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!