Strawberry Season Brings Sweet Family Fun to Kawartha Lakes and Durham Region

COLLEEN GREEN The Standard

Summer has arrived, and with it comes one of Ontario's most beloved seasonal traditions—strawberry picking. Across Kawartha Lakes and Durham Region, local farms are welcoming visitors to their fields, offering families a chance to enjoy fresh air, beautiful countryside, and baskets full of ripe, juicy strawberries.

Pick-your-own strawberry farms provide a fun and affordable family outing. Children enjoy searching for the biggest berries, while adults appreciate the opportunity to connect with local agriculture and enjoy fresh produce straight from the source.

Popular pick-your-own destinations in Durham Region include Brooks Farms in Mount Albert, Forsythe Family Farms in Greenbank, Willowtree Farm near Port Perry, Watson Farms in Bowmanville, and Pingle's Farm Market in Hampton. In Kawartha Lakes, McLean & Buckhorn Berry Farm near Buckhorn offers visitors the chance to harvest their own strawberries while enjoying the scenic rural landscape.

Beyond their delicious taste, strawberries offer numerous health benefits. They are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, fibre, and essential nutrients that help support heart health, strengthen the immune system, and reduce inflammation. Low in calories and naturally sweet, strawberries make a healthy snack for people of all ages.

For those who don't have the time to visit a farm and pick their own berries, locally grown strawberries can often be found at farmers' markets throughout the region. Popular markets include the Lindsay Farmers' Market, Bobcaygeon Farmers' Market, Fenelon Falls Farmers' Market, Port Perry Farmers' Market, Uxbridge Farmers' Market, Whitby Farmers' Market, Oshawa Farmers' Market, and Bowmanville Farmers' Market. Shopping at these markets allows residents to enjoy fresh, locally grown strawberries while supporting area farmers and food producers.

Before heading out to a pick-your-own farm, visitors are encouraged to check current picking conditions and hours of operation, as availability can vary depending on weather and crop conditions.

Whether you're filling a basket in the field or picking up a fresh quart at your local farmers' market, strawberry season is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy one of Ontario's sweetest harvests while supporting local agriculture.