Summer in Kelowna is synonymous with fresh fruit, vibrant fields, and that unmistakable aroma of sun-ripened peaches and cherries. For visitors and locals alike, farm markets are the perfect way to connect with the region’s agricultural roots while savouring the Okanagan’s seasonal bounty.

These Must-Visit Farm Spots are where you can taste, shop, and explore the best of the valley’s harvest. Whether you’re seeking juicy tree fruits, U-pick adventures, or fresh-baked pies, these three markets capture the essence of an Okanagan summer.

Gatzke’s Farm Market – A Historic Orchard Experience

Nestled in the heart of Lake Country, Gatzke’s Farm Market has been a beloved stop for over 90 years. On your quest for local produce, bring your appetite, some extra time, and make a point to try the ‘Oyama Fire’ salsa, crafted from the lush abundance of the farm and orchard. A multitude of value-added products, from jams and preserves to savoury treats, are ready to take home.

The real star of the market is Grandma Gatzke’s Vintage Recipe pies, perfected in 1941 and still lovingly made today by her great-granddaughters. Each pie is packed with fruit from the surrounding orchards, baked to golden perfection, and ready to be enjoyed on-site or taken home for a true taste of tradition. And yes, they have ice cream—the perfect companion to a warm slice of pie on a sunny afternoon.

While Gatzke’s doesn’t offer U-pick, its market selection is a showcase of the Okanagan’s summer harvest, with cherries, peaches, nectarines, and plums lining the fruit stands. Combined with its rich history and irresistible baked goods, Gatzke’s is a stop worth lingering at on any Okanagan adventure.

KLO Farm Market – Fresh Produce in the City

Conveniently located in Kelowna’s Lower Mission, KLO Farm Market is your go-to spot for farm-fresh produce and everyday grocery staples, all in a stress-free, friendly environment. Family-owned and operated since 2019, the market grows fresh produce right on KLO Road and at other family-owned properties throughout the Okanagan, with a goal to bring you the best, freshest, and healthiest food in the valley.

KLO recently expanded its store to include more freezer and cooler space, transforming it into a one-stop shop for everything from milk, bread, and farm-fresh eggs to specialty cheeses, sauces, housemade spice blends, and local honey. The market also features a growing ethnic foods section, with ever-expanding Mexican and Italian offerings, making it easy to pick up unique ingredients alongside your produce.

Committed to sustainability, KLO Farm Market began implementing its Environmental Farm Plan in 2023. This initiative focuses on building healthy soil to produce healthy food while caring for the land. The farm actively promotes on-farm biodiversity, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, increases water and nutrient efficiency, and protects local riparian areas.

While KLO doesn’t offer U-pick, its colourful displays of cherries, peaches, apricots, and plums—paired with a wide range of vegetables and pantry staples—make it the perfect stop for both locals and visitors looking for farm-fresh convenience in the city.

Paynter’s Fruit Market – A Century of Farming and Family Tradition

With 104 years of farming and 72 years of sharing it directly with the community, Paynter’s Fruit Market in West Kelowna is steeped in Okanagan history. The family planted its first orchard in 1919 and opened the original fruit stand in 1951, creating a legacy of growing and sharing the region’s sun-ripened bounty with locals and visitors alike.

The U-pick orchard, located directly behind the market, offers a hands-on experience that begins in mid-July and continues through mid-October. Guests can pick cherries, peaches, apricots, plums, and even seasonal flowers, with availability changing daily depending on weather and ripening schedules. Once a crop sells out, the next variety is eagerly awaited, so checking the market’s daily updates is always recommended before visiting.

The market offers ice cream treats, frappuccinos, and other refreshments, perfect for cooling down after a stroll through the orchards. The fruit stand also carries ready-picked produce for those who prefer to skip the orchard, along with local honey and vegetables grown in the valley, among other delicious local artisan products.

Blending a century of farming experience with the simple joys of U-pick, Paynter’s is a must-visit for families and anyone craving an authentic connection to Okanagan agriculture.

Savour the Flavours of the Okanagan

Visiting farm markets in Kelowna is more than a shopping trip; it’s an invitation to slow down and experience the rhythm of the valley. These markets, along with the many other stops on Kelowna’s Must-Visit Farm Spots, showcase the best of the region’s seasonal bounty and the families who nurture it.

Whether you’re wandering through Paynter’s orchards, sampling pie at Gatzke’s, or stocking up on sustainable produce at KLO, each visit offers a delicious connection to the land. Summer in the Okanagan is fleeting, but the memories made at these local markets will stay with you long after the last cherry is gone. Pack a cooler, bring your appetite, and savour the season one farm-fresh bite at a time.

For a full list of Farms, Markets, and Orchards, click here.