Cherry Picking in Ontario at Puddicombe Farms: Fruit, Trains and Wine Near Niagara

We moved to Canada from India in 2019 and have spent five-plus years exploring Ontario’s farms. Puddicombe Estate Farms in Winona is one of our favourite finds for cherry picking in Ontario.

If you’re looking for a fun family day trip near Toronto that combines fruit picking, scenic train rides, farm animals, local wine, and delicious baked goods, then Puddicombe Estate Farms & Winery deserves a spot on your Ontario bucket list.

It is also one of our favourite spots for cherry picking in Ontario, especially if you are searching for cherry picking niagara ontario without straying far from the GTA.

With over 200 years of farming history, this family-owned farm has become one of the best destinations in the Niagara region for families, couples, and anyone looking to enjoy the outdoors. Whether you’re visiting during cherry season, apple picking season, or simply looking for a relaxing countryside escape, there’s something here for everyone.

If you want a head start on planning the rest of your Niagara day, browse our tried and tested Canada travel itineraries before you go.

Don’t Miss the Famous Farm Train Ride

One of the biggest highlights, especially for young kids, is the Puddicombe Farm Train Tour.

This isn’t just a short ride, it’s a charming journey through the orchard aboard a real train that feels like a classic choo choo adventure.

Along the way you’ll enjoy:

Beautiful orchard views
Scenic countryside landscapes
A relaxing ride through the farm
Opportunities to spot horses grazing nearby

It’s easily one of the most memorable experiences for children and a great way to explore the property without lots of walking.

We found the ride a nice slow-paced break in the middle of a visit, and it is short enough that even younger toddlers stay interested the whole way through.

If a farm train ride is the highlight for your family, our guide to African Lion Safari covers another Hamilton-area day out with a similar ride-through format.

Train Schedule

May 2 – June 29

Friday to Sunday
11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 1:30 PM

July 3 – October 31

Thursday & Friday
- 10:30 AM
- 11:30 AM
- 12:30 PM
- 1:30 PM
- 2:30 PM
Saturday & Sunday
- 10:30 AM
- 11:30 AM
- 12:30 PM
- 1:30 PM
- 2:30 PM
- 3:30 PM
- 4:30 PM

November

Call ahead for train schedule.

December – April

Train rides are closed for the season.

Pick Fresh Seasonal Fruit

Depending on when you visit, you can enjoy a classic Ontario fruit-picking experience.

Seasonal offerings may include:

Cherries 🍒
Peaches 🍑
Apples 🍎
Pears 🍐
Plums

Cherries are usually the first fruit of the season here, which is what first put Puddicombe on our radar when we started looking into cherry picking in Ontario.

If Puddicombe’s picking windows do not line up with your schedule, Snyder’s Family Farm is another pick-your-own option worth comparing.

Meet the Friendly Farm Animals

Kids will love visiting the farm animals at the property.

Expect to see:

Ducks 🦆
Goats 🐐
Chickens 🐓
Peacocks 🦚

For little animal lovers, this adds even more excitement to the visit.

Our kids always ask to visit the goats twice, once on the way in and once on the way back to the car.

For more animal encounters close to the city, see our roundup of family-friendly animal farms near Toronto.

Bakery, Winery & Outdoor Patios

After exploring the farm, treat yourself to some of the delicious homemade offerings.

You’ll find:

Fresh pies
Seasonal baked goods
Local preserves
Fresh produce
Ice cream
Coffee and snacks

Adults can also enjoy wines and ciders from the estate while relaxing on the outdoor tasting patio surrounded by orchard views.

It’s a wonderful place to slow down and enjoy the countryside.

We always leave with a box of preserves, and the patio is a great spot to let the kids run off energy while the adults finish a glass of wine.

For more wineries and things to do nearby, our guide to things to do in Niagara Region covers the wider area.

Perfect Family Day Trip Near Toronto

What makes Puddicombe Estate Farms & Winery such a popular destination is that it offers something for every age.

✔️ Fruit picking
✔️ Farm animals
✔️ Scenic train rides
✔️ Bakery treats
✔️ Winery experiences
✔️ Beautiful photo opportunities
✔️ Family-friendly atmosphere

Whether you’re visiting with toddlers, grandparents, or friends, it’s an easy day trip everyone can enjoy.

We have brought both grandparents and toddlers here on the same afternoon, and the pace of the farm makes it easy for every age group to enjoy it differently.

For more ideas that work across generations, see our guide to things to do with family in Toronto.

📍 Location

Puddicombe Estate Farms & Winery

📍 1468 Highway 8, Winona (Hamilton), ON L8E 5K9

Approximately 1 hour from Toronto and an easy stop while exploring the Niagara region.

We usually build in extra time for the drive along the escarpment, since the views on the way in are part of the experience.

Address:

1468 Highway 8, Winona, ON L8E 5K9

Hours: January to April, Wednesday to Saturday 10am to 4pm. May, June, November and December, Wednesday to Sunday 10am to 5pm. July to October, Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 5pm.

Confirm current train ride times, activity pricing, and seasonal hours directly with the farm before visiting.

If you are making a full day or weekend of it, our guide to farms to visit in Ontario in the fall has more nearby options to pair with your visit.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for one of the best family-friendly farms in Ontario, Puddicombe Farms checks every box. From scenic train rides and adorable farm animals to fresh fruit picking, delicious bakery treats, and relaxing winery patios, it’s a destination that brings together fun, food, and fresh air in one memorable outing.

Whether you’re planning a spring adventure, summer family day, or fall apple-picking trip, Puddicombe Farms is well worth the visit.

Best Time to Visit Puddicombe Farms

Spring: The farm reopens for the season with the train starting its Friday to Sunday runs from May 2 to June 29. We find spring visits quieter, since cherry season has not started yet and most visitors have not discovered the schedule change.

Summer: This is when cherries typically ripen first, followed by peaches later in the season. The train runs its fullest schedule from July 3 through October 31, with extra afternoon departures on weekends. We think summer is the liveliest time to visit, with the patio and market busiest on weekend afternoons.

Fall: Apples, pears, and plums take over the picking rows, and the orchard views turn golden along the escarpment. Weekday mornings tend to be calmer if you want to avoid the fall crowds that head out to Niagara farms.

Winter: The train closes for the season from December through April, and the farm operates on reduced Wednesday to Saturday hours. We usually treat a winter stop as a quieter market and wine visit rather than a full day out.

Cherry Picking in Ontario by Area

Winona and Hamilton: Puddicombe Estate Farms sits right in Winona, making it the anchor stop for anyone searching cherry picking in Ontario from the Hamilton side of the Niagara Escarpment. We treat it as the easiest first stop if you are coming from the west end of the GTA.
Vineland: A short drive further into the Niagara Peninsula, Vineland is home to several other pick-your-own cherry farms. It is worth knowing about as a backup if Puddicombe’s picking windows do not line up with your visit.
Niagara-on-the-Lake: Slightly further east, this area combines cherry and fruit picking with some of the region’s best-known wineries, so it pairs naturally with a Puddicombe visit if you want to make a full day of it.
Catharines: As the largest city in the Niagara Region, St. Catharines makes a convenient overnight base if you are combining cherry picking with a longer wine country trip.
Toronto: For GTA visitors, Puddicombe is roughly an hour’s drive, making it realistic as a half-day or full-day trip without needing to stay overnight.

Free and No-Reservation Options

There is no separate ticket required simply to walk the grounds, browse the farm market, or sit on the patio at Puddicombe. This is different from some of the larger entertainment farms in the region that require timed entry tickets booked in advance.

The train ride is the one part of a visit that benefits from planning ahead. Departure times are published seasonally, and based on visitor reports the ride can fill up on busy weekends, so we recommend calling ahead if you are visiting during peak cherry or apple season.

If you want a completely free outing in the area, the drive along the Niagara Escarpment and through the surrounding countryside is a scenic option on its own, and the farm’s outdoor grounds are pleasant to walk even outside of picking season.

Tips for Visiting with Kids or Toddlers

We have brought young kids here more than once, and the farm layout is manageable with a stroller on the main paths, though the orchard rows themselves can be uneven, so a carrier is worth having as a backup. Pack layers, since the property is entirely outdoors and mornings can be cool even in summer.

Bring small bills or coins if you plan to let the kids feed the animals, and budget extra time for the animal area since most children want to linger there. For more ideas nearby, our guide to things to do with family in Toronto has additional options for the rest of your trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

When can you pick cherries in Ontario?

Cherries are typically the first fruit of the season at farms like Puddicombe, with picking generally getting underway in July. Exact dates shift each year depending on weather, so it is worth confirming with the farm before you go.

Where is the best place to pick cherries in Ontario?

The Niagara Region, including farms around Winona, Vineland, and Niagara-on-the-Lake, is one of the most established areas in the province for cherry picking, and Puddicombe Estate Farms is one of the options in that stretch.

What month is best for cherry picking?

July is generally considered the peak month for cherry picking in Ontario, though the exact window depends on the weather that year.

Is Puddicombe Farms good for visiting with kids?

Yes. Between the farm train ride, the animal area, and the wide open grounds, it is set up well for families with young children, and the pace of a visit is easy to adjust to a toddler’s attention span.

Do I need to book the train ride in advance?

Departure times are published seasonally rather than requiring a fixed advance booking system, but we recommend calling ahead to confirm current times and availability, especially on weekends during peak cherry and apple season.