Do you love being out in nature and enjoying the great outdoors? Looking for a fun and seasonal way to make some cash this summer? If so, fruit-picking jobs in Canada might just be your perfect match! Every year, both locals and folks from abroad head to Canadian farms to help harvest the season’s fresh fruits.

Not only does this give you a chance to earn some extra money, but it’s also a fantastic way to meet people from all over the world. Many fruit-picking jobs attract a diverse crowd, making it a social experience too. If you’re up for a new adventure, consider trying your hand at fruit-picking in Canada.

Which Fruits Can You Pick in Canada, and When?

The fruit you can pick depends on the time of year. In the spring, rhubarb and cherries are some of the first to ripen. In British Columbia, particularly the Okanagan Valley, cherry picking can start as early as May. Strawberries also begin to ripen around this time. By July and August, most fruits are in full swing. Summer is the prime time for picking raspberries and apricots, with peaches, nectarines, and plums becoming available later in the season. As summer turns to fall, apples take center stage. Canada offers a wide variety of apples, including Granny Smith, Gala, Honeycrisp, and Fuji. During fall, you’ll also find pears, pumpkins, and grapes ready for harvest.

What Are the Perks of Fruit Picking in Canada?

Fruit picking is a great way to make some money while enjoying the outdoors. The work isn’t overly strenuous, and you often have the flexibility to choose your hours, as long as you meet your picking quota. Plus, there’s something special about eating fruit that you’ve picked with your own hands! Another big plus is the chance to meet new people.

You’ll be working alongside folks from different backgrounds, which can make for a fun and interesting experience. Some farms even offer on-site housing, which can help you save on living costs.

Apple Picking in Canada

Speaking from experience, apple picking in the Okanagan region of British Columbia was an unforgettable month. The orchard was set against the stunning backdrop of the Okanagan Valley, and it even had a small farm with sheep and chickens. This area is well-known for its beautiful orchards and wineries, making it a great place to work and explore. We spent our free time swimming in lakes, visiting farmer’s markets, and soaking in the local scenery. During our time there, we mostly picked Gala apples, with the season running from September to October. As an apple picker in Canada, you can expect to earn around CA$14 per hour. If you’re interested in apple picking, here are some orchards you can reach out to for job opportunities:

How and Where to Find Fruit-Picking Jobs in Canada?

With the vast number of fruit farms across Canada, there’s no shortage of picking jobs. But how do you find them? The easiest way to start is by searching online. Several websites list fruit-picking jobs in Canada, such as:

• Online Job Boards: Websites like Job Bank (under NOC code 85101 for Harvesting laborers), Indeed, Workopolis, and Glassdoor often have listings for fruit-picking jobs.
• Contact Local Farms Directly: Another approach is to reach out directly to local farms. Many farms post job opportunities on their websites, or you can call them to inquire about seasonal positions. Farm gate markets or local fruit stands might also have information on available jobs. Here are a few farm websites to get you started:
• BC Farms: BC Cherry Association, Jealous Fruits Recruitment, Carcajou Fruit, BC Fruit Grower Association, Old Tower Farm, Curlew Orchard.
• Ontario Farms: Barrie Hill Farms, Dixie Orchards, Downey’s Strawberry & Apple Farm, Albion Orchards.
• Nova Scotia Farms: Millen Farms, Apple Lane Farm, Dempsey Corner Orchard, South Shore Farms, Ocean Crisp Apples, Vista Bella Farm.
• Job Resource Centers: You can also visit local job resource centers, which can provide listings and tips on where to find fruit-picking jobs in your area.

FAQs

How much do fruit pickers get paid in Canada?

In Canada, fruit pickers typically earn between CA$13 and CA$20 per hour. Experienced workers who can operate farm machinery or equipment may earn on the higher end of this scale. Keep in mind, wages can vary based on the farm, type of fruit, and location. For example, BC and Ontario tend to offer higher pay compared to Atlantic Canada, simply due to differences in minimum wage.

What should I expect from a workday as a fruit picker?

A typical day involves walking along rows of fruit trees or vines, picking fruit by hand, sometimes with the help of ladders or mechanical lifts. The work can be physically demanding, with long hours outdoors, especially during peak season. While the hours can be irregular depending on weather and fruit maturity, the experience can be rewarding, particularly if you enjoy being outdoors and working with your hands.

What skills do I need to be a fruit picker in Canada?

Fruit picking doesn’t usually require prior experience, but you’ll need to be physically fit as the job involves lifting heavy boxes and repetitive movements like bending, squatting, and climbing ladders. You also need to be at least 18 years old and have a valid work permit if you’re not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

Fruit Picker Jobs in Canada for Foreigners

If you’re a foreigner interested in fruit-picking jobs in Canada, you’ll need to apply for the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP). This program allows employers to hire temporary foreign workers from eligible countries, including Mexico and several Caribbean nations. If your country isn’t part of SAWP, you can still apply for a temporary work permit for seasonal farm work, but the process might be more complicated. Be sure to check your country’s immigration requirements to ensure you’re eligible to work in Canada. A medical exam and police certificate might also be needed.

Conclusion

Fruit picking is a fantastic way to experience Canada’s outdoors while earning some extra cash during the summer. Whether you want to spend a season in BC’s Okanagan Valley or travel across Canada picking different fruits, there are plenty of opportunities. Just make sure to do your research and plan ahead to make the most of your experience. Happy picking!