It’s often said that food tastes better when you’ve picked it yourself, and there are plenty of places to do so in and around Edmonton. With U-Pick farms, you can be sure you’re getting high-quality, low- or zero-pesticide food while supporting local farmers. From strawberries, haskaps and saskatoon berries to apples and garden veggies, get ready for full days of fun and full plates of delicious local produce.
It’s a U-Pick paradise in Edmonton! Photo courtesy of Strawberry Fields.
Grove Berry Patch
This family-run farm in Spruce Grove has, of course, plenty of berries for you to pick and enjoy, including saskatoon berries, raspberries, chokecherries, black currants, and high bush cranberries. Besides the berries, you’ll also find a wealth of vegetables to enjoy in the garden until the first frost in fall, including beets, carrots, corn, cucumbers, peas, potatoes, summer and winter squash, and zucchini. Be sure to call ahead to check on produce availability. The farm is wheelchair-accessible and family-friendly, and no appointment is necessary. Cash and e-transfer payments are accepted, but not debit or credit cards.
Stevens Strawberries
Stevens Strawberries is the place for good old-fashioned strawberry picking, with acres of pesticide-free Kent and Cavendish strawberries. Picking this year is expected to go well into August, depending on weather conditions and availability. Pre-picked berries are also occasionally available. Purchase your admission tickets online before you go, as walk-ins are not allowed. Bring your own pails (ice cream pails work best) or purchase pails at the farm when you arrive. Visit their website for safety precautions, best picking practices, and other helpful tips, and be sure to call their farm hotline for the latest updates.
Strawberry Fields
This family-run farm is located in south Edmonton, just west of Windermere. From July into September, their fields are full of delicious, pesticide-free strawberries for a fun-filled day out with the family. Strawberry Fields U-Pick is currently open by appointment only; put your name on their waiting list to be notified when you can book your picking time. The berries get bigger later in the season, so no need to fret if you can’t get in right away. Free baskets are provided, and you can pay for your berries by cash or e-transfer.
795 Haskap Berry Farm
If you’ve never tried haskaps before, now’s your chance! These sweet, slightly tart berries are delicious both fresh and and in baking, and are nutritional powerhouses to boot. Choose from a variety of bucket sizes (the bucket is provided) and load up on these sweet, tasty treats. In addition to fresh U-Pick berries, you can also pick up frozen haskaps, haskap jam, and haskap yoghurt freezies! 795 Haskap Berry Farm also sells haskap seedlings for your own berry harvest at home.
Attracted 2 Apples
The harvest is worth the wait at this 800-tree apple orchard just outside of Fort Saskatchewan. Attracted 2 Apples is expected to reopen the first week of September this year, offering uncommon varieties like Lucky Jack, Orange Pumpkin, Five of Diamonds, and Autumn Delight. Admission to the orchard is free; be sure to bring your own bags. Check their website for updates on which apple varieties are available from week to week.
