The Niagara Falls region is home to quite a few excellent farms, many of which specialize in growing fruit, and while some travelers to the region satisfy themselves with the simple and pleasurable act of drinking local wine and eating local food while ogling the impressive display of the waterfalls, many visitors to the Niagara area hope to experience a bit of the rich countryside for themselves.
Thankfully, due to the ubiquity of farms and the amiable nature of the vast majority of the farmers who tend them, such rich and hands-on experiences can be had. If you’re looking for a unique way to experience the Niagara region, book your stay, and head to one of these area farms to pick your own delicious fruits and berries.
1. Berry Patch
This farm boasts a wonderful array of berries, including gooseberries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, as well as red and black currants. For the months of July and August — provided that the weather has cooperated and is continuing to do so — visitors to the farm can wander among the lush farm’s ripe crops and pick the choicest berries they can find. Be sure to call ahead just in case conditions are less than desirable.
2. Ridge Berry Farm
Situated on 27 acres in the middle of the Niagara Peninsula, most of Ridge Berry Farm has been put toward more cash-friendly crop production, but they still boast a few small and fertile patches of excellent fruit where you can pick purple raspberries, blackberries, juneberries (also called saskatoons), arctic kiwis, mulberries and Concord grapes, and they have a small smattering of apple varieties — McIntosh, Empire, and Pippin — too.
3. Cherry Avenue Farms
This family farm has been owned and operated by the Moyer family since 1799. Visitors can pick their own peaches, nectarines, peaches, pears, apricots, cherries, and plums depending upon the month and what’s in season. Cherry Avenue is a great place to enjoy a picnic, and they also offer tractor rides. Should you have someone in your party who is in a wheelchair, this farm is handicap accessible, and the paths are well-maintained.
4. Mathias Farms
Another family farm that’s currently owned and operated by a brother and sister team, Mathias Farms grows sweet and sour cherries, mulberries, pears, apples, blackberries, red currants, red raspberries, and black raspberries, and they’re all available to pick yourself provided you’ve arrived when your fruit of choice is in season. They also sell nine different types of fruit jam at their fruit stand, among other things, and they’re able to accept large groups, so long as you’ve made an appointment.
5. Parkway Orchards
Set along the Niagara Parkway, Parkway Orchards specializes in pick your own cherries, nectarines, apples, grapes, peaches, and plums. Their farm shop, where you can purchase gifts, syrups, baked goods, honey, sandwiches, drinks, ice cream and more, is almost as popular as their fruit, and the whole place is situated just minutes from Niagara Falls.
6. Two Century Farm
This farm has enjoyed five generations of Smith family ownership since 1788. The farm’s first owner and operator was John Smith, who found his way to the land via New Jersey. Today, the farm continues to thrive due to its excellent location, high-quality soil, and exceptional fruit. Call ahead from July through October to schedule a time to pick some of Two Century Farm’s fruit for yourself.
Taste Niagara like you’ve never tasted it: With the delicious fruit of both the rich and fertile land and your own labor.