Our Story
The Shuh family has been farming in Elmira since 1918, while our apple growing chapter began in 2013.
Farming has taught us a lot of life lessons. The early years of our orchard weren't easy after our newly planted trees were met with harsh winters, killing about a quarter of orchard. We were devastated and even considered walking away at times. We're so glad we didn't, so that we have the opportunity to share our apples with you today.
We've now entered into our fourth generation of apple farmers and not much has changed since 1918. We're still driven by one simple goal: to produce food that we can be proud of.
The Orchard
Shuh Orchards has 62,000 trees on 50 acres of fine Elmira land. The modern trellis system allows our trees to be well cared for and utilize the land and its resources in the most efficient way possible.
Many of the chemical products that we use on the orchard are organic, though the orchard itself is not certified organic. We spray the bare minimum amount of chemical and only what is necessary to keep the trees and environment healthy.
At our stand, you’ll find three varieties from our 26 acres of Gala, 2 acres of Ambrosia and 22 acres of Honey Crisp.
All of our apples that don’t sell on the stand are shipped just 10 minutes away to Martin’s Family Fruit Farm in St. Jacobs. Look for them in your favourite supermarket!
Robert & Lisa Shuh
Robert and Lisa have farmed together since the day they wed and it’s always remained their mission to steward their many blessings. Since the inception of the orchard, Robert and Lisa, along with their four kids, have worked together through crop failure and bountiful fruits of their labour to grow relationships and apples all the same.
Robert now sits as the President of F.A.R.M.S. (Foreign Agricultural Resource Management Services), a federal non-profit agency built on strengthening Canada's relationships with foreign seasonal agricultural workers.
Tim Shuh
Tim is the fourth generation of the Shuh farmers in Elmira and spearheads direct to consumer sales. In 2025, Tim made the decision to leave the corporate world and join the farm full time to learn the ropes of farming and grow the orchard's agritourism activities.
Dave
Dave has provided his expertise to Shuh Orchards since 2016. Dave comes from Jamaica each year from March to November and shares our passion to grow excellent apples. He’s the farm manager at the orchard and attends numerous industry events where he learns about sustainable production and cutting-edge techniques.
Frequently
Asked
Questions
1 / How does your pricing work?
Roadside Apple Stand (No Pick Your Own Apples):
No entry fee or access to farm. Apples are picked from the bin with a complimentary plastic bag and priced by the pound. Pricing is as follows:
• Honey Crisp: $4/lb
• Gala: $3/lb
Full Agritourism Experience (Includes Pick Your Own Apples):
• $10 for adults, $5 for kids 3-12, free for kids under 2
• Includes access to pick your own and all farm activities
• Last farm entry is 6pm, please exit by 7pm
Pricing is by the bag as follows (no outside bags permitted):
• $2.25/lb for a 20lb branded reusable canvas bag
• $2.50/lb for a 10lb branded reusable canvas bag
• $3.00/lb for a 5lb recyclable paper bag
2 / Can I bring my dog to the orchard?
We welcome dogs at the farm, however we kindly ask that they remain on a leash at all times and do not enter the rows of apple trees in accordance with food safety compliance rules.
3 / Do I need to book ahead of time?
We do not require you to book ahead of time for any activities at the farm. Tickets can be purchased online or in person at the farm when you arrive. When we are open, you are welcome to come any time and stay as long as you like. Online tickets are valid all day regardless of your time selection at checkout (we know plans change).
4 / Do you have accessible facilities?
Yes, we have an accessible washroom at the farm, along with an accessible wagon for our wagon rides.
5/ How often do your wagon rides run?
Continuously on weekends and every 90 minutes on weekdays, with our last wagon ride of the day departing at 5:30pm.
6 / Do we need to bring cash?
Cash is welcomed but we also take most forms of payment including major credit/debit cards and Apple/Google Pay at the farm. No checks please.
7 / Is there a smoking area?
We have a designated smoking area near the farm store which staff can direct you to. For everyone's enjoyment we ask that you not smoke anywhere else including between the rows of trees or at the roadside stand. Note that this includes electronic cigarettes/vapes.
8 / When is the last admission of the day?
6pm for farm access including pick your own and all other activities however we will continue offering our pre-picked apples at our roadside stand until 7pm.
9 / Can we still buy pre-picked apples?
Yes, apples are available at our roadside stand all day, every day of the season.
10 / When are Ambrosia Apples ready to pick?
Our Ambrosia Apples will be ready to pick by early to mid October. Watch for an announcement on our Website, Social Media and Newsletter.
11 / How long are online tickets valid for?
All online tickets can be redeemed at any time on the day of your visit regardless of the time selected when you purchased them. If you need to change the day of your visit please reply to your confirmation email.
12 / Can I bring my own food/drinks?
We encourage you to try out the many great local offerings at our Farm Store but you are welcome to bring your own food/drinks as well and enjoy them at our tables or bring a blanket and have a picnic!
13 / Do you sell seconds (ground apples)?
Yes, seconds (apples which have fallen to the ground) can be purchased from our roadside stand for $0.50/lb.