I finally made it a mission to stop by The Big Apple after a road trip east of Toronto!! I was told by returning patrons that it has changed a lot over the years. It is now organized by groupings of items that are sold by the different shops within the store. There's a treat shoppe which has dessert items that feature no apples at all like fudge, chocolate covered pretzels and Oreos, and an assortment of candy. Connected to the treat shoppe is an area that sells some housewares that are next to their alcohol selection. There was also an espresso bar in this area that appeared to be closed. This area has its own check out. The marketplace has hot foods that you can buy. It features a smokehouse with BBQ goods like ribs and turkey legs. It also offers official Beavertails but does not have the extended menu with hot dogs. This area features fresh baked goods galore with pies, strudels, donuts, and cookies to name a few. My family is a huge fan of strudels so we grabbed a strawberry cheese one (yes, no apples lol) which was very good. There are a ton of deals throughout all of the stores that offer mix and match deals or buy x get one free deals. This is how we wound up with a package of maple filling cookies and ice wine maple cookies. These were also a huge hit. A few notes about the store. There is an accessible entrance alongside the stairs by the main entrance. The whole patio area including the petting zoo was closed during my visit. There is ample parking in the lot. Just watch out for the area that is just reserved for tour buses. If you have fido with you, there is actually a dog run where they can play off leash. We did see a few dogs as we came into the store and left so your pooch can meet a new friend! If you really aren't keen on making the drive out there, you can visit their online shop. They deliver to Toronto and the GTA. Finally, it seems as though they aren't finished making renovations as they will be adding a carousel in the summer. The one hugely disappointing thing is that access to *the* big apple was closed! No real explanation why unfortunately. I really wanted to get a cheesy photo in front of that giant smiling apple but that was not to be on this visit. read more

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Check your receipts! They're tipping themselves by charging double HST. Should have brought my glasses since service wasn't worth it.

My husband and I made a stop here for some fish and chips. There was a line up, but it was most certainly worth the wait! Crispy, light not greasy. Just perfect. Would most definitely go again and again, if ever we are in the area. read more

The Big Apple - Best fish & chips ever - Bakeries Near Me - Colborne, Ontario

Nice stopover for young families. We visited the restaurant and ordered the pulled pork poutine and the brisket sandwich. Both were pretty average. There was also plenty of outdoor seating, but social distancing inside the restaurant/store could have been improved. The wait time for the food was quite long and could be more efficient. However, the petting zoo was a nice bonus after lunch. read more

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The place stinks. It literally stinks of human waste. I think the septic tank has over-flowed. Same thing happened on a construction site that I worked on. The General Contractor allowed the septic tank there to over-flow--more than once. First, you smelled it, then you saw it: raw sewage, streaming slowly across the parking lot, past our trailers to where the students parked. Eventually, the "honey-wagon" pumped it out. I think the Big Apple should get their septic system serviced fast, before the MOE is called in. read more

Delicious apple desserts ranging from turnovers, pies, crisps and muffins to name a few are the star of this family fun activities including the petting zoo or min golf course. There's even 3 ping pong tables. Other desserts include blueberry flavour s or lemon. But just go there go see the selection. Pricey but many are made on site though. read more

It provides a nice drive outside of the city, definitely plan on taking a fall drive here, it is more picturesque than the items I tried were tasty to me. I would get bottles of cider for show though,as the labels on their 401 brewery products are nice. if you like sparkling Apple cider this place is likely for you. I tried their mini donut es which were dry and bland in my opinion, however their other apple goods did look delightful , so in the fall I will be reassessing my opinion on this place and posting a more detailed review. Hopefully it won't feel as hot inside once the weather cools down. Until then I feel this place is more of an Instagram worthy location & family attraction for the little ones(petting zoo). It will definitely be a must for me anytime I'm eastbound. read more

So disappointed I checked a few sites that stated they open at 7:30am. Their entrance door stated they open at 7:30am. We asked to employees outside and they said they open at 8am. And we're from Montreal. read more

This is my first time going inside The Big Apple pitstop i've always saw it on the highway every time I went out east but never physically went in the place until now. First impressions, I thought it was a cute Little shop with a whole bunch of Apple homemade goods prepare fresh every single day which was great! Literally almost anything you bought there had apples or some other fruit but mostly apples! I ended up buying a mini apple pie and a apple strudel, The apple strudel tasted pretty good! And I ended up buying an apple pie and my parents I'm out by apple bread, apple wine and apple blossoms oh they're all fairly reasonable priced which good! I would assume they would taste good as well! I would definitely come back when I am on my way out east either to or from where ever I'm going again! read more

The Big Apple - The goodies I got from the big apple - Bakeries Near Me - Colborne, Ontario

You don't need to chew a bunch of ice to get a "head rush", you just need to stop at The Big Apple. Bring you kinds and load them up on their Daily Dose of sugar or come as just adults and marvel at all the kids on sugar highs. In all seriousness this is a fun road side attraction and a great place to stretch your legs. Minny golf, a brew pub for hard cider, animal farm, and of course the resturaunt. It might be just a little overwhelming but what the heck; you only go around once. Only in Canada... read more

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Excellent as always, I have never been disappointed in anything I have bought or tried there.

This place is great, but...prices are made for tourists! So if you want to spend money on something, definitely go for the apple breads. I feel that's the best bang for your apple buck! Otherwise, head over to the cider counter and taste test their award winning gold, silver medal ciders before deciding to buy. read more

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When my driver told me there is this Big Apple on our way to Ottawa, I know this would be a perfect place for a pit stop. On a Monday late afternoon, this place is quiet so I have no issue with tourists from tour buses. Nice place to walk around and use the facilities. There are now Yogurty's, Apple Cider Winery aside from the apple pie and country theme souvenir areas. A little zoo and a free putt putt golf area for the kids. A break from the usual ONroute Stops and it is just off 401. I probably would stop by again on my way to Montreal! read more

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Going here was like a dream. During the Ottawa-Montreal-Quebec tour I was on, we made a rest stop here for munchies and a washroom break. WASHROOM: The Big Apple has a pioneer/farm theme to it and the washrooms' design followed accordingly. Each stall was designed to look like an outhouse, so snap a pic when you're there! The flush, faucets, and hand dryers are all automatic, which I appreciated since I'm a bit of a germaphobe. The washrooms are also well maintained and there are stalls for at least 15 people at once. Overall, The Big Apple's washrooms are a must try during your trip. FOOD: Lemme tell you, the stuff here is dank. I wish I could visit every weekend because I have a sweet tooth for apple cinnamon concoctions. If you're not an apple fan, don't worry 'cause they also have desserts made with berries, pecans and other fruits/veggies. If you're one for savoury food, they have your back as well; you can buy hot foods like poutines, burgers, pizzas, etc. Another excellent touristy detail is that there's an open window concept in which you can view the workers making the different items at the back. There's also a dining area with utensils and napkins, so you can munch on the goodies before hopping back on the road (great if you're the driver!). We bought an apple donut that oozed with sweet apple sauce; a Nutella donut that wowed my bf; an apple heavenly cake that was so moist you wouldn't be able to stop eating; and a blueberry pie that would put the usual store-bought pies to shame. I wanna go back. The food tastes so fresh. Seriously. Next time, I'm going to try the apple pie slices with ice cream on the side (so many apple chunks!), the water buffalo milk, and the hot foods. If you're travelling East of Toronto, I seriously recommend you to visit - with an empty stomach. read more

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August 01, 2018 - I went to "The Big Apple" with my family. It was nice to go into The Big Apple and climb the stairs all the way to the top. There you can see a nice view of the area. It was nice to see the animals, they had a llama, donkey, goats, sheeps and a few other animals. It was also nice to see the workers baking pies, bread and tarts. We bought 3 different types of 8" Apple pies. read more

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There is zero chance that you will not see a giant red apple with a bright smiling face in the distance as you travel east on the 401. It's a good place as any ONRoute for a pit stop. You can stretch your legs, use the potty, buy some bbq/burgers/sandwiches, visit the inside of the giant smiling apple, and indulge in all manner of savoury and sweet things with apple inside. It's very popular with tourists but I would stop of calling it a tourist trap. The prices are fair enough. A good slice of pie is $4.29 and that's reasonable to me. We actually ended up stopping on the way back towards Toronto and it offers all of that and more. It's hard to not walk through the farmer's marketplace and not pick up something small, medium, or large with apple in it. The smells waft through the air and entice you to open your wallet. I ended up buying a small 6-inch mumble crumble apple pie for home while buying a slice of the same pie to eat right away. It was time to fuel up for the final stretch home. The slice of pie wasn't kept warm in the self-serve glass food shelves but it was still yummy. The oats and brown sugar crumble on top of the pie was very crunchy and gave it texture with the thick el dente apple slices. You can taste the cinnamon and other spices to bring those tart apples to life. Everyone should come here at least once imo. It's a little kitschy, corny, and delicious. read more

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Plenty of activities/things intended for kids to enjoy and overall a nice place to stretch out your legs after a few hours of driving. Very kid friendly with photos ops, petting zoo, mini-putt, etc. As far food goes, it's pretty interesting. Lots of homemade sweets which is pretty cool. They make apple pie by the metric ton and while they LOOK great the slice of Apple pie itself was kind-of disappointing. With 6 million pies served I guess this is the quality control we get. No one offered to warm it up or make it, "a la mode". All missed opportunities and in the end we shared a very mediocre slice of crumbled apple pie that was waaaay to sweet. Mediocre crumbled apple pie should be a crime. Had their pulled pork and fries as well. Was actually pretty decent. Meat was good but barely any sauce? Ok. How does that work? That's like writing a paragraph halfway and then suddenly stoppi- read more

The Big Apple - Bakeries Near Me - Colborne, Ontario

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Amazing place! They have great covid precautions by asking everyone to sanitize their hands before entering. They have a huge selection of apple products and their pies are so delish!! Love their mumble crumble and traditional apple pie. Their onion rings at the food counter are also phenomenal and the fish and chips are soooo good!!! read more

This is a must go! The best tourist place we can stop on our way back to MTL. The perfect stop to rest, play and eat. Kids and adult will find what they are looking for in a truck/tourist stop. Love the pie - Love the bread read more

Get off the 401 and enjoy some delicious food. There is a fenced in dog run for your pooch. This place will make you smile!

I would come here with my family when I was younger. We would make a stop every time we came back to Toronto on one of our road trips. We always used to pick up a delicious apple pie. The novelty was that you could see them being prepared fresh behind a glass window. However, it's hit 5-star status when I went pretty recently. The place has added many stores and food items. They have more pies including classic, maple, and caramel. Moreover they've included apple pie milkshakes, muffins, and apple fries. Just be sure to check out the different booths cause there's a whole lot more this place has to offer. They also have fooderies and seating so it makes for a great pit stop. read more

The Big Apple - Apple spice muffin - Bakeries Near Me - Colborne, Ontario

To support local business and to break up a cold rainy day we decided to go to The Big Apple to get beavertails. After checking out the store and picking up a few things, we ordered our beavertails (4 of them). We left as soon as we received them from the kitchen. I had just got on the 401 when we realized not only were they stone cold (not even a hint of warmth) but the order was wrong as well. So much for having a warm beavertail. Very disappointed and a complete waste of $32. read more

A real "destination". Nice people and well organized. Awesome apple pies, superb peach pie, great fritters and top notch butter tarts. Their BBQ/smoked meats are excellent. All said, an enjoyable stop with excellent food, well worth the cost. read more

The Big Apple off the 401 has been around for as long as I can remember. I went here with my parents a few months ago - the first time in maybe a decade. A lot has changed! They still sell your standard pies, crumbles, and strudels, plus the store for things like apple chips and other food products and home decor/souvenirs, but they now also have a restaurant and smokehouse, a food truck, and 401 Cider Brewery. The apple pies didn't look so great at the time, probably because they were picked over, so we bought an apple crumble, apple and cheese strudels, apple chips, and a bottle of their limited time True North, a special Canada 150 bubbly that's a blend of hard apple cider and baco noir red wine. Everything they have is affordable and tastes great, and our cashier was very sweet. I do wish their pies had a more homemade feel, but that may just be me comparing what it is now to when I was a kid. It was insanely busy during Canada Day weekend, though I hear it's always crazy - it can be difficult to get through all of the people, and those with mobility issues may find it even harder when it's extra busy during long weekends. Will definitely be back sometime sooner than another 10 years to try out their food. read more

The Big Apple - True North from 401 Cider Brewery - a limited edition Canada 150 bubbly that's a blend of hard apple cider and baco noir red wine. - Bakeries Near Me - Colborne, Ontario

I been stopping at this place before it was famous. I love to stop here whenever I am travelling 401 east going to other cities or provinces. This here is a great and refreshing stop. This time they killed it! before it used to be just pies and bread but now they have extended to more items, a cafe, candy shop, gift shop and the petting zoo is still there. The washrooms are always decent to use here. There apple bread and chips as well as popcorn are quite good. Make sure you stop and take a break at this spot. read more

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Drove by along the highway on our way home we decided to stop in. I haven't been here in years. They used to have a small petting zoo but there wasn't any animals in the zoo area today. I wonder if they bring the animals out during the summer months. The little gift shop inside has changed since I've been here last many years ago. Is sweets and candies are what you're after this gift shop is for you. The main store where the pies are made and sold is still as good as I remembered. The prices have gone up quite a bit but so has everything else. We got there late in the day so the pie factory was closed for the day. It's neat to see the assembly line where all the lies are made. The restaurant inside is geared for bbq meat lovers. Ribs, brisket sandwiches, burgers, fries and other tasty bbq goodies can be bought here. We bought two pies. One count cream pie ($16.99) and one Mumble Crumble apple pie ($12.99). Coconut cream pie is my favourite so I had to buy it. I cut a piece immediately when I got home. The pies are well worth the extra price !! read more

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Good spot. Every time I think it's overrated I remember that I usually start by nibbling at a pie... by end up eating half of one. The big apple is one of the few interesting spots on a long a boring drive between Toronto and Montreal. It's worth the stop if you want to make someone's day a little better with a pie gift. Who doesn't like a pie gift? Sometimes they even have a petting zoo. Who doesn't like a petting zoo? Haha It isn't life changing. It isn't even amazing amazing pie. But it's definitely good. It's worth the stop FYI they have a lot more than just pie. There are all kinds of sweets, some sandwiches and meals, beverages, etc. I have tried none of it. I come here for the pie. read more

The Big Apple - Bakeries Near Me - Colborne, Ontario

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The Big Apple is located right off the 401 HWY, and is definitely a good little pit spot for resting. They offer an assortment of apple products, like pie, donuts, strudels, and many other small souvenir like products. They also have a huge candy store located inside the establishment as well. We stopped by and ended up ordering an " apple hot dog on a cheese bun" and it was one of the best hot dog I've ever had. read more

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The Big Apple!! Immediately off the highway, Apple pies are freshly baked hot and delicious. Don't forget to Add ice cream to your pie. Plenty of seats available. Nice decor at the washroom entrance. Fun family stop over. read more

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Do you want to bring out the child in you and have some fun? If yes, visit the Big Apple in Colborne. On your way driving from Toronto to Kingston for the other way, this could be the required stop for you to recharge your batteries. Of course, the apple pies, apple chips etc are what they are known for. I am not a big fan of that but what i love best is to stop by and see the bakery in action through the glass. It gives me immense pleasure as I see stuff being baked / built. There is ample parking space for you and get down and stretch. There is a big apple where you can take some pictures, minigolf where you can play and of course the animals viewing area. Lots to do and enjoy the place! read more

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I use to drive by this place for almost 5 years wondering what the hell is this Apple place all about! One day I decided to stop in! To my amazement it was like stepping into apple heaven. They have so many to choose from! My conclusions are this. Not the best apple pie in the world. Not the worst also! I find in their pies they put too much sugar! I did try the sugar free one and it was quite dry! Also we have tried the mumble crumble and it was quite over sugared! Many people think the pies are quite overpriced! They are a tad expensive, but quite large! I will say however they do make an amazing apple bread! It's basically the apple pie filling mixed in with a white bread. Then, when finished out of the oven they smear it with all that apple cinnamon goodness! It tastes fantastic in the toaster in the morning cut into thick slabs! This winter they were shut down for a period of almost two months renovating the inside. Today when I was there they were still assembling certain areas and the renos look good. One of the aspects I do like about big apple is they sell local products and it does support the community. Complain all you want about their high prices but I will be back for their apple bread @ $3.99 a loaf. Especially when it's so fresh and so damm good! read more

I must stop at the monstrosity that is The Big Apple when going to Ottawa. It is quite bizarre, with a huge gift shop, dining room, cafeteria full of pie, llama zoo, rampant bunnies, bumper cars, mini-put, go carting and the pièce de résistance- the big apple. Once entering the Big Apple you will be greeted by a simpsons-esque animatronic apple that waves at you. Wowza. A bit of a let down, but good for a laugh. The pie is good and affordable. Do yourself a favour and stop at the Big Apple, it's amazingly wholesome bizzaro fun. read more

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I didn't know what to expect as we drove towards the big apple. For years, i've passed it by, going to Ottawa, Kingston, Montreal. thought that it was a farmers stand with apple pies, little did I know rounding the bend and making a few turnsand passing a cemetery there was this gianormous apple theme park just off the 401? i was smiling from ear to ear when I got there. upon entering you see the factory where the pies, breads and being made. i saw a big tour bus parked, suppose this is their regular source of income which brings a steady flow of people. i was most interested in one thing only.. trying the apple pie. tempted to buy a whole pie as I saw some shoppers buy literally bags full of pies. but we were just on on way and this was a impulsive stop I settled with a slice of pie for 3.50 or so. we sat down in the caffeteria.. armed with a plastic fork I dug in, the pie was terrible. it looked right but it wasn't sweet enough nor did the crust taste cooked enough, it wasn't that good at all. i really hoped that it would be better but i'm glad i didn't buy a whole pie. we walked around the facility, they had a mini putt course, and some lamas, we took some pics by the big apple (unfortunately it was closed for maintenance so we couldn't walked inside it. suppose it was alright for a stop, too bad the pie was disappointing. read more

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If you love em Apples this Is your place. Right off highway 401 East its hard to miss the giant Apple with a happy face smiling at you as you pass by. Opened all year round, they've got everything apples, from cakes, cookies, cider and candy to alcohol, pies, souvenirs and candies!! In the summer they've got mini putting golf. We picked up their Apple dry cider which was a delight, easy 4/5. Their Apple bumble crumble pie for 2 was delish! Let's just say it was love at every bite. Overall a great place that I'll be visiting again on my way back home to the GTA. read more

The Big Apple - Bakeries Near Me - Colborne, Ontario

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The Big Apple, with it's HUGE apple outside, is easy to spot on the 401. We stopped by on our way back to Toronto from Quebec City. The poutine and apple pie were delicious. It's a tourist attraction with the restaurant and bakery itself - but they also have mini golfing and a go cart race track. read more

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Saw the signs saying The Big Apple and suddenly saw a giant red apple from the highway so we decided to take a look. Lots of parking on the facility. The inside had viewing areas for making apple products like pies and cakes and one for making their apple liquor products. A section is dedicated to selling sweets. And a section similar to a farm grocery store. Omg their apple bread is so delicious! There are apple chunks in it! Toast it and put whatever condiment you like on it! Drool! I might go do that now for myself. So many pies and cakes to choose from!!! You can buy food there like pizza or fries etc. Out in the back you see the giant apple!!! And an orchard below the hill. There's minigolf and a small animal view area. Lots to do, lots to smell, lots to buy!!! I would definitely come back for my rest stop next time. MmMmm apple bread.... read more

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A good place to stretch your legs off highway 401 near Cobourg but way over the top touristy. They have everything Apples and more! There's a full out extensive candy area, frozen yogurt, Cawartha Dairy ice cream, cider brewery with free samples, viewing area to pie factory, train and petty zoo (seasonal), full store and smokehouse selling back ribs. The washrooms were very impressive (see photos). Bought a slice of apple crumble pie and back on the highway feeling good. read more

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A lot of improvements since I was a kid. FREE mini Golf! & Shuffle board games. You can now go INSIDE The BIG Apple! An observation Deck on top. A small Farm/Zoo with Ducks, bunnies, chickens, sheep... The sell a lot more than Apple Pies, including Yogurty's, an assortment of Sugar tooth candy, gourmet Coffee's, and souvenir shop. read more

The Big Apple - The Big Apple - Bakeries Near Me - Colborne, Ontario

I love stopping here anytime I can on the way to Kingston (my hometown). The pies are a-ok, but I wouldn't say they are the best of the best. Its a solid stop on the 401 to use the restroom, grab a bite, take a fun Instagram photo, and pick up a wacky souvenir. In the summer they have a sad petting zoo, I say this because the animals look pretty depressed most of the time. They recently added a fancy coffee bar, cider bar, and a chocolate section as well. I can only comment on the chocolate covered sour key, which was a bit stale to be honest. Get it together Big Apple! This time, the lady at the cash was pretty much the rudest person I encountered in a while but I say let the haters hate and shake it off! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfWlot6h_JM read more

Perfect stopover spot. Been going here for the last 8 years and it just keeps getting better and better. The food selection is great and there are many options for the whole family ( I have 15 members in mine)!! Kids love the outdoor space in the summer and it's fun to go in the Apple. Washrooms are clean. We make a point of not going here at prime tourist season when the tour buses go but I can imagine how crowded the eating area can be - 4/5 because the prices are going up but again, if the portions remain the same then not a big deal.. Love their poutine selection!! read more

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