When it comes to fresh fruit picking in Ontario, apples and strawberries often get the spotlight, but don’t overlook pears! With their crisp bite, floral aroma, and juicy-sweet flavour, Ontario-grown pears are a hidden gem worth adding to your late-summer or early-fall farm adventure.

Whether you’re a longtime U-Pick enthusiast or a family looking for a new weekend activity, picking your own pears in Ontario is a delicious way to enjoy local produce and support community farms.

4 Reasons to Pick Your Own Pears in Ontario?

1. Freshness You Can Taste

Pears ripen quickly after harvest, which means the ones you find in grocery stores are often picked early and stored. PYO pears are tree-ripened, giving them better flavor, texture, and nutritional value.

2. Support Local Farmers

Pick-your-own farms are a vital part of Ontario’s agricultural economy. When you visit a farm, you’re directly supporting local growers and helping preserve Ontario’s rich farming traditions.

3. Fun for the Whole Family

U-Pick farms often include wagon rides, farm markets, and scenic picnic areas. It’s a great way to get outside, connect with the land, and teach kids where their food comes from.

4. Affordable and Sustainable

Most farms offer great value when you pick in bulk, and many allow you to bring your own containers—cutting down on packaging waste.

When Are Pears in Season in Ontario?

Pear picking in Ontario typically begins in mid-to-late August and continues through late September, depending on weather conditions and the variety.

• Early Season (Late August – Early September) Bartlett, Clapp’s Favourite
• Mid-Season (Mid-September) Flemish Beauty, Harrow Delight
• Late Season (Late September) Bosc, Anjou

Always check with the farm before visiting, as the picking window for pears is shorter than for apples and varies by location and weather.

Popular Pear Varieties You’ll Find in Ontario

Ontario farmers grow several European-style pears. Here are the ones you’re most likely to find at local PYO Ontario farms:

Bartlett

• Flavor Sweet, buttery, aromatic
• Best For Fresh eating, preserves, and baking
  Ripens Late August to early September
• Fun Fact Bartletts are yellow when ripe, but are often picked green and ripen off the tree.

Bosc

• Flavor: Firm, crisp texture with sweet spice
• Best For: Baking, poaching, grilling
• Ripens: Mid to late September
• Fun Fact: Bosc pears don’t change much in color as they ripen—check for slight softness at the neck.

Clapp’s Favorite

• Flavor: Juicy, aromatic, slightly tangy
• Best For: Fresh eating
• Ripens: Late August
• Fun Fact: Must be eaten soon after ripening—Clapp’s don’t store well!

Flemish Beauty

• Flavor: Delicate, sweet-tart balance
• Best For: Fresh eating, preserving
• Ripens: Early to mid-September
• Fun Fact: These heirloom pears bruise easily but have incredible flavor.

Harrow Delight & Harrow Sweet

• Flavor: Crisp, juicy, low-acid
• Best For: Snacking, kids’ lunches
• Ripens: Early September (Harrow Delight), Mid-September (Harrow Sweet)
• Fun Fact: Developed by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in Harrow, Ontario for improved disease resistance.

Where to Pick Pears in Ontario

These farms listed on PickYourOwnOntario.ca offer seasonal U-Pick pears:

1. Puddicombe Farms, Winery & Cider – Hamilton

2. Cherry Avenue Farms – Niagara

3. Carl Laidlaw Orchards – Peel

4. Ferme Dagenais et Le Tournesol – Prescott & Russell

Tips for a Successful Pear-Picking Trip

• Go early in the day for the best selection and cooler weather.
• Bring your own baskets or bags if allowed (call ahead).
• Dress for the farm; wear closed-toe shoes and sunscreen.
• Pick gently; pears bruise easily.
• Let firm pears ripen at home; most Ontario pears are picked green but ripen beautifully in 3–5 days.
• Check the farm rules; some require reservations or have a cash-only policy.

Simple Recipe Ideas for Ontario Pears

• Poached Bosc pears with maple syrup and cinnamon
• Pear crisp with oat topping
• Fresh pear & arugula salad with walnuts
• Bartlett pear jam or chutney
• Sliced pears with sharp cheddar and crackers

Make It a Pear-Fect Day!

Ontario’s U-Pick pear season is short but oh-so-sweet. Whether you’re snacking fresh, baking crisps, or canning for winter, Ontario pears are a flavorful addition to your harvest season traditions. So pack a basket, call a friend, and make your way to one of Ontario’s incredible pear orchards.

Don’t forget to tag your adventures with @upickontario on Instagram and let us know your favorite pear variety!

As the back-to-school season arrives, Ontario families are juggling busy schedules, packed lunches, and new routines. One fun and practical way to kick off the school year is by visiting a pick-your-own (PYO) farm. Not only do you bring home the freshest fruit and vegetables, but your kids also get a hands-on lesson about where their food comes from—all while enjoying the fresh air and countryside.

Why PYO Farms are the Perfect Back-to-School Outing

• Freshness that lasts – Ontario farms offer apples, berries, and vegetables at peak ripeness, perfect for school lunches and after-school snacks.
• Budget-friendly shopping – Picking your own is often more affordable than buying pre-packaged produce.
• Hands-on learning – Children discover the farm-to-table journey and develop a greater appreciation for healthy eating.
• Supporting local farmers – Every visit keeps Ontario’s farming communities strong.

Ontario Farms to Visit This Season

From apple orchards in Durham Region to pumpkin patches in Southwestern Ontario, September and October are prime months to explore:

• Nature’s Bounty Farm (Port Perry) – Crisp PYO apples ready for September.
• Kustermans (Mount Brydges) – A wide variety of berries, apples, sunflowers, and pumpkins.
• Great Lakes Farms (Port Stanley) – Apples, peaches, and a family-friendly fall atmosphere.
• Local gems across Ontario – Many counties host PYO farms where you’ll find everything from carrots and beans to late-season peaches.

Find county-by-county farm listings at PickYourOwnOntario.ca

Lunchbox Ideas with PYO Produce

Make back-to-school meals healthier and more exciting with fresh picks from Ontario farms:

• Carrot sticks with hummus – Crunchy, colourful, and protein-packed. 
• Fresh berries over yogurt – A naturally sweet breakfast or snack.
• Apple slices with cheese – A simple, kid-approved combo of sweet and savoury.

Preparation Tips for a Successful PYO Trip

• What to bring – Reusable containers, small baskets, water bottles, hats, and sunscreen. 
• When to go – Mornings or early evenings are best to avoid heat and crowds.
• Packing tips – Keep a cooler bag in the car for berries and veggies to stay fresh until you get home.
• Check ahead – Always call or check the farm’s website for crop availability before heading out.

Back-to-school is the perfect season to combine learning, fun, and fresh eating with a PYO adventure. Explore the many pick-your-own farms in Ontario, stock up on fruits and vegetables for healthy school lunches, and make lasting family memories along the way.

We’d love to see your farm adventures! Share your photos and experiences with us using #PickYourOwnOntario and explore county-by-county farm listings and seasonal guides at www.pickyourownontario.ca.