Ripe apples ready for harvesting/Shutterstock
How do you like them apples?
That's the question facing apple lovers all weekend long when the UBC Apple Festival returns for its 28th year. The popular two-day fest takes place October 19-20 at the UBC Botanical Garden, and offers plenty to see, do, and - most importantly - taste in celebration of the apple.
Learn about the diversity of apples and taste rare and unusual varieties in the Friends of the Garden Apple Tasting Tent. Considered the biggest draw of the event, the Tasting Tent is where you'll go to taste up to 40 new and heritage apple varieties all grown in beautiful B.C. For an additional $5 cash-only admission paid outside the tent, access your choice of tasting sessions, which are offered from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Apples and apple trees are available for purchase, as well as plenty of pears and quince, to round out your ultimate sweet taste of fall. Get your hands on info about growing the history of apples in B.C., and enjoy tons of family-focused activities - face painting, games and storytelling, and, of course, the leaf pile.
There will be other opportunities to play and learn for kids and adults, plus food and shopping on site, and live entertainment. The Apple Festival is a zero-waste event, and no pets are allowed.
Since this is a wildly popular event, plan to arrive early, and for apple varieties to sell out. There is no parking at the UBC Botanical Garden, so you'll need to park at the West Parkade or Fraser River Parkade. There is a free shuttle bus from the UBC Campus West Parkade and Fraser River Parkade beginning at 9:30 am and running every 15 minutes. The last shuttle leaves the Festival at 4:45 pm. The Garden is serviced by the #49 UBC/Metrotown bus and the UBC Shuttles #68 UBC Exchange/Lower Mall.
When: Oct. 19-20, 2019 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: UBC Botanical Garden - 6804 SW Marine Drive, Vancouver
Cost: Admission is $5 (cash only) for adults; children 12 and under free. Apple Festival admission includes Garden admission.
