Our cold, wet spring has led to a delayed start to the strawberry season, but it looks like finally the time has come. Taking my kids strawberry picking is always a favourite activity for me. There are few things that taste as good as locally grown strawberries. Most of the local farms expect to open for strawberries by the weekend of June 28-29, but be sure to check their websites/facebook pages to be sure they are indeed open before going. Here are some of the best spots to go strawberry picking in the Ottawa Gatineau area.

Miller’s Farm

6158 Rideau Valley Drive

Miller’s Farm just outside of Manotick is well known for having a great pumpkin patch in the fall but it is also one of my favourite spots to go strawberry picking. They are open on weekdays and weekends. If you manage to go on a weekday you could even find you have the strawberry patch to yourself. There is other fresh produce to buy and some baking at the small barn store, and you can usually find a few animals for the kids to check out.

Shouldice Berry Farms

Three locations – Bells Corners, Barrhaven, Merivale

Shouldice Farms has three locations in the west end of Ottawa. They are open everyday, all day long. You can also find fresh picked berries, tomatoes, jams, relishes & salsas and more available inside the farm shops onsite.

Proulx Berry Farm

1865 O’Toole Rd

Located in the east end of Ottawa, Proulx is a year round farm with a sugar bush and pumpkin patch. They offer 13 varieties of strawberries, ranging in colour from pinkish-red to bright red. It’s always a good idea to call before going to make sure they are not too picked-over.

Potager Eardley Farm

398 Chemin Eardley, Gatineau

Potager Eardley is located in Aylmer, just minutes from Ottawa. I discovered it last summer with the kids and it is my new favourite spot (if you check out the photo below you will get an idea of why). The farm is in a beautiful location overlooking the river. In addition to picking your own strawberries there is a lovely store and cafe that serves fresh waffles with strawberries and whipping cream, gelato, coffee, and in house made kombucha (among other things). There is also a small playground for the kids and a few farm animals to check out. It really is a wonderful place to spend a morning or afternoon!

Acorn Creek Garden Farm

928 Oak Creek Rd, Carp

Open seven days a week, year round, this Carp farm has over 200 varieties of pick your own fruits and veggies with strawberries being by far the most popular.

Avonmore Berry Farm

16365 Fourth Rd Avonmore

There are 20 acres of strawberries , as well as there is an on site bakery and pantry. There is also a children’s play area with sandboxes, tires, and swings.

Rideau Pines Farm

5714 Fourth Line Rd, North Gower

This family run farm is open at 8 am from Monday to Saturday and beginning at noon on Sundays. Tractor rides are offered for picking in the far fields.

Happy picking everyone! Get out there and don’t wait, the strawberry picking season will only last two to three weeks.