Strawberry season in Ontario signals the start of summer, drawing families, food lovers, and nature enthusiasts out to local farms to enjoy one of the province’s most delicious traditions—picking fresh, juicy berries right from the source. But beyond the sweet reward, strawberry picking is an opportunity to support local agriculture, reduce environmental impact, and ensure that Ontario’s farms remain vibrant for future generations.

This guide will walk you through best practices for picking strawberries in a way that benefits the crop and local farmers long-term, and it includes a detailed list of Ontario farms where you can get your hands dirty and fill your baskets with fresh, local flavor.

Why Sustainable Strawberry Picking Matters

Ontario’s strawberry growers are part of a larger agricultural system that depends on careful land stewardship. By participating in PYO programs responsibly, visitors can:

• Minimize Waste: Only ripe fruit is picked, reducing post-harvest loss.
• Reduce Carbon Footprint: Local sourcing cuts transport emissions.
• Encourage Biodiversity: Many strawberry farms integrate pollinator-friendly practices.
• Support Local Economies: Direct sales to consumers help farms stay independent and viable.

How to Pick Strawberries Responsibly

Here’s how you can enjoy your strawberry outing while supporting the health of the plants and land:

1. Pick the Right Berries

Look for berries that are fully red and firm—strawberries don’t ripen after picking. Gently twist and pull the berry at the stem rather than yanking the plant.

2. Bring Reusable Containers

Help cut down on farm-supplied plastic by bringing clean, reusable containers or baskets.

3. Watch Your Step

Stay between rows to avoid stepping on plants and new shoots. Damaged plants can reduce future yields.

4. Follow the Rules

Respect signage and farm staff. Every farm has unique guidelines for hours, areas open for picking, and safety.

5. Teach the Kids

If you’re bringing children, use it as a chance to teach them about where food comes from and the importance of sustainable agriculture.

Strawberry Varieties in Ontario

Ontario strawberry farms grow a variety of cultivars suited to different ripening periods and flavour profiles:

• June-Bearing: Large, sweet berries that ripen all at once. Great for canning and freezing.
• Ever-Bearing: Produce multiple smaller crops throughout the season.
• Day-Neutral: Extend the season into early fall, offering smaller but flavourful fruit.

Ask your farm what varieties they grow—you might discover a new favourite!

Ontario Strawberry Farms You Can Visit

Here’s a comprehensive list of pick-your-own strawberry farms across Ontario, sorted by region. All of these are featured on PickYourOwnOntario.ca and offer seasonal updates, so always check their websites or social media before visiting.

Greater Toronto Area

• Organics Farm (Markham) – Certified organic berries. 
• Reesor’s Farm Market (Markham) – Family farm with PYO and pre-picked options.

Southwestern Ontario

• Downey’s Strawberry & Apple Farm (Caledon) – Well-known for eco-friendly practices.
• Butt’s Berry & Flower Farm (Guelph) – PYO strawberries, flowers, and pumpkins.
• Heeman’s (Thorndale) – Family-run berry farm with strong community ties.
• Walch Family Strawberries (Stratford) – A Stratford favourite.
• Millar Berry Farms (Aylmer) – Huge strawberry selection and seasonal produce.

Central Ontario

• Barrie Hill Farms (Barrie) – One of Ontario’s largest berry operations.
• Willowtree Farm (Port Perry) – Strawberries, a market, and farm-to-table meals.

Eastern Ontario

• Mississippi Berries (Lanark) – Family-friendly PYO destination.
• McLean Berry Farm (Lakefield) – Ecologically conscious with multiple crops.
• Vandorp Farms (Port Hope) – A small farm with big flavour.

Northern Ontario

• Ruby Berry Farm (Chelmsford) – Strawberries grown on matted rows.
• Leisure Farms (Sturgeon Falls) – Fresh berries and family fun since 1981.

Other Notables Farms

• Morrison Berries (Lucknow) – Committed to sustainable practices.
• Fat Chance Farmstead (Harrowsmith) – Small, organic-minded operation.
• Taylor Strawberry Farm (Windermere) – Berries, corn, and floral picking.

And over 30 more across Ontario listed at PickYourOwnOntario.ca.

What to Do With All Those Strawberries?

Once you’re home with a basket (or three) of berries, don’t let them go to waste!

• Make Jam: A great way to preserve flavour year-round.
• Freeze Them: Hull, wash, dry, and freeze in a single layer.
• Bake a Pie or Crisp: Use up extra berries and share the joy.
• Infuse Your Water: Add fresh berries to water or lemonade.
• Host a Berry Brunch: Strawberries pair well with pancakes, yogurt, and shortcake.

A Sweet Way to Support the Planet

Strawberry picking is fun, affordable, and rooted in the heart of local agriculture. By practicing thoughtful picking habits and supporting sustainable farms, you’re helping ensure that Ontario’s fields stay fruitful for generations to come.

Ripe and Ready to Pick?

Before heading out, check farm websites or PickYourOwnOntario.ca for up-to-date picking schedules, COVID-19 guidelines (if applicable), and seasonal hours.