The Big Apple
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The Big Apple Colborne

4.4
·6k reviews·Colborne, Canada

Iconic roadside stop famous for apple pies, a country store, petting zoo, and kiddie train rides.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, mid-morning

Fewer crowds, more relaxed browsing

CrowdLow
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The Big Apple

The Big Apple Colborne

Best Time

Weekdays, mid-morning

Fewer crowds, more relaxed browsing

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Iconic roadside stop famous for apple pies, a country store, petting zoo, and kiddie train rides.

4.4
(6k reviews)

"This place is seriously fun and has so much more going on than just the giant, iconic roadside attraction!"

Vertical photo
TIP

⏰ Allow ample time

Don't rush! You can easily spend 2-3 hours exploring the store and grounds.

🍎 Bakery is a must-try

Pies, donuts, and fudge are highly recommended. Skip counter-serve meals if unsure.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.4 · 5,857 reviews

Type

Restaurant

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Iconic Apple Pie

The Iconic Apple Pie

Bakery

Indulge in a slice of classic apple pie, a must-try from this famous roadside stop.

Country Store Treasures

Country Store Treasures

Main Store

Explore aisles filled with local jams, regional treats, candies, and unique novelty items.

Petting Zoo Fun

Petting Zoo Fun

Petting Zoo Area

A delightful stop for families, featuring a variety of friendly farm animals to meet.

Kiddie Train Ride

Kiddie Train Ride

Outdoor Area

Enjoy a charming ride around the grounds, perfect for little ones.

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Planning Your Visit

Don't Rush Your Visit!

What seems like a quick roadside stop can easily turn into a 2-3 hour adventure. The main store is packed with treats, jams, and novelty items, and there's a petting zoo and mini-golf too. Plan accordingly so you don't miss out!

Food Choices Vary

While the bakery items like pies, donuts, and fudge get rave reviews, some travelers found the counter-serve meals (chicken fingers, fries, wraps) disappointing. Consider sticking to the baked goods for a guaranteed treat.

Best Times

When
Weekdays, mid-morning
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed browsing
Crowd
Low
When
Weekends, after lunch
Why
Petting zoo and train are active
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Went to The Big Apple in Colborne!

Such a fun

⏰ Allow ample time

Don't rush! You can easily spend 2-3 hours exploring the store and grounds. Reddit

🍎 Bakery is a must-try

Pies, donuts, and fudge are highly recommended. Skip counter-serve meals if unsure. Reddit

reddit.com

The Big Apple masked up

Awesome to see! The big apple is a favourite places to stop on our trips Ottawa-GTHA

reddit.com

How to get to the Big Apple without a car?

VIA Rail to Cobourg, then taxi or Uber to Colborne / the Big Aple.

🚗 Parking is plentiful

Ample parking available for cars and tour buses. Reddit

🧼 Clean facilities

Bathrooms are noted as being very clean and well-maintained. Reddit

reddit.com

Worst Tourist Traps in Ontario

Which places in Ontario are the most overrated to visit in the summer? Controversial opinion: I am not a fan of “The Big Apple” in Colborne. It’s overcrowded, pies aren’t that great and when we went, there weren’t enough staff to work the attractions.

Tips

from all over the internet

⏰ Allow ample time

Don't rush! You can easily spend 2-3 hours exploring the store and grounds. Reddit

🍎 Bakery is a must-try

Pies, donuts, and fudge are highly recommended. Skip counter-serve meals if unsure. Reddit

🚗 Parking is plentiful

Ample parking available for cars and tour buses. Reddit

🧼 Clean facilities

Bathrooms are noted as being very clean and well-maintained. Reddit

🎁 Great for souvenirs

Find unique jams, regional treats, and fun novelty items in the store. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(6k reviews)

Reviews Summary

The Big Apple is a beloved roadside attraction, particularly praised for its extensive bakery offerings like pies and donuts, and its charming country store filled with local treats. Families enjoy the petting zoo and kiddie train, making it a fun stop. However, some visitors have found the counter-serve meals to be disappointing.

"We swung by The Big Apple for what was meant to be just a quick stop, and wow, what a mistake! This place is seriously fun and has so much more going on than just the giant, iconic roadside attraction. We actually tried to come during the summer for the petting zoo, but by the time we finished with the animals, the big store was already closed. I'm so glad we got the chance to go inside today!
I didn’t get as many photos as I wanted because we were too busy running around, but trust me, the main store inside is huge. It’s not just a gift shop; it's packed floor-to-ceiling with local jams, regional treats, amazing pies, and all sorts of fun novelty items. My quick stop turned into an hour instantly.
If you're planning a trip, prepare to lose some time! You could easily spend 2 to 3 hours here just browsing, grabbing some delicious fresh-baked goods, and exploring the whole area. It’s a great spot for families or anyone needing a memorable, delicious pit stop. Highly recommend, but definitely don't rush it like we did!"

Faria Jerin

"Everything was nice here from the freshly baked pies, donuts, chocolate, fudge and coffee. Cashier's nice and friendly. Over all the place is kept very nice and clean as well as the bathrooms.

I have to admit the food that they serve was not great from the chicken fingers, fries and wraps. I was hungry so I ate the tasteless Caesar wrap. The turkey and cheddar sandwich was super disappointing due to a processed patty. The burger and hot dog was edible for the kids.

Not sure about the oil they used, the fries and chicken was not enjoyable, even the kids couldn't eat it with ketchup. I figured the next day to re heat the fries in the air fryer they had a weird smell and taste. I threw them all out. I would not recommend the items I purchased at all. It was very disappointing $70 food purchase for 5 meals."

Danielle Stohr

"You can really feel the passion of the owner in keeping The Big Apple thriving. The place offers a wonderful variety of food, freshly baked products, candies, and cider — all showcasing its lively spirit. With excellent parking for both cars and tour buses, it has truly become an iconic must-visit stop along Highway 401 heading east."

Liza Tam

What People Like

Delicious bakery items
Iconic giant apple
Variety of country store goods

What People Dislike

Mixed reviews on counter-serve food

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

If you're traveling without a car, you can take VIA Rail to Cobourg and then catch a taxi or Uber to The Big Apple in Colborne. Reddit

Yes, The Big Apple is an iconic and easily accessible stop right off Highway 401, making it a convenient pit stop for eastbound travelers. Reddit

The Big Apple offers excellent parking facilities, accommodating both regular cars and larger tour buses, ensuring easy access for all visitors. Reddit

Absolutely! It's a popular stop for those traveling along Highway 401, whether heading towards or away from Toronto. Reddit

Some travelers suggest that while it's a great roadside stop, it might not be worth a dedicated trip if you're not already in the vicinity or passing by. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to The Big Apple itself and the main store is generally free. However, specific attractions like the petting zoo or kiddie train rides may have separate admission fees or be part of package deals. It's best to check on-site for current pricing. Reddit

Operating hours can vary, especially seasonally. The main store and bakery are typically open longer hours, while attractions like the petting zoo might have specific times. It's recommended to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date hours before your visit. Reddit

While the main venue is free to enter, the petting zoo often has a separate admission fee. Visitors have enjoyed the animals, but it's wise to confirm the cost beforehand. Reddit

Tickets for the kiddie train are typically purchased on-site. It's a popular attraction, especially for families, so consider heading there early if you have young children. Reddit

No, browsing the extensive country store, which is filled with jams, pies, and novelty items, is free of charge. You only pay for what you decide to purchase. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The Big Apple offers a variety of activities including a large country store with baked goods and local products, a petting zoo, a kiddie train ride, and mini-golf. Reddit

Yes, it's a fantastic spot for families! The petting zoo and kiddie train are big hits with kids, and there are plenty of treats to keep them happy. Reddit

Many visitors recommend allocating at least 2 to 3 hours. What starts as a quick stop can easily turn into a longer, enjoyable experience exploring everything available. Reddit

The country store is packed with a wide array of items, including fresh-baked pies, donuts, fudge, local jams, regional treats, and various novelty items. Reddit

Yes, restrooms are available and are noted by visitors to be kept very nice and clean. Reddit

🍽️ 🍎 Food & Dining

The bakery items, such as fresh-baked pies, donuts, and fudge, are highly praised. Many visitors rave about these sweet treats. Reddit

Reviews on counter-serve meals like chicken fingers, fries, and wraps are mixed. Some found them disappointing and tasteless, while others found them edible for kids. Reddit

You can find every kind of apple treat imaginable, including pies, donuts, cider, and candy apples, showcasing the venue's focus on apples. Reddit

While specific options aren't detailed, the bakery offers a wide variety of items. It's best to inquire on-site about specific dietary needs, though the focus is heavily on traditional baked goods. Reddit

Coffee and cider are available and generally well-received as part of the overall food offerings. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The iconic giant apple sign is a must-capture shot. The colorful displays in the country store, the animals in the petting zoo, and the general roadside charm offer plenty of photo ops. Reddit

Yes, you can take photos inside the country store, but be mindful of other shoppers. The sheer volume of products makes for visually interesting shots. Reddit

Early mornings or late afternoons might offer softer lighting and fewer crowds, making for more relaxed photography. However, the vibrant atmosphere is present throughout the day. Reddit

A smartphone with good low-light capabilities is sufficient for most shots, especially inside the store. If you plan on capturing the exterior and surrounding activities, a camera with a versatile lens would be ideal. Reddit

Beyond the main apple, look for creative displays of baked goods and seasonal decorations within the store. The train and petting zoo also provide fun, candid photo opportunities. Reddit

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