7 Fresh Food Solutions in Calgary

Looking for a fun activity for the family this summer? Try one of Calgary's U-Pick farms. Not looking to harvest your own crops? Shop at the Calgary Farmers' Market. But if that doesn't sound right either, get groceries delivered right to your door. Whatever you choose, you'll be eating healthy with our suggestions.

Just north of Okotoks between Hwy 2 and 2A lies Kayben Farms. Pick blackcurrants in the summer, but check the site for dates and times. When the kids have had their fill of berry picking, check out the Sunshine Adventure Park onsite where the kids can bounce, climb and swing while you enjoy nature trails and a cuppa joe.

Northwest of Calgary, close to Sundre, picking is underway with strawberry and raspberry crops picking-up in early August. The rolling hills, creeks and pasture land are beautiful enough to warrant a tour even without berry picking. Sweet Saskatoons are merely a bonus.

North of Okotoks, 3 km east of Hwy 2, The Saskatoon Farm has an old timey storefront, but a 50 acre orchard lies nearby just waiting to be picked through. Saskatoon Farm picking gets underway at the end of July but visit the seasonal garden centre or year-round cafe and gift shop where they serve the best Saskatoon berry pie we have ever eaten.

Take a trip to the The Calgary Farmers' Market and explore the fabulous building filled with lots of great vendors. The food court with seating for 200 complete with vaulted ceilings, skylights and doors to one of two outdoor patios is great. And the down-on-the-farm-themed play area will be a hit. There's no age and height limit set, but at first glance we'd say 6 and under.

SPUD is certainly one of our fave grocery delivery picks. It has a very user-friendly website that allows you to create lists (so repeat shopping trips are even quicker and easier than your initial order). You can even set up standing orders with direct debit. SPUD products fall on the healthier end of the spectrum. Most are organic and we've found the produce tastes fresher and yummier than general grocery store fare.

Sunterra Market sells a dizzying array of Alberta farmed products. Family owned and operated for the past 40 years, we know that the produce and meat is fresh and locally raised. The market delivers groceries starting from $8 right to your door so there's no reason to ever go without great healthy food.

Set on 540 acres of rambling countryside, just outside of Calgary, Canadian Rocky Mountain Ranch is an ideal family getaway for a little eating and sightseeing. Open Tuesday to Saturday, The Ranch Store offers smoked buffalo and elk sausages to bison burgers and buffalo pepperoni sticks. Good to Know: All barbecue items are made without MSG or gluten.