Cherry season typically runs from early July through late July in Kelowna and the Okanagan Valley, with u-pick orchards and roadside markets open across Kelowna, West Kelowna and Lake Country. Most locals who grew up in the valley remember those carefree summer days, once school let out and the fruit on the neighbourhood trees turned ripe. That time of year rolls around every summer, and it still feels like an Okanagan rite of passage.

Picking cherries from the tree, watching your tin bucket fill up, then gorging on those sweet, crunchy cherries until your stomach tells you in no uncertain terms "enough is enough"... few things capture summer in the valley quite like it. And what do locals love even more than devouring those sweet local cherries? Sharing the fruit with friends, family, and all of their out-of-town guests.

Cherries ripen across the valley starting in early July and are ready to eat right off the tree. Pick them yourself, or grab boxes of freshly picked cherries at local fruit stands and markets. Whichever way you get your fill, cherry season is one of the sweetest reasons to visit Kelowna and the Okanagan in summer.

Where to Buy Cherries in Kelowna and the Okanagan Valley

When cherries are in season, you don't need to pick your own to enjoy them. You can buy fresh cherries directly from an orchard, pick up a box at a roadside farm stand, or head to one of the weekly markets running across Kelowna, Lake Country and West Kelowna throughout the summer.
 

In Kelowna

The Kelowna Farmers' & Crafters' Market has close to 200 stands at peak season, making it one of the biggest farmers' markets in BC. Stocked with produce, fruit, meats, cheeses, artisan crafts and more, this one-stop shop is a reliable place to grab whatever is in season. The market runs on Wednesday and Saturday mornings from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm in the Landmark District, with a satellite market at Kerry Park in Downtown Kelowna on Sundays from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Can't make it out on market days? Hillcrest Farm Market, KLO Farm Market, and Don-O-Ray Farm Market are open daily with fresh local fruit and produce (cherries included!).
 

In Lake Country

The Lake Country Farmers and Crafters Market sets up on Friday afternoons from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. in July and August at Swalwell Park, with local produce, prepared foods and crafts alongside food trucks and live music. For cherries specifically, Gambell Farms and Gatzke Orchards are both growers with several varietals available through the season, including the yellow Rainier cherry.
 

In West Kelowna

The Westbank Farmers' Market runs Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through the summer at Westridge Shopping Centre, with local vendors selling produce, baking and handmade goods. For a farm stand visit, Paynter's Fruit Market carries cherries and other farm-made goodies, including preserves, with a picnic area overlooking the orchard.

Where to U-Pick Cherries Near Kelowna

If you'd rather pick your own, many orchards begin welcoming guests for u-pick starting in early July.

We recommend calling ahead to confirm the u-pick experience is available when you plan to visit, since availability can change daily.

Planning Your Visit

^{Family Walking through Cherry Trees at Gatzke Orchard. Photo: Ken Hagen}

Cherry season has a way of sneaking up on the valley, arriving earlier or later depending on how the spring weather behaved. A little planning goes a long way toward making sure you catch the orchards at their best.

• Cherry season generally runs from early July into late July, though a warm spring can push the first ripe cherries earlier and a cool, wet June can hold them back
• Call ahead before visiting a u-pick orchard, both to plan your trip and to check same-day availability, as changing weather conditions can impact harvest
• Bring a hat, water and comfortable shoes, as most u-pick rows involve walking on uneven, sun-baked ground between the trees
• Wear something you don't mind staining, since cherry juice and clean clothes rarely mix
• Orchards in West Kelowna and Lake Country are a short drive from downtown Kelowna, making a cherry stop an easy add-on to a day of wine touring or lakeside time
• Bring a cooler if you're planning to pick a full flat, since cherries hold their texture best when kept cool on the drive home

Extend Your Experience

Kelowna's cherry season is one small piece of what makes this a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. Pair your orchard visit with a stop at one of the valley's wineries, or plan a full day around the farms, orchards and markets scattered across the Okanagan. If you're staying longer, browse accommodations across Kelowna and the surrounding communities. Learn more about Kelowna and the Okanagan Valley's Must-Visit Farm Spots. Happy picking!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)