The seed for the Apple Route was planted in a meeting held in Brighton Council Chambers in April 1993. At this meeting representatives of five municipalities and the Presqu'ile and District Tourism Association decided it was time to work together in an effort to promote the apple history of the area.

Thanks to the relentless efforts of the volunteers who belonged to the Tourism Association and the Trenton Chamber of Commerce and with the help of the province through Jobs Ontario funding, this project was ready to launch May 24, 1994.

At the time of the launch, seven municipalities, were working together. The 64km route had been signed and the first brochure, showing attractions and businesses along the route, were available to the public.

In 2001, the route was expanded to include the towns of Cobourg and Port Hope. Their inclusion brought depth and variety to the Route

On June 30, 2008 the administration of Apple Route Tourism Inc. was taken over by the Brighton & District Chamber of Commerce and will be run by an independent board of directors.