Latest news with #U-pick
CBC
21-07-2025
- CBC
Pick your own fruits and vegetables at these scenic farms across Canada
Looking for a fun way to enjoy the outdoors? Harvesting your own in-season veggies and fruits can make for a memorable outing, while allowing you to purchase fresh, local produce at a good price. At farms across the country there are pick-your-own opportunities for strawberries, rhubarb, peas, blueberries, peaches, apples and many more. As a long-time U-pick aficionado, I've collected garlic scapes, picked asparagus spears and once even dug up my own potatoes (very messy). Many farms also have additional entertainment for all ages. With highlights such as corn mazes, playgrounds, petting zoos and wagon rides, it's easy to turn an outing into an entire day of country fun. Of course, the timing for each crop can vary widely each year and from region to region, so you'll want to look up the harvest calendar for your area, and call or check social media accounts for local farms to confirm their availability before heading out. With that in mind, here are 15 Canadian U-pick farms to check out this year. This farm offers raspberry, blueberry and strawberry picking, the latter of which are grown at standing height so there is no kneeling required. The property also produces wine from on-site berries. For kids, there's the Barnyard Adventureland, which features farm animals, a zipline and more. Abbotsford, B.C. You can pick strawberries, apples, goji berries, pears, plums and pumpkins at this Abbotsford farm. Later in the summer, there will also be a petting barn, sunflower garden, pumpkin patch, hay rides and other fun attractions. Kelowna, B.C. This scenic organic orchard offers a variety of U-pick fruit crops such as apples, cherries, apricots, peaches and three varieties of pears. Visit the shop, which sells honey, eggs and fresh hazelnuts. Foothills County, Alta. You'll find a farmers' market, garden centre, restaurant, bakery, retail shop and more at this family-run farm just a 35-minute drive outside of Calgary. While there, you can also pick saskatoon berries, sour cherries, apples and blackcurrants. Eagle Creek Farms Red Deer County, Alta. Located about an hour and a half's drive north of Calgary, Eagle Creek Farms offers U-pick gardens for potatoes, carrots, peas, beans, onions and zucchini. You can also cut your own fresh flowers, with varieties including gladioli, sunflowers and zinnias. Don't miss the sunflower maze, which opens in mid-August. At this family-owned farm you can pick many types of berries, including red, black and yellow raspberries (they grow 14 varieties!), blackcurrants and saskatoon berries. If you miss the seasonal window for picking your own, the farm also sells frozen berries, juice, jams and sorbet. Portage la Prairie, Man. This eight-hectare farm is located about an hour and 15 minutes' drive west of Winnipeg. Visit its U-picks for cherries, saskatoon berries, haskap berries and gooseberries — plus apples later in summer. You can also pre-order pies, plants and berries and pick them up when you visit. Milton, Ont. This popular farm is located about an hour and a half's drive west of downtown Toronto. It grows a wide variety of crops across 67 hectares and, depending on when you visit, you can pick your own rhubarb, asparagus, strawberries, currants, raspberries, blueberries, apples or pumpkins. Check out pretty fields of U-pick peonies, dahlias and sunflowers, as well as family-friendly attractions such as wagon rides, farm animals and a straw mountain. Dutchyn Farms Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont. Located just a 20-minute drive from Niagara Falls, this third-generation farm offers pick-your-own peaches, nectarines, plums and seedless grapes. There's also a tractor-drawn farm wagon to take would-be harvesters around the orchards, and a market with pre-picked fruits for sale. Pingle's Farm Market Hampton, Ont. A great destination for a family outing, this farm market about an hour's drive east of Toronto is open year-round. Stop by and pick fruits and vegetables such as strawberries, blueberries, peas, beans, corn, peppers and apples. Visit farm animals, hop on a wagon ride and, later in the season, explore corn mazes and a pumpkin patch. Notre-Dame-de-l'Île-Perrot, Que. This U-pick farm is about 40 minutes' drive from downtown Montreal. It sits on more than 80 hectares and there are 10,000 apple trees in the orchards — plus you can pick your own strawberries, blueberries, corn, pumpkins, potatoes and even Christmas trees. You'll also find a large play yard and animal barn with goats, cows and pigs, and a farm shop that sells freshly baked goods, meat from local producers and lots more. Trueman Blueberry Farms Sackville, N.B. Only a 40-minute drive from Moncton, this family-owned farm offers pick-your-own high-bush and wild blueberries. Depending on when you visit, you can also pick tulips, rhubarb, raspberries or pumpkins. Expect a variety of homemade ice-cream flavours, preserves and baked goods at their retail store. Plus, there's a sunflower maze, a giant bouncy pillow and blueberry-themed attractions. Dempsey Corner Orchard Aylesford, N.S. This Annapolis Valley orchard, located about an hour and a half's drive from Halifax, is home to a market, gift shop, café, petting zoo and, of course, U-pick. The wide variety of fruits and vegetables available includes strawberries, raspberries, peaches (don't miss their annual Peachy Palooza!), pumpkins and potatoes. They also have picnic tables for dining outdoors. The Grove Orchard and U-Pick Cornwall, P.E.I. Just a 15-minute drive from Charlottetown, this eight-hectare orchard and fruit stand offers U-pick options for Asian pears as well as a dozen varieties of apples, including lesser-known types such as Liberty, Yellow Transparent and Akane. In the fall, visitors can also enjoy coffee, apple cider and mini doughnuts. St. John's There are pick-your-own strawberry patches and flower fields on this almost 20-hectare farm, as well as other fun activities such as wagon rides, a corn maze, bee observatory and petting barn. The property also grows more than 100 different kinds of fruits and vegetables, including harder-to-find ones such as artichokes, Chinese cabbage, kohlrabi, bok choy and tatsoi, which can be purchased at the on-site market.
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Travel + Leisure
05-07-2025
- Travel + Leisure
I've Visited Southern California for 20+ Years—and This Is the Most Charming Small Town in the Region
Southern California is essentially synonymous with surf, sand, and sun. But head just an hour northeast of San Diego, and you'll find the region's apple capital: Julian. Julian is a mountain community with a rich history rooted in mining and fruit orchards. The town got its start as a gold mining district in the late 1800s, but when the mines closed around the turn of the 20th century, residents turned to growing apples and pears instead. Today, visitors flock here in droves every autumn to pick apples and pumpkins, shop for antiques, and take in those small-town fall vibes. But really, no matter when you visit, there's something to do here year-round. 'A lot of people think it's only the fall, but Julian is fun all year long,' says Robin Boland, executive director of the Julian Chamber of Commerce. 'This is a great place to come for fresh air and quiet, and the hiking is amazing.' Here's what you need to know before planning a trip to Julian, California. Aerial view of pier with small boat at Lake Cuyamaca. ThomasLet's start with what Julian is probably best known for: its apples. The area is home to several U-pick fruit fields like Julian Farm and Orchard, which has hayrides and grows 15 varieties of apples. However, that's just the start of the fun here. 'If you're just looking for that wholesome picking experience, then it doesn't have to be apples, and it doesn't have to be in the fall,' says Boland. 'You can come up and do strawberries, and [Julian Farm and Orchard] has flower picking, where you can pick daffodils and sunflowers.' After your time out on the farm, head to downtown Julian for some retail therapy. Spanning just a few blocks, the downtown area is easily walkable, so you can spend an afternoon browsing through funky little antique shops, mountain-themed boutiques, and locally made art at the Julian Arts Guild. Then there's Julian's outdoor recreation options to consider. A short drive outside of town, you can hike, boat, and fish in the serene Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. The famed Pacific Crest Trail (the West Coast's grueling, 2,653-mile-long answer to the Appalachian Trail) also passes nearby on its way up to the Canadian border. Families with kids, meanwhile, might be interested in the farm-themed activities at Fort Cross Old Timey Adventures or the old-fashioned gold prospecting tours at Eagle Mining Co., the latter of which runs seven days a week. Scenes from The Pub at Lake Cuyamaca. Understandably, apple pie tends to be the talk of the town in Julian. 'We get asked in the office all the time, 'Where is the best apple pie?'' says Boland. 'The standard answer is, and it's true, you can't go wrong. We're famous for pies for a reason, and all of our pie shops are great, even the restaurants that have pie.' Wondering where to start? The Julian Pie Company is one of the most well-known spots in town, serving up Dutch apple, strawberry rhubarb, and cherry pies by the slice, with heaping scoops of vanilla and cinnamon ice cream on the side. You can also grab full pies to go. If it's a full meal you're after, try Jeremy's On the Hill or the Pub at Lake Cuyamaca. Jeremy's serves upscale California cuisine like bison meatloaf and Baja halibut fish and chips. The Pub, on the other hand, has a menu of hamburgers and sandwiches more in line with family dining, plus stellar lake views. Last but not least, head to the Julian Beer Co. for drinks. You can get some great barbecue here, like juicy brisket and pulled pork, but the craft brews tend to steal the spotlight. Taps rotate frequently, so there's always something new pouring here—order up a flight to try a bit of everything. Exterior of the Julian Gold Rush Hotel. San Diego Tourism Authority Despite its small size, Julian has an impressive roster of overnight options. For a historically significant stay, book a stay at the Julian Gold Rush Hotel, one of the oldest hotels in the Golden State. Located right on Main Street, this 16-room bed and breakfast was built in the 1890s. Naturally, the Julian Gold Rush Hotel has undergone some significant renovations since then, but Victorian-era charm is still evident in details like claw-foot tubs and pedestal sinks. There's also the Orchard Hill Hotel, a luxury boutique that an on-site spa treatments and regularly scheduled outdoor yoga classes held in the balmy SoCal sunshine. Room options consist of comfy quarters up at the lodge or spacious mountain cottages, ideal for families and groups—and pets, since Orchard Hill welcomes four-legged friends. Meanwhile, those who want to spend their visit in the great outdoors should head to Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. The park has two campgrounds as well as cabins for rent, making it the perfect place to enjoy a night under the stars. 'There are a number of free star parties throughout the year in Julian,' says Boland. 'Budding astronomers will bring out telescopes, and you can come and they'll teach you where things are."
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Travel + Leisure
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Travel + Leisure
This U.S. 'Lavender Trail' Rivals the Fields of Provence — and It's About to Bloom
Every summer, the rolling hills of Oregon's Willamette Valley welcome rows of blooming lavender that unfurl alongside the region's iconic vineyards. For a brief, but beautiful, month the so-called 'Lavender Trail' comes to life—bringing an intoxicating blend of color and scent that rivals the storied fields of Provence. But it's not just about the flowers. From late June through July, the valley comes alive with lavender-themed festivals, U-pick farms, artisanal cocktails, and open-air markets, culminating in a two-day celebration (July 12–13) that turns this quiet corner of the Pacific Northwest into a full-sensory summer escape. The center of all the action is Newberg, Oregon, a city that's around 40 minutes southwest of Portland and within a 10-mile radius of more than 100 wineries. The city's Lavender Trail leads travelers to over 25 local businesses that celebrate lavender in creative and delicious ways—from lavender-infused cocktails and ice cream to lavender-themed art classes and botanical spa treatments. Highlights along the trail include a visit to Wayward Winds Lavender Farm, a U-pick lavender farm that has over 100 varieties of lavender, a lavender maze, and a store with refreshments and lavender products. On Fridays and Saturdays, the Chehalem Flats Farm Market showcases its lavender skincare products, plants, and bouquets, along with fresh-picked produce and locally made honeys and jams. Lavender is also infused into several local dining options. Your day might start with a honey lavender latte at Chapters Books and Coffee and end with a tasting flight featuring two lavender-distilled gins at Brixeur Spirits at Trisaetum Winery. In between you might grab a lavender ice cream cone at Cream Northwest, lavender baklava at Lemon and Olive, or a bag of white chocolate lavender popcorn from Miss Hannah's Gourmet Popcorn. The fun culminates with the Willamette Valley Lavender Festival & Plein Air Art Show, a free event that brings lavender growers and lovers together for a celebration of lavender-themed art, food, and crafts. The event, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary, runs all day on July 12 and 13 and takes place at the Chehalem Cultural Center. The complete Lavender Trail guide is available online at while printed brochures and maps can be picked up at the Newberg Visitor Center (inside the Chehalem Valley Chamber of Commerce) and at participating businesses.
CBC
08-06-2025
- Business
- CBC
U-pick flower farms blossoming in Chatham-Kent
U-pick flowers are a growing trend in southwestern Ontario as farmers open up their operations to tourists looking for novel experiences and stunning photo opportunities. Farms in Chatham-Kent offer visitors the opportunity to stroll among rows of peonies, sunflowers and tulips, taking photographs and cutting flowers to purchase. "We just thought, 'We don't see the joy that the peonies bring when we sell it wholesale,'" said Valérie Chort, one of the owners of Fleur de Roy near Mitchell's Bay, Ont. Fleur de Roy grows 17 varieties of peonies over 10 acres, making for about 150,000 stems. But until now, it had been shipping them off to market in Toronto. Now, after four years of commercial operations, the owners have partnered with local vendors and florists to display art and offer workshops in an effort to create an annual peony bloom festival, Chort said. The Puddleford Tree Farm in Kent Bridge, meanwhile, will be awash in sunflowers in about five weeks' time, according to co-owner Matthew Whitney. The farm grows about 20,000 of the flowers each year on about two acres of land and raises money for the Alzheimer's Society by charging visitors per car and per cut flower. "We decided to do this because people love to go to see sunflowers," Whitney said. "They're a great thing to take photos of. And we wanted to give people an opportunity to do that and not interfere with the commercial growers who don't want people walking through their fields. … People can come out and have a nice day and take some nice photos and just enjoy the sunshine." The sunflowers at Puddleford are only around two inches high right now, said co-owner Gail Whitney. But tulip season is already at Hat Trick Farms in Blenheim, Ont., and they also offered people a chance to pick their own tulips. The three-year-old operation got into tulip-growing because the three siblings who own it only have a small land-base to work with — so they had to focus on niche crops, said co-owner Lynne Warriner. They started growing winterberries late in the season, then followed up with tulips as a spring crop. "The response from the visitors has been quite rewarding," Warriner said. "They come and visit the field, for taking pictures, the majority of them — but they can also pick their own while they're here." The owners have taken to planting some fields in a multitude of colours, and Warriner said she loves watching the colours change as different varieties bloom at different times. "Usually the orange and pink tulips are the first ones to bloom," she said. "But two to three weeks later, depending on how long our season is, it's more purple and white in colour. So for us … it's different to see how the field changes through the season."
