Why You Should Pick Your Own Blueberries in Ontario

Why You Should Pick Your Own Blueberries in Ontario

Ontario is a blueberry-lovers paradise—from early summer through mid-August, our province’s blueberry farms burst with plump, juicy berries. Picking your own berries not only saves money (compared to supermarket prices) but also offers a memorable outing surrounded by farmland and fresh air. Plus, U‑Pick means ultra‑freshness—you select what you want, when you want it.

Best Time to Pick Blueberries in Ontario

  • Peak season: mid-July to early August—time it for warm, sunny days. 
  • Weather watch: blueberries prefer hot afternoons and cooler nights. Plan trips on dry days—it makes picking easier and safer for the fruits.

How to Prepare for a Blueberry Picking Day

  1. Check online updates: Many farms post daily berry availability. 
  2. Reserve ahead: Some farms limit visitors during popular days—call or book online.
  3. What to bring:
    • Wide-brimmed hat & sunscreen 
    • Water bottle
    • Containers (most farms provide or allow picking in your own)
    • Cooler with ice packs to keep berries fresh
  4. Berry etiquette:
    • Pick only ripe, intact berries 
    • Be gentle—don’t shake plants
    • Stay on rows; avoid trampling

U‑Pick Blueberry Farms in Ontario

Here’s a great selection of Ontario farms where you can pick your own blueberries. They span across the province—from Southern Ontario to the Northern regions.

Algoma Highlands Wild Blueberry Farm (Algoma)

Andrews Farm Market & Winery (Toronto)

Around The Bend Berry Farm (Lambton)

Arrowwood Farm (Middlesex)

Barrie Hill Farms (Simcoe)

Bayfield Berry Farm (Huron)

Bluegroves Farm (Timiskaming)

Blueberry Knoll Berry Farm (Haldimand)

Brantwood Farms (Brant)

Butt’s Berry Farm (Wellington)

Canaan Blueberries (Ottawa)

Falcon Blueberries (Norfolk)

Fernwood Farms & Market (Simcoe)

Front Road Cellars at Blueberry Hill (Norfolk)

Fruition Berry Farm (Frontenac)

Kustermans Berry Farms (Middlesex)

Muskoka Blueberries (Muskoka)

Olde Drive Blueberry Farm (Middlesex)

Pardo’s Berrie Farm (Chatham-Kent)

Thames River Melons (Oxford)

The Blueberry Patch (Prince Edward)

Tips for a Successful Blueberry Pick

  • Best berries: Look for deep blue, dust‑coated berries (the dusty look is a natural protective bloom). 
  • Picking technique: Gently roll the berry between your fingertips—when ripe, it’ll pop off easily.
  • How much to pick: A litre (4 cups) of fresh blueberries weighs about 650 g—adjust based on your baking or freezing plans.
  • Storing: Refrigerate immediately—store in a single layer on a breathable container for up to a week. Freeze leftovers in a single layer before bagging to avoid clumps.

Delicious Ways to Enjoy Fresh Blueberries

  • Healthy breakfasts: Toss into yogurt, oatmeal, or smoothies. 
  • Baking treats: Use in muffins, pancakes, scones, pies, or crisps.
  • Freezer stash: Perfect for off‑season muffins and smoothies.
  • Savory sides: Add to salads, salsas, or BBQ sauces.

Blueberry Picking FAQs

Q: Are prices per pound or per container?
A: Each farm has its own pricing; generally per pound. Check the farm’s website or call ahead.

Q: Can kids & dogs come?
A: Many farms are kid-friendly and offer play areas. Policies for dogs vary—most farms prefer they stay at home or within cars, so call ahead.

Q: Are fields wheelchair/ stroller accessible?
A: Accessibility varies. Call farms directly to check on pathway conditions and terrain.

Q: What if I encounter bad weather?
A: Many farms allow visit rescheduling. Best to call in advance if rain is forecast.

Final Thoughts

Picking your own blueberries in Ontario is a wonderful mix of fun, family time, and fresh food. Whether you visit one of these Ontario farms, you’ll leave with memories—and maybe a bucket full of berries. Enjoy the harvest and the taste of summer!

Bonus: Quick Checklist Before You Go

  • Check farm’s hours & availability 
  • Reserve if needed
  • Dress for the weather
  • Bring supplies & containers
  • Plan recipes with your pick

With this guide, you’ll be more than ready to have a fruitful blueberry adventure. Happy picking!

The Ultimate Guide to Picking Your Own Cherries in Ontario

The Ultimate Guide to Picking Your Own Cherries in Ontario

Cherry-picking season in Ontario is a delightful summer tradition. From late June to mid-July, family-run orchards across the province invite you to taste the thrill of harvesting sun-ripened cherries right off the tree. This blog post dives deep into top pick-your-own (PYO) cherry farms featured on PickYourOwnOntario.ca, packed with keywords to help cherry lovers discover the best pick-your-own cherry spots in Ontario!

 Why Choose Ontario for Cherry Picking?

Ontario’s fertile fruit belt—spanning Niagara, the Grand River region, Prince Edward County, and beyond—offers ideal growing conditions for both sweet and tart cherries. Visiting a PYO cherry orchard not only provides delicious fruit, but also a memorable farm experience complete with fresh-air walking trails, picnic areas, and market stands stocked with preserves, pies, and local treats.

Featured PYO Cherry Farms Across Ontario

Here’s a roundup of farms tagged under “cherries” on PickYourOwnOntario.ca, each offering unique cherry-picking experiences:

1. Cherry Avenue Farms (Niagara-on-the-Lake)

2. Sun Valley Farms (Niagara)

3. 20 Valley Harvest Farms (Jordan Station)

4. Weiland’s Cherry Farm (Fonthill)

5. Mathias Farms (Ridgeville)

6. Bridgmans Farm (Hamilton)

7. Puddicombe Farms (Hamilton)

8. Fratric Orchard (Northumberland)

9. Smith Two Century Farms (Niagara)

10. Hildreth Cherries (Niagara)

11. Duffin Farms (Niagara)

12. Berry Good Farms (Kemptville)

13. Campbell’s Orchards (Prince Edward County)

Cherry-Picking Tips for a Sweet Experience

Best Time to Go: Visit between late June and mid-July for optimal cherry ripeness.

Booking & Fees: Most farms charge admission (~$7–$12) and sell cherries by weight. Booking isn’t always required, but check each farm’s website or call ahead.

Quick Tips:

  • Wear comfortable clothes and sunscreen.

  • Bring water and a sturdy container—some orchards provide baskets.

  • Call farm stands that report “ripe” cherry availability to ensure the best picking day.

What to Bring: Picnic blankets, a small cooler for your cherry haul, and eco‑friendly bags for pits and stems.

Follow Updates: Many farms maintain Facebook pages or post daily ripeness updates—excellent for planning your PYO cherry outing.

Next Steps: Plan Your Cherry Adventure

  1. Select your farm based on location and orchard experience.

  2. Check ripeness updates online or by phone.

  3. Reserve admission or arrive early to get fresh cherries.

  4. Enjoy cherry picking, refill baskets if needed, and shop on‑site.

  5. Extend your visit with local wineries, hiking trails, or scenic farm walks nearby.

Timing is everything with fruit picking—especially cherries! Enjoy the taste, beauty, and joy of harvesting your own summer vibes straight from the orchard.

Weiland’s Cherry Farm

Weiland’s Cherry Farm

Visit the Farm

1625 Haist St
Fonthill, Ontario L0S 1E0
www.weilandcherryfarm.com

Fruit

Cherries

Vegetables

Other Crops Available

Disclaimer – Not All Crops mentioned will be in season, available, or open for pick-your-own. Please confirm on the farms websites.