The Ultimate Guide to Picking Your Own Cherries in Ontario
Cherry-picking season in Ontario is a delightful summer tradition. From late June to mid-July, family-run orchards across the province invite you to taste the thrill of harvesting sun-ripened cherries right off the tree. This blog post dives deep into top pick-your-own (PYO) cherry farms featured on PickYourOwnOntario.ca, packed with keywords to help cherry lovers discover the best pick-your-own cherry spots in Ontario!
Why Choose Ontario for Cherry Picking?
Ontario’s fertile fruit belt—spanning Niagara, the Grand River region, Prince Edward County, and beyond—offers ideal growing conditions for both sweet and tart cherries. Visiting a PYO cherry orchard not only provides delicious fruit, but also a memorable farm experience complete with fresh-air walking trails, picnic areas, and market stands stocked with preserves, pies, and local treats.
Featured PYO Cherry Farms Across Ontario
Here’s a roundup of farms tagged under “cherries” on PickYourOwnOntario.ca, each offering unique cherry-picking experiences:
1. Cherry Avenue Farms (Niagara-on-the-Lake)
2. Sun Valley Farms (Niagara)
3. 20 Valley Harvest Farms (Jordan Station)
4. Weiland’s Cherry Farm (Fonthill)
5. Mathias Farms (Ridgeville)
6. Bridgmans Farm (Hamilton)
7. Puddicombe Farms (Hamilton)
8. Fratric Orchard (Northumberland)
9. Smith Two Century Farms (Niagara)
10. Hildreth Cherries (Niagara)
11. Duffin Farms (Niagara)
12. Berry Good Farms (Kemptville)
13. Campbell’s Orchards (Prince Edward County)
Cherry-Picking Tips for a Sweet Experience
Best Time to Go: Visit between late June and mid-July for optimal cherry ripeness.
Booking & Fees: Most farms charge admission (~$7–$12) and sell cherries by weight. Booking isn’t always required, but check each farm’s website or call ahead.
Quick Tips:
- Wear comfortable clothes and sunscreen.
- Bring water and a sturdy container—some orchards provide baskets.
- Call farm stands that report “ripe” cherry availability to ensure the best picking day.
What to Bring: Picnic blankets, a small cooler for your cherry haul, and eco‑friendly bags for pits and stems.
Follow Updates: Many farms maintain Facebook pages or post daily ripeness updates—excellent for planning your PYO cherry outing.
Next Steps: Plan Your Cherry Adventure
- Select your farm based on location and orchard experience.
- Check ripeness updates online or by phone.
- Reserve admission or arrive early to get fresh cherries.
- Enjoy cherry picking, refill baskets if needed, and shop on‑site.
- Extend your visit with local wineries, hiking trails, or scenic farm walks nearby.
Timing is everything with fruit picking—especially cherries! Enjoy the taste, beauty, and joy of harvesting your own summer vibes straight from the orchard.