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One of the most fun stops on the way to Montréal or Ottawa from London or Toronto is a stop at The Big Apple on the 401 in Colbourne. Since we usually do that drive at least twice a year, it’s become a tradition. We dropped by to pick for a sweet treat and a coffee. It’s also a great restroom stop (they are farm-themed and extremely clean). There is a lot more than just apple pie and sweet treats.
Besides the Country Kitchen (a take out) style fast food, seasonally you will find a food truck, a smokehouse sandwich stop (yum.yum) and the 401 Cider Brewery! There is ample parking even for buses and RVs. This is a great area to take a break while on your way to Montreal from Toronto or vice versa.
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When you walk in you’ll see a large viewing area and watch pies being made. It’s fun for the kids and my mom loved it too! There is no question, when they are baking the place smells delicious.
There is a full market where you can purchase local products (sweets, maple syrup, jams, etc.) plus baked goods. You’ll want to take home some of their famous apple bread and a pie too. They also have a fast-food menu at the Country Kitchen with most family favourites (hamburgers, hot dogs, fries etc.).
Other apple confectionaries are candied apples, apple crisps and apple bread puddings in two sizes! Apple Bites (croutons) are available in two flavours – butter or sugar-cinnamon – they make an excellent snack or salad companion. They have an Apple Pie Milkshake, ‘Pie in a Cake’ and ‘Tart in a Muffin’ which are new to me and I must try the next time I drive to Montreal.
There is a large variety of pies available. The most popular are the Traditional Pie and the Mumble Crumble.
The Country store also has a variety of Canadian themed souvenirs and candles. All sorts of fun kitsch items. There is also an indoor seating area and an outdoor picnic area for eating.
The Big Apple also offers a selection of GLUTEN-FREE products including made-on-site pies & granola, and breads & cookies from the nearby Ste. Anne’s Bakery.
Other Attractions
The Big Apple on the 401 also has a variety of attractions for kids. These are seasonal and open in fair weather (spring, summer). They include a petting zoo with goats, chickens, sheep, rabbits donkeys and even a llama.
For more great family fun try out any of the FREE outdoor activities: table tennis, shuffleboard, bocce ball, 18-hole mini-putt, and a train ride that’s great for kids. The train ride only operates on weekends and holidays, between 11am and 5pm, beginning mid-June through Labour Day
Explore Mr. Applehead observatory and climb the stairs – up the 35-foot high interior – to the top observation deck for spectacular views of Cramahe Township, the Village of Colborne (and on a clear day, as far as Lake Ontario).
Although a bit touristy, The Big Apple on the 401 is a fun stop on your way to Ottawa or Montreal. At the very least, you know it’s a milestone to cross on this very busy highway between three of Canada’s large cities.
Need to know about the Big Apple on the 401
- 262 Orchard Rd, Colborne, ON K0K 1S0
- Mr. Applehead and Observatory
- hours of operation: 8 am – 6 pm DAILY
- Food Truck hours: 11 am – 5 pm
- Picnic area available
- Restaurant – Smokehouse Kitchen
- Country Market – local goods
- The Treat Shoppe, Chocolate Shoppe by Donini, Yogurty’s frojo, Seattle’s Best Coffee
- Attractions: 18-hole mini-putt, kiddie train, shuffleboard, bocce ball, ping pong tables, petting zoo and wishing well
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For years and years we have driven by the big Apple, and finally this past summer we stopped and climbed and it was fabulous. I will stop again.
I loved stopping in at the Big Apple when I lived in TO and I would travel to and from Montreal. It was the highlight of the trip!