There is nothing quite like heading out to a local farm for berry picking in Ottawa. It is the perfect summer activity, searching for the ripest, juiciest berries under the sun and using your fresh harvest in summer salads, homemade baking, or eating them straight from the basket!
When is berry season in Ottawa?
Because each growing season varies with local weather, always double-check crop conditions on the farm’s social media or website before heading out. Generally, strawberry season in Ottawa begins mid-June, while raspberry and blueberry picking peaks throughout July.
Where to go Berry Picking in Ottawa
Shouldice Berry Farm and Market
Go berry picking in Ottawa at Shouldice Berry Farm and Market. You can pick strawberries or raspberries at any of their main farm locations. Don’t forget to stop by their farm shops to take home local treats.
- What they offer: Pick-your-own (PYO) strawberries and raspberries, roadside produce kiosks, and a farm market stocked with homemade jams, relishes, salsas, and fresh pies.
- Locations: They now have 4 farm locations across the region:
- Bells Corners: 3451 Richmond Road
- Barrhaven: 2901 Woodroffe Avenue
- Nepean: 2110 Merivale Road
- Richmond Village: 6494 Franktown Road
- Hours: Daily 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM (Richmond Village field runs 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM)
Rochon Gardens
Distance: 20 minutes from downtown Ottawa
Visit Rochon Gardens for high-quality seasonal picking. While they have a massive presence at local farmers’ markets, their primary Pick-Your-Own (PYO) fields are located at their home farm in Edwards.
- What they offer: PYO strawberries, pre-picked produce boxes via their online store, and local market stands featuring fresh vegetables and herbs.
- Location: 1015 York’s Corners Rd, Edwards, ON
- Market Pickup Locations: Parkdale Market (Thursday to Sunday), Byward Market (Thursday to Sunday), and Lansdowne Farmers’ Market (Sunday).
Proulx Farm
Distance: 22 minutes from downtown Ottawa
Proulx Farm is a local staple for family-friendly events, maple syrup, and summer crops. Their strawberry picking season is currently underway, followed closely by raspberries and blueberries in July.
- What they offer: PYO strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries, an on-site farm store, maple syrup products, giant outdoor play parks, and weekly or bi-weekly farm produce subscription boxes.
- Hours: Monday to Thursday 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM; Friday to Sunday and Holidays 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Note: They highly recommend calling ahead or checking Facebook on the morning of your visit to confirm picking conditions.
Rideau Pines Farm
Distance: 32 minutes from downtown Ottawa
If you love variety, head to Rideau Pines Farm. They cultivate more than 9 unique varieties of strawberries and raspberries, allowing for subtly different flavor profiles. You can pick by the quart, 2-liter, or 4-liter basket. Don’t miss their popular “Slurpee Sundays” from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, featuring fresh-baked treats and food items curated by local Ottawa favorite Arlington 5.
- What they offer: PYO strawberries, raspberries, and specialty crops (such as sea buckthorn and currants), a farm shop, and hosted community food pop-ups.
- Hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday and Wednesday: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Thursday and Friday: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Millers Farm and Market
Distance: 38 minutes from downtown Ottawa
This is one of my favourite farms in Ottawa! Enjoy a day of berry picking just 5 km south of the historic village of Manotick at Millers Farm and Market. Family-owned and operated since 1981, you can pick traditional favorites alongside rarer local treats. Explore their massive garden center before you head home.
- What they offer: PYO strawberries, raspberries, red or black currants, and gooseberries, plus a full garden center, nursery plants, local honey, and a pet-friendly picking environment.
- Hours: Daily 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (including summer holidays)
- Pet Friendly: Dogs are allowed to accompany you as long as they are on a leash and you clean up after them!
Avonmore Berry Farm
Distance: 46 minutes from downtown Ottawa
Avonmore Berry Farm makes berry picking an all-day family experience. Alongside their beautiful picking fields, they have plenty of amenities to keep the kids entertained while you shop.
- What they offer: PYO strawberries and raspberries, tractor-pulled wagon rides, a children’s play area, and a fully stocked pantry store loaded with scratch-made fruit pies, muffins, and biscuits.
- Hours: Daily 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Needham’s Market Garden
Distance: 49 minutes from downtown Ottawa
Head west to Needham’s Market Garden for great picking conditions and unique agricultural treats. In addition to seasonal berry picking, they operate a year-round country store.
- What they offer: PYO strawberries, a year-round country market, and regional estate fruit wines including sweet and dry strawberry wines, tart raspberry, and strawberry-rhubarb blends.
- Hours: Daily 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Foster Family Farm (North Gower)
Distance: 35 minutes from downtown Ottawa
A fantastic addition to your summer road trip, Foster Family Farm is a highly trusted local grower in North Gower. Their mid-summer strawberry fields are a massive draw for those looking for well-maintained crops.
- What they offer: PYO strawberries, a seasonal farm stand, and a wide array of fresh local summer produce (highly famous for their sweet corn later in the season).
Orléans Fruit Farm (Orléans)
Distance: 20 minutes from downtown Ottawa
For those living in Ottawa’s east end, Orléans Fruit Farm is the perfect nearby escape. Situated beautifully along the Ottawa River landscape, this farm offers excellent strawberry picking without requiring a long drive.
- What they offer: PYO strawberries, pre-picked baskets, and an on-site market stand featuring fresh seasonal produce and orchard products.
Hugli’s Blueberry Ranch
Distance: 1 hour 26 minutes from Ottawa
If you are looking for an amazing summer day trip, plan a drive out to Pembroke to visit Hugli’s Blueberry Ranch. They boast 17 acres of blueberries with 17 distinct varieties that ripen at staggered times from mid-July into September.
- What they offer: PYO blueberries, a large gift shop and country store, blueberry baked goods, blueberry wines, fudge, and the Hugli’s Family Fun Play Park.
- For the Kids: Make a day of it by visiting the Family Fun Play Park (admission required).
Once fall hits, check out my guides for apple picking and pumpkin picking in Ottawa.
Julia started Little Miss Ottawa as a way to explore her hometown as a traveller would. She’s always planning her next adventure, whether it’s local or abroad. You’ll find her exploring with her camera in hand. She hopes Little Miss Ottawa helps bring you on new and fun adventures. Happy exploring :)
Find me on: Instagram
