What makes Sun Valley Farms unique is its full-dwarf cherry trees, which keep the branches low enough for easy picking without ladders. Children and adults alike can reach the fruit comfortably, making it a fun outing for the whole family.
The low-hanging rows of bright red cherries, framed by the lush Niagara Escarpment, also create a beautiful backdrop, allowing everyone to join in the harvest instead of just watching.
Picking is simple: choose a basket when you arrive and head straight into the orchard. Outside containers aren’t permitted, and the basket serves as both your admission and the container for the cherries you take home. Children under 10 enter free when accompanied by an adult, and parking is free.
Bring cash or a debit card, as credit cards aren’t accepted. There are no picnic facilities on-site, so plan to enjoy your cherries elsewhere after your visit. Weekends can get busy during peak cherry season, while weekday mornings tend to offer a quieter experience.
Don’t wait too long, though. Cherry season is brief, and once the fruit is gone, you’ll have to wait until next summer for another chance to pick your own.
The Need To Know Details
- Location: 1186 Highway 8, Winona, Ontario (about a one-hour drive from Toronto)
- Seasonal cherry-picking hours: Pick-your-own cherries and the farm market are open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. during cherry season
- Admission: There’s no separate admission fee. Entry is included with the purchase of a picking basket, with basket sizes priced according to your group’s size. Children under 10 enter free when accompanied by an adult
- Payment: Cash and debit are accepted for cherry picking; credit cards are not accepted
- Parking: Free on-site parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis
- What to bring: Outside baskets, bags, and coolers aren’t permitted in the orchard, so travel light
- Good to know: Washrooms are available on-site, leashed pets are welcome, and weekdays are typically quieter than weekends