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

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

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

Not all areas of a province or region have strawberries farms 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)
• Braund's U Pick - strawberries, U-pick and already picked
  211 Powerline Road, Brantford, ON N3T 5L8. Phone: 519 753-0802. Open: UPDATE for 2024: they may have closed, there is nothing on the internet now except those who copied my info; Monday to Saturday from 7am to 8pm, Sunday 7am to 2pm Weather permitting. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. UPDATE for 2024: they may have closed, there is nothing on the internet now (except those who copied my info); Monday to Saturday from 7am to 8pm, Sunday 7am to 2pm Weather permitting2ND strawberry farm east of Wayne Gretzky Pkwy. New fields this year
  Comments from a visitor on June 18, 2011: "We visited the Braund farm this morning, and everything went well. The type of berries we picked were really nice, and plentiful."
• Hamilton's U-Pick - Strawberries
  RR#7 193 County Road 18, Brantford, ON N3T 5L9. Phone: 519-759-2417. Click here for a map and directions. On the east side of BrantfoRoad2 miles south of Cainsville stoplight (Colbourne Street) on County Road 18. Or 2 miles north of Cockshutt Road at the corner of #6 school road and County Road 18. Watch for signs. Near Brantford.
• 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."
• Megens Family Farm - strawberries, pumpkins, pumpkin patch- already gathered from the field, prepicked produce, picnic area, farm animals
  2877 Road 119, St Marys, ON L8P 1Y8. Phone: 519 284 3199. Email: megens.sereda@quadro.net. Open: Seven days a week 8 am to 8 pm. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. Fax: 519 284 1250Pick your own strawberries - June and Julyon hwy 7, seven minutes south of StratfordJoin us for our annual Strawberry Festival - featuring a farmers' market on the farm, live music, locally produced meats on the barbecue, baked goods, farm animals and more.Please remember to call for a crop report before you come for a visit. Our Crop Report Line is 519-284-3199

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)
• Peart's Strawberry Farm - strawberries
  3545 River Road, Caledonia, ON N3W 2E6. Phone: 905-765-2027. Open: Monday to Saturday 7:30 am to 7:30 pm. Click here for a map and directions. Closed SundayTake Hwy. 54 to York. Cross bridge over Grand River, turn right on the first road and go 1 km to farm. We also have fresh picked pears, peas, . (ADDED: June 10, 2014X)
• 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)

• G and C Produce - strawberries, tomatoes, other vegetables,
  451 Book Road East, Ancaster, ON L9G3L1. Phone: . Email: mariaoliviat@yahoo.com. Open: Strawberries - Monday to Sunday - 830 am to 7 pm. Directions: Located between Highway 6 and Southcote Road. On the east side of Book Road. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only.
• 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."

 

Strawberry

Strawberry Picking Tips, Recipes and Information

In the U.S. strawberries typically peak during April in Florida and Texas, May in the deep South, and in early June in middle sections and later June in the far North and Canada. Keep in mind that crops are ready at various times of the month depending on which part of the state you are located. In order to produce good local strawberries, producers depend on ideal spring weather conditions. 

Before you leave to go to the farm:

1. Always call before you go to the farm - strawberries are affected by weather (both rain and cooler temperature) more than most crops. 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 strawberries, 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 strawberries 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 Strawberries

1. Grasp the stem just above the berry between the forefinger and the thumbnail and pull with a slight twisting motion.

2. With the stem broken about one-half inch from the berry, allow it to roll into the palm of your hand.

3. Repeat these operations using both hands until each holds 3 or 4 berries. 

4. Carefully place - don't throw - the fruit into your containers. Repeat the picking process with both hands.

5. Don't overfill your containers or try to pack the berries down.

General Picking Tips

Whether you pick strawberries from your garden or at a Pick-Your-Own farm, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

1. Be careful that your feet and knees do not damage plants or fruit in or along the edge of the row.
   
2. Pick only the berries that are fully red. Part the leaves with your hands to look for hidden berries ready for harvest.
   
3. To help the farmers, also remove from the plants berries showing rot, sunburn, insect injury or other defects and place them between the rows behind you. If they are left in the plants, the rot will quickly spread to other berries.
   
4. Berries to be used immediately may be picked any time, but if you plan to hold the fruit for a few days, try to pick in the early morning or on cool, cloudy days. Berries picked during the heat of the day become soft, are easily bruised and will not keep well.
   
5. Avoid placing the picked berries 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. Strawberries may be kept fresh in the refrigerator for two or three, depending upon the initial quality of the berry. After a few days in storage, however, the fruit loses its bright color and fresh flavor and tends to shrivel.
   
6. For interesting and fun strawberry facts and trivia from the California Strawberry Commission, click here!

When you get home

1. DON'T wash the berries until you are ready to use them.  Washing makes them more prone to spoiling.
2. Pour them out into shallow pans and remove any mushed, soft or rotting berries
3. Put a couple of days supply into the fridge, wash and cut the caps (green tops) off the others and freeze them up! (Unless you're going to make jam right away) See this page about how to freeze strawberries.
4. If you like the strawberries you picked, ask the farm what variety they planted, and not the weather conditions the week or two before. The flavor of a strawberry is affected by the variety, the weather and the degree of ripeness when picked.
5. Now, get ready to make strawberry jam. It is VERY easy - especially with our free strawberry jam instructions - they're illustrated and easy.

Strawberry Recipes, Canning and Freezing Strawberries

• How to freeze strawberries!
• Strawberry jam (with pectin) (uses less sugar or honey and less cooking)
• Strawberry jam (without pectin) (requires much more sugar and cooking)
• Strawberry (and other berry) jams without sugar
• Strawberry jelly
• Strawberry-rhubarb jam!
• Homemade strawberry ice cream (regular, low fat, nonfat, low sugar, vanilla and even gelato)
• Canning strawberries
• Make gourmet chocolate-covered strawberries
• How to make fruit juice -  strawberry and other berries
• Strawberry pie filling
• Strawberry pie
• Easy Rhubarb-Strawberry pie
• Fig-strawberry jam
• Fig-strawberry jam, made with Jello gelatin

Strawberry Facts, Measurements and Tips

• Picking the best strawberries: Select firm, fully red berries. Strawberries DO NOT continue ripen after they are picked! In the photo, only the berry on the far right is completely ripe.
• Strawberry festivals: Most areas that grow strawberries have a strawberry festival, at which you can taste all kinds of fresh strawberry foods, pies, jams, cakes - and most commonly, fresh strawberry shortcake.  To find out where and when there is one near you, see this page for a list of strawberry festivals, sorted by state!
• Strawberries measurements: government agriculture websites tell us that
  1 quart = 2 pints = 4 cups and is about the same as 1 liter and
  1 quart of fresh strawberries weighs 1 lbs to 1.25 lbs (or 450 to 600 g). Of course, the weight varies on variety and weather conditions. 
  1 quart is normally enough for 4 servings, although I'll admit my son can eat 1 pint by himself!
• How much to pick? In general, 1 quart of fresh, whole, just-picked strawberries = approximately 3.5 cups hulled, whole berries. In other words, removing the caps/hulls and the occasional mushy berry means you lose 1/4 cup to 1/2 (it depends how much fruit you remove with the hull) or about 7 to 12% of every quart you pick.
• One cup of strawberries contains only about 50 calories
• U-pick strawberries are much healthier than store-bought.  Consumer reports says store bought strawberries have so many pesticide and fungicide residues on they, that they don't recommend you eat them at all!
• U-pick strawberry farms typically sell berries by the pound. 1 lbs of fresh strawberries is about 2/3 of a quart.
• It takes about  10 to 15 minutes to pick a quart, if the berries are reasonably plentiful
• The strawberry plant adapts to wide variety of soil conditions, but does not tolerate drought well, and the berries quickly rot if the weather is rainy. For this reason, the plants are usually grown on raised beds through plastic mulch!
• Cultivation of strawberries began in Europe in the 1300's, but the berry only became very popular in the early 1900's in California.
• Do the math and be careful not to over-purchase as strawberries 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 grow your own strawberries?  Here's an article about how to: Strawberries are an Excellent Fruit for the Home Garden, HYG-1424-98!
• See this page for many more fun and interesting strawberry facts, nutritional information and trivia

Other weird strawberry facts

• Strawberries are the only fruit with seeds on the outside.
• Strawberries were originally called strewberries because the fruit was 'strewn' amongst the leaves of the plant.
• California is king of strawberry productions because: California produces 75 percent of the nation's strawberry crops; one billion pounds of strawberries each year.  If all the strawberries produced in California in one year were laid berry to berry, they would go around the world 15 times. Each acre of land in California in strawberry production produces an average of 21 tons of strawberries annually, with a total of 23,000 acres of strawberries planted in California each year.

More conversions

1 pint (2 cups)  of fresh whole strawberries

• = about 8 oz (1/2 lb) of strawberries
• = 2.25 cups of sliced strawberries
• = 1 cup pureed strawberries
• = 12-14 large strawberries

2 quarts of fresh strawberries are needed for a 9" pie

A 10 oz package of frozen berries is about the same as 1 cup of sliced fresh strawberries

References:

• University of Illinois Extension
• Driscolls
• Ohio State University Extension
• Strawberries-Average retail price per pound and per cup equivalent

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