I went strawberry picking at a cute farm near Toronto and it was the sweetest summer date

The opinions expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Narcity Media.

Looking for a cute summer date idea? With strawberries sprouting at farms around the city, it's the perfect time to plan a pick-your-own date with your favourite person.

I recently visited a pick-your-own fruit farm near Toronto and it was the sweetest weekend outing.

The farm is just a quick road trip away from the city and features stretching fields of bright red strawberries. The u-pick officially opened on June 11 and the berries often last through July.

Here's a little look at the farm's strawberry picking experience and what to know before you head out.

Madeline at Downey's Farm.Madeline Forsyth | Narcity

Downey's Strawberry & Apple Farm, located in Caledon, is a charming spot to check out this summer.

It was my first time visiting the location and I had no idea what to expect.

You don't need to make a reservation in advance, but it's a good idea to get early so that the fields aren't picked over.

The drive took us through scenic countryside and it was a nice break from the noise and bustle of the city.

The wagon ride at Downey's to get to the strawberry field.Madeline Forsyth | Narcity

There's no need to bring containers with you. The farm provides clean fruit baskets for you to collect your berries in and take home. There is no admission cost — you pay for your desired amount in advance and contactless payment is available.

After purchasing our baskets, we hopped on a tractor and took a quick ride past the apple orchard to the strawberry fields.

Downey's strawberry field.Madeline Forsyth | Narcity

Despite it being a weekend, the farm wasn't too crowded and there was lots of room for us to find our berries.

We spent about an hour filling our 6 litre basket to the brim with juicy red fruit. As tempting as it is to snack on the strawberries, you have to wait until you've left the farm to enjoy them.

Madeline picking strawberries.Madeline Forsyth | Narcity

If you want to make your outing a little longer, you can pop across the road to Downey's Farm Market, where you'll find baked goods, fresh produce, meals and more.

Fresh strawberries picked at Downey's.Madeline Forsyth | Narcity

So how do the strawberries stack up against ones you find at a store? After indulging in an all-out strawberry feast, I can honestly say these berries are way tastier than the store-bought ones. Plus, there's something so satisfying about snacking on fruit you picked yourself.

Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.