Apple Picking in Kelowna

The best apple picking near Kelowna is at Davison Orchards in Vernon, Paynter's Fruit Market in Westbank and Rose Hill Orchard in Lake Country, and the season runs late August through October. This guide covers ten orchards and farm markets in the Mission, Glenmore, Lake Country, Westbank, Oyama and Vernon, with addresses, prices and the main drawback of each. Fall is also more comfortable than summer, when temperatures reach 40 degrees and the lake and roads are busy with Alberta visitors.

Not every orchard still offers u-pick. Some sell pre-picked fruit only, and a few are better described as attractions. The list below notes which is which.

When Is Apple Picking Season in Kelowna?

Apple picking season in the Okanagan starts in late August and runs through October. July is cherry and peach season, not apple season (see summer here). Galas are ready in early September; Honeycrisp in late September.

Weekend afternoons are the busiest time. Arriving at 1 PM on a Saturday usually means traffic on Highway 97 and roadside parking. A Tuesday morning is ideal. On weekends, arrive at opening.

Apple picking fits well on a fall list of free things to do in Kelowna. Pick only what you'll use. 40 pounds of apples is more than most households need.

Davison Orchards

Davison Orchards is the most complete family farm outing in the area, about a 45-minute drive up Highway 97 in Vernon. Visitors buy a bag and ride a tractor, the Johnny Popper, out to the apple fields, which grow varieties from Royal Gala to Aurora. There's also a large pumpkin patch and a bakery.

The catch: October weekends are very busy. A Saturday noon arrival can mean parking in a distant dirt overflow lot. Weekday mornings are much easier.

Paynter's Fruit Market

Address: 3687 Paynter Rd, Westbank
Price: Free entry, pay by weight for u-pick

Paynter's Fruit Market is a long-established Westbank orchard and market that has been family-run for generations. Visitors pick up a bucket in the main market and walk out to the trees. The market also sells hard ice cream.

The catch: its location right off the highway makes it a popular stop, and the lower branches are usually picked clean by mid-September. Go early in the season or expect to use a ladder.

Rose Hill Orchard

Rose Hill Orchard is known for variety, growing many apple types beyond standard Macs. It's quieter than the orchards closer to town and has an onsite craft cidery, so cider can be part of the visit.

The catch: by late September, fallen fruit attracts yellow jackets. Closed-toe shoes are a good idea.

Twin Oaks Organic Orchard

Twin Oaks Organic Orchard is the main certified organic u-pick in Kelowna, growing Honeycrisp, Gala, Ambrosia and Pink Lady. Fruit is picked straight from the trees on a quiet working farm.

The catch: hours change often depending on what's ripe. Check their Facebook page before driving up the hill.

Griffin Farms

Address: 3344 Elliot Rd, Westbank
Price: Free entry, pay by weight

Griffin Farms is a low-key, family-run u-pick for apples and pears, with a long track record and excellent fruit quality. There are no petting zoos or attractions, which keeps it quiet.

Check hours before going, and bring boxes if you have them.

Kuipers Family Fruit Farm

Address: 579 Barnaby Rd, the Mission
Price: Pay by weight (check current rates)

Kuipers Family Fruit Farm, down the road from Twin Oaks, is known for its lake views. It's best known for summer cherries and peaches, with apricots and plums as well, so call ahead about apples. Prices are reasonable, and pails and bags are provided.

The catch: the orchard is on a steep hill with uneven dirt rows. Wear sturdy shoes, leave strollers at home and watch for irrigation lines in the grass.

Bella Rosa Orchards

Address: 120 Mail Rd, Glenmore
Price: Pay by the bag

Bella Rosa Orchards is a long-running family orchard growing apples, pears, cherries and table grapes. It's a convenient option for Glenmore and downtown residents, and it avoids the heavy fall bridge traffic into West Kelowna.

Tourism Kelowna's farm guide doesn't list Bella Rosa as a u-pick, so call before going if picking your own is the goal. Pre-picked fruit is sold at the stand.

KLO Farm Market

Address: 1760 KLO Rd, Lower Mission
Price: Free entry, varies by weight

KLO Farm Market is a certified organic farm market with large bins of apples in the fall and u-pick flowers. It combines easily with other free things to do in Kelowna around the Mission.

The catch: it's on a busy road, and turning out of the lot onto KLO Road on a Saturday afternoon takes time.

Don-O-Ray Farm Market

Address: 3443 Benvoulin Rd, Kelowna
Price: Farm market pricing, petting zoo is extra

Don-O-Ray Farm Market is best for families with young children, though it isn't an apple u-pick. It sells local produce, pies made with its own fruit and a large selection of pumpkins. The petting zoo, hedge maze and goat feeding are the main attractions.

The catch: the petting zoo area gets muddy after rain. Wear boots.

Gatzke Orchards

Address: 15686 Pelmewash Pkwy, Oyama
Price: Free to walk around, pay for produce

Gatzke Orchards, by Wood Lake, now operates mainly as a farm market and bakery rather than a traditional u-pick. The market runs roughly May to September, so go early in apple season. The bakery is the main draw, and the rail trail across the street has e-bike rentals.

The catch: it's commercial and busy, with heavy rental-bike traffic on the trail.