There’s something delightfully nostalgic about strolling through a sun-drenched orchard, handpicking the juiciest fruit straight from the branch. Niagara’s fruit belt is legendary for a reason—this stretch of rich soil and temperate air between Lake Ontario and the Niagara Escarpment produces some of the best fruit in Canada. Whether you’re craving tart sour cherries, sun-ripened peaches, or crisp pears later in the season, this guide covers the top pick-your-own (PYO) farms from Jordan Station to Niagara-on-the-Lake, and a few gems beyond. Here’s where to roll up your sleeves and taste summer at its peak.
🍒 20 Valley Harvest
Location: 4235 15th St, Jordan Station, ON
Hours: 8am–7pm daily during harvest (including holidays)
Now Picking: Sour Cherries (Montmorency variety)
Contact: 905-562-5272 | 20valleyharvest@gmail.com
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If you’re after sour cherries in their prime, 20 Valley Harvest is the place to go. Their Montmorency sour cherries, known for their vibrant tang, are now ripe for picking. Pickers can choose between paler, lip-puckering tart fruit tucked inside the trees or sweeter, darker cherries on the outer branches. Sweet cherry season has wrapped, but you’ll still find pre-picked baskets at the on-site market. Rain or shine, this farm is open daily and especially welcoming during the August long weekend.
🍑 Dutchyn Farms
Location: 1425 Line 8 Rd, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON
Season Start: Peaches from July 19; Nectarines and Plums to follow
Contact: (905) 328-9939 | donna@dutchynfarms.ca
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Dutchyn Farms is a boutique-style orchard experience in scenic Niagara-on-the-Lake, where the focus is on flavour. Their tree-ripened peaches are the stars of the season—juicy, fragrant, and hard to find in retail. PYO fruit availability shifts weekly, so check ahead for your chance to pick nectarines, sweet plums, and seedless grapes. Booking your visit ensures a smooth, serene fruit-picking day.
🍒 Smith Two Century Farms
Location: 400 Main Street West, Grimsby, ON
Contact: info@smithtwocenturyfarms.com
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Smith Two Century Farms offers old-world charm and some of the region’s best escarpment-grown fruit. Cherry season has wrapped for 2025, and unfortunately, there will be no pick-your-own peaches this year due to orchard replanting. Still, this family-run farm is worth following for future harvests and top-tier cherries when in season.
🍐 Puddicombe Estate Farms
Location: 1468 #8 Highway, Winona, Hamilton, ON
PYO Hours:
- Mon–Fri: 8:30am–6pm
- Sat–Sun: 8:30am–4pm
Market Hours: - Mon–Fri: 9am–6pm; Sat–Sun: 9am–5pm
Contact: 905-643-1015
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Steeped in six generations of farming heritage, Puddicombe offers a vast selection. PYO sweet and sour cherries peak in July and August, with PYO pears beginning mid-to-late August. While many fruits like blueberries, raspberries, and peaches are available pre-picked, the on-site market is worth the visit alone for fresh finds and baked goods.
🍑 Cherry Avenue Farms
Location: 4303 Cherry Avenue, Vineland, ON
Contact: (905) 562-5481 | imremraf@aol.com
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This 225-year-old family farm is a summer tradition for many. While cherries are nearing their final week, early peaches and apricots are now available. Expect a staggered harvest into September, including freestone and babygold peaches, with pears and nectarines arriving mid-month. No reservations needed, but call ahead for crop updates. Admission includes a basket; pricing starts at $8 per person (age 4+).
🫐 Mathias Farms Niagara
Location: 1909 Effingham Street, Ridgeville, ON
Contact: 905-892-6166 | mathiasfarms@gmail.com
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Currently closed until mid-August, Mathias Farms will soon welcome back PYO raspberries and blackberries. This quiet farm tucked in rural Ridgeville also offers rarities like white cherries and pawpaws (available later in fall). Keep an eye on their social media for opening announcements—weather can affect conditions daily.
🍅 Bry-Anne Farms
Location: 471 Foss Rd, Fenwick, ON
Contact: (905) 892-8999
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A staple for strawberry lovers in June and July, Bry-Anne now transitions to raspberry and tomato season. Their mid-August Roma tomatoes are prized by canners and sauce makers. The farm is closed Sundays and recommends calling ahead or checking Facebook for updates on availability.
🍑 Parkway Orchards
Location: 15000 Niagara River Pkwy, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON
Hours: 10am–6:30pm daily
Contact: (905) 262-5097
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With sweeping views of the Niagara River Parkway, this picturesque farm is now open for peach and plum picking. Pricing starts at $4/lb, with bulk discounts for 10lbs+ and 40lbs+. Entry is $5 per person (age 4+). While cherries are finished for the season, early peaches and golden plums are plentiful. Opening hours may shift with crop conditions, so check their site or call ahead before your trip.
🍒 Sun Valley Farms
Location: 1186 Highway 8, Winona, ON
Hours: Daily, 9am–7pm
Contact: (289) 698-3856
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One of the most accessible farms for visitors from the GTA, Sun Valley Farms offers a charming cherry-picking experience with dwarf trees that are easy for kids and families to access. While the cherry season typically runs through early-to-mid July, it’s best to plan early as the season is short and sweet. Entrance includes a basket purchase, starting at $20 for two people.
🫐 Blueberry Knoll Berry Farm (Outer Region: Lowbanks)
Location: 1091 Hutchinson Road, Lowbanks, ON
Hours (Aug 4): 8am–2pm (PYO), 8am–3pm (market/bakery)
Contact: bbknoll@hotmail.com
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For those willing to wander further, this Lowbanks gem specializes in blueberries. Pick-your-own fields are open and thriving, with pail pricing starting at $12. You’ll also find a quaint farm store and bakery with seasonal pies and preserves. Bring your reusable pail for a discount.
Niagara Fruit Picking Calendar 2025
| Fruit | Season Start | Season End | Pick-Your-Own Locations | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strawberries | Mid-June | Early July | Bry-Anne Farms (Fenwick) | PYO; check Facebook for daily updates. |
| Sweet Cherries | Late June | Mid-July | Cherry Avenue Farms, Sun Valley Farms, Puddicombe Estate, Smith Farms | Season ended at most farms. Dwarf trees at Sun Valley are kid-friendly. |
| Sour Cherries | Early July | Mid-August | 20 Valley Harvest, Puddicombe Estate, Mathias Farms (sold out) | Montmorency cherries available now at 20 Valley Harvest. |
| Apricots | Mid-July | Early August | Cherry Avenue Farms | Currently picking. Sweet but smaller this year due to weather. |
| Raspberries | Mid-July | Mid-August | Bry-Anne Farms, Mathias Farms (late-August round) | PYO and pre-picked available. Second harvest comes late August into early fall. |
| Black Raspberries | Mid-July | Late July | Mathias Farms | Sold out; usually only available for a short window. |
| Peaches | Mid-July | Early September | Dutchyn Farms, Parkway Orchards, Cherry Avenue Farms | Early freestones now available. Babygolds come later in August. |
| Plums | Late July | Late August | Parkway Orchards, Cherry Avenue Farms, Dutchyn Farms | Limited crop this year. Shiro and yellow plums available now. |
| Nectarines | August | Early September | Dutchyn Farms, Cherry Avenue Farms (limited) | Not always widely available. Check Dutchyn for updates. |
| Tomatoes | Mid-August | September | Bry-Anne Farms | Field and Roma types available for picking and bulk sale. |
| Pears | Late August | Late September | Puddicombe Estate (Bartlett, Bosc), Cherry Avenue Farms | PYO at Puddicombe starting mid-September. Cherry Avenue also offers pick-your-own. |
| Blueberries | Mid-July | Mid-August | Blueberry Knoll (Lowbanks; outer region) | PYO available with reusable pails. Fields open now; early morning best for picking. |
| Apples | Late September | Late October | Puddicombe Estate | Multiple varieties including Honeycrisp, Gala, and McIntosh. PYO fall staple. |
| Pumpkins | October | Late October | Puddicombe Estate | Great fall activity for families. Pick your own décor pumpkins and carving varieties. |
| Pawpaws | Late September | October | Mathias Farms (pre-picked only) | Rare tropical-like fruit native to Ontario; limited availability. |
Seasonal Fruit Picking Tips
- July: Cherry, raspberry, apricot, and early peach lovers—this is your moment.
- August: It’s peak peach season! Add in plums, nectarines, sour cherries, tomatoes, and the first pears.
- September: Fall fruit begins with apples and pears. Pumpkins arrive later in the month.
- October: Apple and pumpkin season dominate—perfect for autumn road trips and harvest festivals.
Final Tips for Fruit Pickers:
- Always call ahead or check social media: Crop conditions change fast due to weather.
- Bring sunscreen, hats, and closed-toe shoes: Orchards can be dusty and sunny.
- Rain gear, just in case: Many farms stay open even when it’s wet.
- Cash or debit: Some farms don’t accept credit cards.
- Respect farm rules: Follow signage, don’t climb trees, and keep pets leashed.
Whether you’re baking, canning, or just snacking straight from the basket, Niagara’s pick-your-own farms offer the purest tastes of the season—and a perfect excuse to slow down and savour summer before it slips away.