The sensational early summer offerings of berries around Vancouver are not just delicious, but also inspire mouth-watering culinary offerings and a deep dive into the world of jams, jellies and joyful eats for all. Since the arrival of my two girls, I’ve come to love this time of year, as berry picking ranks high on my list of favourite outdoor activities with a big and tasty payoff. I’m lucky to live in an area on the outskirts of Vancouver that is home to a number of beautiful berry farms in the Vancouver area, and I love spending time with my daughters picking, playing and of course eating berries for a few hours every few weeks.
Have I piqued your interest? I hope so! Read on for a list of the top berry farms for u-picking, markets and tons of great activities around Vancouver – some even offer ice cream. e the latest updates on how each farm is handling safety measures during this unprecedented time.
U-Pick Berry Farms in the Vancouver Area:
Kraus Berry & Estate Winery
6179 248th Street, Langley
Located on 200 acres of beautiful farmland In Langley, BC, Kraus family-friendly farm and estate winery is the gem of berry farms in the Fraser Valley. Featuring u-pick berry fields (strawberries are done for the season, but raspberry picking is available), a bakery, market, winery and food stops (the waffles are out of this world), this farm has it all.
U-pick begins with raspberries and moves on to blueberries and blackberries. You can also purchase the berries pre-picked all year round. Either way, be sure to grab some wine, veggies and other goodies while you’re there. Check out krauseberryfarms.com for hours and u-pick berry options.
Driediger Farms
23823 72 Ave, Langley
Since 1964, Driediger has been offering u-pick berries to the people of Langley and beyond. Somewhat of an institution around here, Driediger has a reputation for offering the finest berries that BC has to offer along with a ton of entertainment and family fun. In addition to the regular strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and blackberries, but not for u-pick, Driediger also offers red currants. Purchase a bucket for picking, or bring your own!
Go berry picking with the family or if your kiddos are little, pick some and then buy some fresh at their farm market, featuring berries, produce, eggs, ice cream and other artisan deliciousness. Visit driedigerfarms.com for u-pick hours and other info.
Surrey Farms
4981 King George Blvd, Surrey
With two Surrey locations, these easy-to-access u-pick farms are already open for business! They’re currently offering strawberries, but blueberries and raspberries will be available soon for your picking pleasure. With no admission fee, Surrey Farms is a great option for a few hours of picking with your family. Keep in mind that the farm is open subject to berry supply, so call ahead to avoid disappointment. Visit surreyfarms.ca/upick for details.
Formosa Nursery
12689 203rd St, Maple Ridge
A BC certified organic farm, Formosa Nursery is located on the border of Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge and offers u-picking and pre-picked options of fruit throughout the summer and fall. Offering raspberries, blueberries, grapes and pears, the u-pick season opens in July with the ripening of the first berries. They also have a range of plants, trees and shrubs available for purchase as well as a retail store on site so you can grab some extra goodies on your way out. Visit formosanursery.com for prices and other info.
Maan Farms
790 McKenzie Road, Abbotsford
For another top-notch farm experience a little further east, take a day to explore the wow-worthy offerings of Maan Farms in Abbotsford. In addition to offering the freshest and best of the region’s berries for picking, Maan Farms also supports sustainability throughout their 80 acres of farmland.
Head to Maan Farms for some berry picking with the family and then spend the rest of your day enjoying ice cream, animals and maybe even some goat yoga or a glass of wine. This lovely farm offers something for everyone and is a family favourite for good reason. Visit maanfarms.com/berries or check their Instagram page for all the latest info.
Emma Lee Farms
2727 Westham Island Road, Delta
Hours: 7 days a week beginning in early June, 8 am-7 pm (check daily for opening!) Until then, Saturdays, 10 am-3 pm. Ice cream shop open daily 8 am-7 pm.
A local family farm dating back to 1885, Emma Lee Farms offers a quaint mix of farm and fun for the entire family. Offering a wide variety of products from u-pick and pre-picked berries, produce, honey and other preserves, gifts, pickled veggies, frozen foods and more! To top it off, they have a great little ice cream shop for a cooling sweet treat after berry picking in the warm sun. Visit emmaleafarms.com for all the details.
Berry picking offers a great opportunity to get outside and spend some time connecting with nature and with your family and will provide you with fresh, local berries all year round. You can’t get better than that. So, get out to one of these local farms and enjoy some local flavour.
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