Robert WebbIf you’ve ever fantasized about a sea of floating red jewels, Vancouver’s cranberry harvest is your dream come true.
These fields, bursting with vibrant berries, create an autumn spectacle. And since I’ve enjoyed the sights and sounds so much, I just absolutely have to share all you need to know to catch this experience.
Curious? Let’s head out for the cranberry harvest around Vancouver!
What is the cranberry harvest in Vancouver?
The cranberry harvest in Vancouver is a stunning fall tradition where farmers gather ripe cranberries from flooded fields.
While the City of Vancouver itself does not host cranberry farms, you can find these cranberry harvests in the nearby communities of Richmond, Delta, and Langley within the Greater Vancouver area.
The fields in these communities turn into beautiful cranberry bogs, with bright red berries floating on the water. The shiny cranberries against the colorful autumn leaves makes for a perfect Insta-worthy shot!
In terms of history, cranberry farming here goes back to the 19th century and has become a big part of the local culture.
You’ll see that in the tours and festivals related to the harvest, like Fort Langley Cranberry Festival, where visitors get to enjoy the rich farming traditions of the area.
Plus, you can taste fresh cranberry products, learn about the farming process, and even participate in family-friendly activities.
The atmosphere and stunning views make it a must-visit during the fall season.
How Cranberries are Harvested in Vancouver
The cranberry harvest in Vancouver is a fascinating process. Farmers flood the fields, creating a watery playground where cranberries float to the surface.
Workers then use special equipment called water reels, or “egg beaters,” to gently corral the berries into one area for collection. The sight of thousands of red berries bobbing in the water is truly mesmerizing.
Modern machinery efficiently combs through the fields, while some farmers still handpick berries with care, a method that represents old ways and craftsmanship well.
Experiencing this unique flooding method firsthand is visually stunning. The bright red berries standing out against the water are like nature’s artwork.
Vancouver’s cranberry farms also show a strong commitment to sustainability. They use natural pest control methods and precision irrigation systems to keep the environment happy and the farms productive for years to come.
Visiting during harvest season offers a firsthand look at this incredible process and the blend of old and new harvesting techniques.
Best Time to Go
The best time to visit Vancouver for cranberry harvests is from September to November. Mornings are the sweetest spot to catch all the action – farmers are hard at work and the fields are glowing in the early light.
Where to See Cranberry Harvests
Finding out where cranberries grow near Vancouver is tricky, because most farms prefer to stay lowkey. But if you’re eager, you can catch a glimpse of their cool flooding method right from the roadside, or better yet, join tours offered by these farms!
The Bog at Riverside Cranberry Farm
Media by [@munroaudrey]
Address: 26885 88 Avenue, Langley, BC V1M 3L8
Phone Number: (604) 888-1685
Just an hour’s drive from Vancouver, The Bog at Riverside is in Glen Valley, where you can see beautiful views of the Fraser River and surrounding mountains, including Mt. Baker.
This family-owned farm has been in the Dewit family for generations. They started with dairy and poultry farming and switched to cranberries in 1999.
Harvest tours at The Bog run from late September to October, and tickets can be pre-booked online or bought last-minute if available. At present, prices range from CAD 10-15.
If you want to explore the place independently, you can also avail of self-guided tours. You can use QR codes for audio guides, read fun informational displays, and snap photos at designated spots.
During the Harvest Walk, you can stroll the field’s edge to watch the harvesting machine or see cranberries being pumped off the field. For extra fun, try the Cranberry Plunge, where you can wear waders and take photos in a field of floating cranberries.
And don’t forget to grab some tasty cranberry products, fresh baked goods, and beverages from the farm store!
Hopcott Farms
Media by [@private_view]
Address: 18385 Old Dewdney Trunk Road, Pitt Meadows, BC V3Y 2R9
Phone Number: (604) 465-7799
Hopcott Farms is another must-visit for cranberry lovers. This family-owned farm has been around since 1932 and switched from dairy to cranberry farming in 1997, turning 70 acres of corn fields into cranberry bogs with Ocean Spray’s help.
From late September to mid-October, you can see the cranberry harvest up close. Their tours at the farm show both dry and wet picking methods and their unique water recycling process.
If you join a tour, you can visit the farm store afterward for fresh cranberries, pies, preserves, meats, and more.
Or you can check out the Meadows Maze, a fun family-friendly attraction with a 14-acre corn maze, petting zoo, corn cannons, party rooms, pig races, and the Harvest Time barn.
It’s a perfect outing for anyone wanting to explore and enjoy something new outside the city.
Yellow Point Cranberries
Address: 4532 Yellow Point Road, Ladysmith, BC V9G 1G5, Canada
Phone Number: +1 250-245-5283
Yellow Point Cranberries is a scenic farm located in Ladysmith, BC, about 90 minutes by car from Vancouver. Here, you can look through acres of cranberry fields turning into a natural carpet of bright red in the fall.
What we love about this farm is they offer complimentary tours, perfect for seeing the cranberry harvest in action.
And of course, visiting during the harvest season allows you to enjoy some delicious seasonal goodies, like fresh cranberries and a variety of cranberry products like sauces, jams, jellies, and festive treats.
If you can’t find time to visit the farm for the harvest, you can find their fresh cranberries at local retail locations in the Nanaimo Ladysmith area, Duncan/Mill Bay/Cobble Hill area, and Victoria.
They also participate in food markets such as Duncan Farmer’s Market and Qualicum Farmer’s Market, although schedules may change.
