Berry Good

Looking for a little pick-me-up this summer? Or maybe you’d like to pick up a new family activity that your kids might pick too? We pick U-pick.

There are several U-pick farms within an hour’s drive of Calgary specializing in Saskatoon berries and strawberries with a few veggies on the side. Surprisingly, the picking season is just getting underway (yes, it’s late this cool summer). 

Before you head out to any of these close by U-pick farms, call ahead for updated conditions. The weather has wreaked havoc on local farmers this year and crops are late and limited. Plan to go first thing in the morning. Fields are likely to get cleaned out and once the berries are gone, they’re gone. Many farms will pick the berries for you or sell them onsite as well, but where’s the fun in that?

Not all farms accept credit cards so bring cash, as well as hats, closed-toe shoes, sunscreen and water. For the berry best results, pack a cooler with ice to get your sweet treasures home.

Good to Know: U-pick farms charge $18 per 4L pail of pre-picked berries or $12 per 4L pail if you pick your own.

Prep and Care: Rinse Saskatoon berries under running water before eating. Conversely, running water can bruise a strawberry which is why we prefer to soak them (briefly) in a bowl of clean water. Dry immediately. Freeze berries for future use individually on cookie sheets before placing them into freezer bags.

U-pick, we pick, they pick. It doesn’t really matter who picks at the end of the day. The important thing is that the kids see where berries come from (and it’s not the supermarket) and we can all enjoy their beautiful flavour. Yum.

Kayben Farms
Where: Just north of Okotoks between Hwy 2 and 2A
When: Strawberry picking is already underway on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Look for black currants and raspberries in August as well.
Cost: $18 for a 4L pail of pre-picked berries or $12 for a 4L pail if you pick your own ($1 discount if you bring your own pail).
Extras: Once the kids have had their fill of berry picking, check out the Sunshine Adventure Park onsite. For the price of admission ($15 per family), the kids can bounce, climb and swing while you enjoy nature trails and a cuppa joe.

The Saskaberry Ranch
Where: Northwest of Calgary, close to Sundre
When: Saskatoon picking gets underway on July 25 with strawberry and raspberry picking picking-up in early August.
Extras: The rolling hills, creeks and pasture land are beautiful enough to warrant a tour even without berry picking. Sweet Saskatoons are merely a bonus.

The Saskatoon Farm
Where: North of Okotoks, 3 km east of Hwy 2
When: Saskatoon picking gets underway on July 25
Extras: Visit the seasonal garden center or year-round Café and Gift shop where they serve the best Saskatoon berry pie we have ever eaten.

Serviceberry Farms
Where: Just north of Strathmore
When: Strawberry picking underway. Saskatoon berries usually available mid-July to mid-August.
Cost: $2.75 per pound
Extras: There are small potatoes and beets available now with more veggies and Saskatoon berries to come mid-August.

Solstice Berry Farms
Where: Northwest of Calgary, close to Crossfield
When: Saskatoon picking begins August 7
Cost: $2.60 per pound
Extras: Snacks and beverages are available for purchase or pack a picnic to munch on one of Solstice Berry Farms’ outdoor tables.

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