busy season and have been extremely short-staffed. Thank you for stopping by! Our summer season is our busiest, especially our Sundays as you mentioned. We do take COVID procedures seriously by requiring masking, hand sanitizing and we increased cleaning of high touched surfaces. Our staff does the best that we can to remind all customers to follow social distancing protocols. We hope you visit us again in the future!
Written 4 October 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
victravelToronto
toronto28 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
On our travels to prince Edward county. We stopped at the big Apple to buy a delicious pie mumble crumble to bring to our friends house. Best pie ever. And you do mumble crumble with every bite. Mmmmm that is great pie.
We ordered hot lunch from their cafeteria kindof designed like a rodeo. Good thing as it tastes like it came out of a cold barn. Overpriced and cold food. . Reminiscent of hosptal/ highschool cafeteria style eats. If you like it go for it. We barely ate and driove off to the next food spot. What I do like most about this spot is the pie and service and clean bathrooms. Put a little more effort into your food offerings - sure you have the sweets down but try to better your lunch foods, especially over winter customers want warm tasty food for their long drives.
We ordered hot lunch from their cafeteria kindof designed like a rodeo. Good thing as it tastes like it came out of a cold barn. Overpriced and cold food. . Reminiscent of hosptal/ highschool cafeteria style eats. If you like it go for it. We barely ate and driove off to the next food spot. What I do like most about this spot is the pie and service and clean bathrooms. Put a little more effort into your food offerings - sure you have the sweets down but try to better your lunch foods, especially over winter customers want warm tasty food for their long drives.
Written 20 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christopher M
Cornwall, Canada19 contributions
Oct 2020 • Couples
I just recently got back home from a trip to the Niagara Falls area. I live about 4 hours away from Niagara falls so anytime we head to the Toronto area or farther we always stop here.
On this trip we stopped on the way to our destination and on the way home.
There is always so much to see and do at the Big Apple. Of course many food and beverage options to indulge in made with or having to do with apples obviously but there is also merchandise, candy and other items to find something for everyone.
We use the stop as a bathroom break but we also spend at least 30 minutes or more there as we always have to buy the cider or an apple filled spice donut.
There is a petting zoo, mini golf and even a big apple observation area that can be entered and towers over the 401 highway. Of course when we were there most of the attractions were closed do to Covid but there is still lots to see and do inside.
The staff is always friendly and attentive and many of the reguired Covid requirements are in place but even more then reguired and it was a very welcome place to stop on a chilly morning to have a nice hot cider and a donut or two for our trip.
Highly recommend this Gem of a spot right alonside the 401 highway. Lots of signage and very easy to find.
Have been stopping here with my family for years. Quiet literally more then a few times a year for many many years and plan to do so as long as it is still there.
On this trip we stopped on the way to our destination and on the way home.
There is always so much to see and do at the Big Apple. Of course many food and beverage options to indulge in made with or having to do with apples obviously but there is also merchandise, candy and other items to find something for everyone.
We use the stop as a bathroom break but we also spend at least 30 minutes or more there as we always have to buy the cider or an apple filled spice donut.
There is a petting zoo, mini golf and even a big apple observation area that can be entered and towers over the 401 highway. Of course when we were there most of the attractions were closed do to Covid but there is still lots to see and do inside.
The staff is always friendly and attentive and many of the reguired Covid requirements are in place but even more then reguired and it was a very welcome place to stop on a chilly morning to have a nice hot cider and a donut or two for our trip.
Highly recommend this Gem of a spot right alonside the 401 highway. Lots of signage and very easy to find.
Have been stopping here with my family for years. Quiet literally more then a few times a year for many many years and plan to do so as long as it is still there.
Written 10 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello and thank you so much for your recent visit, awesome review and continued loyalty! We are very pleased to hear you visit us frequently and that you have such a great experience every time. We do try to have something for everyone, as you say, and are happy to hear you'll continue your visits. Have a wonderful day and we look forward to your next visit sojourn!
Written 13 October 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Maureen5252
1 contribution
Jul 2020 • Couples
My adult daughter was just at the big apple along the 401. She came back telling me of some decent desserts there, but ... appalling conditions for the animals within their petting zoo. There was no shade for the animals - anywhere, ducks spread eagle laying on the ground under the sun, no pools for them to get wet in or make mud puddles which ducks/geese do in the wild, no mud puddles for the pigs to cool off in, donkeys/ponies have their young trailing behind in their mother's shadows in efforts to keep sun off them, no
green grass to lay in to cool off, no attendants within the animal confines for animal's wellness checks, and most animals looked lethargic and almost lifeless.
Very disappointing for a "country" store. She will not go back, and now I will not drop in.
green grass to lay in to cool off, no attendants within the animal confines for animal's wellness checks, and most animals looked lethargic and almost lifeless.
Very disappointing for a "country" store. She will not go back, and now I will not drop in.
Written 25 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Maureen - thank you for reaching out to us regarding your daughter's visit and her concerns about our petting zoo.
All of our animals' pens have a barn/coop for shelter and a specialty shade screen, installed over 4 posts, for sun protection. All fenced pens have their own fresh water supply which is cleaned daily and monitored several times throughout the day. The ducks and geese have a 'kiddie' pool and the pigs get hosed for about 20 minutes daily so they can romp in the mud. The baby pony was recently born and is still drinking its mother's milk, so stays very close to her. Dr. John Hancock from the Picton Animal Hospital performs regular wellness checks, on all of our animals.
When it is very humid, all animals appear lethargic. Please be assured that we take great care of all our animals. We hope that you will visit to see for yourself. Have a good day!
Written 1 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
TangoForFun
Bowmanville, Canada693 contributions
Sept 2022
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Stopped here to see what it was about. What it is about is separating you from your money!
There is nothing very interesting inside except for goods for you to buy at crazy high prices. There is also a snack/restaurant that is also very expensive with nothing apple available!!
We will never set foot here again -you shouldn't either!
Stopped here to see what it was about. What it is about is separating you from your money!
There is nothing very interesting inside except for goods for you to buy at crazy high prices. There is also a snack/restaurant that is also very expensive with nothing apple available!!
We will never set foot here again -you shouldn't either!
Written 30 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Businesstraveller54
Toronto, Ontario29 contributions
Oct 2020
The Big Apple now wears a mask - very good idea! The COVID19 precautions seemed appropriate, and were observed. Very clean washrooms, which are greatly appreciated. We had intended to buy some apple treats, a cheesecake, etc. Could not find the cheesecake - maybe they were out? Bought an apple pie, which looks great (still have not eaten it), some apple bread, and apple fritters for the family. If something is called an "apple fritter', you would expect some apple in in, no? I ate at least half of my fritter before I encountered even a small bit of apple. Others in the family said the same - all of ours were very skimpy on the apples. A good apple fritter should be predominantly apples, held together by fritter dough.... obviously NOT these. Tasty fritter dough, but very few apples. The prices are up, but the quality seems to have gone down. Hoping that my apple pie tastes better. Do you have nutritional information anywhere on the ingredients in all of your products??? In particular, how many carbs, for those who have to limit their carb intake? Not as impressed with the products of the Big Apple as in the past, but hoping they listen and improve for our next visit.
Written 4 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello and thank you for your recent visit and nice review! Thank you for recognizing our COVID safety protocols and our clean facilities. Our cheesecakes and other frozen, bake-at-home pies are now in an upright freezer as you exit the fresh pie area, on the way to the checkouts. We are always ready to assist you in finding products, so we hope you'll be able to find them on your next visit - if not, please ask an associate for help.
Thank you for bringing your fritter concern to our attention. We are sorry to hear your fritters were not very filled with apple pieces - some items are still difficult to source and we try several suppliers to keep supplies in stock. The manager will be made aware of this current fritter situation and we will monitor the fritters, in the future - we appreciate your feedback.
We are sorry to say we don not yet have nutritional info available for our products, at this time, but it is something we will be addressing in the future.
Thank you for your continued loyalty and we hope your next visit will be a more positive experience. Have a great day!
Written 5 October 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Paula S
Toronto, Canada2 contributions
Jun 2021 • Couples
We purchased the apple fries and they were terrible. I’ve had them in the past and they were crispy on the outside and had a lot of cinnamon and sugar. On June 24th when we ordered the apple fries and they were limp, undercooked apple wedges in oil. It was disgusting, when I complained to the assistant manager she didn’t seem to care. She said in the 11 years she’s worked there that’s the way they’ve cooked them. Not very good customer service at all.
Written 24 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello. We apologize for our late reply, we are just coming out of a busy season and have been extremely short-staffed. We are so sorry to hear you did not enjoy our apple fries. We will bring it to our kitchen manager's attention.
Written 4 October 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
lookingforgoodplaces
Toronto, Canada332 contributions
Aug 2021
Since we stopped in solely to buy the fritters, not the other amenities, this review is specific to this issue. We bought a 3 pack 'premium loaded apple fritters' aug 29, with a BB date of Sept 3. On the way home we decided to try them, having previously had the regular ones. We divided up a fritter to taste, and all four of us tasted the same terrible off flavor, leaving a disgusting after taste. Rancid oil? This made the product inconsumable. Emailed Customer Service customer-service@thebigapple.ca that evening. 3 days later no response or acknowledgement from CS.
WON'T BE BUYING THEM AGAIN.
WON'T BE BUYING THEM AGAIN.
Written 1 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello. We apologize for our late reply, we are just coming out of a busy season and have been extremely short-staffed. We are sorry we did not respond promptly; however, we have not recieved a email regarding our 3 pack apple fritters otherwise we would have responded immediately. Please email us again at customer-service@thebigapple.ca as we would like to further assist you.
Written 4 October 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
wwww.fd40
Consecon, Canada186 contributions
Sept 2020
Exit 497.. QE...eastbound was curious when we saw it..stopped in interesting concept all inclusive kid’s stuff ,souvenirs,food spots,petting zoo,mini golf,and fresh baked goodies...in other words a tourist trap,..it is unique .but worth the stop if you need to stop or stretch
Written 4 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello and thank you for your recent visit and nice review! Yes, we are a convenience for travelers who need a break or washroom stop, but we are also a family destination complete with FREE outdoor activities such as mini-golf, ping-pong and our newly expanded petting zoo - you can make a day of it, if wanted! We hope you will visit us again - have a lovely day!
Written 5 September 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hi, stopped by last week and now have two “Mumble Crumble” Apple Pies in the fridge. Do I need to properly cook them or are they precooked and I just need to warm them up? Thanks in advance!
Written 23 May 2019
Hello - sorry just seeing your question now... All of our pies are fully baked and there are reheating instructions on the side of the box. We also have frozen pies you can bake at home and the instructions are inside. Hopefully, this helps in future purchasing as We're assuming you've eaten the pies now Again, sorry for the response delay. Have a nice day!
Written 3 June 2019
Who built it
pls tell soon need this for an assignment
Written 26 February 2018
helpfulhand11
Toronto, Canada
Yes. It was George Boycott. He immigrated to Colborne in 1978 and had an idea for this business based on The Big Pineapple in Queensland, Australia. Of course, Colborne is Apple country so it became the Big Apple and was meant to not only feed hungry drivers on the 401 but also to educate people about apple growing. He still lives in the town but now Planters Peanuts-Canadian division owns The Big Apple. They have expanded it and made a face on the apple and made it a little country store. Lots to see and do and you cannot miss it. You can watch the video in the apple itself that shows an old Ventures episode on CBC that features the building of the apple and the man behind the dream. I know because I am his daughter.
Written 6 July 2018
Hi! Just wondering where can I purchase the apple pies made at The Big Apple in Toronto? Loved eating it at the Colborne factory! Please help, thanks!
Written 19 December 2017
Hello and thank you for your question. Our pies are only made and sold on-site, at our Colborne location. You can also freeze the pies and bread for up to 6 months, if you'd like to stock up, on your next visit!
Written 28 December 2017
I am curious about when the original "Big Apple" opened. My mother brought me there many years ago to buy some fruit.
It was very visible from the highway then.
Written 30 July 2017
The Big Apple opened in 1984 and has continued to evolve since then! It took almost 5 years for its vision to become a reality so, yes late '70s would have had something here, then. Our apple-shaped observatory is a unique, Canadian landmark which we endearingly call 'Mr. Applehead' which is also our mascot! He got his new 'face' in 2013. We hope this helps and that you'll visit us soon!
Written 31 July 2017
The Big Apple opened in 1984 and has continued to evolve since then! It took almost 5 years for its vision to become a reality. Our apple-shaped observatory is a unique, Canadian landmark which we endearingly call 'Mr. Applehead' which is also our mascot! We hope this helps and that you'll visit us soon!
Written 18 July 2017
corentinbouvier
Chicoutimi, Canada
Bonjour, je réside au Saguenay et j'ai récemment visité votre magasin. Je suis tombé sous le charme de la bougie rouge et blanche sentant le sirop d'érable commémorant les 150 ans. Serait-il possible de se la faire livrer ? Si malheureusement ce n'est pas le cas, où serait-il possible d'en trouver une similaire ?
Written 29 May 2017
Ian R
Kingston, Canada
When will you add fast charging stations for electric vehicle drivers to the already rich number of attractions at The Big Apple? You would definitely draw most EV drivers off the highway because 30 to 60 minutes would usually be needed to get back to near a full charge - time that is best spent in a place like yours where there are so different kinds of things to do and see and buy.
Written 10 April 2017
Hello Ian and thank you for your question! We have 2 EV charging stations - a universal one and a Tesla one. The Tesla one is faster than the universal one, but is dedicated to Tesla vehicles (we believe). There is no charge for using the EV station and yes, they are great for charging your vehicle while you explore all we have to offer. Have a great day!
Written 10 April 2017
I have not been to the Big Apple for many, many years when my children were small. Now I would like to bring my grand children but I cannot remember; is there something inside the Big Apple, I just remember walking up many stairs. Thank you
Written 21 October 2016
I would like to know if the Big Apple is open on monday,the 10 th
Written 8 October 2016
Yes, Yes! We are open. We only close for 2 days out of the year - Christmas and New Year's Days. Hope you can visit soon!
Written 11 October 2016
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