Sure, Kelowna may be most closely associated with its waterfront location on Okanagan Lake. And wine (of course). And its abundance of outdoor recreation. But in addition to all of that, it's a renowned fruit-growing destination—and we don't just mean grapes. It turns out, the same environmental factors that make this a premier wine region (namely, mild weather and rich, fertile soil) are also excellent for fruit farms, and there are no Kelowna activities more synonymous with summer than fruit picking.
If you're visiting this summer, consider spending a day checking out a truly local aspect of the Okanagan Valley. Bonus: if you're staying at The Royal Kelowna, all of these farms are within a short, scenic drive.
Pro tip: berries get hot (and therefore, unpleasantly squishy) when picked in the peak heat of the day. Go berry picking in the early morning or early evening for the best experience.
Keep in mind that Mother Nature dictates what grows and when, and it can change significantly from one season to the next. We strongly recommend calling each farm or checking their social media channels ahead of your visit to confirm open hours and availability. Also, be sure to wear close-toed, comfortable shoes and lather on sunscreen!
Courtesy of tourismkelowna.com - Matt Ferguson Photography
Bilga Farms
11.5 km/7.1 miles from The Royal Kelowna (18 minutes)
A smaller operation tucked in on Rutland Road among other farms in Kelowna, this spot is best known for its strawberry picking in early summer. Because strawberry season is relatively short, the farm gives patrons a choice: pick your own, or simply grab a ready-to-go flat from the farm stand. In addition to strawberries, Bilga Farms offers fresh vegetables throughout the year and is a popular destination for pumpkins come October.
Blind Rooster Berry Farm
15.4 km/9.6 miles from The Royal Kelowna (22 minutes)
The term "tiny but mighty" perfectly fits this 5-acre family farm. Blind Rooster offers a little of a lot of things, from u-pick haskap berries (a native Canada berry, also called honeyberries or sometimes blue honeysuckle) to rhubarb and Saskatoon berries. Saskatoons, also known as Juneberries, are quite similar to blueberries (and the process is identical to blueberry picking), antioxidant-rich and juicy. You can even purchase farm fresh eggs from a self-service stand. Bring your own containers, plus cash or cheque (no cards accepted).
Jay's Berry Farm
24.1 km/15 miles from The Royal Kelowna (30 minutes)
Practically around the corner from Rose Hill Orchard, Jay's strictly does berries but does them exceptionally well. Come here for a few different varieties of reasonably-priced blueberry picking ($3.50 per pound, with a $10 minimum per person) or pre-packed flats of blueberries by the pound. The blueberry season is short here, typically only 2–3 weeks in mid-July.
Kempf Orchards
12.1 km/7.5 miles from The Royal Kelowna (18 minutes)
Located in East Kelowna, Kempf Orchards offers nine varieties of u-pick cherries, including Rainier, Early Yellow, Stella, and Sour. There’s a $3 entry fee per person and a $1 charge per box (you can also bring your own). No reservations are needed, but weekends often reach capacity so expect a bit of a wait during peak times. Thanks to a wetter, milder winter, the 2025 fruit picking season is expected to start in early July and run longer than usual.
Kuipers Family Fruit Farm
10.1 km/6.3 miles from The Royal Kelowna (16 minutes)
A Kelowna staple since 1921, Kuipers offers all kinds of fruit picking: cherries, apricots, peaches, and plums as the season progresses. The orchard directly overlooks Okanagan Lake, making it one of the most scenic spots to pick fruit. Entry is $3 for all guests over age 10, and u-pick fruit is priced at an incredibly reasonable $3.50 per pound. The farm even provides a variety of containers, as well as pre-picked fruit for sale.
Mike & Lizzy's Cherry U-Pick
9.8 km/6 miles from The Royal Kelowna (16 minutes)
Located in Kelowna’s Lower Mission, cherries have been growing here since 1948. Six varietals include bings, vans, lapins, and Rainiers, which are available pre-picked only. The orchard is open seasonally, typically starting in July and from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm, but of course, hours can change. Visitors note that the staff are exceptionally friendly, always happy to share tips on each variety and how to store them. Cash only.
Courtesy of tourismkelowna.com - Destination BC - Andrew Strain
Paynter's Fruit Market
14.7 km/9.1 miles from The Royal Kelowna (17 minutes)
This West Kelowna family farm offers a wide range of u-pick and pre-picked produce, from apples and pears to squash, herbs, lettuce, and more. The u-pick season starts mid-July with apricots, continuing through summer and fall with what's in season and ending with apples and pears in mid- to late October. The onsite market is well-stocked, and there’s a lovely coffee and ice cream shop with covered outdoor seating. Visitors can snap photos in a seasonal flower field, pick pumpkins in the fall, or book a 45-minute farm tour (May-October) to learn more about how food literally goes from farm to table. Paynter's also hosts occasional pop-up markets featuring other local makers and vendors.
Rose Hill Orchard
22.8 km/14 miles from The Royal Kelowna (27 minutes)
This one-stop shop is just north of Kelowna, in an area known as Lake Country. It has a u-pick orchard with apples, cherries, plums, and more, plus a craft cidery where you can buy bottles of cider or book a cider tasting. The farm also hosts several events onsite, from live music to farmers markets, festivals, and food trucks. Unique among fruit farms in Kelowna, Rose Hill lets visitors book a u-pick appointment online in advance.
Twin Oaks Organic Orchard
10.1 km/6.3 miles from The Royal Kelowna (16 minutes)
Near Kuipers, Twin Oaks offers certified organic u-pick cherries, apples, pears, apricots, peaches, plums, and berries. The orchard also pre-picks some fruit and sells it ready-to-eat and makes its own small-batch honey and canned fruit preserved. Hours vary based on availability (for example, they may open from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm on Saturday only one week), so check their Facebook page before heading out. Bring your own container.
