Peaches, cherries, strawberries, apples, raspberries, pears…when it comes to fruit farming, Kelowna, British Columbia truly has it all. Located in central Okanagan, Kelowna has incredibly fertile soil so you’re likely to enjoy fruit picking from June to October, however, it’s a good idea to check with the farms about or week or two before harvest time to confirm whether the fruit is ready for picking.
What Are Some Fruit Picking Tips?
- Check-in with the farm to find out about opening times.
- Wear comfortable shoes and old clothes that can get dirty.
- Wear sunscreen and bring lots of water.
- Bring your own buckets, boxes or other containers unless the farm specifies otherwise.
- Check about Covid-19 protocols as PPE might be required and numbers limited.
When Is Kelowna Fruit in Season?
If you’re looking to enjoy a fun, productive day out, then fruit picking in Kelowna is a really great option. Many farms allow visitors ‘u-picks’ where you can harvest your own produce, after which you can either enjoy a picnic of freshly-picked items or take them home to enjoy. Here’s what you can pick and when.
- Strawberries – Get out to the farms for fruit picking from early June to early July.
- Cherries – Get picking from late June to mid-July.
- Blueberries – Harvest these little berries from early July to late August.
- Blackberries – Then get out to pick in early August through to early September.
- Plums - These can be harvested from mid-August to mid-September.
- Apples – In late August to late October, you can pick a variety of apples.
- Apricots – These are ready for picking from mid-July to mid-August.
- Pears – These can be harvested from mid-August to late September.
- Peaches and nectarines – From early August to early September these juicy fruits are ready for picking.
- Pumpkins – If you’re looking for something different, pick a pumpkin from mid-September to late October.
Where Can You Go Fruit Picking in Kelowna?
The fertile Okanagan Valley has a really great selection of orchards where you can spend the day picking your favourite variety of fruit. Here’s a quick overview of some of the options available to you.
1. Arndt Orchards
If cherries are top of your list, then this Kelowna-based orchard is for you! The Arndt family has been growing world-class cherries for three generations now, and you can even decide what type you want to pick, depending on the time of the year. Some options include Sandra Roses, Vans, Stardusts, Lapins, Skeenas, Sweethearts and Staccatos, with picking from 8am to 5.30pm.
2. Gambell Farms
From 9am to 6pm, this 30-acre farms invite you to pick a range of fruits and vegetables from July to November, including cherries, apricots, raspberries, peaches, plums, pears, apples, squash, beets, beans, peas, carrots, potatoes, pumpkins and more. They also sell honey, fruit pies, scones and desserts on site.
3. Kempf Orchards
When it comes to cherry-picking, this family-run farm is a great destination boasting nine different varieties. Established in 1966, the Kempf family invites pickers from 8.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Saturday, and 8.30am to 3pm on Sundays.
4. Mike & Lizzy’s Cherry U-Pick
The orchard, which was established in 1948, has a stunning lake view setting that grows six varieties of cherries, including Vans, Bings, Lamberts, Lapins, Skeenas and Rainiers. You’re welcome to come picking in season between 8am and 2pm, although they are closed when it rains.
5. Paynter’s Fruit Market
This small family-run farm invites you to fill your basket with cherries, apricots, peaches, plums, apples and pears, as well as honey and eggs from the farm. They even have a vineyard and winery where you can learn about winemaking, or enjoy a stroll through the century-old nut farm where you can also harvest nuts. Harvest time runs from 8am to 9pm so have plenty of time to pick your desired fruit.
6. Good ‘N’ Plenty Produce
This is another family-run farm that grows more than 30 types of fruit and vegetables across 35 acres. The team has three heated greenhouses, including a cold-frame greenhouse for early produce.
7. Griffin Farms
For more than 100 years, this family farm has been producing fruit, including a wide variety of peaches, cherries, apricots, plums and nectarines. The orchard is open for fruit picking from 9am to 6pm, Tuesday to Friday; and 8am to 6pm on Saturdays.
Immerse yourself in the natural abundance, cultural wonders and expansive entertainment options found within Kelowna – a top destination for travel!
