Going fruit picking is a seasonal activity both fun and rewarding. It seems like each year we forget that it’s an option to go out in overalls and hand-select our own produce! Ontario’s climate is well-suited for summer berries in particular, but apples and stone fruits also do well. Here is a list of some of the best places in the province you can go to pick fruit, depending on the month.

June: Strawberry season 🍓

Many of Ontario’s berry farms are open all summer– but it’s important to remember that if you’re going specifically for strawberries over raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, or currants– you should be going in June for the cream of the crop.

Downey’s Strawberry and Apple Farm in Caledon, a quick drive from Brampton, is known to be very beautiful and produces that bright-red variety of strawberry. They also have a farm stand where they sell vegetables and honey, and a petting zoo! Reesor’s Family Market in Stouffville is open early in the month for berry-picking and farm stand visits. Beyond fresh fruit and produce, they also make breads and pastries, prepared foods like soups and salads, and delicious preserves.

July and August: Raspberry, blackberry, blueberry, and stone fruit season 🍑

Cherry Avenue Farms in the Niagara Valley is not only a coveted wedding venue, but also an amazing spot to go picking for all varieties of stone fruits from cherries, to apricots, peaches and plums, nectarines– and even sometimes pears! Their picking schedule is dependent on the weather and which fruits took during the planting season. You’ll take a tractor ride to the orchard from the parking lot, and the friendly staff will provide you with a basket and any necessary instructions for picking. There are picnic tables available so that if desired, you can enjoy some of your bounty just minutes after harvesting.

Another locale with views of the Niagara Escarpment, Andrew’s Scenic Acres is great for all berry varieties, and also makes fruit wines for sale. Lastly, for one of Ontario’s largest berry farms, make sure to visit Barrie Hill Farms in Springwater, where educational tours and workshops are provided to teach visitors about sustainable farming practices.

August through November: Apple season 🍎

A classic celebration of the Autumnal harvest, apple-picking can be accompanied by a number of cozy traditions that are perfect for family fun. This map was created by Tetiana Demkiw and pinpoints every location where pick-your-own experiences are offered in Ontario. There are so many of them that it’s actually a little overwhelming. Here are just a few that stand apart for some of their other offerings and activities:

Dixie Orchards in Inglewood has over 23 apple varieties, a corn maze, farm animals, and a market, opening in mid-August. Carl Laidlaw Orchards in Brampton has wagon rides, sunflower fields, fresh-made apple cider, and a barbecue. Chudleigh’s in Milton lets you craft your own scarecrows, has live music nights with a hard cider bar in the summertime, and makes delightful apple pies for purchase. Waddell Apples in Kingston may be the most scenic spot to pick, as the Rideau Canal is visible from the orchard. Lastly, Brantview Apples and Cider in St. George is famous not only for ciders canned on-site, but for their apple cider flavoured doughnuts!