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.

When Is Cherry Picking Season in Ontario?

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:

• Sweet cherries (Bing, Lapins, Stella): Late June to mid-July
• Sour/tart cherries (Montmorency): Mid-July to early August

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.

Where to Go Cherry Picking in Ontario

Ontario is home to some truly wonderful u-pick cherry farms, especially in these regions:

Niagara County

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!

Norfolk County

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.

Prince Edward County

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.

Halton & Hamilton Counties

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/.

What to Expect at a U-Pick Cherry Farm

First-timers, here’s what a typical visit looks like:

1. Check in at the farm stand — most farms will weigh your empty containers when you arrive
2. Get your buckets or bags — some farms provide them, others ask you to bring your own
3. Head to the orchard — staff will point you to the rows that are ready for picking
4. Pick at your own pace — this is the fun part! Let the kids loose (gently!) and enjoy the fresh air
5. Weigh out at the end — you pay by the pound or kilogram for what you’ve picked

Most visits last between 1 and 2 hours, depending on how many cherries you’re going for!

Tips for a Great Cherry Picking Day

Bring the right gear:

• Wear comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting stained cherry juice is no joke!
• Closed-toe shoes are a must for walking through orchards
• Sun hats and sunscreen for the little ones
• A cooler to keep your cherries fresh on the drive home

Picking tips:

• Look for deep red, firm cherries with green stems those are the sweetest
• Twist and pull gently rather than yanking to avoid damaging the branch
• Cherries don’t ripen after picking, so only grab ones that are fully coloured

How many to pick:

• A good rule of thumb is about 2–3 lbs per person if you’re eating them fresh
• Planning to make jam or pie? Grab 5–10 lbs you’ll use more than you think!

What to Do With Your Cherries

Once you’re home with a beautiful haul, the fun continues! Here are some family-favourite ideas:

• Fresh eating — rinse and enjoy immediately, they won’t last long!
• Cherry jam — a simple recipe the kids can help with
• Cherry pie or crumble — a classic summer dessert
• Frozen cherries — pit them, freeze on a tray, then bag them for smoothies all year long
• Cherry lemonade — blend a handful with lemonade for a refreshing summer drink

Cherries keep in the fridge for about 5–7 days, so try to use them within a week of picking.

Before You Go, A Few Reminders

• Call or check online first — farm hours and crop availability change week to week
• Arrive early on weekends — popular farms sell out of picking access by midday
• Bring cash — some farms don’t accept cards
• Check the farm’s rules — most ask that you only eat cherries while in the orchard, not before weighing out

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!