By the time this roundup of spots for berry picking near Toronto is published, the Greater Toronto and Hamilton area’s many strawberry fields will be bursting with delicious fruit that is ready to be picked and enjoyed by your family. And then, before we know it, it will be time pick a long list of other fruits and vegetables, from cherries to pumpkins.
Toronto is lucky to be surrounded by dozens of farms that let you stop by and select your own produce. And while all these places welcome kids, some spots are just more family-friendly than others, often thanks to some fun, additional perks. Below we round up 11 such destinations, all of which are located roughly 90 minutes or less from Toronto (depending on traffic of course).
Since picking your own produce is a highly weather dependant activity, be sure to call ahead to confirm that what you want to pick is available. And unless we state otherwise, don’t forget to bring a basket or two, unless you want to end up buying your containers at the farm.
Best Spots for Berry Picking Near Toronto
Andrews Scenic Acres
9365 10 Side Rd., Milton, ON
Sprawling across 165 acres of countryside, Andrews Scenic Acres lets you pick 14 different varieties of produce plus flowers. As of late June, rhubarb, asparagus, and strawberries are ready for picking. Before or after you collect your fruits and vegetables, check out the farm’s many other attractions, including wagon rides, an animal corral and later in the season, a corn maze. And for the adults, there’s also a winery that creates award-winning fruit wines.
Applewood Farm Winery
2055 Saintfield Rd., Seagrave, ON
Now located just outside of Port Perry, Applewood Farm Winery continues its tradition of offering plump, juicy strawberries that are perfect for picking (as of late June this year). And come the fall, your family can select the perfect pumpkin. During both seasons, a play farmyard is open, to entertain the kids. Also available is an adorable patio and an on-site shop where you can pick up some of Applewood’s award-winning fruit wine, ciders, and mead, as well as other locally crafted items.
Barrie Hill Farms
2935 Barrie Hill Rd., Springwater, ON
While this spot is named after Barrie Hill, it also happens to offer some excellent options for berry picking near Toronto. Depending on the time of year, choose from strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. Also available are beans, peas, both sweet and popping corn, and more. The farm also features wagons out to fields and a market and café where you can pick up something to enjoy at home or to snack on right then and there.
Brooks Farms
122 Ashworth Rd., Mount Albert, ON
Located just outside of Newmarket, this farm is sure to be adored by your kids as it’s home to over 10 acres of fun. Here you’ll find a giant sandbox, rubber duck races, even an “animated singing chicken show.” And let’s not forget the pick-your-own fields of strawberries, peas, saskatoon berries, corn, apples and more. And of course, there’s a market and café filled with tasty treats that you’ll want to stock up on.
Downey’s Farm
13682 Heart Lake Rd., Caledon, ON
1355 Hopewell Creek Rd., Breslau, ON
One of the GTA’s best known farms packs a whole day’s worth of fun. Its play area features everything from a wooden pirate ship to a tricycle racetrack to giant jumping pillows. Downey’s also features all kinds of seasonal events, including a Canada Day Strawberry Festival where you can enjoy a strawberry pancake breakfast. But before the kids get tired out in the play land, stop by the pick-your-own field—located on the other side of the road—and pick some strawberries, raspberries, apples, or pumpkins, depending on the season. Just want to focus on just picking apples? Downey’s also runs a second pick-your own apple orchard, located in Breslau, near Kitchener.
Forsythe Family Farm
1025 Cragg Rd., Greenbank, ON
Learn about farm life while picking your own strawberries, tomatoes, flowers and more at this family farm that supplies you with the containers you need. Just be sure to leave plenty of time for all the fun this place offers, including tractor rides, the Barnyard Adventure playground, chats with a farm educator and so much more. Special events are run on certain weekends while the market is open now through December 24, and offers everything from eggs to honey to meat to freshly made pies.
Organics Farm
7550 19 Ave., Markham, ON
As the name suggests, this farm offers certified organic produce. Pick-your-own strawberry season is now open and come the fall, apple picking will be available. Once you’ve filled your baskets, stop by the farm’s market and pick up some grown-on-site vegetables; wood-fired baked goods; local, pasture-raised meats and more. Then wrap up your day with ice cream. It’s
a few feature this year and will be offered in a range of scrumptious flavours.
Puddicome Estate Farms & Winery
1468 #8 Highway, Winona, Hamilton, ON
For over 200 years, this Stoney Creek area farm has been producing delicious, fresh food. While its market sells a wide variety of picked produce, your family can choose to pick their own strawberries, cherries (sweet or sour), pears (Bartlett or bosc), apples (over a dozen varieties to choose from) or pumpkins. After you’ve filled your baskets, check out the farm’s many other attractions including a train ride, a petting zoo and for the adults, wine and cider samples.
Robintide Farmsy
2720 King-Vaughan Rd., Maple, ON
Looking for a simple u-pick berry picking near Toronto experience? Then Robintide might be a good fit for your family. There’s no play lands or farm animals to pet here but there is a long list of pick-your-own produce available including: Strawberries, tomatoes, pumpkins, and more. Robintide also sells a nice selection of pre-picked vegetables, in case you don’t want to do all the work. Also available are a range of beautiful flowers (including sunflowers) your family can cut to create gorgeous bouquets (the fields also make for amazing photos).
Willowtree Farm
975 Regional Rd. 21, Port Perry, ON
Over 30 different types of fruit and vegetables are grown at this Durham region farm and starting soon, your family will be able to take a wagon ride to the farm’s strawberry fields to pick your own fruit. Tons of other produce, including cantaloupe, watermelons, and cucumbers, can be purchased at the farm’s store where there’s also a bakery, butcher (Willowtree raises its own cattle and sheep) and farm-produced maple syrup. And while this farm doesn’t have a giant play yard, it does feature animal experiences that include goats, pigs and depending on the time of year, bunnies, and birds. Important note: No need to bring a container to this farm; they’ll supply you with what you need.
Wilmot Orchards
3337 Concession Rd. 3, Newcastle, ON
Here there’s only one berry that matters: The blueberry. Wilmot’s pick-your-own fields offer nine different types of blueberries, which your family must harvest using one of Wilmot’s 11 GTA And Area Pick Your Own Farms provided containers, available in three different sizes. After you’ve filled your containers, stop by the AppleBerries Café where your family can enjoy some homemade blueberry ice cream and a variety of other treats (many containing blueberries), including jams, salsa and even mustard.
Tagged under: Toronto,berry picking,strawberry picking,blueberry picking
Category: attractions,outdoor-play
