Okanagan peaches are a favorite among many, local fruit stands and orchards offer u-pick or pre-picked peaches. Grab a flat, or two to can them for later or enjoy them fresh. You can even make some yummy peach recipes such as cobbler or peach pie!
When is peach season in the Okanagan?
Peaches become available in July right through until mid-September. If you make a trip to the South Okanagan (Oliver or Osoyoos) peaches may be ready a bit earlier as the temperature is warmer there.
The availability of peaches also depends on the variety and when they become available.
What peach varieties are grown in British Columbia?
According to BC Tree Fruit Production Guide, there are 29 varieties of peaches in their production facility. The most commonly available varieties you will find for sale include Early Red Haven, Glow Haven, Fair Haven, Red Hale, Harbrite, and White Lady to name a few.
Family Fun Tips for Peach Picking
- Pack water and snacks (we know the kids are always hungry).
- Bring hats, sunscreen, and appropriate footwear.
- Have cash to pay for your peaches, as most places prefer it.
- The orchards encourage early picking in the day when it’s cooler and not as busy.
- Most places provide ladders, bags and boxes, although it’s best to confirm if you are unsure.
- Feel free to bring your own boxes, containers and bags (some may sell them on site).
Which fruit stands sell peaches and who offers u-pick?
While this is a starting point, we know there are many more fruit stands selling peaches. Check out our list of Fruit Stands, Orchards and U-Picks if we missed any.
Covert Farms Family Estate | Oliver (U-Pick Peaches)
Pick your own peaches at Seacrest Organic Produce at Covert Farms. By appointment only. Peaches are for u-pick from July 25 to September 31, while supplies last. Not only do they sell fruits and vegetables, but they offer wine tastings and fantastic farm experiences for the kids.
300 Covert Place, Oliver | covertfarms.ca/secrest-organics/
Davison Orchards Country Village | Vernon
One of the most well-known orchards in the Okanagan is Davison’s. They sell 5 varieties of peaches: Early Sunrise, Early Red Haven, Red Haven, Glo Haven, and Crest Haven. If you go to their website they answer FAQs on peaches, provide peach care advice, and even supply a peach salsa recipe! This is a great location to pick up some peaches and let the kids experience the farm, visit the animals and enjoy their playground on site.
3111 Davison Road, Vernon | davisonorchards.ca/peach-varieties
Farmgate Winery & Fruit Stand | Kaleden
Just a 4-minute drive from Penticton, Farmgate Winery & Fruit Stand sells boxes of fresh-picked peaches. Their Red Haven Peaches are a full freestone variety and are great for eating, canning, and baking. They also sell plums, strawberries, cherries, and more available at this fruit stand just south of Penticton.
346 Highway 97 South, Kaleden | instagram.com/farmgatewinery
Gambell Farms | Lake Country
Peaches, peaches, and more peaches! They sell Red Havens and Blazing Stars peaches. You can also purchase saskatoons, cherries, apricots, raspberries, plums, pears, apples, squash, beets, beans, peas, carrots, potatoes, and more depending on the time of year.
12133 Okanagan Centre Road East, Lake Country | facebook.com/Gambell-Farms
Gatzke Orchards Farm Market | Lake Country
Gatzke Orchard’s Farm Market is a popular complex with sites to see, shopping available, lunch and dinner options as well as bike rentals. They sell 8 varieties of peaches: Early Red Haven, Glow Haven, Fair Haven, Red Hale, White Lady, Donut, O’Henry, and Mystery which become available from July to August. They also serve ice cream, fresh fruit, and produce and they also have a bakery on-site (don’t miss out on those pies and freshly baked bread!).
15686 Pelmewash Parkway, Lake Country | gatzkeorchard.com or read our blog post
Griffin Farms | West Kelowna
Generally, they offer u-pick peaches, but for the 2022 season, there were limited quantities so peaches are available on a first-come-first-served basis.. They also sell nectarines, cherries, gold plums, peach plums, red heart plums, tomatoes, garlic, and hot peppers.
3344 Elliot Road, West Kelowna | facebook.com/the.griffin.farms
Hillside Orchards U-Pick & Farm Market | Oliver
A family-owned and operated farm, offering the experience of picking your own peaches. They have Redhaven and Glowhaven Peaches ready as of early August.
459 Road 18, Oliver | facebook.com/HillsideOrchardsUPick/
K&J Pacific Peaches | Kelowna
If peaches are what you want, stop by K&J Pacific Peaches for Early Red Haven and Freestone peaches. They also sell raspberries, cucumbers, zucchini, apricots, blueberries, and cherries. A reminder, they are a cash-only fruit stand.
1145 Morrison Road, Kelowna | www.facebook.com/K-J-Pacific-Peaches
Kuipers Family Fruit Farm | Kelowna
All of their fruit is picked fresh daily, with peaches available mid to late August. They sell Glow Haven (pre-picked) and Fairhaven peaches (u-pick). You can pre-order your peaches so you don’t miss out.
579 Barnaby Road, Kelowna | www.kuipersfamilyfruitfarm.com
Lakeside Orchards | Kelowna
Known for their u-pick cherries, Lakeside Orchards promotes their friends’ sale of fresh fruit at their stand. Palvinder Singh Farms sells fresh-picked peaches, golden plums, nectarines, and cherries.
4730 Lakeshore Road, Kelowna | www.facebook.com/lakesideorchardsbc
Oyama Red Barn | Lake Country
Their fruit stand is freshly packed with local farm fresh fruit from their orchard in Oyama. Stop by for fresh fruit, shaved ice, and all their kids’ activities!
3950 Irvine Road, Lake Country | facebook.com/OyamaRedBarn
Paynter’s Fruit Market | West Kelowna
Explore the orchard at Paynters, where you can find cherries, apricots, peaches, plums, apples, as well as pear trees. Their u-pick orchard is located directly behind the market, but unfortunately due to a cold winter their 2022 crop of peaches is extremely small and they will not be offering u-pick for 2022.
3687 Paynter Road, West Kelowna | payntersfruitmarket.ca/youpick
Peter’s U-Pick Orchard | Vernon (U-Pick Peaches)
This 10-acre family fruit farm offers u-pick as well as a direct sale on the farm. Unfortunately for 2022, their sweet and juicy peaches did not produce any fruit this year so we will have to wait until 2023.
6244 Rimer Road, Vernon | petersupick.com
Ringo-En Orchard | Vernon (U-Pick)
This 25-acre family orchard has been growing Okanagan produce since the mid-1920s. They have three varieties of peaches, all of which are freestone: Harrow Diamond, Starfire, and Coral Star. Freestones are great for canning or peach pie recipes. Find them at the Vernon Farmers Market.
6831 Bella Vista Road, Vernon | facebook.com/ringoenorchards
Rose Hill Orchard | Lake Country (U-Pick Peaches)
Rose Hill Orchards produces cherries, peaches, plums, apricots, apples, squash, and berries. In addition, all of these are included in their U-Pick Program. You can choose to pick peaches or have them pick them for you. From late July to early August, they will have 4 varieties of peaches available. They are open 7 days a week from June to October and now they have the Rose Hill Kitchen open – serving ice cold drinks, fresh baked goods, and warm smiles.
11911 Okanagan Centre Road East, Lake Country | www.facebook.com/RoseHillOrchard/
Trout Creek Fruit Stand | Summerland
The Trout Creek Fruit Stand has been family-owned since 1995. They sell peaches and a wide range of other fruits including cherries, raspberries, cherries, strawberries, apricots, and more! There is plenty of parking for vehicles and RVs. Washrooms are available on site with views of their orchards behind the building.
6215 Highway 97, Summerland
Twin Oaks Certified Organic Orchard | Kelowna
Twin Oaks Orchards is a BC Certified Organic Orchard and they grow and sell organic cherries, apricots, peaches, pears, prunes/plums, and apples. Mixed varieties of peaches were ready to go in August, please check their Facebook page for updates.
559 Barnaby Road, Kelowna | www.facebook.com/twinoakskelowna/
Peaches Fun Facts:
- The Peach State: So many peaches are grown in Georgia that “The Peach State” has become its nickname.
Health Benefits: Peaches are a good source of Vitamins A and C. - Top Producer: China produces the most peach and nectarines per year at 14,469,004 tonnes production volume per year. Spain comes second with 1,529,919 tonnes of yearly production.
- Peach Varieties: According to AgrMRC, “there are two basic types of peaches (Prunes persica): clingstone and freestone. With clingstone peaches, the flesh “clings” to the “stone” of the peach, making it difficult to separate, and thus more suitable for processing. The pit of freestone peaches “freely” separates from the flesh, making it ideal for fresh consumption.”
- What’s the difference?: The only difference between a peach and a nectarine is the texture of their skin. CBC.ca
- Peachland: Yes there is a town called Peachland in the Okanagan Valley. According to The Canadian Encyclopedia, “Peachland was named by John M. Robinson, a land developer after he tasted the peaches grown in the area.”
