10 Best Summer Fruits in Canada (+ Tips for Picking & Storing)

When the sun shines warmer and the days get longer, one of the best parts of the season arrives: the incredible variety of fresh summer fruits in Canada. If you’ve ever wondered what to look for at the farmers’ market or how to make your haul last longer, you’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

Why Eating Seasonal Summer Fruits is a Smart Choice

Choosing to eat seasonal summer fruits in Canada is not just about taste; it’s a decision that benefits your health, wallet, and the environment. Fruits harvested at their peak ripen naturally, giving them a richer flavour and a higher concentration of vitamins and antioxidants.

Think of it like this: eating a strawberry in July is like hearing a song live from your favourite band, while eating one in January is like hearing it on a fuzzy radio station. The notes are the same, but the experience is worlds apart.

Since they are abundant and don’t need to be shipped from far away, they are often more affordable and have a smaller carbon footprint. It’s a delicious way to support local farmers and enjoy the freshest produce available which is a key part of adapting to Canada’s changing seasons.

A Complete Guide to the Best Summer Fruits Available in Canada

#1 Strawberries

These iconic red gems are often the first sign that summer has truly begun. They grow in many parts of Canada, especially Quebec and Ontario. You can pick them yourself at farms or buy them at stores from June to early July.

Beyond their sweet, juicy flavour, strawberries are part of the rose family and are excellent in fresh salads, jams, and classic shortcakes.

#2 Blueberries

From the tiny, intensely flavourful wild blueberries of the Maritimes and Quebec to the plump, cultivated ones from British Columbia, Canada is a blueberry paradise. They are very good for you and are typically harvested from July through August.

Packed with antioxidants, they are perfect for adding to muffins, pancakes, and smoothies or simply enjoying by the handful. According to Health Canada, these powerful compounds may help protect your body’s cells from damage.

#3 Raspberries

Raspberries are soft and a bit tart. You’ll find them in red, black, or even golden colours on thorny bushes across the country, especially in B.C. and Ontario, during mid-summer.

Each raspberry, composed of tiny sections called “drupelets,” is full of fibre. They pair wonderfully with chocolate and are a great topping for yogurt or oatmeal.

#4 Cherries

Nothing says mid-summer like a bowl of fresh cherries. They can be sweet or sour. In Canada, you’ll find them growing in the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia and the Niagara region of Ontario, usually in July.

Sweet cherries are perfect for snacking, while sour varieties are prized for pies, jams, and even savoury sauces for dishes like duck or pork.

#5 Peaches

Peaches are fuzzy on the outside and juicy on the inside. They grow best in warm places like Ontario’s Niagara region and parts of B.C. Foodland Ontario notes that the region’s unique climate makes it ideal for tender fruit, with peaches reaching their peak season in August.

On forums like Reddit’s r/askacanadian, you’ll often see users from British Columbia insisting that nothing beats a fresh Okanagan peach eaten over the sink on a hot August day.

A fun fact: peaches and nectarines are nearly identical, but nectarines lack the characteristic fuzz. For a simple and delicious summer treat, try grilling peach halves to caramelize their sugars.

#6 Apricots

Apricots are small, orange fruits that look a bit like tiny peaches. They offer a unique sweet and tangy taste. As one of the first stone fruits to appear, they are typically ready in July in their main growing regions of B.C. and Ontario.

Apricots can be eaten fresh, dried, or cooked and are a great source of vitamins A and C.

#7 Plums

Plums come in many colours like purple, red, and yellow. They have a smooth skin and a juicy interior that can range from super sweet to pleasantly tart. Available from mid-summer to late summer, they grow well in Ontario, B.C., and Quebec.

When you dry a plum, it becomes a prune. They are excellent for making jams, sauces, or baked tarts.

Stone Fruit Showdown: Peaches vs. Apricots vs. Plums

With so many delicious stone fruits available, it can be tricky to know which one to choose for your recipe. Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide.

#8 Blackberries

Blackberries are dark purple and grow on thorny bushes. These juicy, slightly tart berries often grow wild and are cultivated in B.C. and Ontario, ripening later in the summer, typically August.

Like raspberries, each blackberry is a cluster of tiny drupelets. Their robust flavour holds up well in baked goods like cobblers and pies.

#9 Gooseberries

Gooseberries are small, round, and can be green, yellow, or red. They have a distinctively tart taste that is fantastic for adding a bright note to jams and pies.

Found on thorny bushes during mid-summer, they are less common than other berries, but are a rewarding find at local markets.

#10 Saskatoon Berries

Saskatoon berries are special to Canada, particularly in the Prairie provinces. They look a bit like blueberries but have a unique, sweet, and nutty flavour.

Named after the city of Saskatoon, these hardy berries have been a traditional food for First Nations people for generations and are perfect for pies and jams. Their peak season is typically in July.

Enjoying Summer Fruits on a Budget

Enjoying the best of Canada’s summer bounty doesn’t have to break the bank. With a few smart strategies, you can stock up on delicious, fresh fruit without overspending.

• Go Late in the Day: Many vendors at farmers’ markets prefer to sell their produce rather than pack it up. Visiting in the last hour before closing can often lead to great deals.
• Ask for ‘Seconds’: If you’re planning to make jam, pies, or syrups, ask vendors if they have any ‘seconds’ or ‘ugly’ fruit. These are fruits that are perfectly ripe and delicious but might have a few bruises or cosmetic blemishes, and they are usually sold at a deep discount.
• Buy in Bulk: If you have a plan to use or preserve it, buying a larger basket or flat of fruit is almost always cheaper per unit than buying a small pint. This is especially true at U-Pick farms.
• Freeze Your Extras: Don’t let any of your haul go to waste. If you have fruit that is about to become overripe, use the simple freezing methods in our preservation section to save it for later.

With a few smart strategies, you can stock up on delicious, fresh fruit as part of your plan for budget living in Canada.

How to Pick the Perfect Fruit at the Store or Market

When you’re shopping for the best summer fruits, use your senses! Look for fruits with bright, uniform colours and smooth skin, free of bruises or soft spots. For berries, check the container for any signs of mould or crushed fruit.

Your experience may vary depending on the different grocery store tiers in Canada, as premium stores may have a wider selection while discount stores offer better prices.

Gently feel stone fruits like peaches—they should be firm but have a slight give. For many fruits, especially melons and strawberries, a sweet, fragrant aroma is a great sign of ripeness.

Simple Storage Tips to Keep Your Summer Fruits Fresh

To make your fruits last longer, store them properly. Most berries are delicate; keep them in the refrigerator in a breathable container and wash them just before eating to prevent them from getting mushy.

Stone fruits like peaches and plums can be left on the counter to ripen and then moved to the fridge to slow the process down. For more detailed information, check out Canada’s Food Guide for safe food storage tips.

Delicious Ways to Enjoy Your Summer Fruit Bounty

While all these fruits are delicious fresh, don’t hesitate to get creative! Berries and stone fruits are fantastic in desserts like pies, cobblers, and tarts. Many can be blended into refreshing smoothies or juices.

For a surprising twist, try using fruits in savoury dishes. A salad with strawberries and a balsamic glaze, grilled peaches alongside chicken, or a cherry sauce for pork are all wonderful ways to enjoy the summer harvest.

A Guide to U-Pick Fruit Farms in Canada

For a truly fresh and fun experience, consider visiting a U-Pick farm. It’s a fantastic family activity and a great way to get the best possible produce. Before you go, check the farm’s website or call ahead to see what’s in season and what their hours are.

Most farms provide baskets, but some may encourage you to bring your own. Wear comfortable shoes, a hat, and sunscreen. Be sure to follow the farm’s rules for picking. It’s a memorable way to connect with your food and support local agriculture.

👉 Pro Tip: Don’t forget to bring a toonie or two for the farm stand. They often have the best butter tarts you’ll find anywhere!

A few extra tips often shared by seasoned U-pickers in online Canadian communities include:

• Go Deeper: Don’t just pick from the first few rows. Walk further into the fields where the selection is often better.
• Be Prepared: There’s rarely any shade, so bring a hat, sunscreen, and water. Wet wipes are also a lifesaver for sticky hands, especially with kids!”

While U-Pick farms offer the freshest experience, there are many other great places to buy seasonal produce, from bustling farmers’ markets to your local grocery store.

How to Preserve Your Summer Fruits

One of the best problems to have is ending up with more fresh fruit than you can eat. Food Safety First: The simple recipes below are for short-term refrigerated storage (like in a jar in the fridge for a few weeks).

For long-term, shelf-stable canning, it is crucial to follow tested recipes and precise safety guidelines to prevent foodborne illness. Please consult a trusted Canadian resource like Bernardin or review Health Canada’s home canning safety tips.

Whether you have a huge kitchen or a small condo like mine, being efficient with your space is always a smart move. I’ve found that the best way to handle a flat of strawberries is to process them right away.

It saves precious fridge space and ensures nothing goes to waste. Here are a few simple, space-saving methods to get you started.

Method 1: Freezing Berries for Year-Round Smoothies

Freezing is the simplest way to keep the taste of summer alive. For berries like strawberries, blueberries, and Saskatoon berries, gently wash and thoroughly pat them dry.

Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer for about two hours, or until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or container.

This flash-freezing method prevents them from clumping together, so you can grab just what you need for smoothies, baking, or oatmeal all winter long.

Method 2: Crafting a Simple Stone Fruit Jam

You don’t need to be an expert to make delicious jam. For a simple peach or plum jam, you can follow a basic method. The experts at Bernardin, Canada’s home canning authority, suggest a foundational ratio of about four parts fruit to one part sugar, plus lemon juice to help the jam set properly. Let it sit for about 30 minutes to draw out the juices, then bring it to a boil.

Reduce the heat and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, for 20–30 minutes until it thickens. Once cooled, you can store it in a jar in the refrigerator for a few weeks. Don’t feel pressured to do it all at once. The goal is to enjoy the process and the delicious results, one jar at a time.

Method 3: Creating a Quick Fruit Syrup

Turn any juicy fruit into a versatile syrup perfect for pancakes, cocktails, or flavouring sparkling water. In a saucepan, combine two cups of chopped fruit (like cherries or raspberries) with one cup of water and one cup of sugar.

Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 15 minutes, mashing the fruit gently. Strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean jar, and your homemade syrup is ready to enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Finding Your Favourite Summer Flavours

Summer in Canada offers an amazing opportunity to enjoy some of the world’s best fresh fruit. Whether you’re picking them yourself on a sunny afternoon or finding them at a local market, there is a wide variety of summer fruits in Canada to try. Experiment with different types and recipes to find your new seasonal favourite.

For more ideas on what to find locally, check out our guide to Farmers’ Markets in Ontario.