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.

When Is Blueberry Picking Season in Ontario?

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:

• Earliblue & Duke (early varieties): Mid-July to early August
• Bluecrop & Blueray (mid-season): Late July to mid-August
• Elliott & Aurora (late varieties): Late August through September

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.

Where to Go Blueberry Picking in Ontario

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

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.

Peterborough & Kawartha Lakes

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

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.

Durham & York Counties

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/.

What to Expect at a U-Pick Blueberry Farm

Never been blueberry picking before? Here’s how a typical visit goes:

1. Arrive and check in: Farm staff will weigh your containers and point you to the ready rows
2. Pick at your own pace: Blueberry bushes are low to the ground, making them perfect for young kids
3. Taste as you go: Most farms are happy for you to snack while you pick — just confirm first!
4. Weigh out: You pay by weight for what you’ve collected at the end
5. Browse the farm stand: Many farms sell preserves, baked goods, and other local produce on site

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.

Tips for the Best Blueberry Picking Day

What to wear and bring:

• Light, comfortable clothing — blueberry stains wash out easily but it’s still worth being careful
• Closed-toe shoes for walking through the field
• Sun protection — you’ll be outdoors for a while with little shade
• A cooler or insulated bag to keep berries fresh on the way home
• Small containers for the kids so they feel like they have their own haul

How to pick the best berries:

• Look for deep blue-purple berries — avoid any with red or pink tinges, they’re not ripe yet
• Ripe blueberries fall off the stem with just a gentle roll of your fingers
• Check under the leaves — the biggest, ripest berries are often hidden from view
• Pick in clusters, not one by one, to fill your bucket faster

How many to pick:

• For fresh eating: 1–2 lbs per person is plenty
• For baking and freezing: 5–10 lbs gives you plenty to work with
• Blueberries freeze beautifully — it’s always worth picking a little extra!

What to Do With Your Blueberries

Fresh blueberries are incredibly versatile — here are some favourite ways to enjoy your haul:

• Fresh with yogurt or cereal: The simplest and most delicious option
• Blueberry muffins: A family classic that kids love to help bake
• Blueberry jam: Easy to make and great on toast all winter long
• Blueberry pancakes: A perfect weekend morning treat
• Smoothies: Freeze a batch and blend with banana and yogurt any time
• Blueberry crisp or pie: A crowd-pleasing summer dessert

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.

Before You Go — A Few Reminders

• Check availability first: Blueberry ripeness varies week to week — always call ahead or check the farm’s social media
• Go early: The best rows get picked over quickly on busy summer weekends
• Bring cash: Not all farms have card payment available
• Respect the farm: Stay in the designated picking areas and follow the farm’s rules
• Bring bug spray: Blueberry fields can get buggy in the evening — morning visits are usually more comfortable

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!