There are many farms across Ontario that offer visitors the opportunity to pick for themselves fruit, berries, and vegetables (Pick Your Own - PYO), while also simply spending time outdoors.
This option is especially popular here, and it is quite beneficial for both shoppers and farm owners. Why? It’s simple: shoppers get fresh produce at a lower price than in supermarkets, while farmers do not have to hire workers to harvest the crops.
How does it work?
You arrive at the farm you have chosen, where you are given containers for picking berries or fruit. You can also bring your own containers if that is more convenient. You are then given complete freedom as to what to pick and how long to pick it. The “treasures” you collect are weighed, and you pay for them.
Families often visit these farms together to spend time away from the hustle and bustle of the city and simply relax. In general, you do not even have to pick anything—you can just walk around the grounds, grab a bite at a local establishment featuring signature dishes, or simply buy produce that has already been picked.
Farms also often offer all kinds of entertainment for children, create entire mazes out of corn or sunflowers, and organize various events.
To know the exact dates when farms open to visitors, it is best to visit their websites or call them directly.
However, there are also standard harvest periods:
Strawberries: mid-June – late June
Sour and sweet cherries: late June – mid-July
Peaches: late August – late September
Apples: October – December.
View farms on the map
GTA:
Brooks Farms
This 10-acre farm is just an hour’s drive from Toronto. It boasts a truly wide selection of all kinds of berries. The season begins in the second half of June. The farm has a store and café, while special seasonal events held on the farm provide additional entertainment for children.
Address: 122 Ashworth Road, Mount Albert.
Downey’s Strawberry and Apple Farm
Another wonderful option can be found at this popular farm in Caledon. The season starts in mid-June and lasts about three to four weeks. The grounds include a separate play area with a wooden pirate ship, a huge sandbox, and a tricycle racing area. You can pick strawberries, apples, and raspberries here yourself.
Address: 13682 Heart Lake Road, Caledon, Ontario.
Rose Family Farm
At Rose Family Farm, you can not only pick fresh strawberries or pumpkins, but also delight your children with an entire play barn packed with entertainment. You can also buy fresh produce in the store and grab a bite at the Chip Truck.
Address: 17569 Centre St. Mount Albert, Ontario.
Wilmot Blueberries
At this farm, only one berry matters—blueberries. Nine varieties of blueberries are grown here, which you can pick into a container you bring with you or a four-litre farm container. You can then visit the AppleBerries café to enjoy blueberry ice cream or buy blueberry jam, sauce, and even mustard.
Address: 3337 Concession Road 3, Newcastle ON L1B 0N1.
Organics Farm
This farm in Markham opens its doors to visitors every year at the beginning of strawberry season. Prices are only confirmed on-site, but their rates do not differ much from those at other locations.
Address: 7550 19th Ave, Markham.
Robintide Farms
Robintide Farms is a family business that has been supplying the Greater Toronto Area with amazing fresh produce since 1967. At the farm, you can pick fresh beans, peas, potatoes, pumpkins, raspberries, and strawberries. You can also take a short break and visit the local maze.
Address: 2720 King Vaughan Rd, Maple, Ontario.
Pingle’s Farm Market
Strawberries, apples, fall raspberries, pumpkins—all of these can be picked yourself at this farm near Oshawa from July through October. Hop on the wagon that will take you to the field, while little ones can relax in the play area with a huge slide, sandbox, children’s maze, and even an area with farm animals that can be petted.
Address: 571 Raglan Road East, Oshawa, ON L1H 0N1.
Strawberry Creek Farms
For 15 years, Strawberry Creek Farm has delighted visitors with a farmers’ market where you can pick beans, peas, raspberries, strawberries, and tomatoes yourself. In addition, there is a cozy bakery known for its signature pies and cookies. Children can have fun in the maze here.
Address: 17471 Woodbine Ave. Newmarket, Ontario.
Hutchinson Farm
If you are a huge fan of currants, feel free to visit this wonderful farm located near Burlington. Of course, you can pick other berries here as well, but red and black currants are its hallmarks. It is also worth noting the variety of flowers and exotic herbs available here.
Address: 6202 Walkers Line - Burlington, Ontario.
Linton’s Farm Market
At Linton’s Farm Market, you can pick strawberries, raspberries and pumpkins from June to October. If you come with children, they can enjoy the play area with a maze, tricycle races, duck races and other interactive activities.
Address: 571 Raglan Road East, Oshawa, ON L1H 0N1.
Willowtree Farm
Willowtree Farm grows more than 30 different types of fruit and vegetables. In addition, you can pick strawberries and raspberries yourself when they are in season. Everything else (melons, watermelons, cucumbers and much more) can be purchased in the store. There is also a bakery, butcher shop and maple syrup corner.
Address: 975 Regional Rd. 21, Port Perry, ON L9L 1B5.
Stonehaven Farms
This picturesque farm is located in Milton. The berry-picking season here generally runs from mid-June to mid-July. Admission to the farm is free, while berry prices are announced when the season opens. The farm specializes in strawberries and pumpkins. There is also a children’s play area.
Address: 7388 Guelph Line, Milton.
Reesor’s Farm Market
This Markham location successfully combines a farm, market and even a bakery. You can pick berries yourself during the season or purchase a basket already filled with your favourite treats. Admission to the farm is paid, but the fee will be applied toward the berries you pick.
Address: 10825 Ninth Line, Markham.
Algoma Orchards Ltd.
Algoma Orchards can boast 1,600 acres and a reputation as one of Canada’s leaders in all things apple-related. However, you can pick not only apples here, but also strawberries and raspberries.
Address: 201 Regional Rd. 42 Newcastle, Ontario.
Forsythe Family Farm
The strawberry-picking season at this family farm attracts particular attention from fresh-berry enthusiasts. And strawberries are only the beginning! All summer long, you can pick everything grown on the farm here: peas, beans, tomatoes and pumpkins. Prices are posted on-site when the season opens.
Address: 1025 Cragg Rd, Uxbridge, ON L9P 1R3.
Watson Farms
If the Bowmanville area is more convenient for you, feel free to head to this farm after finding out in advance exactly when the season opens. Generally, the farm is already open to visitors and anyone looking to indulge in the nostalgia of picking strawberries by hand by mid-June.
Address: 2287 Regional Highway 2, Bowmanville, Ontario.
Andrews' Scenic Acres
Located northeast of the Niagara Escarpment, this Milton farm boasts 35 acres of strawberry fields. It opens in mid-June, but we still recommend calling ahead to confirm its hours of operation.
Address: 9365 10 Side Road, Milton/Halton Hills, Ontario.
Applewood Farm & Winery
The season at this farm opens at the end of June. Admission costs about $10 (confirm before your trip), which includes a two-litre basket for picking strawberries. As for the berries themselves, prices vary depending on the size of the bucket.
Address: 2055 Saintfield Rd, Sunderland, Ontario.
Niagara region:
Cherry Avenue Farms
This wonderful place for picking cherries is located in Lincoln. In July, people also come here for other berries and fruit, while peach season begins in mid-August. If you come on a weekend, be prepared to look for a parking spot, as this place can get very busy. At the same time, it is well worth it.
Address: 4303 Cherry Avenue, Vineland, Ontario.
20 Valley Harvest Farms
This location is considered one of the most popular in the region, and the nearby winery definitely increases visitors’ interest. Here, you can pick incredibly delicious cherries or purchase cherries that have already been picked and packaged especially for you. Regular farm visitors return not only for the tasty berries and fruit, but also to chat with the owners, who are always ready to help.
Address: 4235 15th Street, Lincoln, Ontario.
Tigchelaar Berry Farms
Tigchelaar Berry Farms has many years of experience. This farm has long been well known in the region, with a primary focus on strawberry picking.
Address: 4159 Jordan Rd., Ontario.
Parkway Orchards
If you are planning a trip to the Niagara region, why not add a visit to this picturesque location, where you can pick delicious cherries in July and equally juicy peaches in August? However, you should note some restrictions: you cannot bring bags, shopping bags or baskets onto the property. You must purchase a basket on-site, but its cost will be deducted from the total for the cherries you pick. Incidentally, the trees here are somewhat shorter than in other places, making the orchard more suitable for walking and picking with children.
Address: 15000 Niagara Parkway, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario.
Simcoe County:
Barrie Hill Farms
Since 1977, this farm has welcomed everyone and given visitors the opportunity to harvest their own produce. People come here for asparagus, strawberries, peas, blueberries, sweet corn, apples and much more. In addition, there is a store with fresh produce and frozen yogurt, as well as a café.
Address: 2935 Barrie Hill Rd, Springwater, ON L9X 1S8.
R Family Farm
This farm covers 95 acres. Here, you can pick strawberries and all kinds of vegetables, as well as purchase fresh produce that has already been picked.
Address: 3560 3rd Line Cookstown, Ontario.
Hamilton region:
Puddicombe Estate Farms & Winery
For more than two hundred years, this farm has been producing delicious products. The local market offers a wide selection of fresh, farm-grown products, but you can also pick cherries (sour or sweet), peaches (Bartlett or Bosc), apples (10 varieties), and pumpkins yourself. You can also enjoy a wagon ride, visit a petting zoo with farm animals, and sample various wines or ciders.
Address: 1468 #8 Highway, Winona, Hamilton, Ontario L8E 5K9.
Murphy’s Country Produce
This 50-acre family farm focuses on fruit and vegetables. Here, you can pick strawberries, peas, beans, raspberries, zucchini, melons, okra, cucumbers, eggplants, pumpkins, Brussels sprouts, sweet and hot peppers, and squash. You can also purchase already-picked sweet corn and sunflowers.
Address: 2040 Guyatt Road, Binbrook, Ontario.
Wellington County:
Butt’s Berry Farm
The small family-run Butt’s Berry Farm offers strawberry picking, as well as the cozy atmosphere of a small town away from the bustle of Toronto.
Address: 5838 5th Line of Eramosa, Rockwood, ON, N0B 2K0.
Brant County:
Brantwood Farms
Although strawberries can be found at the local farmers’ market until fall, the strawberry fields are open to visitors only from late June to mid-July. Bring your own containers/buckets/baskets or buy/rent everything you need on site.
Address: 251 Powerline Rd, Brantford, Ontario.
Oxford County:
Redbarn Berries & Veggies
This small family farm attracts lovers of strawberries and raspberries, as well as those seeking a special small-town atmosphere. If you do not feel like picking the berries yourself, you can purchase them at the local shop.
Address: 744716 County Road #17, RR# 3 Woodstock, Ontario.
Perth County:
Walch Family Strawberries
As its name suggests, the farm focuses primarily on strawberries, with the picking season beginning in mid-June. Here, you can choose the best berries from the entire field.
Address: 3557 Rd 119, Saint Pauls Station, Ontario.
