Best Strawberry Picking Farms Near Toronto: A Guide for Planning Your Summer Trip

Strawberry picking is a classic Ontario summer tradition—a great reason to get out of the city and enjoy fresh air and even fresher fruit. The local strawberry season is a short but sweet window, typically running from mid-June through the end of July. Because the season’s timing and length can change each year based on the weather, planning is key. This guide is designed to be your go-to resource for choosing the best strawberry picking farms in Toronto, whether you’re planning for next week or next year.

Essential Tips for a Great Picking Day

Keep these tips in mind to make your farm visit a success.

• Always Check Ahead: This is the most important rule. Crop availability changes daily. Before you drive out, check the farm’s website or social media, or give them a quick call to confirm they are open for picking and what the field conditions are like.
• Go Early in the Day: The best time to pick is in the morning. The weather is cooler, the fields are less crowded, and the berries are firm and fresh.
• Dress for the Farm: Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty. The fields can be muddy, and strawberry juice stains!
• Be Sun Smart: You’ll be in open fields with little shade. Bring hats, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.
• Know the Costs: Prices vary, but expect to pay around $12–$18 for a 2-litre basket. Some farms may also charge an entrance fee, which may or may not be credited toward your purchase.

Top Strawberry Farms Near Toronto

Robintide Farms

Located just north of King City on Weston Road, Robintide is a serious strawberry destination. The farm boasts an impressive 25 acres dedicated to nine different varieties, so you can actually taste the subtle differences between them. While the parking lot gets very busy on weekends, the large fields mean you can often find a whole row to yourself, especially on a weekday morning.

• Located at 13888 Weston Road, just north of King City
• Pricing: 2L basket $12.75, 4L $24.50, 6L $36.25
• Best time to visit: Weekday mornings to avoid crowds

Reesor Farms

For those who want a shorter drive, Reesor Farms in Markham is one of the most convenient options to the city. Its proximity makes it a popular choice, so it’s wise to go early to beat the crowds. In addition to their well-regarded strawberry fields, the farm is also a great place to visit later in the summer for sweet corn picking.

• One of the closest options to downtown Toronto in Markham
• Also offers sweet corn picking later in summer season
• Convenient location but tends to get crowded on weekends

Applewood Farm

You can find Applewood Farm in Stouffville, just a few minutes from Highway 404, making it very accessible from Toronto. The farm provides baskets and has a straightforward system for picking. The rows between the strawberry plants are wide and well-spaced, which makes navigating with a stroller or young children much easier.

• Located on McCowan Road, just minutes from Highway 404
• Admission includes 2L basket, additional containers available for purchase
• Stroller-friendly with wide row spacing between plants

Organics Family Farm

If you prefer to buy organic, this certified farm near Stouffville is your best bet. They are committed to sustainable growing practices, and many visitors say you can taste the difference in their berries. While you might pay a bit more for organic produce, it’s a worthwhile stop for those who prioritize pesticide-free farming.

• Certified organic farm with sustainable growing practices
• Located in Stouffville area, easily accessible from Highway 48
• Premium pricing for organic berries, call ahead for current rates

Downey’s Farm

Situated in the scenic countryside of Caledon, Downey’s Farm offers a traditional farm setting. The higher elevation often brings a pleasant breeze, making for a comfortable picking experience even on warm days. They are typically open every day during the season with long hours, providing a good opportunity to visit on a weekday to avoid the weekend rush.

• Open daily 7 AM – 4 PM throughout strawberry season
• Pricing: 2L $14, 4L $28, 6L $42 (baskets provided)
• Located in Caledon with scenic countryside views and cooler temperatures

Brooks Farms

Located in Uxbridge, Brooks Farms is much more than just a strawberry patch; it’s a full family destination. The farm features 10 acres of activities, including a large market, a bakery, and a café. It’s an ideal choice if you want to make a whole day of your trip, as there are plenty of things to keep kids entertained after you’re done in the fields.

• Full family destination with 10 acres of activities, market, bakery & cafe
• Located in 122 Ashworth Road, Uxbridge, Ontario 
• Higher overall cost but includes multiple activities beyond berry picking

Brantwood Farms

This farm near Brantford has been operated by the same family for over a century, and their extensive knowledge is evident in the quality of the strawberries. They grow multiple varieties, which helps to extend the picking season. The family’s deep experience in agriculture makes this a reliable choice for high-quality produce.

• Family-operated for over 100 years with extensive growing knowledge
• Located approximately 1 hour north of Toronto
• Multiple strawberry varieties grown to extend picking season

Barrie Hill Farms

A multi-generational family operation in the Bradford area, Barrie Hill Farms has decades of experience. The farm often charges a “promise to pick” fee for visitors, which is then deducted from the final cost of the berries you purchase. The drive takes you through scenic cottage country, making it a pleasant day trip from the city.

• $9 “promise to pick” fee (ages 6-96) deducted from final purchase
• Located in Bradford, approximately 1.5-2 hours from downtown Toronto
• Multi-generation family operation with decades of experience

Strawberry Creek Farms

Found in the Port Perry area, this farm is known for its well-maintained fields and helpful staff. After picking, you can take a short drive to enjoy the scenic lakefront in town. Please note that the farm is typically closed on Sundays, so be sure to plan your visit accordingly during the rest of the week.

• Hours: Mon-Fri 9 AM-6 PM, Saturday 9 AM-5 PM (closed Sundays)
• Located in Port Perry with scenic lakefront nearby
• Well-maintained fields with knowledgeable staff

Pingle’s Farm Market

Located in Hampton, Pingle’s is an established farm market with a strong reputation. Their strawberry season usually gets underway by mid-June. As a well-run operation, they offer a consistent and organized picking experience for families looking to get out of the city.

• Located at 1805 Taunton Rd, Hampton, ON 
• Season typically starts mid-June, earlier than some farms
• Established chain with consistent quality across locations

Forsythe Family Farms

Another long-standing, multi-generational farm, Forsythe has been serving the Durham Region for years. They are located in Uxbridge and grow several different strawberry varieties to ensure a longer and more fruitful picking season for visitors.

Linton’s Farm Market

Linton’s is a full-service destination in Oshawa where you can easily spend half a day. In addition to berry picking, they have a farm market, bakery, café, and their “Barnyard Playland” to keep children entertained long after the baskets are full.

• Multiple locations with full facilities: market, bakery, cafe, playground
• “Barnyard Playland” keeps kids entertained beyond berry picking
• Plan for half-day visit due to numerous activities available

Andrews Farm Market & Winery

A Milton institution since 1980, Andrews offers a comprehensive farm experience on its expansive 165 acres. Beyond strawberry picking, visitors can enjoy wagon rides through the fields, a market full of local goods, and a winery that provides tastings for adults.

• Located at 9365 10th Side Rd, Milton – 165 acres of pick-your-own crops
• Open daily May-October, weekdays 10 AM-5 PM, weekends 10 AM-6 PM
• Full agri-tourism experience: farm market, winery, wagon rides, playground

Springridge Farm

It is important to note that Springridge Farm in Milton no longer offers pick-your-own strawberries. However, the farm remains a very popular stop for its premium, fresh-picked berries sold at its market. It is especially well-known for its exceptional bakery and famous strawberry pies.

• No pick-your-own strawberries, but sells premium pre-picked berries
• Known for exceptional bakery with famous strawberry pies
• Focus on farm shop and baked goods rather than U-pick experience

Do you have a family-favourite farm we missed? Let us know in the comments!

More…

• https://www.blogto.com/eat_drink/2016/06/10_farms_for_strawberry_picking_near_toronto
• https://www.reddit.com/r/ontario/comments/1di7ua4/strawberry_picking_in_gta
• https://streetsoftoronto.com/toronto-culture/best-places-for-strawberry-picking-toronto
• https://www.overheretoronto.com/lavender-farms-near-toronto/