Nurturing Nature, Creating an Icon

This virtual exhibition delves into the fascinating history of the McIntosh Red apple, one of Canada’s most iconic fruits. Learn how a seedling, discovered by chance by John McIntosh in the early 19th century grew into a beloved apple variety known for its bright red skin and crisp, sweet-tart flavor.

Through archival photographs and beautiful watercolour prints, the exhibition traces the journey of the McIntosh apple from its beginnings on a family farm to becoming a symbol of Canadian agriculture and a staple in orchards across North America. The exhibition also explores the apple’s impact on the agricultural industry, its role in shaping apple breeding practices, and its enduring legacy in Canadian culture.