9 Places for Strawberry Picking in and around Milton

Summertime and strawberries are about as synonymous as you can get. And we’re super fortunate to have great strawberry picking in Milton and its surrounding areas. In this post, I will discuss some tips and tricks about strawberries and some great areas you can visit in and around Milton. Then I will discuss a beloved favourite of all locals, the Annual Strawberry Fair.

While most locations let you pick your own strawberries, some places are strictly pickup. I wanted to include all possibilities in case you’re short on time but desperate for some delicious strawberries. Without further ado, let’s pick some strawberries!

Strawberry Tips and Tricks: Picking and Storing

There are a variety of strawberries, which means they ripen at different times during the strawberry season. You can always check with each location about which type or types of strawberries they offer. This may change the sweetness depending on when you go during the season. 

I always suggest going strawberry picking early on in the day for two reasons. First, it’s less hot in the morning. The cooler temperatures make it ideal for those adverse to the heat, including small children, the elderly, and me!

Second, many locations are while supplies last. Therefore, coming early in the season increases your chances of getting the best strawberries. While the season does run from around May to July, the peak season is typically mid-June. Nonetheless, it often depends on the weather, and cool nights are not ideal for ripening. 

The quickest way to pick strawberries is to place your basket below the selected area, then pinch, twist, and pull them off their stem. Your basket will catch any that fall. Make sure you show up in clothes that you won’t mind a few strawberry stains on, and wear comfortable walking shoes.

Also, be sure to put on sunscreen, wear hats, and bring some water if you find you get overheated easily. Don’t overload your basket, lest you squish your precious ruby treats. You can store freshly picked strawberries on the counter for a couple of days, but some prefer to keep them in the fridge. 

They don’t need to be washed immediately, but when you clean them, a vinegar bath of four parts water to one part white vinegar is best. Submerge them for 20 minutes, then rinse them off with cold water. If you don’t have vinegar, baking soda will also work. 

Add one teaspoon of baking soda to four cups of water and let them soak for about 5 minutes. Rinse off as above, and pat dry with a towel. Lastly, know what you plan to do with your berries, and prepare by researching pies, jams, and smoothies you can make. 

It is such a shame to overpick what you need only to have them go to waste. If you need to, you can easily freeze your excess strawberries. You can freeze them whole or sliced, and with or without sugar. If you freeze them whole, lay them flat on a baking sheet first. Once frozen, place them in a freezer bag or container. 

Now that you know what you’re doing when you go strawberry picking, you need to decide where you would like to go! The following nine farms are all great options. 

9 Places to Pick Strawberries In and Around Milton

Andrews Scenic Acres

Every local knows Andrews Scenic Acres, although today, they seem to have changed their name to Andrews Farm Market & Winery. But that doesn’t change the fact that they open their farm up to the public every year for some amazing strawberry picking. 

In the summer, they are open on weekdays from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, and on Weekends and holidays, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm; the last entry is one hour before close. Located on Side Road in Milton – the border of Halton Hills – Andrews doesn’t require any reservation ahead of time but does charge the following for entrance:

• Daily: $15/person (+HST), ages 5+
• Seniors: $7.50/person (+HST), ages 65+
• Children under age 5: FREE entry
• Personal Support Workers: FREE with clients 

If you think you’ll head out there a few times throughout the year, you may consider getting a season’s pass; it’s $75 for a Single’s Pass, $90 for a Couple’s Pass, and $150 for a Family Pass. Dogs are welcome on leashes but are not to enter the fruit fields or playground. 

I advise you to bring your own baskets or bags if you have them. They no longer provide plastic bags and will charge you $1.00 at the entryway per basket. The entry fees do not include any of the strawberries (or other produce) you pick. And be sure to go to the farm store to purchase what you pick. 

Although great for picking strawberries, it’s worth noting that you can pick other produce depending on the season. You may also want to consider staying to visit some of their animals, play on the playground, go on a wagon ride, or stay for a bite to eat at the BBQ. 

Hutchinson Farm

Hutchinson Farm is a semi-pick-your-own produce farm located in Burlington between Mount Nemo and Rattlesnake Point. On their list of what visitors can pick are raspberries, currents, and pumpkins. All other produce, including strawberries, they pick for you. 

Strawberries are available in quarts and flats from their farm store. But since they lack the extras, such as entertainment, if you are strictly there for the strawberries, this will suit you just fine. Admission to the patch is $10.00 per person, but you also get your first $10 of berries for free. So, it’s worth getting more than just strawberries. It’s also worth bringing your own collection baskets. 

Stonehaven Farms

Located on the border of Milton and Campbellville, Stonehaven is a great farm to visit whether you are looking to pick your own strawberries or want to purchase some just-picked baskets. No reservations are required or are taken. Simply show up prepared to pick some delectable ruby red treats. 

To gain entry, you must purchase one basket, which allows for two people ages 5 and up. Any little ones under 4 are free. Hours are 9:00 am to 5:00 pm every day of the week. Cut-off entry is at 4:00 pm, one hour before they close. 

For those who have little children and are looking for a little more, they have a giant covered sandbox and a tractor ride that is free to all who pay the entry fee. Kids will also enjoy playing in the Strawhaven Straw Bale area. 

The small basket costs $11.99 and will fill approximately 2 pounds of strawberries. You can also choose the large basket, double the size, for $23.49. For those simply looking to pick up some strawberries, call the farm on the day of and give them your order. 

Although they love having families join in the fun of picking, they ask that you leave all pets at home. They are wheelchair assessable, have washrooms on-site, and have a bakery. You can purchase some delectable treats in the bakery, from fruit pies to cookies and tarts. They take debit, credit, and cash. 

Uncle Scott’s Farm

Located on Walker’s Line in Burlington, a stone’s throw from Milton, and another great option to pick your own strawberries. Their pricing is as follows:

• 1 litre for $6.00
• 2 litres for $11.00
• 3 litres for $16.00
• 4 litres for $22.00. 

An insider tip: If you visit on the weekend, enter from Walker’s Line and exit from Appleby Line; you won’t be able to enter the farm from Appleby Line. Uncle Scott’s Farm is open Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, and Saturday and Sunday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. 

They have other food you can pick, such as peas. They also ask that you don’t bring in any outside food, and no pets are allowed in the patches. Unlike the other farms, they do not offer play areas for little ones. Lastly, they are cash only. 

Downey’s Apple and Strawberry Farm 

One of the farther farms from Milton, Downey’s is located in Caledon, Ontario. No payment is required to enter the farm or park, but there is a minimum pick fee per person. They don’t require reservations and provide the baskets for any picking. 

The prices are as follows:

• $6.50 minimum picking price, which is entered into the price of your berries, and they offer the following basket choices:
• 2 litre for $13 with a max of 2 people picking into the basket
• 4 litre for $26 with a max of 4 people picking into the basket
• 6 litre for $39 for a max of 6 people picking into the basket

A tip for those with little children: There is a 5-minute walk to the strawberry fields, and they don’t let strollers or wagons in the fields. They do offer tractor and wagon rides. Lastly, no pets are allowed, they only accept debit and cash, and they have a handwashing station and port-o-potty. 

Berry Acres 

Located just outside of Milton in Georgetown, Berry Acres is another option if you are looking to pick your own strawberries and want to go somewhere less busy. They are small and family-owned, don’t have an entrance fee, and don’t have entertainment for little ones. Their hours are 8-5, and they are cash only. 

Butt’s Berry Farm 

Another farm that requires quite the drive, Butt’s Berry Farm, is located in the Guelph area. Like Berry Acres, they are a small family-run farm celebrating its centennial anniversary this year. 

They offer fruit picking to their customers. Their hours are less regular. Although they are open most days, they suggest you call them first to ensure they are open for strawberry picking. Or follow them on social media for regular updates.

They have a minimum pick charge of a full 4-litre basket, about 5 pounds, for $17.00. If you need a new basket, they add a charge of $2.00. No pets are permitted on the premise, and they only accept cash or debit. There is no extra entertainment for little children. 

Marcy’s Berries

Located about 30 minutes outside of Milton, in Puslinch, Ontario. They offer the following prices for their strawberry picking:

• $6.00 per quart
• $15.00 per 3-litre basket, including berries

If you are looking to purchase some ready-picked strawberries, the prices are as follows:

• $9.00 per quart
• $25.00 per 3-litre basket
• $50.00 per 6-quart flat

No reservations are required, but they do want you to purchase a new basket for each visit, which is included in the price of your berries. Their hours are Monday to Saturday, 8:00 am to 8:00 pm. There is no extra entertainment for children. 

Springridge Farm

Springridge Farm is a great local hotspot for some fun and family entertainment. However, they don’t offer pick your own strawberries. You can certainly visit their Barn Market and find bushels full of freshly picked strawberries and plenty of baked goods to tantalize your tastebuds. 

If you choose to visit the farm, there is a cost to enter the Fun Farm Yard; however, there is no charge to visit their Barn Market, bakery, or gift shop. They are located in Milton and are open daily, 9-5, including weekends and holidays. 

Milton’s Annual Strawberry Fair

Every year Milton celebrates the strawberry season with their annual strawberry fair. This year, we are celebrating 40 years. The Milton District Hospital Auxiliary runs it with breakfast and lunch supported by the Optimist Club of Milton.

This fair is nothing short of a fantastic family fun day, with lots of entertainment, including a children’s play area, Henna art and balloons, a pay-to-play bouncy castle, and many tasty strawberry treats. 

It takes place at the Milton Fairgrounds and runs from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. They have strawberry pancakes for breakfast until 11:30, and for lunch, they serve up a feast of hamburgers and hot dogs. And if you still want more, they have plenty of strawberries, ice cream, shortcakes, and strawberry slushies. 

A tip for those interested in going, parking is limited, and you may not get a spot on-site. That said, many choose to park along the side roads and walk to the fairgrounds. This year, the local farmer’s market will take place simultaneously, so expect it to be busy! 

Final Thoughts and Further Reading

There you have it! A plethora of farms where you can get your strawberry picking fix on. But whatever way you choose to enjoy the strawberry season, I hope you get out there and have some fun!

For more activities in Milton, check out our other articles:

• 4 Best Swimming Lessons In Milton
• 27 Things to Do in Milton
• 2 Dog Parks in Milton
• 10 Best Golf Courses in Milton
• 13 Places for Apple Picking in and around Milton
• 14 Splash Pads in Milton
• Milton Farmers’ Market
• Milton’s Hops And Harvest Festival
• 13 Best Campgrounds near Milton
• Milton Fall Fair
• 12 Hiking Trails Near Milton