Autumn colours are beginning to line Vancouver streets, setting the stage for one of the city’s favourite seasonal traditions. This October marks UBC Botanical Garden’s 35th Annual Apple Festival, celebrating crisp apples, warm cider and the growers who make it possible.
A Growing Tradition
Thirty-five years ago, two passionate Friends of the Garden saw an opportunity hidden in plain sight. Anne Gartshore, tasked with researching the apple plantings in the Food Garden, was fascinated by the diversity of apples that existed beyond the same five varieties stocked in grocery shelves. Margaret Charlton, one of Vancouver’s most accomplished horticulturists, recognized the potential to bring people together around these remarkable varieties. Together, their curiosity sparked an idea that would grow into one of British Columbia’s most beloved harvest traditions.
“The aim was to introduce the public to more varieties than the usual five found in the supermarkets, expose
local residents to the garden’s fascinating collections and raise funds in the process.”
What began as a small gathering in 1991 at UBC Botanical Garden has since welcomed generations of visitors eager to taste, learn and celebrate the season together. Today, the event continues to be organized by the Friends of the Garden volunteers with the support of Garden staff, whose dedication has helped shape Apple Festival into a cherished community tradition.
From BC Soil to Harvest Table
While grocery store shelves may feature only a handful of familiar apples, British Columbia’s orchards tell a much richer story. With over 50+ apple varieties available to taste and purchase at the festival, each carries the story of the growers who continue to shape the province’s apple-growing legacy.
This year’s Apple Festival look was inspired by the rich heritage of BC-grown apples, we illustrated visitors’ favourite picks in the tasting tent as our key symbols. The Ambrosia, Honey Crisp and Granny Smith apples are taking the forefront to acknowledge the growers who bring these varieties to us each year. Learn more about each variety and check out our graphic below!
Ambrosia:
Perhaps no apple tells the story of BC heritage better than the Ambrosia. Discovered by chance by Sally and Wilfrid Mennell in the 1980s, the variety began as a single seedling growing among rows of apple trees. Aptly named after the legendary fruit in Greek mythology, its unique honeyed sweetness and blush coloured skin has made it a prized staple for eating fresh, cooking and salads.
Honeycrisp:
First developed at the University of Minnesota in 1991, Honeycrisp was bred for cold hardiness, making it especially well-suited to northern growing regions. Its crisp texture, juicy flesh and sweet-tart flavour have since made it one of North America’s most popular apples. While it originated south of the border, Honeycrisp has found a home in BC orchards, making it a fan-favourite at the tasting tent.
Granny Smith:
Known for its bright green skin and sharp, refreshing flavour, it is a favourite for everything from fresh snacking to pies. In BC, Granny Smith is one of the later-season apples, harvested in October, just in time to bring a burst of green to the colourful autumn harvest.
More than Apples
While apples remain at its heart, Apple Festival has grown into a celebration of the season itself. Spend the day enjoying live entertainment, local vendors, professional cooking demos, and learning from growers and experts. Families can make a beeline for the festival’s iconic giant leaf pile in the children’s area, filled with everything from craft stations to puppet shows.
More than 35 years after its beginning, Apple Festival continues to bring together food, farming, learning and community in one unforgettable autumn weekend. Whether you’re discovering a new favourite apple, connecting with local growers or simply soaking in the sights and flavours of the season, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Written by:
Maryum Chaudhry
Marketing & Communications Assistant (Worklearn)
UBC Botanical Garden
