Berry picking in Canada is an ideal way to spend a spring or summer day. Taking the kids to a farm and educating them on where food comes from is popular spring activity in Canada. There are many U-pick berry farms across Canada and many have branched out into playgrounds, wagon rides, and petting zoos to entertain the children. Canadian berry picking includes a wide variety of species and regional differences for you to enjoy.

History of Canadian Berry Picking

Berry picking in Canada began with the first inhabitants as a source of energy during the long, cold winters. Various berries would be gathered by women and children while the men were hunting in Canada. To prepare for winter, the natives would prepare "pemmican" to store for future sustenance. It was made from meat, fat, and berries and preserved for later use.

Saskatoon berry plants can survive in winter temperatures up to -60 C and have a lifespan of up to 50 years. The plants grew from western Ontario through to British Columbia. For obvious reasons they were a vital part of the early settlers food supply. In the east, wild blueberries were abundant and were used for sustenance as well as their healing properties. The natives believed the blueberry had magical powers and were a gift from the "Great Spirit".

Types of Canadian Berries

Blackberries
Gooseberries
Blueberries
Bilberries
Huckleberries
Buffaloberries
Chokecherries
Saskatoon Berries
Strawberries
Raspberries

U-Pick Berry Farms in Canada

Ontario U-Pick Berry Farms

Brooks Farms in Mount Albert, Ontario allows Canadian berry picking specializing in blackberries, gooseberries, raspberries, Saskatoon berries, and strawberries. Fresh honey, Canadian apple picking, and various vegetables are also available. A refreshment stand, picnic area, and farm animals will help keep the children occupied.
Forsythe Family Farms is your source for pick-your-own strawberries in Unionville, Ontario. Pony rides, horse-drawn wagons, petting zoo, and a playground will help provide the perfect family day trip.
Organics Family Farm is "certified organic" for raspberries and strawberries as well as apples. Pick your own or purchase ready picked berries grown the natural way. Located in Markham, Ontario.
Whittamore's Farm is located in Markham, Ontario and offers Canadian berry picking in addition to various other produce. Raspberries, strawberries, gooseberries and red or black currants are available to fill your basket. Book a birthday party or school trip to enjoy pony rides and farm animals.

Alberta and British Columbia U-Pick Berry Farms

Pipestone Berry Farm is located outside Millet, AB and offers saskatoon, honeyberry, red and black currents and raspberry picking in Canada.
The Berry Farm in Sherwood Park, AB provides pick your own berries including saskatoons, raspberries, and cherry picking in Canada.
Dfg Blueberries uses organic methods at their farm in Courtenay, BC.
North Arm Farm and Bakery provides organic blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries. They have 45 acres in Pemberton, BC used to grow a wide range of fruits and vegetables.

Manitoba and Saskatchewan U-Pick Berry Farms

Connery's Berry Farm in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba has pick your own berries including strawberries and Saskatoon berries.
G2S Pickin' Patch Inc. in Prince Albert, SK offers berry picking in Canada including saskatoons, cherries, raspberries, and strawberries.
Saskatoon Berry Farm is a 40 acre berry orchard along the South Saskatchewan River in Saskatoon. A gift shop featuring home-baked berry pies will highlight your visit.

Eastern Canada U-Pick Berry Farms

La Ferme Quinn in Notre-Dame de l'Ile-Perrot, QC provides u-pick berries including gooseberries, strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries. In the winter they offer cut-your-own Christmas trees as well as traditional Canadian sleigh rides.
Everett Family Orchard U-Pick berries are located in Fredericton, NB and offers pick your own berries such as blueberries and raspberries in addition to apples and cherries.
Les Petits fruits de Pre-d'en-Haut Inc has u-pick blueberries and raspberries grown in Memramcook, NB.
Barb's Berries in Onslow, NS specializes in pick your own strawberries.
Riverbreeze Farm Market in Truro, NS is an award-winning farm that offers pick your own strawberries. A petting zoo, picnic area, and wagon rides make this a great place to show children what "life on the farm" is all about.

U-pick berry farms are an ideal way to spend a sunny afternoon while loading up on your favourite berries and finding some you haven't tried before. It takes you back to a simpler time as you participate in the farming process. Canadian berry picking is a popular pastime across the country. U-pick berries just seem to taste better! Berry picking in Canada is an event passed down from generation to generation in many families along with recipes for jams, jellies, and pies. Start your own traditions and get there and pick your own berries.