Pick-your-own strawberry farms in Ontario about to open for the season

After a winter that felt like it'd never end, it's almost time to pick your own strawberries at farms across Ontario. Could there possibly be a sweeter start to summer?

Don't get me wrong; every summer, I love hitting clubs, concerts and street festivals in Toronto as much as the next person, but when the sun is out, there's just something extra magical about escaping the city and engaging in some more, shall we say, wholesome activities.

For many, strawberry picking is one of those things, and it's finally almost time to grab your basket and hit the fields.

This spring has been a chilly one in southern Ontario, which has delayed the development of these sweet treats slightly, but as warmer weather starts sticking around more consistently, the province's many pick-your-own-produce farms are gearing up for what they hope will be a fruitful season. Ha! Get it?

There are many reasons why Pingle's Farm in Hampton has become such an institution over the years, and the fact that they're already opening their strawberry fields for light picking as of June 15 is one of them. They're even offering free admission for dads in honour of Father's Day.

While Brantford's Brantwood Farms was initially expecting to open their PYO fields on June 15, chilly weather delayed their season, and they now expect to open up for business between June 18 and 20. 

When they do open their fields to the public, you'll be able to fill a 4L bucket with berries for just $17. Not bad considering a 1-lb. container is going for $5 at Loblaws right now.

Similarly, Downey's Strawberry and Apple Farm in Caledon is officially starting its season on June 18, offering 2L buckets for $16, 4L buckets for $32 or 6L buckets for $48.

Barrie Hill Farms in Springwater will be holding their annual Strawberry Festival on Saturday, June 21 and Sunday, June 22, to welcome the start of the season, inviting visitors to pick their own berries, take a wagon ride, listen to live music, shop from local vendors and sink their teeth into a variety of strawberry-based treats.

While they've yet to announce the official opening date for their pick-your-own fields, this sure is a sweet start — plus you can purchase freshly-picked berries at their in-house farmers market.

After taking a year off, Sunderland's Applewood Farm & Winery (not to be confused with Stouffville's Applewood Farm, which is opening its field on June 20), is bringing its pick-your-own strawberry offerings back this summer, kicking things off with a 'Strawberry Social' on June 21, around the same time they anticipate opening the field.

Other essential spots like Tigchelaar Berry Farm and Rock Garden Farms have yet to announce their official opening dates, but since it's looking like the week of June 16 to 22 is a consensus among their peers, you can expect them to open the garden gates around then, too.

Check out this list for more strawberry picking options near Toronto.