Okanagan areas of British Columbia Cherry U-Pick Orchards in !

Find a local pick your own farm here!

Cherry U-Pick Orchards in Okanagan areas of British Columbia in 2024, by county

Below are the U-Pick orchards and farms for cherries that we know of in this area.

Not all areas of a province or region have cherries 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.

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If you are having a hard time finding canning lids, I've used these, and they're a great price & ship in 2 days.

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Central Okanagan

Kempf Orchards - Uses integrated pest management practices, cherries, U-pick and already picked, concessions or refreshment stand, porta-potties are available, picnic area
1409 Teasdale Road, Kelowna, BC V1P 1C8. Phone: 250-765-1797. Email: herbandshelley@hotmail.ca. Open: Monday to Saturday from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm; Sunday from 8 am to 3 pm. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Cheque.
Kempf Orchards Facebook page. We use integrated pest management practicesWe offer apricots and peaches already picked as they are ready.
Lakeside Orchards - cherries, Other fruit or veg, U-pick and already picked, porta-potties are available, picnic area, weddings and wedding parties
4750 Lakeshore Road, Kelowna, BC V1W 4H6. Phone: 778-477-1786. Email: lakesideorchards@live.ca. Open: permanently closed. Directions: From Highway 97. Turn south on Pandosy Road, which becomes Lakeshore Road. Travel approximately 10 kilometers. Cherry stand is on the west $lake$ side of the road on the corner of Lakeshore and Crighton. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. . From July 12 to August 15, Monday to Sunday, from 10 am to 6 pmFrom Highway 97. Turn south on Pandosy Road, which becomes Lakeshore Road. Travel approximately 10 kilometers. Cherry stand is on the west (lake) side of the road on the corner of Lakeshore and Crighton Old fashioned fruit stand with beautiful orchards to walk through, take photos and pick lots and lots of delicious cherries - Lamberts, Vans, Sweethearts, Staccatos. We provide buckets and ladders. Accompany your cherry bounty with our own cherry cookbook, For Love of Okanagan Cherries. Enjoy cherry recipes from Cherry Tarts to Grilled Spareribs with Cherry Cola Glaze to Chocolate Dipped Cherries. We also sell Cherry Bark Woodchips for your smoker or fireplace UPDATE: July 22, 2013: A visitor tells me they are now , but the visitor provided only very vague information, so I have not removed this farmCall before you go!
Little Church Organics - CERTIFIED ORGANIC, cherries, concessions or refreshment stand, restrooms, school tours
3609 Gordon Drive, Kelowna, BC V1W4M8. Phone: (250) 862-3276. Email: info@littlechurchorganics.com. Open: Click here for current open hours, days and dates. Directions: Heading south on highway 97, turn LEFT onto Gordon Drive, following it past Lanfranco Road. It is located between Lanfranco Road and Casorso Road. Look for the produce sign with the little green church on top!. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard.
Little Church Organics Facebook page. Picking updates: Click here for picking updatesGreens and Lettuce: June to October Beets: June to October Carrots: June to October Cherries: Late July, early August to September Cucumber: June to September Garlic: Late July to September Herbs: June to October Onions (various): June to October Peppers: July to October Strawberries: July to September Swiss Chard: May to October Tomatoes: July to October. We are certified organic for all crops! is a six acre farm which was established in 2010. The farm is located in Kelowna BC on the rich fertile soils near the beautiful and historical Mission Creek, and has ties to Father Pandosy who is known as the founding father of Kelowna. In 2010 the commitment was made to grow all crops on the farm following sustainable, organic agricultural practices. As a result you will find tasty, healthy food that is grown in a manner which contributes to a healthy environment and community.
Mike and Lizzy's Cherry U-Pick - cherries,
4801 Lakeshore Place, Kelowna, BC V1W 4H6. Phone: 250-863-4431. Open: Sunday through Monday from 8 AM to 2 PM starting June 29, 2016. Directions: In Kelowna, turn south off Highway 97 onto Pandosy Street. Continue south on Pandosy as it becomes Lakeshore Road. Continue on Lakeshore Road to the intersection of Lakeshore and Chute Lake Roads. Turn right then immediately left into our parking lot. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. July 3,2015 to approximately July 30,2015We are a friendly family run farm with 6 varieties of lush, mature cherry trees and a beautiful view of Okanagan Lake. Children are welcome but no pets,please.We provide buckets,stools or ladders and bags for your fruit, with boxes available for purchase or bring your own containers. (UPDATED: June 06, 2016)

North Okanagan

Bright Angel Farm - cherries, raspberries (red), porta-potties are available, picnic area you may bring your own food, farm animals
6896 Herry Road, Vernon, BC V1B 3T4. Phone: 250-558-5552. Email: brightangelfarm@gmail.com. Open: Every day, when fruit is in season, from 8 am to noon, afternoons and evenings by appointment. Directions: North end of Vernon, off of Pleasant Valley Road. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. Raspberries starting June 30th; Cherries starting July 4th
Geier's Fruit and Berry Farm - Cherries, Strawberries, plums
3820 - 40th Street SE, Salmon Arm, BC . Phone: 250-832-2807. Email: rsgeier@telus.net. Open: mid-June through late September; typically, strawberries: Last week in June to mid-July; cherries: approximately July 15th to mid August; plums various types end of August to early October; Please call closer to harvest for exact picking times and starting dates; Call ahead for availability. Directions: Located just 4 km south of TransCda Hwy, near the Industrial Park. Click here for a map and directions. mid-June through late September; typically, strawberries: Last week in June to mid-July; cherries: approximately July 15th to mid August; plums (various types) end of August to early October; Please call closer to harvest for exact picking times and starting dates; Call ahead for availability. Tours are available by appointmentGeiers is . Pick your own ripe fruit and vegetables
Paynter's Fruit Market - apricots, cherries, pears, peaches, Honey from hives on the farm, prepicked produce, gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area
3687 Paynter Road, Westbank, BC V4T 1R1. Phone: 250-768-7313. Email: info@payntersfruitmarket.ca. Open: July and August - 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week Sept and October - 9am to 6pm 7 days a week. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard. Fax: 850-768-7313. Crops are usually available in July, August, September Paynter's is open late June - early November; Pick your own cherries start early July, Pick your own peaches mid August Also many in season veggies and local products along with 26 flavors of Hard Ice Cream
Peter's Orchard - cherries, apricots, peaches, U-pick and already picked, restrooms
6244 Rimer Road, Vernon, BC V1B 3T7. Phone: 250-306-9600. Email: petersid2003@yahoo.ca. Open: July 1st to August 30th, 7 days a week from 8am to 8pm; we will be open July 1st for pick your own cherries and later in August peaches and apricots. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Cheque. We grow mainly cherries of the export quality, with several varieties, Large in size and firm. We have parking for tour buses, friendly staff, and a beautiful clean and tidy orchard with that good kinda feeling

Okanagan-Similkameen

CC Orchards - blackberries, cherries, U-pick and already picked, porta-potties are available, picnic area, weddings and wedding parties
2119 Naramata Road, Naramata, BC V0H 1N0. Phone: 250 486-5113. Email: joseph@ccorchards.com. Open: Monday to Friday, from 8 am to 1 pm; Saturday and Sunday, from 7 am to 1 pm, July 1 to September 30. Directions: From Penticton, drive to Naramata along Naramata Road. As soon as you see the \Welcome to Naramata town sign. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only.
CC Orchards Facebook page. S
Dickinson Family Farm - cherries, and prepicked produce, restrooms, picnic area, school tours
17208 Bentley Road, Summerland, BC V0H 1Z3. Phone: 250-494-8732. Email: drdickinson@shaw.ca. Open: Daily from July 15th until October 31st from 8 am to 5 pm; Cherries: July 15th - August 10th. Directions: Map quest page on our web site. North end of Summerland. Coming from the south - turn right at Jones Flat road and left on Bentley. Coming from the north, Turn right on Bentley road. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. Fax: Crops are usually available in July, AugustFruit stand with all fruits in season. We grow cherries and pears and bring all our other fresh fruit in from a neighbouring orchard in Summerland. Make a day out of it and learn about harvesting healthy fruit while you stay in our RV Camping facility. Small campsite in middle of orchard. Provide pre-booked educational orchard tours. Have the world's tallest tripod orchard ladder - in Guinness book of records. Antique equipment on site
Hillside Orchards - apples, apricots, beans, beets, carrots, cherries, corn (sweet), eggplant, grapes, herbs or spices, melons, nectarines, onions, pears, peas, peaches, peppers, plums, pumpkins, raspberries (red), rhubarb, summer squash, winter squash, strawberries, tomatoes, other vegetables, walnuts,
310 Avenue (road 18) RR#1 S36 C4, Oliver, BC V0H 1T0. Phone: 250-485-7180. Email: HillsideOrchards@hotmail.ca. Open: 7 days a week from 8 am to 6 pm; closed on rainy days. Directions: Is located in the heart of the South Okanagan, between Oliver & Osoyoos B.C. On 310 Avenue With views of desert rolling hills & vineyards. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Cheque, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard. As each variety of fruits and vegetables come into season, every trip you make here will reward you with different delights; Every month we have something new for you to pick ! Cherries: June To July, Apricots: Early July, Nectarines :Mid July to September, Peaches: Mid July to September, Plums: Early August, Pears: Late August, Apples: Late August to October; All our ground crops such as Beans, Corn, Beets, Pickling Cukes, Tomatoes, Melons, Peppers and other vegetables are ready from July to our first frost in Octoberis a fourth generation family owned & operated farm consisting of 25 acres of fruits & vegetables , a unique farm market containing fresh picked produce , jams , syrups & honey's. Big or small, young or old..with a friend or with your family. has something truly special to offer you..Because the rich sunshine and our divine climate allow us to grow a variety of premium quality fruits & vegetables. We are so honoured and thrilled to be chosen as the best fruitstand in the 15th Annual (2020) Best of South Okanagan. We appreciate everyone's support and business throughout the years and hope to continue providing a unique farm experience with Happy Healthy Farm Produce to all of our customers.
Roscoe Orchards - No pesticides are used apples, apricots, cherries, nectarines, pears, peaches, plums,
603 Boundary Road, Kerenmeos, BC V0X1N0. Phone: (250) 499-5916. Email: dave.roscoe@yahoo.ca. Open: 10 am to 6 pm Daily from July 1 to October 1. Directions: Turn off Highway 3A at Boundary Road. North on Boundary Road , turn right before Orchard Drive. Watch for the signs,. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. We do not use pesticides on the crops. No Restrooms available. No pets please. No smoking allowed. . Family owned and operated. Family, groups, and tour groups welcome. (UPDATED: June 28, 2020) (UPDATED: July 09, 2019)
Steven's U-Pick Cherries - cherries, and prepicked produce
Hwy #97 Across Deadmans lake, Osoyoos, BC V0H1T0. Phone: 250-498-1013. Open: 7 Days a week, 8 am to 5 pm; We start picking our first cherries the May long weekend and continue picking till August. Directions: Hwy #97, Between Oliver & Osoyoos B.C across Deadmans Lake . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. We are the largest U-pick cherry Orchard in the Sunny Okanogan !! We Have Over 6 varieties of cherries that last from May till August. So come out and have some fun!

Cherry

Cherry Picking Tips, Recipes and Information

Cherry picking tips If you are about to pick cherries either directly from a tree, or from a local orchard or market, here's what you need to know to pick the best cherries.

Cherries are a fairly early crop, flowering soon after the last frosts in April and May, setting fruit in June, usually at the same time as strawberries in most areas (but check your area's harvest calendar and call the farm or orchard you are planning to go to a few weeks ahead).

Types of Cherries

There are two types of cherries: sweet cherries and sour cherries (also called tart or pie cherries). The difference is simple:

Sweet cherries taste sweeter and are eaten fresh.
Pie cherries are very tart and most people prefer to use them in pies, jams, preserves, jellies and butters, adding sugar to sweeten them.

See further down this page for a list of common cherry varieties and their uses. Washington State, California and Oregon are the primary sweet cherry growing states; they produce almost 90 percent the U.S.'s cherry crop. Michigan produces about 74 percent of tart cherry production. We have a master table of cherry varieties, sweet and sour (pie) in the order in which they ripen.

Cherry picking tips

Pick ripe: Cherries, like peaches, continue to increase in size until they are ripe. They should be picked when they are of maximum size and full-flavored.
But not under-ripe: Cherries picked before they are fully mature will not ripen off the tree.
And not over-ripe: when they become soft, mushy or discolored.
Pie or sweet: There are 2 main types of cherries: sweet cherries that taste sweet and tart when you eat them fresh, and sour (also called pie cherries) which are too tart for most people to want to eat fresh.
For all varieties of sweet cherries, the darker the cherry is the sweeter it will be. If you like more sour cherries the lighter red and less ripe, the more tart it will be.
Stem separation: Sweet cherries become firm when ripe (the stems usually stay attached when you pick a sweet cherry), and sour cherries part easily from the stem.
Leave the stems on sweet cherries: Cherries that are to be shipped will keep longer if the stems are left attached. They will store in the refrigerator for two to three days.
Appearance: Look for heavy, firm cherries with a shiny skin and fresh stem.
But for immediate use, they can be picked with or without the stems.

How to pick the cherries from the tree

Gently grasp the berry with your fingers and thumb, and
tug gently.
If it is ripe, it will easily come off in your hand, with the stem attached.
Repeat these operations using both hands until each holds 3 or 4 cherries.
Carefully place - don't throw - the fruit into your containers. Repeat the picking process with both hands.
Don't overfill your containers or try to pack the cherries down.

General Picking Tips

cherries

Whether you pick Cherries from your own trees, a market or at a Pick-Your-Own farm, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Part the leaves with your hands to look for hidden cherries ready for harvest.
Avoid placing the picked cherries in the sunshine any longer than necessary. It is better to put them in the shade of a tree or shed than in the car trunk or on the car seat.
Cool them as soon as possible after picking. Cherries may be kept fresh in the refrigerator for two or three days, depending upon the initial quality of the berry.

Before you leave to go to the farm:

Always call before you go to the farm - Cherries are affected by weather (especially rain and cooler temperatures) more than most crops. And when they are in season, a large turnout can pick a field clean before noon, so CALL first! Always call before you go to the farm - Cherries are affected by weather (especially rain and cooler temperatures) more than most crops. And when they are in season, a large turnout can pick a field clean before noon, so CALL first!
Get there early. On weekends, then fields may be picked clean by NOON!
Bring containers - Most growers furnish picking containers designed for Cherries, but they may charge you for them; be sure to call before you go to see if you need to bring containers.
If you use your own containers, remember that heaping Cherries more than 3 inches deep will smush the lower cherries. Plastic dishpans, metal oven pans with 3 inch tall sides and large pots make good containers. I like the Glad storage containers like the one at right.
Drinks and snacks - Bring something to drink and a few snacks; you'd be surprised how you can work up a thirst and appetite! And don't forget hats and sunscreen for the sun. Bugs usually aren't a problem, but some deet might be good to bring along if it has been rainy.

When you get home

DON'T wash the cherries until you are ready to use them. Washing makes them more prone to spoiling.
Chill: Cherries are more perishable than blueberries or strawberries, so make a point of refrigerating them as immediately as possible after purchase. Temperatures between 34 F and 38 F are best, but, be careful not to freeze cherries! (Fresh cherries are highly prone to freeze damage).
Spread out: Pour them out into shallow pans and remove any mushed, soft or rotting cherries
Eat or freeze: Even under ideal conditions cherries will only keep for a few days in a refrigerator, so for best flavor and texture, consume or freeze them as soon as possible after purchase.
See my How to freeze berries page. (Unless you're going to make jam right away)
Now, get ready to make Cherry jam - It is VERY easy - especially with our free Cherry preserves instructions - illustrated and easy or cherry pie filling

Cherry Recipes, Canning, Jam, Jelly, and related resources

Cherry varieties

For a master table of cherry varieties in the order in which they ripen, click here.

Sweet cherries:

Bing cherries are deep red in color and sweet.
Blackgold - very late mid-season. Good for eating fresh. Self-fertile.
Brooks - a large, firm red cherry that tolerates hot climates. Sweet with both complex flavors and a sweet tart blackberry-like taste.
Chelan - deep, mahogany red, heart-shaped, medium sized, sweet fruits, like Bing. Sweet, between 16 and 18 % sugar.
Coral Champagne - very large, red, super sweet fruit that is often preferred to Bing. Firm, but juicy flesh with a coral pink color center.
Emperor Francis are White or Blush Sweet Cherries, Early season, perfect for canning, making jellies and jams, or making homemade maraschinos.
Hartland, an early season dark cherry. A Windsor cross, it was developed in New York
Hedelfingen is a later season sweet cherry. It has large, black fruit.
Kristin cherries are a a mid-season cherry developed in New York.
Lambert Cherry is a large, black, late harvest cherry of very good quality, compared to Bing.
Lapins Cherry is a self-fruitful, large, dark red sweet cherry from Canada with firm, good flavor. Ripens a few days after Bing and needs only 400 chilling hours or less to produce fruit.
Orondo Ruby - A ruby red color with some gold coloring, this is a sweeter, brighter variant of the Rainier cherry. Marcus Griggs of G&C farms found this in his Rainier cherry orchard. They have a brighter red color to them and a sweeter and a bit more acidic.
Rainier cherries are golden yellow with a pink or red blush. Rainier cherries are large and sweet.
Royalton cherries are large, dark cherry mid-season cherries
Sam - early ripening, large, black sweet cherry. Ripens 11 days after Vista.
Skeena cherries are a late ripening variety. They are dark red, firm and juicy.
Somerset cherries are medium sized, later season cherries that are dark and firm.
Sonata - Very large, black, and moderately sweet fruit. Self-fertile.
Staccato cherries are a deep purple-red and also a late season variety. Staccato cherries are large and one of the sweetest varieties.
Stella are a large, sweet, dark-red fruit that ripens in mid-season
Sweetheart cherries are a large, bright red late-season variety, medium sweetness
Sunburst - large, firm fruit. Old productive variety. Self-fertile.
Symphony - bright red, medium-sweet very large fruit. Late season. Self-fertile.
Tehranivee - mid-season cherry developed in Ontario, Canada. Cracking can be a problem. Self-fertile.
Ulster - medium-sized, firm, dark cherry, Ripens about 2 days after Vista.
Vandalay - Large, red fruit with an unusual kidney shape. From Canada. Self-fertile.
Viscount - medium-large, firm, good, dark red cherries. Late season ripening.
Vista - the cherries are very dark, almost black. Large excellent-quality fruit. Mid season, ripens around the last week in June.
Viva - dark red, 3/4 inch fruit from Canada. Ripens around July 4.
White Gold are a blush cherry of moderate to large size.

Pie, Sour or Tart Cherries (all different names for the same thing!)

Balaton Ujfeherto Furtos is a Hungarian sour cherry with firm fruit that is suited to picking by hand and eating fresh. Red skin and flesh. Ripens about 7 to 10 days after Montmorency
Danube Erdi Botermo has dark red fruit with a unique sweet-tart flavor. Delicious eaten fresh or in baked goods. Ripens about 1 week before Montmorency.
Dark-juice-tarts has juice that is red rather than clear in color.
Jubileum - new, from Hungary. Very large with a dark red flesh. Sweet for a tart cherry, not quite as tart as Montmorency.
Meteor - Medium-sized fruit with an odd shaped pit. Ripen s3 to 7 days after Northstar.
Montmorency, the most commonly grown, traditional cherry for pies, baking and canning. Ripens around the last week of June to the first week of July.
Morello Sour Cherry is a late-ripening tart dark red to nearly black cherry used for cooking, and sometimes eaten fresh when fully ripe. Fruits in warm climates ( 500 hours or fewer chilling hours below 45 F) Self-fruitful. USDA
Northstar - Medium-sized, dark red fruit.
Surefire - A new late blooming variety from Cornell. Bright red, medium sized fruit.

Cherry Facts and Tips

Cherries come in many colors besides red: there are also dark red (almost black), yellow, blush (mixed) and gold cherries.
Cherries are a very healthy food; they are high Vitamin C and naturally have no fat, cholesterol or sodium. They are also a good source of ivitamin A, calcium, protein, and iron.
Cherries are an antioxidant-rich foods.
One cup of cherries is less than 90 calories and 3 grams of fiber.
One cup of cherries has 260 mg of potassium which plays a key role in muscle, heart, kidney, and nerve cell functions.
Cherries are high in fiber. Half to one pound of cherry fruit per day can provide twenty to thirty grams of fiber which is adequate for an adult daily nutrition requirement.
Do the math and be careful not to over-purchase as Cherries quickly mold when left at room temperature, and only last a couple of days in the refrigerator.
You can easily freeze cherries that you cannot use right away - just wash, cut the hulls off and pop them into a ziplock bag, removing as much air as possible. Those vacuum food sealers REALLY do a good job of this! The cherries will keep for many months frozen without air. See my How to freeze berries page
Anthocyanins in cherries are what give the fruit its red color and help protect the heart and surrounding tissues
Some research has found eating cherries to reduce pain and inflammation associated with arthritis and gout

2024 Okanagan areas of British Columbia Cherry U-Pick Farms and Orchards - PickYourOwn.org

Find a pick-your-own farm near you! Then learn to can and freeze! Since 2002! We update continuously; Beware the copycat websites!