6705 Appleby Line
Burlington, ON L7M 0P8
www.ryansmarketgardens.com
Strawberries
Few things say “summer in Ontario” quite like a morning spent in a blueberry patch with the whole family. The kids get their fingers (and faces!) stained purple, your buckets fill up faster than you expect, and you head home with enough fresh blueberries to last the week — if they make it that far!
Blueberry picking season is one of the longest of the summer, which means plenty of time to plan the perfect outing. Here’s everything you need to know for 2026.
Blueberry season in Ontario runs from mid-July through September, making it one of the most accessible u-pick crops of the year. Here’s a rough timeline by variety:
Because different varieties ripen at different times, many farms have blueberries ready across a 6–8 week window. Always call ahead to confirm what’s available before you make the drive.
Blueberries grow well across a wide range of Ontario’s regions, so you’re rarely far from a great u-pick farm. Here are some of the best areas to explore:
Simcoe County is one of Ontario’s top blueberry-growing regions. The sandy soils around the southern Georgian Bay area are ideal for blueberries, and several farms here offer a classic u-pick experience with stunning countryside views.
The Kawarthas are a hidden gem for blueberry picking. The region’s acidic, well-drained soils produce plump, flavourful berries, and many farms here are family-run operations with a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere. Perfect if you’re combining a berry picking trip with a cottage weekend.
Norfolk County’s reputation as Ontario’s garden extends to blueberries. Several farms here offer u-pick blueberries alongside other summer and fall crops, making it easy to fill your car with a variety of fresh produce in a single visit.
For families in the Greater Toronto Area, Durham and York Counties offer blueberry farms within an easy 45–60 minute drive. A great option for a last-minute summer day trip without venturing too far from the city.
Browse all blueberry picking farms by county at pickyourownontario.ca/find-your-farm/.
Never been blueberry picking before? Here’s how a typical visit goes:
A blueberry picking visit typically takes 1–2 hours, and with bushes at a comfortable height, it’s one of the most kid-friendly u-pick experiences around.
What to wear and bring:
How to pick the best berries:
How many to pick:
Fresh blueberries are incredibly versatile — here are some favourite ways to enjoy your haul:
Fresh blueberries keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, spread them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag — they’ll keep for up to a year.
Ready to find your perfect blueberry farm? Browse u-pick farms across all of Ontario’s counties at pickyourownontario.ca/find-your-farm/ and make the most of this summer’s harvest!
Know a great blueberry farm we should add to our directory? Get in touch at pickyourownontario.ca/contact-us/ — we’d love to hear from you!
Is there anything better than a warm summer day spent with the kids, filling buckets with fresh, ripe cherries straight from the tree? We don’t think so! Cherry-picking season in Ontario is one of the most beloved family traditions of the summer — and 2026 is shaping up to be a fantastic year for it.
Whether it’s your first time visiting a u-pick cherry farm or you’re a seasoned picker coming back for more, this guide has everything you need to plan the perfect outing.
Cherry season in Ontario typically runs from late June through mid-August, depending on the variety and the weather that year. Here’s a general breakdown:
The season can shift by a week or two depending on how warm the spring was, so it’s always a good idea to call ahead or check the farm’s website before making the trip.
Ontario is home to some truly wonderful u-pick cherry farms, especially in these regions:
Niagara is Ontario’s cherry capital. The region’s unique microclimate — warmed by Lake Ontario and sheltered by the Niagara Escarpment — produces incredibly sweet, flavourful cherries. Farms here tend to fill up fast on weekends, so plan to arrive early!
Known as Ontario’s garden, Norfolk County has a growing number of u-pick operations offering cherries alongside other summer fruits. A great choice if you’re coming from the Hamilton or Brantford area.
The County, as locals call it, has been expanding its u-pick offerings in recent years. A cherry picking trip here pairs beautifully with a winery visit or a stop at Sandbanks Provincial Park — making for a perfect family day out.
If you’re based in the Greater Toronto Area, Halton and Hamilton have several farms within easy driving distance. Perfect for a half-day trip without the long drive.
Browse all cherry picking farms by county at pickyourownontario.ca/find-your-farm/.
First-timers, here’s what a typical visit looks like:
Most visits last between 1 and 2 hours, depending on how many cherries you’re going for!
Bring the right gear:
Picking tips:
How many to pick:
Once you’re home with a beautiful haul, the fun continues! Here are some family-favourite ideas:
Cherries keep in the fridge for about 5–7 days, so try to use them within a week of picking.
Ready to find your perfect cherry picking farm? Browse farms across all of Ontario’s counties at pickyourownontario.ca/find-your-farm/ and make this summer one to remember!
Know a great cherry farm we should add to our directory? Get in touch at pickyourownontario.ca/contact-us/ we’d love to hear from you!
3105 16th Sideroad
King City, ON L7B 1A3
(705) 984-8894
www.jcagriorchards.ca/royal-orchards/
Apples
6711 Angler Line,
Dover Centre, ON N0P 1L0
www.fleurderoy.com
Peonies