From pick-your-own patches to pre-order and delivery, farmers’ markets to road side stalls, discover the diverse bounty of seasonal fruit, vegetables, herbs and flowers that grow in Ontario.
Not only will you love the fresh goodness of farm to table, you’ll also feel good for supporting your local farmers and gardeners.
Below is just a sample of the many farms and markets across Ontario. If one of these locations is near you, check in advance before visiting in person for hours of operation, COVID-19 rules, restrictions and reservation requirements, be mindful of social distancing and bring sanitizer and face masks and observe signage at the property.
Search for more farms and markets near you or buy products from a virtual farmers market.
SOUTHWESTERN ONTARIO
Thiessen Apple Orchards, 400 Talbot Road, Leamington
What do you love in an apple … the crunch, sweetness, juiciness or tartness? Treat your palate to a new favourite variety fresh from the orchard. Get creative and use apples in your salads, baked goods, pancakes and sauces, there’s no shortage of delicious apple recipes to try. Thiessen Apple Orchards accepts online orders to be picked up roadside. Opens September 10.
Makkinks Flower Farm, 164604 Kellett Road, Tillsonburg
Makkinks Flower Farm is a small family farm dispensing happiness with over 35 varieties of brilliant blooms like peonies, sunflowers, dahlias and hydrangeas. The farm offers tours, workshops and cut-your-own. You can also pick up pre-cut bouquets at the barn, order online or catch the Makkinks at the Tillsonburg Farmers Market Saturday mornings.
CENTRAL ONTARIO
Lochland Botanicals, 2500 25 Side Road, Milton
Pick your own herbs and flowers while connecting with nature on a picturesque 95 acre farm. Choose from over 40,000 organically grown plants that can inspire endless homemade botanical, culinary and wellness creations and projects. Build your own bouquet, attend a workshop, take a tour, join a morning meditation or just wander and unwind. Visit the farm store for natural teas, self-care products, essential oils distilled from the plants grown at Lochland and more.
Andrews Farm Market & Winery, 9365 10 Side Road, Milton
There’s something for everyone in the family at this 165 acre country farm, with walking trails, wagon-rides, playground, animal corral, winery and of course, harvest your own seasonals, like berries, flowers, pumpkins and apples. Try the guilt-free frozen yogurt made with farm ingredients. You can also order wine, baked goods, dairy, jams and more online to pick up curbside.
Downey’s Strawberry & Apple Farm, 13707 Heart Lake Road, Caledon
This family farm in Caledon grows strawberries, apples and raspberries as well as delicious seasonals like sweet corn and honey squash, and have added a second location in Breslau just east of Kitchener that specializes in just apples. So now you have even more options for your apple picking adventure. The Caledon location is across the road from Downey’s Farm Market & Winery where online shopping and porch pick up is available.
Nature’s Bounty Farm, 651 Scugog Line 2, Port Perry
Cathy McKay and Marvin Stevenson have invited the public to visit their 100 acre property for over 30 years. Located between Port Perry, Uxbridge and Brooklin, Nature’s Bounty will reopen in September 2020. There will be a large selection of apples, gourds, pumpkins for the fall season. A great deal of commitment and energy is invested in harvesting only premium apples with unique flavour and appearance. Pick-your-own and pre-selected fruits are available for purchase on the farm. Keep an eye out for birds, a flock of sheep and one friendly llama that call the farm home.
Circling Hawk Honey Farm, 13433 Leslie Street, Richmond Hill
Just a stone’s throw north of Toronto, Circling Hawk Farm specializes in creating unique variations of honey, such as Amber Buckwheat or Wildflower Chunk. Order products online and arrange for curbside pick up.
Country Cut Flowers, 970 Miller’s Sideroad, Newmarket
There’s nothing more uplifting than a bouquet of beautiful fresh cut flowers. Situated on a farm in King City, Country Cut Flowers is a picturesque place where you will find brilliant pick-your-own flower fields sure to unleash the budding floral arranger in you. Get your ticket for cut-your-own-flowers in advance and don’t forget to bring your own scissors. If you are unable to get tickets, purchase a bouquet of flowers online for delivery in the Newmarket and Aurora area. Open until frost in late September.
Barrie Hill Farms, 2935 Barrie Hill Road, Springwater
Barrie Hills Farm is a family farm that has been around for over 40 years. Under the dedicated Farmer Morris Gervais, the farm produces quality farm fresh fruits and vegetables, such as apples, squash, raspberries, sweet corn, tomatoes and pumpkins. Pick your own or order products online and use curbside pick up or the drive-thru option. Be sure to try new recipes that incorporate the seasonal foods you buy.
Cricklewood Farm, 14953 County 2 Road, Brighton
Cricklewood Farm is a fun-filled place for families to unwind and have fun. The six acre corn maze is a popular attraction. Naturally, a farm known for its intricate maze has an abundance of delicious corn. Fresh sweet corn is available at the farm’s market along with baked goods, local jams, honey and cheese. The farm boasts 60 varieties of apples. Cricklewood is one of eight orchards in Ontario that farms an experimental plot to try out new variations of apples.
Brantford Farmers Market, 79 Icomm Drive, Brantford
Open year round on Fridays and Saturdays with outdoor stalls May to October, this beloved market was founded in 1848, and is still going strong delivering fresh, seasonal produce, meats, dairy products, breads and other baked goods, honey, maple syrup and fresh cut flowers from local farms, bakeries and gardens.
EASTERN ONTARIO
Waddell Apples, Orchard & Bakery, 1345 Washburn Road, Kingston
Located near the historic Rideau Canal just east of Kingston, the family run orchard offers a courtesy 9am opening for seniors and those at higher risk for Covid-19, with a 10am start for all other visitors to enjoy an on-farm outing. You can also shop online with in-store pick up for fresh apples, preserves, cider, baked goods, honey and maple products.
Cannamore Orchard, 1480 County Road 32, Crysler
Best known as the venue where Ontario’s Most Terrifying Halloween attraction takes place, Eastern Ontario’s largest pick-your-own apple orchard is also a great place for a family outing. Pick-your-own is available for apples and pumpkins. Pre-picked pumpkins and apples can be purchased in the farm store. While in the store, be sure to try the famous homemade fudge before it sells out. Masks and gloves are available to purchase on the farm.
Abbey Gardens, 1012 Garden Gate Drive, Algonquin Highlands
This unique attraction combines organic gardening and nature trails with educational programs and local businesses including a craft brewery. Take a tour of the garden, go on a hike and enjoy healthy and delicious food. Pick up freshly harvested produce at the Food Hub Store (pre-order online also available).
Gees Bees Honey Company, 538 River Road, Ottawa
Gees Bees Honey Company is an eight acre urban farm located in the south end of Ottawa. Visit the retail honey shop, stroll through gorgeous pollinator gardens or book a private bee experience.
NORTHERN ONTARIO
Leisure Farms, 744 Quesnel Road, Sturgeon Falls
With 600 acres, there’s plenty of space for social distancing at Leisure Farms, a family owned business since 1981. When in season, pick fresh strawberries, raspberries, corn and various types of pumpkins including sugar pumpkin. Pre-picked vegetables are available daily. Pre-order veggies and make arrangements to pick them up at the farm or North Bay Farmers’ Market.
Maple Acres Farm, 50 Eley Road, Iron Bridge
In the village of Huron Shores in Algoma, farmers Ron and Jayne Baxter work together to grow farm fresh products for their family and yours. Their large maple bush is the source for maple-based products like pure maple syrup, butter, sugar and granola. They also offer fresh free-range eggs. Products can be purchased online, and delivery options are available.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Ontario encourages everyone to travel safe during this time and follow public health guidelines. Some facilities may not be operating so pack lots of water. It is important to practice physical distancing, frequent hand washing and wearing a non-medical face covering where required or where physical distancing is a challenge. Learn more Coronavirus-related health and safety measures at Ontario.ca/coronavirus.
