It’s strawberry season—and that makes it the perfect time to head outside for some berry picking.
There are a ton of berry farms across Ontario where you can fill your baskets with this sweet, red fruit that’s as delicious as it is nutritious. Whether you’re picking berries to make jam, do some baking, or enjoy as-is, here are five of the best places to go for strawberry picking in the province.
Downey’s Strawberry Apple Farm
Located an hour’s drive from Toronto,
Downey’s Strawberry Apple Farm is the perfect destination for fruit lovers. The farm provides clean fruit baskets at the entrance for customers’ use. No reservations are required but the farm does operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Tractor and wagon rides are also available daily, but only in good weather.
Avonmore Berry Farm
The family-owned and operated
Avonmore Berry Farm offers 20 acres of strawberry fields located 25 kilometres northwest of Cornwall. The farm offers other produce too, depending on the season, and is very kid-friendly with play areas and weekend wagon rides. The Pantry—the farm’s store—offers snacks and drinks, fresh baking, jam, and ice cream.
Heeman’s
Heeman’s boasts more than 70 acres of strawberries on its
Thorndale farm, located just half an hour from London. Strawberry lovers can pick their own berries beginning June 7 or can drop in at the Berry Beanery in the greenhouse for pre-picked strawberries and other tasty treats like apple cider, honey, jams, canned peaches, and pickles. If you’re in a hurry, you can hit the berry drive-through instead.
Strawberry Creek Farm
Strawberry Creek Farm is a family-owned operation in Newmarket that has been growing delicious strawberries as well as other fruits and vegetables for 15 years. Its market offers a selection of fresh produce, baked goods, honey, maple syrup, cheese, and preserves. No appointment is necessary to pick berries, but visitors are asked to check in with staff inside the market upon arrival.
Brantwood Farms
Brantwood Farms has been growing strawberries for more than three decades with nine different varieties available to pick throughout the season. Located in Paris, just northwest of Brantford, the family-owned farm and market offers fresh fruits and vegetables as well as baked goods. Containers are available for purchase on site or you can bring your own baskets as long as they clearly state the volume in litres.
Taylor Strawberry Farm Market
Taylor Strawberry Farm Market has been growing berries in Windermere, located in the heart of Muskoka, since 1991. The family-run farm’s pick-your-own season typically runs from June to July each year, but you can also find strawberries for sale in the on-site market all season long. The Market is open May through October, offering fresh produce, frozen meats, baked goods, and essential pantry items.
