Strawberry season is almost here, and local farms are getting ready for harvest! There’s truly nothing quite like the taste of a freshly picked strawberry — sweet, sun-ripened, and full of flavour straight from the field. Whether you enjoy them on their own, in desserts, or blended into refreshing summer treats, strawberries are one of the season’s simple pleasures.
Visiting a local farm or market is also a wonderful way to connect with your community and support the hardworking farmers who grow our food. Many farms even offer pick-your-own experiences, making for a fun summer outing with family and friends.
Make the most of strawberry season this summer by shopping local and celebrating the incredible produce grown right in our regions. Check out the list below to discover a farm near you!
Discover Strawberry Picking Near Toronto this Summer
York
Applewood Farm – Pick your own
Location: 12416 McCowan Road, Stouffville
Located in Stouffville, Applewood Farm has been family-run for nearly 50 years. With over 5 acres of strawberries, it’s a favourite for Pick-Your-Own experiences. Come and enjoy a warm, authentic farm atmosphere.
Brooks Farms – Pick your own
Location: 122 Ashworth Rd, Mount Albert
Brooks Farms is a go-to destination for families looking to make the most of the season. In addition to strawberry picking, the farm features a market, bakery, Barnyard Playland, and themed seasonal festivals. Visit for strawberries in summer or apples and pumpkins in fall — and don’t miss their wagon rides and educational tours.
Homestead Orchards – Ready picked
Location: 3961 Old Homestead Road, R. R. #1, Sutton West
Homestead Orchards in Georgina is run by the Pegg family. The farm offers a bakery with scratch-made goods and a charming country store featuring fresh produce and local favourites. Their quantities may be limited from time to time during the season, but they are available from July through October (depending on weather).
Reesor’s Farm Market – Pick your own (by reservation) & ready picked
Location: 10825 Ninth Line, Markham
Strawberry season at Reesor’s runs from mid June to early July. Visit Reesor’s and enjoy the sunshine, fresh air, and juicy berries this year!
Robintide Farms – Pick your own & ready picked
Location: 2720 King-Vaughan Road, Maple
Robintide Farms has more than 25 acres of strawberries in 9 varieties. Whether you like to pick-your-own or prefer your strawberries picked-for-you you’ll taste the difference of local, farm fresh strawberries!
Durham
Cooper’s Farm – Ready picked
Location: 266 Ashworth Rd. Zephyr
When you visit Cooper’s farm, you’ll find home grown fruit & vegetables, meats, treats, and several local artisan products. Go check out their farm kitchen/bakery/ & farm store to see why farm fresh is always best.
Tindall Farm & Market – Pick your own & ready picked
Location: 13669 Durham Regional Rd 1, Uxbridge
For three generations, we’ve provided the Uxbridge community with quality products at very affordable prices. We are able to support our local communities with great pricing because everything is grown here on our farm!
Lintons Farm Market – Pick your own & ready picked
Location: 571 Raglan Rd E, Oshawa
Linton’s Farm Market, the original farmer’s market located in North Oshawa. Over 50 years ago the Lintons’ started growing tomatoes for a canning company and gradually added more and more vegetables and fruit and expanded into a farm market stand where you can get an assortment of fruits and veggies including strawberries
Pingle’s Farm
Location: 1805 Taunton Road East, Hampton
Pingle’s is a full-day farm adventure in Hampton, offering U-pick strawberries, a bakery, café, playland, and a packed calendar of seasonal events. It’s a must-visit destination for families looking for outdoor fun and fresh farm flavour.
Willowtree Farm – Pick your own & ready picked
Location: 975 Durham Regional Rd 21, Port Perry
Willowtree Farm is a family owned and operated farm; home to multiple generations of McKay farmers. Shop the market for Ontario’s finest foods, enjoy a farm fresh lunch from the cafe, make memories at one of their family-friendly events, and become a part of the farm-ily by signing up for their CSA!
Headwaters
Downey’s Farm – Pick your own & ready picked
Location: 13682 Heart Lake Road, Caledon
Downey’s Farm is a full-day fall destination in Caledon. With over 25 attractions, including a playland, bakery, estate winery, and a bustling market, it’s a go-to spot for families looking to celebrate the season in a festive and interactive farm environment. Celebrate Canada’s Birthday on July 1st at Downey’s Canada Day Strawberry Festival. Lots of fun, entertainment, great food and strawberries!
Maple Grove Farm & Market – Pick your own & ready picked
Location: 936215 Airport Road, Mulmur
Located in Mulmur, Maple Grove Farm is a welcoming community farm offering U-pick experiences, fresh produce, baked goods, and seasonal treats. A local favourite for families and visitors alike, it blends rural charm with small-town hospitality. Get ready to enjoy a fun day in the fields and pick your own delicious strawberries straight from the farm. Stay tuned for opening dates and updates!
Jenala Farms – Pick your own & ready picked
Location: 475080 Dufferin County Road 11, Shelburne
Jenala Farms, located in Amaranth, just outside of Shelburn, specializes in providing fresh, locally grown produce, with a particular focus on strawberries! Jenala Farms produce the best quality produce utilizing modern agricultural technologies and are doing their best to minimize impact on the environment.
The Art of Strawberry Picking
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or you’re a seasoned picker, these tips will help you harvest strawberries respectfully, safely.
How to Pick Strawberries
Properly picking a strawberry is an art that balances speed with tenderness, ensuring the berry is ripe, the plant remains healthy, and the fruit doesn’t bruise. The golden rule of strawberry picking is: if it’s red, pick it. Strawberries do not get bigger or sweeter after they are picked.
- Grasp the Stem: Instead of grabbing the berry itself, grab the stem just above the fruit with your thumb and forefinger.
- Pinch and Twist: Use your fingernail to pinch or cut the stem, or gently twist the stem to remove the berry. Avoid pulling down on the plant.
- Leave the Cap (Calyx) On: The green cap (calyx) should remain on the berry. Picking with the cap keeps the berry fresh for much longer.
- Handle with Care: Place the berries gently into your basket. Do not drop them, as they bruise easily.
Etiquette Guidelines – In the Field: The “Dont’s”
- No Eating in the Field: It is generally considered poor etiquette to eat strawberries while picking, as you are on the farmer’s livelihood. Pay for your bounty first.
- Don’t Drop Berries: Put them gently into your basket; do not throw or drop them, as they bruise easily.
- Don’t Step on Beds: Never stand or sit on the raised strawberry rows/plastic, as this kills the plants and ruins the row.
- Don’t Pick the Flowers: Leave the white blossoms alone—they will be the next batch of berries
Visitor Tips for the Farm
- Confirm Hours of Operation
Be sure to confirm the hours and any special events directly with the farm before heading out. - Bring a Camera
The farms offer plenty of scenic photo opportunities. - Time Your Visit
Peak strawberry season is just around the corner, so visit soon to enjoy ripe, flavour-packed fruit. - Dress for Weather
Check the forecast. It’s all about layering. Wear a t-shirt under a light jacket to stay comfortable. - Wear Sturdy Footwear
Choose comfortable boots you won’t mind getting a bit muddy while wandering the rows. - Make it a Family Outing
Strawberry picking is an easy, kid-friendly activity that makes for a memorable day together. - Plan for Baking
Strawberries are a nutritious snack, but they’re even better in a homemade pie, crisp, or muffin. Yum!
Try these delicious recipes below!
Learn more about local farming practices, innovations, and the passion farmers put behind every pint of berries. https://ontarioberries.com/about-us/
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