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Blueberry U-Pick Orchards in London, Essex, Middlesex, Oxford, Elgin, Norfolk areas of Ontario in 2024, by county

Below are the U-Pick orchards and farms for blueberries that we know of in this area. Not all areas of any state, nor even every state, have blueberries orchards that are open to the public. If you know of any others, please tell us using the add a farm form!

Remember to always check with the farm's own website or Facebook page before you go - or call or email them if they don't have a website or Facebook page. Conditions at the farms and crops can change literally overnight, so if you want to avoid a wasted trip out there - check with the farm directly before you go! If I cannot reach them, I DON'T GO!

PLEASE report closed farms, broken links and incorrect info using the "Report Corrections" form below.

Elgin (Aylmer, Dutton, Port Stanley, St. Thomas)

  • Bittersweet Farm - strawberries, blueberries
    8732 Toll Gate Rd., Straffordville, ON N0J1Y0. Phone: 519-866-3048. Open: Mid-July to end of Aug. Directions: Located at 8732 Toll Gate Rd. Click here for a map and directions. . Monday to Friday from 8 am to 8 pm; Saturday 8 am to 6 pm. . Take Hwy. 19 south from Tillsonburg to Cty. Rd. 38 (Heritage Line) in Straffordville. Turn east and go 1.5 km to Toll Gate Rd. Turn south and go 1 km to farm on the left. We also have fresh picked baked goods, blueberries, jams/jellies, strawberries.
  • DeFauw's Blueberries - blueberries, U-pick and already picked
    53768 Vienna Line Road RR1, Port Burwell, ON N0J1T0. Phone: 519-874-4063. Open: Monday to Thursday from 8am to 6pm Friday 8am to 4:30pm; Closed Saturday and Sunday; the blueberry season is typically from mid July till mid September; Call a day ahead for ordering ready picked BERRIES!!. Directions: One mile south half mile of Calton on Richmond line road turn left on Viennna Line Road go east half a mile we are on the north side of the road big sign says DeFauw\'s Blueberries. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. 12580DeFauw's Blueberries. One mile south half mile of Calton on Richmond line road turn left on Viennna Line Road go east half a mile we are on the north side of the road big sign says. We also have fresh picked fruits. (UPDATED: August 06, 2018)
  • Empire Valley Farm Market - blueberries, strawberries, pumpkins
    27983 Talbot Line, Wallacetown, ON N0L 2M0. Phone: 519-762-3504. Open: May to October, Monday to Friday from 9 am to 6 pm; Saturday 9 am to 5 pm; Sunday from 12 pm to 5 pm. Click here for a map and directions. . 30 minutes west of London on Hwy #3, 27983 Talbot Line 3 km west of Wallacetown. We also have fresh picked asparagus, blueberries, corn, cucumber, flowers, peppers, preserves, pumpkins, strawberries, tomatoes.
  • Fergusons - blueberries, pumpkins, corn maze
    RR6, St Thomas, ON N5P 3T1. Phone: 519-631-6589. Open: see their page. Click here for a map and directions. . has a modest corn maze. During the scarecrow festival, there are many activities including make-your-own-scarecrow. We take the kids every year. They have a photo spot, decorations and a chipwagon sponsored by a local charity. There is also a stand for those who do not wish to pick that also includes a variety of baked goods. UPDATE for 2020, The owner tells says: I am letting you's know that I sold Ferguson Farms but the new buyer is going to continue the blueberry farm thanks for all your support The.
  • Powell's Patch Blueberries - blueberries
    Gilbert Rd, Simcoe, ON N3Y 4K2. Phone: 519-428-1563. Open: July and August daily from 9 am to 6 pm. Click here for a map and directions. . From Simcoe, take Hwy. 24 south 5 km to Radical Rd. Left on Radical to Gilbert Rd. Watch for signs.
  • Rush Creek Wines and Orchards - apples, blackberries, blueberries, currants (red and black), other berries, pears, peaches, raspberries (yellow), raspberries (Spring, yellow), raspberries (Autumn, yellow), raspberries (black), raspberries (Spring, black), raspberries (Autumn, black), rhubarb, strawberries, other vegetables, gift shop, concessions or refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, face painting
    48995 Jamestown Line, Aylmer, ON N5H 2R2. Phone: 519-773-5432. Email: winemaster@rushcreekwines.com. Open: 7 days a week: Monday to Friday, from 10am to 5pm; and Sundays from 12pm to 5pm. Directions: Exit off Highway 401 to Imperial Road South \(Hwy 73\). Go through the town of Aylmer and watch for Jamestown Line, turn right onto Jamestown Line and we are on the first farm on the left hand side. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard. . Fax: 519-773-5431. . Picking updates: Click here for picking updates. Exit off Highway 401 to Imperial Road South (Hwy 73). Go through the town of Aylmer and watch for Jamestown Line, turn right onto Jamestown Line and we are on the first farm on the left hand side. Corn Maze is open from August 1st through October 31st. Online ordering available from our website. We can ship our wines anywhere in Canada. Watch for our events!.

Middlesex (London area, Ailsa Craig, Dorchester, Glencoe, Melbourne, Strathroy, Thorndale)

  • Arrowwood Farm/Harvest Table - Pick your own Highbush blueberries,
    6460 Riverside Dr, Melbourne, ON . Phone: 519-289-2403. Open: during Berry Season, Monday to Friday 8 am to 4 pm, Saturday 8 am to 12 pm, Sunday - CLOSED; Berry Season runs from approximately mid July until mid August. Click here for a map and directions. . Also baked goods, Lunches. We offer PYO and ready picked berries. Our field is netted to protect the berries from the birds.In 2015, Blueberries - only $2.40 lb. Ready Picked: Call ahead to make sure we have enough freshly picked Blueberries - $4.00 lb. (Cash or Cheque only). We supply the containers. All berries are sold by weight in lbs. Children are welcome but must be supervised for safety reasons. Sorry but no pets are allowed. We provide clean washrooms
  • Bluegroves Farms - Certified Organic, blueberries, porta-potties, picnic area, picnic area you may bring your own food
    25503 Talbot Line, Eagle, ON N0L 2P0. Phone: (226) 972-2315. Email: thefarmers@bluegrovesfarms.com. Open: daily, from 8 am, pick your own closes at 630 pm, last entry is at 6 pm, July 1st to August 15. Directions: 4 minutes south of West Lorne 20-25 minutes west of Talbotville. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, PayPal, ApplePay, AndroidPay, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, AmEx. . Picking updates: Click here for picking updates. Organic Blueberries. We are certified organic for all crops! (UPDATED: February 03, 2022)
  • Heeman Strawberry Farm - Uses integrated pest management practices, strawberries, blueberries, cherries, corn, raspberries, U-pick and already picked, farm market, restrooms, school tours
    20422 Nissouri Road, Thames Centre, ON N0M2P0. Phone: 519-461-1416. Open: Monday to Friday, from 8 am to 8 pm; Saturday and Sunday, from 8 am to 5 pm, mid June to early July. Directions: From London, drive east on Dundas St, past Crumlin Side Rd, turn left on Nissouri Road Drive 2 km and find Heeman\'s on right hand side. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard. . Picking updates: Click here for picking updates. From London, drive east on Dundas St, past Crumlin Side Rd, turn left on Nissouri Road Drive 2 km and find Heeman's on right hand side. Strawberries: Late May to Late October, Raspberries from July to October, Cherries from late June to mid July, Blueberries from late July to mid August;. We use integrated pest management practices. Greenhouse, garden centre, sundae booth also available. Strawberries: Middle of May to October, Cherries: July, Raspberries: July to October, Blueberries, Middle of July to Middle of August, Sweet Corn: Middle of July to September.
  • Kustermans Berry Farm - blueberries, raspberries (Spring, red), gift shop, concessions or refreshment stand, restrooms, farm animals, school tours
    23188 Springwell Road, Mt. Brydges, ON N0L 1W0. Phone: (519) 264-9199. Email: kustermansfarm@berryblue.org. Open: hours, days and dates. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Cheque, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard. . Fax: (519) 264-9973. . :mid - July to late August ~ Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8:30am to 8 pm; Saturday, Sunday 8:30am to 6 pm; Closed Wednesdays. Click here for current open Kustermans' Blueberry Farm is strictly a U-Pick operation. Our goal is to provide you and your family with the opportunity to pick quality blueberries while enjoying a wonderful day at the farm.
    Comments from a visitor on July 28, 2008: "We went on July 26th, 2008 (it was our first time going there) and it was a totally awesome experience!! Signs were easily displayed on the roads to get there when we were close enough to the place. The kids loved the playground and watching the baby goat and llama. Everyone was very helpful and courteous and the other people in attendance were very friendly. There is shelter for those hot days for people who do not want to pick. The outdoor bathrooms were very clean as well. I would highly recommend this place to anyone reading this. Great job guys!!"
  • Olde Drive Blueberry Farm - blueberries,
    8348 Olde Drive, Mt. Brydges, ON N0L 1W0. Phone: 519-933-4648. Email: adarocha@oldedriveblueberryfarm.com. Open: Every day, from 8am to 7pm; From Mid July to Late August; Call before coming out. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. .

Norfolk (Bookton, Maybee's Corners, Norfolk, Spring Arbour, Waterford, Wilsonville)

  • Blueberry Hill Estates - blueberries, restrooms, gift shop, concessions or refreshment stand, picnic area, birthday parties, weddings and wedding parties, school tours
    1195 Front Rd, St Williams, ON N0E 1P0. Phone: 519-586-8712. Email: info@blueberryhillestatesca.com. Open: 7 days a week from 8 am to 6 pm. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard . . See their website for directions. Organic Blueberries, Farm Market with Fresh Produce, Baked Goods, Frozen Meats, Honey, Preservatives and much more, Eco Safari Tours, Fruit Winery, Bicycle Tours, and hosting the 2011 Canada Fruit and Veg Tech X-Change Show Sept 1 2 3, 2011. Their website says: "Our 35 year old chemical free 20 acre berry patch produces the sweetest berries that are hand selected sorted at maturity. Our patch overlooks the Long Point World Biosphere Reserve that has a micro climate unlike any other in Canada. This environment is ideal for naturally healthy berries that we sell fresh in season (July to October) and frozen throughout the year."

Oxford (Blanford-Blemheim, Ingersoll, Tilsonburg, Woodstock, Zorra)

  • Berrylicious Fruit Farm - blueberries, pumpkins, farmstand
    425533 Substation Road, Burgessville, ON N0J1C0. Phone: 519 424-3147. Open: Summer 8 a. Click here for a map and directions. tation Road, Burgessville, ON N0J1C0. m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Saturday. Other seasons: by appointment. From 401 and HWY 59 at Woodstock, Head south on Hwy 59 towards Norwich. Turn left on Substation Road. Travel 5 km. We are on the LHS of road. We also have fresh picked blueberries, Elderberries, pumpkins.
  • Southsands Farm - blueberries, raspberries
    846413 Township Road, Bright, ON N0J1B0. Phone: 519 463-5209. Open: 8 am to 7pm daily call for availability. Click here for a map and directions. ship Road, Bright, ON N0J1B0. From Bright -2 miles south of Bright on County road 22 then east on township road 9 first farm on left 846413 From Drumbo or 401 exit go west on Oxford rd 29 to cty rd 22 turn right (towards Bright) then to twp road 9 turn right .5 miles to first farm on the left. Follow signs. We also have fresh picked . (ADDED: June 10, 2014X)

 

Blueberry

Blueberry Picking Tips, Recipes and Information

Blueberries are one of the easiest fruit to prepare and serve. There's no peeling, pitting, coring or cutting. They have few natural pests, (other than birds), so pesticides are generally unnecessary! This year's crop is fantastic (see related news story), thanks both to the weather and to more farms planting more blueberry bushes due to increased consumer demand over the past few years as more studies proclaim the anti-oxidant and other health properties of blueberries.

Click here to find a local Blueberry Festival (usually held between April and July).

If you are looking for information about a similar berry, the saskatoon (also called the June berry or Serviceberry) see this page about saskatoons.

Picking tips:

Select plump, full blueberries with a light gray-blue color. A berry with any hint of red isn't fully ripened.

Ripening AFTER picking?

First, it is key to know that once picked, blueberries will NOT become any sweeter, nor will the flavor improve. The only change that occurs is the color. They will APPEAR to ripen, but it is only a color change, from white to green to rose to red to pale blue to fully blue. So, white and green colored blueberries will not "ripen" after they are picked; while blueberries that have already turned purple, red or blue-ish usually DO change color after they are picked (if they are kept at room temperature to "ripen").

As the blueberries ripen ON THE BUSH, the flavor goes from tastless to bitter to tasteless tart to tart blueberry flavor to sweet blueberry flavor.

Grocery stores sell blueberries that are tart, not sweet because they had them picked unripe by machine so they are very firm and can handled being bumped around in shipping. They may look good, but are not as tasty as those picked when actually ripe.

So, the key is, PICK ONLY RIPE BERRIES!

How to pick blueberries

Since blueberries hang on the bushes in bunches a but like grapes do, the easiest and fastest way to pick them is hold your bucket under them in one hand and with your other hand, cup a ripe bunch and gently rub them with your fingers. The ripe berries will drop into your bucket, while the unripe ones will remain attached to the bush.

When the bushes are at peak, I can easily pick 2 gallons per hour (if I'm not being distracted by the kids and the sun isn't too hot!). A newbie might do 1 gallon per hour.and at the beginning or end of the season it takes more time as the berries are not as plentiful nor concentrated in clusters.

Tips for storing blueberries after harvesting:

  • Once picked, don't place the berries, still warm from the sun, in a closed bag or container. Leave the container open so moisture doesn't form in the container.
  • Don't wash berries until just before using, to prevent berries from becoming mushy.
  • Chill berries soon after picking to increase shelf life. Store your fresh blueberries in the refrigerator as soon as you get them home, without washing them, in a covered bowl or storage container. If refrigerated, fresh-picked blueberries will keep 10 to 14 days.
  • Freeze berries in freezer containers without washing to keep the skins from toughening. Place berries one layer deep. Freeze, then pour the frozen berries into freezer containers. Because unwashed blueberries freeze individually, they can be easily poured from containers in desired amounts. Remember both frozen and fresh berries should be rinsed and drained just before serving. Just before using, wash the berries in cold water.

Blueberry Measurements and Conversions

Keep in mind that blueberries vary considerably in density and moisture content, so these ranges are approximates.

  • 1 gallon of blueberries weighs about 7.5 lbs or (4 liters of blueberries is about 3.5 kg)

  • 1 pint of fresh blueberries weights about 3/4 of a pound. (1 liter of blueberries is about 700 grams)

  • 1 pound of fresh blueberries is usually between about 2 and 3 cups of berries.

  • It takes about 4 cups (about of blueberries to make a blueberry pie (see this fantastic and easy blueberry pie recipe)

  • A normal batch of blueberry preserves, jam or jelly requires 5 pints of berries.

  • Blueberries do come in a variety of sizes from small (190-250 berries per cup) to extra large (<90 berries per cup).

Blueberry Recipes, Canning and Freezing Blueberries

Recipes

Canning, freezing and other blueberry recipes:

Baking tips

If you have trouble with blueberries settling to the bottom of muffins and blueberry breads, try one or more of these tips:

  • Coat them with flour before adding to the batter. Just gently shake the blueberries in a bag (plastic or paper) with 1/2 cup of flour, then dump them mix in a sieve to remove excess flour.
  • It may just be that your batter is too thin. try making the batter a little thicker!
  • Fill the muffin cups or baking pan up to 1/4 full with batter (which hasn't had blueberries added to it yet); then stir the blueberries into the remaining batter, and continue to fill the muffin cups or bread pan. The blueberries will start off higher in the mix!

Other Local Farm Products (Honey, Horses, Milk, Meat, Eggs, Etc.)
(NOT pick-your-own, unless they are also listed above)