Ontario’s summer is the perfect time to fresh-pick berries—and raspberries are a seasonal treasure. Here’s your complete guide to enjoying this sweet, tangy delight straight from the vine.

Why Pick Your Own Raspberries?

• Freshness: There’s nothing like biting into a warm raspberry moments after picking it.
  
• Nutrition: Packed with vitamins C, K, fiber, and antioxidants.
  
• Bonding: A wonderful activity with family and friends.
  
• Supporting Local: You’re helping small farms thrive and benefit from local agritourism.

Top Raspberry-Picking Farms in Ontario

Here are the featured “Pick‑Your‑Own” raspberry farms as listed on pickyourownontario.ca

1. Andrews Farm Market & Winery (Toronto)
2. Barrie Hill Farms (Simcoe)
3. Bayfield Berry Farm (Huron)
4. Belluz Farm (Thunder Bay)
5. Blueberry Knoll Berry Farm (Haldimand)
6. Campbell’s Orchards (Prince Edward)
7. Cooper’s CSA Farm & Maze (Durham)
8. Dentz Orchards and Berry Farm (Stormont, Dundas, Glengarry)
9. Downey’s Strawberry & Apple Farm (Toronto)
10. Fruition Berry Farm (Frontenac)
11. Fernwood Farms & Market (Simcoe)
12. Front Step Farms (York)
13. Jerry’s Berries (Northumberland)
14. Josmar Acres Inc. Farm Market (Hamilton)
15. Kustermans Berry Farms (Middlesex)
16. Leisure Farms (Nipissing)
17. Lindley’s Farm and Market (Hamilton)
18. Macklin’s Farm Produce (Lambton)
19. Maple Grove Orchards (Durham)
20. Mathias Farms (Niagara)
21. McGregor’s Produce (Renfrew)
22. Mclean Berry Farm (Peterborough)
23. Melegs Orchard (Essex)
24. Pardo’s Berrie Farm (Chatham-Kent)
25. Paul Ridge Berry Farm (Lennox-Addlington)
26. Pike Lake Farms (Manitoulin)
27. Shouldice Berry Farm & Market Barrhaven (Ottawa)
28. Shouldice Berry Farm & Market Bells Corners (Ottawa)
29. Shouldice Berry Farm & Market Nepean (Ottawa)
30. Shouldice Berry Farm & Market Richmond (Ottawa)
31. Thames River Melons (Oxford)
32. Tincap Berry Farm Inc (Leeds Greenville)
33. Watson Farm Market and Upick (Durham)

That’s 33 excellent locations—from small boutique farms to bigger orchards—where you can experience the joy of picking your own raspberries pickyourownontario.ca.

Best Time to Go

• Season: Typically mid-July to early August—check each farm’s website or social channels for the most current updates.
  
• Weather Tip: Sunny mornings are the sweetest time as berries are plump, not too hot, and more resistant to bruising.
  
• Avoid crowds: Plan your visit mid-week or early weekend morning.

Berry-Picking Tips

1. Dress for it: Long sleeves, sunhat, and closed-toe shoes. A little sunscreen goes a long way.
   
2. Bring containers: Many farms supply pints, but an extra container helps.
   
3. Gentle picking: Raspberries are tender; pick them with a slight twist and stem intact.
   
4. Quality check: Choose berries that are vibrant, full, and easy to remove—no green undertones.
   
5. Refrigerate: Eat or freeze within 24 hours for best freshness.

What to Do with Your Raspberries

• Fresh treats: Top yogurt, cereal, pancakes, or enjoy them as-is.
  
• Homemade sauces: Perfect drizzle for ice cream and desserts.
  
• Baked goods: Add to muffins, scones, or pies (freeze excess berries on a baking sheet, then bag).
  
• Preserves: Make jam by cooking raspberries with sugar and lemon juice.

Before You Go

• Check picking conditions: Call ahead or sign up for farm alerts—picking may pause due to weather or crop availability.
  
• Know pricing: Usually by the quart; verify current rates.
  
• Follow guidelines: Some farms provide maps, tools, and picking tips—especially the larger orchards.

Plan Your Day Trip

• Combine with sightseeing: Plan around attractions near farms, like farmer’s markets or rural parks.
  
• Combine berries: Farms such as Thames River Melons or Campbell’s Orchard may let you pick other fruits.
  
• Pack a picnic: Many farms have picnic areas—bring snacks and enjoy your surroundings.

Final Thoughts

Picking your own raspberries in Ontario is a tasty, wholesome way to enjoy summer. Alot of farms offer a range of experiences, whether you’re after a family outing or a quiet solo excursion. With a bit of planning, you’ll go home with baskets full of sweet memories…and enough berries to enjoy well beyond picking day. Check each Farms page for details pickyourownontario.ca