An amazing summer activity to try this season is to go strawberry picking with your friends and family. Ontario has so many incredible farms with fresh produce and fruit, and you can brag at your next dinner party that you made a recipe using strawberries you hand-picked yourself!
Here are five great farms not too far from Toronto to go strawberry picking this season:
1. Robintide Farms
Robintide Farms is found just outside Vaughan, and is a popular destination for city dwellers. Open for strawberry picking as of June 18, 2024, prices this year are $14 for a 2L Robintide Farms Basket, $28 for 4L, or $42 for 6L. In addition to strawberries, you can also pick peas, green beans, and potatoes in the summer months.
Where: 2720 King Vaughan Rd, King City
2. Downey’s Farm Market
Caledon’s Downey’s Farm Market is known for their pumpkins in the fall, but it’s also a great place to pick your fresh strawberries from this time of year. No reservations are needed, though they do go on a first come first serve basis. 2L baskets are priced at $14, and go up to 6 L for $42. Downey’s is open daily from 7 a.m. til 4 p.m.
Where: 13682 Heart Lake Rd, Caledon
3. Brantwood Farms
Head to Paris for strawberry picking at Brantwood Farms, which is open daily from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. 4L baskets are priced at $16, though you are also welcome to bring your own as long as it states the volume in litres. Later this summer, stop back for their annual sunflower festival held in August.
Where: 251 Powerline Rd, Brantford
4. Reesor’s Farm Market
Fruit pies, cookies, bread, and opportunities to pick your own fruit abound at Reesor’s Farm Market in Markham. They’re open until the end of October, and are currently open for strawberry picking Monday through Saturday. $15 will get you access to the strawberry fields, as well as a 3L basket for picking.
Where: 10825 Ninth Line at Elgin Mills Rd., Markham
5. Pingle’s Farm Market
Pingle’s Farm Market is located near Oshawa, and they’ve got tons of family-friendly activities to do in addition to strawberry picking! Picking starts at $12 for a 2L bucket, and you have to reserve your visit online. After, grab a bite at the retail market and bakery, meet the farm animals, and take a wagon ride of the property!
Where: 1805 Taunton Rd, Hampton