We may have entered “Phase 2” but there is still a long list of activities we are not allowed to do. Fortunately, strawberry picking isn’t one of them! It looks like most of the local farms will be going ahead with u-pick strawberries, just be prepared that there will be some restrictions in place.

I love taking my kids strawberry picking – a fun activity and delicious too! Most of the local farms expect to open for strawberries by this upcoming weekend of June 20-21, but check their websites/facebook pages before going to be sure they are indeed open. Here are some of my favourite 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. They have announced they will be open for pre-picked and u-pick strawberries.

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. So far on their website they haven’t posted anything about covid-related changes, so it’s probably worth giving them a phone call before heading to their farms.

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 have announced they will be open for strawberry picking starting the week of June 21.

Potager Eardley Farm

398 Chemin Eardley, Gatineau

Potager Eardley is located in Aylmer, just minutes from Ottawa. The farm is in a beautiful location overlooking the river. In addition to picking your own strawberries there is a lovely produce store and cafe that serves gelato, coffee, and in house made kombucha (among other things). There are also usually a few farm animals to check out. They expect u-pick strawberries to begin this weekend June 20-21 but be sure to check their website/social media before going.

Avonmore Berry Farm

16365 Fourth Rd Avonmore

There are 20 acres of strawberries as well as lots of other fresh produce available for purchase. No word on their website whether u-pick will be available but a great option for roadside pick up of some delicious local strawberries.

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. Call ahead to see what is available for u-pick.