Updated July 24th, 2021
One for the basket, one for me. It’s a time-honoured tradition, one that affords many delicious opportunities to explore Ontario’s rural places at your own pace.
We’ve gathered up some of our favourite pick-your-own spots into a nice little list for all you berry-loving jammers, bakers and preservers. Take an afternoon, visit a farm and pick your own this season!
In Season Now: Peaches
There are two most commonly picked types of peaches: Freestone and Clingstone. You will know that the peaches are ripe for the picking when the fruit has turned entirely yellow – some varietals will have a tinge of red – and are hanging slightly lower on the tree. If they do not pull easily from the tree, they are not ready!
Fun Fact: Peaches and apricots share the same growing season! While you’re out there picking peaches, fill your basket (or your mouth) with some apricots as well. Both fruits are part of the same family and are often referred to as stone fruits due to the large seed. August is national peach month, so there’s no better time to explore than now!
Cherry Avenue Farms
Vineland, ON
cherryavenuefarms.org
Located in the beautiful Niagara Peninsula, this farm has been in operation for 219 years, so you can rest assured they know what they’re doing! There are over 126 acres of orchards on the property with more than 18,000 trees and vines with dozens of different fruits to pick. Picking schedules are weather dependant, so they recommend calling ahead and listening to their voicemail message at (905) 562-5481
Great Lakes Farms
Port Stanley, ON
greatlakesfarms.ca
Farmer Joe is in charge here, and this is another farm that has been around for decades. You will find three peach varieties including Harrow Dawn, Red Heaven and Harrow Fair, so whether they’re for eating or baking, Great Lakes Farms has you covered. Their Peach Fest events are tentatively scheduled for August 14th and 21st this year.
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Parkway Orchards
Niagara, ON
parkwayorchards.com
Come for the peaches, stay for the stunning view. Their market space is currently closed as a COVID-19 precaution, but that could change – check their website for up-to-date information. Parkway Orchards is located right on the Niagara parkway and makes for a great family day-trip!
Pardo’s Berrie Farm
Blenheim, ON
pardosberriefarm.com
Located on the shores of Lake Erie, Pardo’s is a family-run farm that specializes in small fruit production. Their peaches are sold by the 11-quart basket and containers are provided for you. There is also a small retail store selling cold beverages, and a shaded picnic area for you to kick-back and enjoy some of your hard-earned peaches.
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Bridgman’s Farm
Winona, ON
bridgmansfarm.ca
Pick your own peaches on this peaceful, 200-year-old family farm! A great place to bring the whole family! Bridgman’s is known by locals to offer some of the sweetest peaches around.
Stay tuned for more Where To Pick Your Own – including:
- Ontario’s Best Pick-Your-Own Strawberries
- Ontario’s Best Pick-Your-Own Blueberries
- Ontario’s Best Pick-Your-Own Raspberries
- Where to pick your own vegetables this season
- Get an apple-a-day at these Pick-Your-Own orchards
- Pick-Your-Own Pumpkins this season!
Looking other ways to explore Ontario? Check out the Great Taste of Ontario!
