One of our favorite summer traditions year after year, is visiting Emma Lea Farms to pick berries. Located about 30 minutes southeast of Vancouver, we make the trip to pick strawberries each June (this year the crop was a bit later due to inclement weather). Read on to find out why heading to Delta to visit this lovely family run farm is tops on our list.
Located on the beautiful Westham Island in Ladner, Emma Lea Farms has belonged to the same family since 1885. Each time we go, I am always impressed by the friendly staff and it seems the offering keeps getting better. There is so much to do during one visit, especially during the berry picking season.
Whether it is strawberries, raspberries or blueberries, a late morning or early afternoon spent in the fields is fun for the whole family. I don’t know if it is my Minnesota roots, my love of fresh produce or just being outside, but berry picking is right up my alley. I guess I also love a good project where you see progress from start to finish. While my kids usually tap out long before I am ready because they get tired, this activity is one that they do thoroughly enjoy. I am sure to remind them each time we go that farmers do such manual labor on a daily basis. As such, we should be so thankful for all the effort that goes into getting people fresh food.
After time in the fields, the kids are always keen to immediately visit to the Ice Cream Shoppe. I don’t blame them. The shop offers some delicious options such as soft serve, milkshakes and baked goods made with the farm’s berry selection. This last visit, I had a chocolate milkshake that was to die for. We also snagged some fruit hand pies for my husband that were incredibly yummy and, barely made it home as we started eating them on out trip back to the city.
In addition to enjoying treats and spending time in the fields, there is an abundance of other activities for kids to take part in at Emma Lea Farms. There is a great play space, complete with playground, sand pit and games. There are also great photo opportunities spread out amongst the large green space that overlooks the farm.
Before making the trip home, we usually visit the market. Here you can buy flats of berries, fresh flowers, local goods and of course, fresh farm grown produce. We love to stock up and support local artisans and of course, the hard working farmers of Emma Lea.
We are contemplating heading out for blueberry picking when it comes up later this month. And if we don’t make it out, our family is already looking forward to Fall at the farm, which offers a pumpkin patch and sunflower fields.
Hopefully your family can make the trip out to enjoy this beautiful space together. It truly holds a special place in our hearts because of all the memories we have shared over the years.
