Fruit Picking in Kelowna: Best Farms & Fruit Stands in Kelowna

With its ideal soil and climate for fruit production, Kelowna, BC, is a fruit lover's paradise. From July to October, you can immerse yourself in the picturesque orchards and farms and hand-pick cherries, apricots, peaches, plums, apples, and many other fruits and vegetables. In addition to U-Pick spots, farmers markets and farm stands throughout the region make it easy to enjoy the Okanagan’s bounty. Overall, fruit picking is one of the most popular summer activities in Kelowna.

If you’re ready to get out in the fields and spend a few hours picking lush, fresh fruits, here’s what to know about when and where to go fruit picking in Kelowna.

Kelowna Fruit Picking Schedule

• Strawberry picking season: early June to early July
• Cherry picking season: late June to early August
• Blueberry picking season: early July to late August
• Haskap berry picking season: late June to early July
• Apricot picking season: mid-July to mid-August
• Peach picking season: late July to early September
• Nectarine picking season: late July to early September
• Blackberry picking season: early August to early September
• Plum picking season: mid-August to mid/late September
• Pear picking season: mid-August to late September
• Apple picking season: mid/late August to late October

Picking season varies throughout the Okanagan Valley, with the hotter southern region typically harvesting earlier than the cooler northern region, and unusual weather events may affect availability. Check with individual farms to see what’s ready in your area.

Different fruit varieties also ripen at different times of the year. For example, the sweet black Santina cherries, great for eating right off the tree, are often ready for picking in late June. Sweetheart cherries, popular in jams, may ripen as late as mid-August. Different cherry-picking orchards in Kelowna may have different varieties available, so their seasons may vary.

U-Pick Orchards & Farms in Kelowna

Now that you know what fruits you can pick in Kelowna, it's time to explore the best U-Pick Kelowna orchards and farms. You'll find popular spots like Lakeside Orchards, Kuipers Family Fruit Farm, and Rose Hill Orchard, each offering a unique experience.

Lakeside Orchards

• Location: 4730 Lakeshore Rd, Kelowna, BC
• Fruits you can pick: Cherries

At Lakeside Orchards, visitors can enjoy a multifaceted cherry-picking experience. This orchard is known for its Vans, Lamberts, and Sweetheart cherries, offering both U-Pick and We-Pick options. July and August are the busiest months, so visitors are encouraged to make reservations, especially for larger groups. Harvest kickoff is listed on their website each year.

Visitors should arrive between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., with the last entry at 3 p.m. sharp. Lakeside Orchards also provides a We-Pick service where you can choose from a selection of freshly picked cherries.

Kempf Orchards

• Location: 1409 Teasdale Rd, Kelowna, BC
• Fruits you can pick: Cherries

Kempf Orchards is a 14-acre family-run cherry U-Pick farm known for its variety of delicious red and yellow cherry varieties. Established in 1966, this family-owned farm is rich in tradition and history, boasting a hard work ethic, love, and a passion for creating enjoyable experiences for its visitors. Picking cherries here has been a beloved summer family activity in Kelowna for decades.

When visiting Kempf Orchards, you'll be greeted by Herb, Shelley, Kailyn, and Andrew, the dedicated family behind this company. The farm offers a range of experiences, including cherry picking and orchard tours. This well-maintained orchard houses 10 varieties of cherries. Kempf Orchards is known for its sandy soil and well-maintained trees.

Kuipers Family Fruit Farm

• Location: 579 Barnaby Road, Kelowna, BC
• Fruits you can pick: Cherries, apricots, peaches, plums

On Kuipers Family Fruit Farm along Barnaby Road, visitors can hand-pick cherries, apricots, peaches, and plums. This family-run orchard has been in operation since 1921, providing generations with a fun way to connect with nature and support local farmers.

With over a century of farming history, this farm promises a rewarding adventure as you pick the freshest fruits of the Okanagan Valley. To get started, you can use the provided pails, bags, and flats to harvest your own produce. With a variety of fruits available, you can enjoy the sunshine and fresh air as you explore the farm.

Twin Oaks Organic Orchard

• Location: 559 Barnaby Rd, Kelowna, BC
• Fruits you can pick: Cherries, apples, Haskap berries, peaches, apricots, pears, prune plums, grapes, pumpkins, and more

Explore Twin Oaks Organic Orchard, where visitors can hand-pick a variety of BC-certified organic fruits such as multiple types of cherries, apricots, peaches, pears, plums, and apples. Located near Kuipers Family Fruit Farm, this orchard offers a convenient and picturesque setting. Visitors can also purchase organic homemade honey and visit the farm’s goats, llamas, sheep, chickens, and geese.

The orchard's opening hours are scheduled based on the availability of fruits, ensuring that you get the best picking experience. Visitors should make sure to check their schedule and their Facebook page for updates, as opening times and fruit availability may change due to weather conditions and visitor numbers.

Rose Hill Orchard

• Location: 11911 Okanagan Centre Rd E, Lake Country, BC
• Fruits you can pick: Cherries, peaches, plums, apples, strawberries, berries, grapes

At Rose Hill Orchard, a 10-acre mixed fruit orchard in Lake Country, visitors can pick a wide variety of fruits—half a dozen varieties of cherries, 15 types of apples, three different kinds of plums, and five varieties of peaches, just to start with. Head over to the beautiful orchard from June to November and indulge in the immersive fruit-picking experience. Be sure to check fruit availability beforehand, as certain fruits hit their peak growth at different times.

Once you arrive, you can pay by the market price per weight for all fruit. The orchard also offers an on-site market where visitors can grab drinks, snacks, and local products. Follow their social media to stay updated on events like Music in the Orchard, Wonderland Afternoon Tea, yoga sessions, and Harvest Festivals. Rose Hill Orchard is known for its regenerative production process and diverse crop mix with various fruit varieties.

Blind Rooster Berry Farm

• Location: 3660 Anderson Rd, Kelowna, BC
• Fruits you can pick: Haskap berries, Saskatoon berries/serviceberries, rhubarb

Blind Rooster Berry Farm in Kelowna stands out for its unique focus on Haskap berries, a crop that bursts forth early in the year. First available from early to mid-May, Haskap berries are the first fruit of the season. You can enjoy picking five different varieties of these tasty berries.

When you visit Blind Rooster Berry Farm, remember to gently pull the berries away from the stem and twist for best results. These berries are similar to raspberries in texture when the skin is broken, so use a careful hand to maintain their integrity. Picked berries come in resealable bags, each containing 1.5 pounds, and are well-suited for jam-making. If you’re picking your own, bring your own container and cash or a checkbook.

Peter's U-Pick

• Location: 6244 Rimer Rd, Vernon, BC
• Fruits you can pick: Cherries, apricots, peaches, plums, nectarines

Peter's U-Pick provides an array of delectable fruits, including a dozen varieties of sweet and tart cherries, 10 varieties of apricots, and eight kinds of peaches. Only a few minutes away from downtown Vernon, the orchard offers a perfect day out for families and fruit enthusiasts, combining the joys of nature with the satisfaction of handpicking farm-fresh produce. There’s no entrance fee, but a $5 minimum purchase is strongly encouraged.

Ringo-En Orchards

• Location: 6831 Bella Vista Rd, Vernon, BC
• Fruits you can pick: Apples, peaches, tomatoes, corn, various peppers

Ringo-En Orchards, a cherished family-owned orchard in Vernon, British Columbia, has been cultivating premium Okanagan produce since the mid-1920s. This venerable orchard has been lovingly maintained over three generations of dedicated family ownership, embodying a legacy of agricultural excellence and community spirit.

The orchard spans approximately 25 acres, with 12 acres dedicated to six different apple varieties and about one acre of delicious peach trees. Additionally, there are four acres of beautiful U-Pick tomatoes, peppers, and corn, plus several more acres devoted to a variety of other vegetables.

Fruit Stands in Kelowna: Where to Buy Fresh Fruit

The whole Okanagan Valley is known for its commercial fruit production, so you'll find a variety of fruit stands offering a diverse and delicious selection. From the peak of summer to the late fall harvest, these stands provide a convenient way to taste the region's renowned produce.

Bella Rosa Orchards

• Location: 120 Mail Rd, Kelowna, BC
• Fruits they sell: Apples, pears, cherries, table grapes

Bella Rosa Orchards, a family-run business for over 40 years, offers a compelling combination of local flavor and scenic surroundings, providing visitors with a truly immersive sensory experience. At Bella Rosa Orchards, you'll find a variety of fruits, such as apples, pears, cherries, and grapes, all grown on their family-managed farm.

As part of the orchard's commitment to the community, the farm participates in local events and supports nearby farmers' markets. Educational programs are also available for schools, teaching students about sustainable farming practices. The farm also contributes to the local food bank by donating excess produce.

Kings Garden Family Orchard

• Location: 3224 King Rd, West Kelowna, BC
• Products they sell: Jams, pie fillings, soaps, shampoo bars, honey, apples, cherries, plums, peaches, grapes, berries

In the heart of West Kelowna, British Columbia, you'll find a family orchard dedicated to offering a unique combination of fresh fruits and homemade products: the charming King's Garden Family Orchard. This small orchard is family-run and operates with a focus on quality and freshness.

Hand-picked fruits, local honey, jams, pie fillings, and soaps highlight their commitment to preserving the traditional Okanagan lifestyle. U-Pick isn’t available due to the presence of onsite beehives.

There & Back Again Farms

• Location: 3309 McCulloch Rd, Kelowna, BC
• Produce they sell: Apples, apricots, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, peppers, strawberries, and much more—plus products from other local farmers and artisans

There & Back Again Farms specializes in growing a diverse range of fruits and vegetables. You can visit their 15-acre farm to enjoy fresh produce, knowing that the products are grown right in the heart of the Okanagan Valley. With an emphasis on sustainable agriculture practices and eco-friendly techniques, you can feel good about supporting local farming.

The farm stand offers a variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables, ensuring that you have access to the freshest produce available. They engage in traditional farming methods that guarantee quality and support their commitment to providing high-standard products. In addition to the farm stand, There & Back Again sells produce at the Kelowna Farmers' Market every Wednesday and Saturday.

Experience the Best of Fruit Picking in Kelowna!

Fruit picking in Kelowna offers a delightful blend of natural beauty and agricultural bounty, making it a must-do activity for locals and summer tourists alike. Whether you're harvesting juicy cherries, crisp apples, or plump grapes, the experience provides a unique opportunity to connect with the region's rich farming heritage and enjoy the freshest produce. Experience the vibrant orchards and vineyards of Kelowna while creating lasting memories with loved ones.

If the opportunities in Kelowna excite you, contact the agents at KelownaHomes.ca at 250-999-9844 to get in touch with a local real estate agent who can help you find the perfect home in Kelowna today.