The Fruit Tree Trail: A Self-Guided Tour Through The Orchards

Hidden in plain sight, The Orchards is home to more than just vibrant homes and walkable paths it’s home to a curated collection of fruit trees, each chosen for their beauty, seasonal colour, and their connection to nature. Whether you’re out for a walk with your pup, a stroller ride with the kids, or looking for your next Instagram spot, this self-guided Fruit Tree Trail is a sweet way to see your community with fresh eyes.

Stop 1: Crabapple Charm

Featuring: Spring Snow, Makamik, Thunderchild & Columnar Siberian Crabapples

Crabapple trees are some of the earliest bloomers in The Orchards, and they’re hard to miss when they’re in full flower. Depending on the variety, you’ll spot clouds of white, soft pink, or deep rosy blossoms bursting open in spring, followed by glossy green or bronze foliage that shifts to rich yellows and oranges come fall. The Makamik variety offers purple-red fruit and a bold bronze tint in the leaves, while the Spring Snow is completely fruitless perfect for those who love blooms but not the cleanup. The Columnar Siberian’s narrow shape makes it a natural landmark along the paths, and Thunderchild adds drama with its pink flowers and purple leaves.

Stop 2: Cherry Lane

Featuring: Amur Cherry & Schubert Chokecherry

If the crabapples are spring’s headliners, the cherry trees bring the depth. With clusters of fragrant white blossoms and rich, contrasting foliage, the Amur Cherry and Schubert Chokecherry bring a blend of charm and character to the trail. By mid-summer, the Schubert’s leaves shift to a deep purple, adding a pop of colour to the landscape. As fall rolls in, golden tones mix with small dark berries, turning these trees into a haven for birds. The Amur Cherry stands out for its beautiful flaking bark reddish-brown and glossy, it adds year-round texture and is especially striking in winter light.

Stop 3: A Plum Stop

Featuring: Muckle Plum & Princess Kay Plum

These ornamental plum trees are The Orchards' most photogenic residents. In spring, the Princess Kay puts on a delicate display with its double white blooms, while the Muckle Plum adds a touch of whimsy with rose-pink flowers and dark glossy leaves. Together, they bring a romantic softness to the trail and are a favourite backdrop for family photos and springtime selfies. But the show doesn’t stop after the petals fall. As summer fades into autumn, the foliage shifts to warm hues of orange-red, and small berries begin to appear, often attracting curious birds and adding texture to the scenery. Even in winter, their dark smooth bark gives these trees an elegant silhouette. 

top 4: The Ash Grove

Featuring: American, European & Showy Mountain Ash

Welcome to the boldest stop on the trail. The Ash Grove features three striking varieties of Mountain Ash trees, all known for their clusters of white flowers in spring and bright, bird-attracting berries in fall. From the orange-red fruit of the American Ash to the vibrant red of the Showy variety, these trees offer a seasonal feast for the senses and for the local wildlife. Their leaves are delicate and fern-like, turning golden as the days grow shorter. The smooth bark and symmetrical form of these trees also make them easy to spot and appreciate year-round. 

Stop 5: Hawthorn Highlights

Featuring: Toba Hawthorn & Snowbird Hawthorn

Delicate and dramatic, the Hawthorn trees are some of the most enchanting on the trail. From late spring into early summer, the Snowbird variety bursts with double white flowers, while the Toba Hawthorn adds a blush of soft pink. Their blossoms are thick and full, giving the trees a whimsical, cloud-like look that stands out beautifully against their dark, glossy leaves. In fall, the foliage shifts to golden tones while clusters of small red berries cling to the branches adding vibrant colour and movement as birds swoop in to snack.

Stop 6: A Touch of the Exotic

Featuring: Japanese Tree Lilac

The last stop on the Fruit Tree Trail is subtle, refined, and unmistakably elegant. The Japanese Tree Lilac brings a soft fragrance to the air in late spring and early summer, with clusters of creamy white flowers that bloom after most other trees have finished their show. Its upright form, smooth bark, and gentle greenery make it a calming presence in the landscape. But it’s the fragrance that sets it apart sweet, floral, and lightly spicy, like nature’s own perfume. It’s often the tree you smell before you see.

Take the Trail, Make It Yours

The Fruit Tree Trail is more than just a walk, it’s an invitation to slow down and connect with the natural beauty woven into The Orchards. Whether you're a seasoned plant lover, a weekend stroller, or simply looking for your next photo-worthy backdrop, each stop on this trail offers something special to discover. So grab your walking shoes, bring a friend or the family, and let the trees guide you through a fresh way to see your neighbourhood.

As the community blooms, so do the trees. Use this map to explore.