2024 Brant, Hamilton and Haldimand Area of Ontario Raspberry U-Pick Farms and Orchards - PickYourOwn.org

Raspberry U-Pick Orchards in Brant, Hamilton and Haldimand Area of Ontario in 2024, by county

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

Not all areas of a province or region have raspberries 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.

New! As inflation remains high, see this page for reliable (tested) brands of generic canning lids at lower costs, and cost-saving measures for getting fruit and vegetables and home canning.
 If you are having a hard time finding canning lids, I've used these, and they're a great price & ship in 2 days.

New! Road tripping and camping is a great way to have a fun, safe and inexpensive family trip. The national and state parks and monuments are open, and campgrounds usually cost between $10 and $40 per night. September to November is the best camping weather.  See our new website Road Tripping and Camping.com for tips, tricks, guides, checklists and info about parks, monuments and other places to visit.

New! We just went live with our latest website, FunFactoryTours.com - As they name implies, you can find a fun factory tour, including chocolate, automobiles, historical forts and sites, famous buildings, Active Federal facilities even fun geology: like fossils and volcanic areas

Brant (Brant, Brantford, Bruce, Burtch, Cathcart, Hatchley, Paris)

• Brantwood Farm - apples, strawberries, raspberries, rhubarb, peas, beans, raspberries, tomatoes, pumpkins
  RR#6, Brantford, ON N3T 5L8. Phone: 519-759-4383. Email: brantwoodfarm@brant.net. Open: 9 am to 5 pm Monday to Sat; Sunday - 11 am to 5 pm. Click here for a map and directions. Fax: 519-749-0679 Take 403 to Brantford, exit north on the Wayne Gretzky Pkwy to Powerline Rd. Turn right to the 2nd farm on left. Also prepicked apples. Typical Upick dates: Rhubarb in May-June; Strawberries in June-July; Peas in June-July; Beans in July-September; Raspberries in July; Tomatoes (Field) in August; Apples in September-October. (UPDATED: May 21, 2024 JBS)
• Lindleys Farm and Market - Currants, strawberries, raspberries, pumpkins, peas.
  900 Fiddler\'s Green Road, Ancaster, ON L9G 3L1. Phone: 905-648-4212. Directions: Located between Hamilton and Brantford, Ontario. Click here for a map and directions. lindleysfarmandmarket@gmail.com . Lindley's Farm & Market is conveniently . From Hamilton, exit Hwy 403 on Fiddler's Green Road. Turn south on Fiddler's Green Road and continue 2km to our farm on the right. From Brantford, exit Hwy 403 on Hwy 52, turn south and continue to Hwy 2, turn east and follow until Hwy 53. Proceed on Hwy 53 until Fiddler's Green Road, turn south, and follow for 2km to our farm on the right. Watch for the blue Ontario signs on Hwy 403A visitor writes on July 25, 2022: "We went picking twice this year. They were friendly when we picked strawberries during the week, but overcharged me for a full basket when my basket was missing a pint. The second time we went, it was the weekend. The lady who was managing the raspberry picking was yelling at everyone about parking, but the strawberry people had told us to park by her. The strawberry staff were rude to everyone that day. The raspberry lady was rude to everyone too. She overcharged me that day. Instead of $5 for half of a $10 basket, she charged me $7. They were all very temperamental with people, maybe because it was the weekend. In summary, they overcharged and weren't welcoming."

Haldimand (Simcoe, Waterford)

• Blueberry Knoll Berry Farm - blueberries, raspberries (red), strawberries,
  1091 Hutchinson Rd, Lowbanks, ON N0A 1K0. Phone: 905-774-7732. Email: bbknoll@hotmail.com. Open: Monday to Thursday 8 am to 8, Friday, Saturday 8 am to 6, closed Sunday in season mid June - August 31st most years. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Cheque. Fax: 905-774-7850 Monday to Thursday 8 am to 8, Friday, Saturday 8 am to 6, closed Sunday in season (mid June - August 31st most years)
• Richardson's Farm and Market - Strawberries, Raspberries, Corn Maze, hayrides,
  131 River Road, Dunnville, ON N1A 2W3. Phone: 905-774-7507. Email: info@richardsonsfarm.com. Open: Monday-Thursday from 10 am to 6 pm; Friday and Saturday 10 am to 9 pm; Closed Sundays. Directions: Reg. Road 20 to Dunn-Haldimand town line, North to River Road. Turn right 1km on right. Near Niagara. Also: Sweet Corn, melons, tomatoes & Maple Syrup tours. . Click here for a map and directions.
  Richardson's Farm and Market Facebook page. Fax: 905-774-9346
• Wholesome Pickins - apples, asparagus, beans, blueberries, cherries, corn, peaches, pumpkins, raspberries, strawberries, farmstand
  500 Church St., Delhi, ON N4B1V3. Phone: :519 582-1114. Email: info@wholesomepickins.ca. Open: 10 am to 6 pm, 7 days a week from late May to October 31. Click here for a map and directions. From 403 take Hwy #24 South. Turn right on Vanessa Road #4 - follow signs - end at farm! From Hwy #3 - take Fertilizer Road - follow signs. We also have fresh picked apples, asparagus, beans, blueberries, cherries, corn, peaches, peppers, pumpkins, raspberries, strawberries. (ADDED: June 10, 2014X)

Hamilton (Alberton, Glanbrook, Hamilton, Hayesland, Kirkwall, Lynden,Sheffield, Renforth, Rockton)

• Jerry's Berries Raspberry Farm - raspberries, U-pick and already picked, and frozen
  21 Orkney Rd, Hamilton, ON L0R 1T0. Phone: 519-647-2815. Email: jerrybargeman@gmail.com. Click here for a map and directions.
  Jerry's Berries Raspberry Farm Facebook page. . from Saturday July 13; Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm; Saturday from 8am to 4pm' Closed on Sundays. Come and enjoy our beautiful raspberry patch. Our harvest is plentiful: you can pick your own or purchase our fresh pre-picked or frozen raspberries. We offer 3 acres of luscious red raspberries to enhance your picking experience. During the raspberry season: you can pick your own or purchase our fresh pre-picked raspberries. Out of Season: We offer frozen raspberries at our farm stand 2753 Governors Road.(ADDED: July 20, 2019, JBS)
• Josmar Acres Farm Market & Garden Centres - Strawberries, Raspberries
  568 Lynden Road, Lynden, ON L0R 1T0. Phone: (519) 647-2025. Email: delieck@execulink.ca. Directions: one half mile south of Lynden. 15 minutes west of Hamilton & 10 minutes east of Brantford. . Click here for a map and directions. Fax: 519-647-3579. Click here for a map. Also: Sweet Corn, Pumpkins, Apples, Pears, Plums. The Great Pumpkin Patch. We also have the following as non-pyo items (when in season): pears, plums, sweet corn, tomatoes, peppers, pumpkins, gourds, Christmas trees/wreaths etc. Year round we carry apples, potatoes, maple syrup, bird seed, giftware, perennials, annuals and garden December.
• Lindleys Farm and Market - Currants, strawberries, raspberries, pumpkins, peas, Corn Maze, Fall school tours, Fall Festival
  900 Fiddler\'s Green Road, Ancaster, ON L9G 3L1. Phone: 905-648-4212. Directions: Located between Hamilton and Brantford, Ontario. Click here for a map and directions. lindleysfarmandmarket@gmail.com. Lindley's Farm & Market is conveniently . From Hamilton, exit Hwy 403 on Fiddler's Green Road. Turn south on Fiddler's Green Road and continue 2km to our farm on the right. From Brantford, exit Hwy 403 on Hwy 52, turn south and continue to Hwy 2, turn east and follow until Hwy 53. Proceed on Hwy 53 until Fiddler's Green Road, turn south, and follow for 2km to our farm on the right. Watch for the blue Ontario signs on Hwy 403. Pick-Your -Own CropsJune: Strawberries, Green Peas, Beets. July: Red Raspberries, Black Raspberries, Red & Black Currants, Gooseberries. October: Pumpkin Hayrides every weekend in October! Over 50,000 pumpkins to chose from in our fieldsA visitor writes on July 13, 2013: (positive experience) "I have been going to Lindley's for many years now. I have been there at least 6 or 7 times this year. The berries are fabulous. Rita and Stella are always so friendly and helpful. All the staff, including their students are amazing. It is a wonderful experience and it is shame for anyone who has had a bad experience. My daughter did get yelled at another farm when she was 5. She is now done high school and she still remembers that lady yelling at her. We are all humans. We have our good days and perhaps some not so good. Go to Lindley's. It will be well worth your time and effort."
  Comments from a visitor on September 07, 2011: (positive experience) "I have been picking berries at Linley's Farm for 5 or 6 years, and have always had a wonderful experience. I have never heard any shouting or rudeness; on the contrary the farm staff are good-humoured and very accomodating. I have seen many young children with parents and family groups who are enjoying the experience of "picking your own." I think parents need to be aware that this is a farm, someone's livelihood, and not an amusement park for kids. I always follow the directions of staff because I understand that these directions are part of good farm management - they know what they are doing. It's a give and take experinece - they get their fields picked in an organized manner, and I get tasty organic berries at a fair price. The taste and the fact that this farm doesn't use insecticides and fungicides is why I keep coming back. So don't listen to the complainers, this is a great farm."Has anyone else had experiences here, positive or negative, can either confirm or refute this one? If so, please write!
• Murphy's Country Produce Ltd. - strawberries, peas, raspberries, tomatoes, peppers, fava beans, romano beans, sweet corn, squash, and pumpkins.
  2040 Guyatt Road, Binbrook, ON L0R 1C0. Phone: 905-692-5733. Email: murphys@mountaincable.net. Open: during STRAWBERRY AND RASPBERRY SEASON: Monday to Friday 8 am to 8 pm, Saturday and Sunday 8 am to 5 pm. Directions: R.R. # 1,, Binbrook area - Take hwy #56 to Guyatt Road Turn east, continue for about 2km on the north west corner. Near Hamilton. . Click here for a map and directions. . But before you grab your hat and sunscreen we always recommend you call us to get up to date crop reports at Click here for a map.
  Comments from a visitor on July 02, 2011: "Took the whole family (three kids 6 and younger) out for PYO strawberries, it was a good experience. Found the rows to be a little tight together but the staff were great, never made a deal about the kids. We've been to other PYO strawberry farms and they have always spoken sternly about the kids. We know how to keep out kids in line, thank you. Anyway, the strawberry crop was quite nice. We also picked some sugar snap peas, great price on both. Will be back there each year for more."
  Comments from a visitor on July 21, 2009: "We picked raspberries at Murphy's today and it was an altogether nice experience. The young woman in the field was friendly and helpful; the berries were great; we were charged a competitive price; their pride in their farm is evident as everything is beautifully kept. We will definitely be back for more berries (and corn!) after we have eaten our way through today's yummy harvest. My husband & I are always impressed with how these hard-working farmers accept the losses they experience with people who come in their fields and pick only the very best & easiest to reach fruit, leaving many to rot on the plants. Customers should try to stand in the farmer's shoes for just a moment. Shame on those who are so wasteful.
  Comments from a visitor on July 05, 2009: "Today we were at one of the many farms we visit every year. We were there to pick strawberries. Since it was near the end of season the girl in the field told us to go where ever we could fine ripe nice berries. She then came over 15 minutes before the field closed to tell us that if our baskets were not full, we would not be charged full price. We realized it would take us longer to fill our basket (wanting to let the workers go home on time after a long hot day) and we had 3/4 of a basket so we decided to go. Once we left the field to pay for our basket the girl at the gate told us we would have to pay full price. When I challenged this she said it was "pretty full" so we would have to pay the full amount. "Pretty full" and full are two different things.. She continued to be rude and we will never return to this farm again. We all work hard for our money and I love to support our local farms, but this farm cannot encourage me to leave with a 3/4 full basket and then ask me to pay in full. I will support someone else for my strawberries next year, and look to pick raspberries elsewhere this season."

 

Raspberry

Raspberry Picking Tips, Recipes and Information

Raspberries can produce an early summer crop or  a late summer and Fall crop. In the U.S. Spring / Summer raspberries (called florocanes) typically peak during June in the South, and in July in the North. The primocane varieties, which produce raspberries on shoots that come up each Spring are typically read from August until frost.

In addition to the variety a farm plants, the berries are ready at various times depending the local climate, such as which part of the state you are located. See this page for a list of raspberry festivals around the U.S.

And for those of you from the upper midwest through the west and up to Canada, if you are interested in Thimbleberries, see this page.

Before you leave to go to the farm:

1. Always call before you go to the farm - And when they are in season, a large turnout can pick a field clean before noon, so CALL first!
2. Leave early.  On weekends, then fields may be picked clean by NOON!  
3. Most growers furnish picking containers designed for raspberries, 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 raspberries more than 5 inches deep will bruise the lower berries. 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.
4. 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.

Tips on how to pick raspberries

1. Raspberry bushes don't have thorns, but they are a pick prickly, so if you want to hold the stem while picking, a pair of lightweight gloves is helpful.

   Raspberries Nutritional Data
   (fresh)

   Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz)
   Energy	220 kJ (53 kcal)
   Carbohydrates	11.94 g
   Sugars	4.42 g
   Dietary fiber	6.5 g
   Fat	0.65 g
   Protein	1.2 g
   Vitamins
   Thiamine	(3%) 0.032 mg
   Riboflavin2	(3%) 0.038 mg
   Niacin3	(4%) 0.598 mg
   Pantothenic acid5	(7%) 0.329 mg
   Vitamin B6	(4%) 0.055 mg
   Folate9	(5%) 21 μg
   Choline	(3%) 12.3 mg
   Vitamin C	(32%) 26.2 mg
   Vitamin E	(6%) 0.87 mg
   Vitamin K	(7%) 7.8 μg
   Minerals
   Calcium	(3%) 25 mg
   Iron	(5%) 0.69 mg
   Magnesium	(6%) 22 mg
   Manganese	(32%) 0.67 mg
   Phosphorus	(4%) 29 mg
   Potassium	(3%) 151 mg
   Zinc	(4%) 0.42 mg
   Other constituents
   Water	85.8 g
   Units μg = micrograms • mg = milligrams IU = International units
   Percentages are roughly approximated using US recommendations for adults. Source:

   
   
2. A ripe raspberry is deep color with a plump, soft but firm feel. It will pull free from the plant with only a slight tug. The center will remain on the plant. Keep in mind, raspberries come in many colors: red, yellow, black, purple, so you want to pick the darker shade of whichever it is.
3. Pick only the berries that are fully ripe. Reach in between the stems to grab for hidden berries ready for harvest. Bend down and look up into the plant and you will find loads of berries that other people missed!
4. I find it helps to hold the stem with one hand, while picking with the other.
5. Repeat these operations using both hands until each holds 3 or 4 berries. Repeat the picking process with both hands.
6. Don't overfill your containers or try to pack the berries down. Ideally, the collection containers should be wide so the pberries aren't more than a few deep.
7. Pick berries into a shallow container. If they get piled too deep they will crush each other.
8. Avoid placing the picked berries in the sunlight 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.

When you get home

1. DON'T wash the berries until you are ready to use them or freeze them.  Washing makes them more prone to spoiling.
2. DO refrigerate! Right after picking, place raspberries in the fridge. If your fridge tends to dry out produce, lightly cover the container.
3. Raspberries don't store for very long, usually just a few days. The reason the ones from the grocery store last longer is they are covered with fungicides!
4. Pour them out into shallow pans and remove any mushed, soft or rotting berries
5. Put a couple of days supply into the fridge, wash  off the others, drain them and freeze them up! (Unless you're going to make jam right away) raspberries are less perishable than blueberries or strawberries, but refrigerate them as soon as possible after picking. Temperatures between 34 F and 38 F are best, but, be careful not to freeze the raspberries (while they are in the fridge)!
6. Even under ideal conditions raspberries will only keep for a week in a refrigerator, so for best flavor and texture, use them as soon as possible after purchase
7. See this page for illustrated freezing instructions.

Raspberry Recipes

1. Now, get ready to make raspberry jam - It is VERY easy - especially with our free
   raspberry jam directions - very easy! or for a jam with a little kick, try raspberry chipotle jam
2. And if you want to freeze them to use later, see my How to freeze berries page.
3. You can also make your own raspberry vinaigrette,
4. See this page for an easy recipe to make raspberry chipotle sauce

 

Raspberry Facts

• Raspberries are a very healthy food; packed with anthocyanins!
• Raspberries contain more vitamin C than oranges, are super high in fibre, lhave a good amount of folic acid, are high in potassium, vitamin A and calcium.
• The USDA says 1 cup of raspberries has about 62 calories.
• 11 cup of raspberries, not packed down weighs about 140 grams.
• An average raspberry has 100 to 120 seeds.
• Select plump, firm, fully raspberries. Unripe berries will not ripen once picked.
• Raspberries belong to a large group of fruits known as brambles, such as blackberries, in the plant genus Rubus.
• Raspberries come in red, yellow, orange, purple and black colors.
• Yellow raspberries are red raspberries that don't make red pigment.)
• In most areas, raspberries begin to bloom in late May or early June.
• Bumblebees, honeybees, and other wild bees love to visit brambles.
• 60-70 pints of fruits can be harvested from 100 feet row.
  Raspberries can be harvested from early summer through fall, usually right up until a freeze
• The United States is the world's third-largest producer of raspberries (FAOSTAT, 2013).
• Production occurs across much of the country, although most of it is concentrated in California, Oregon and Washington. California leads the nation in both black and red raspberry production (NASS, 2015).
• According to the most recent Census of Agriculture, the United States has 8,052 raspberry farms totaling 23,104 acres (Census of Ag, USDA, 2012).
• U-pick raspberry farms typically sell berries by the pound. A quart equals 1 and 1/4 pounds of fresh berries.
• Do the math and be careful not to over-purchase as raspberries quickly mold when left at room temperature, and only last a couple of days in the refrigerator.
• You can easily freeze berries 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 berries will keep for many months frozen without air.
• Want to go to a raspberry festival? See this page for a list!

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

• Farm markets and roadside stands
• Local Honey Finder
• Local Meat, Milk and Eggs
• Venues: Farms, Wineries, Orchards for your event, wedding or party
• Easter egg hunts
• Children"s consignment sales
• Fruit and vegetable festivals
• Winery tours and wine tastings
• Horse rides, stables, lessons, trails
• Maple Syrup farms and sugarworks
• Bed & Breakfasts on Farms, Wineries, Ranches and Orchards
• Pumpkin patches
• Corn mazes
• Zombie Paintball venues
• Christmas Tree Farms & lots
• Environmental resources
• Consumer fraud information
• Wholesale food sources
• Resources for Farmers