Kuipers Family Fruit Farm

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Kelowna, BC
Kuipers Family Fruit Farm

We offer the u-pick experience for in-season Cherries, Apricots, Peaches and Plums. Season Updates: kuipersfamilyfruitfarm.com Vince & Connie Kuipers

My grandparents, Marius and Sarie Kuipers, immigrated from Holland in the 1920's and started the Orchard on Barnaby Road. During this time the Orchard was a commercial and local producer of cherries, apricots, peaches, pears, apple, and prunes. During the 80’s, 90’s and 00’s my parents, Richard and Edith Kuipers transitioned the orchard from commercial production while scaled back the orchard sign

ificantly. Large sections of the apple and pear orchard where removed and in my fathers advanced years he did what he could to manage the orchard and farm while not replanting any new fruit trees. Today, one hundred years later from my grandparents’ time the orchard and farm are still active selling cherries, apricots, peaches, and prunes. We are planting new tree’s yearly and growing the orchard in the interest of serving our local community as well as tourists that visit yearly. The original property is divided in two with my sister and her husband owning Twin Oaks Organic Orchard next door. Our agricultural philosophy doesn’t embrace commercial mono-cropping or high-density fruit growing techniques that create an orchard environment that requires high pesticide use. With our eco-diverse orchard environment, you can be assured that pesticide use is limited dramatically in comparison to commercial growers. We are third generation farmers, and we invite you to come and enjoy some of our delicious fruit while taking in the beautiful view of Okanagan Lake. We offer the u-pick experience for all our fresh fruit.

06/18/2025

🍒 Why U-Pick Cherries Are the Freshest You Can Get 🍒

Yes—like most orchards, we spray during the growing season to protect our trees and fruit. But here’s the big difference: once you pick them, that’s it. No post-harvest fungicide dips, no wax coatings, no long storage treatments.

Store-bought cherries? They’re usually treated after picking—dipped in fungicides, coated for shine, and kept in cold storage to survive long shipping. Even when washed with pH-balanced water, they often leave behind more residue than you’d expect.

When you pick your own cherries right from the tree, you’re getting them at their absolute freshest—no middlemen, no extra treatments, just real fruit in its natural state. 🌿

Come enjoy the orchard, pick your own, and taste the difference that true freshness makes. 🍒

06/17/2025

🍒 The Story of the Cristalina Cherry 🍒

In the sun-soaked orchards of Summerland, British Columbia, the Cristalina cherry was born—a jewel of early summer. Developed in the 1990s at the renowned Summerland Research and Development Centre, this variety was bred for sweetness, firmness, and beauty. Its deep red hue and heart-shaped form made it a standout from the start.

Cristalina was designed to ripen early—just as the cherry season begins—offering growers a high-quality fruit ahead of the mid-season rush. At our farm, Cristalina is the very first variety to ripen each year, marking the beginning of cherry season with a burst of bold, sweet flavor.

With excellent crack resistance and glossy skin, it quickly became a favorite among orchardists and fruit lovers alike. From the Okanagan Valley to orchards around the world, Cristalina has traveled far—now grown across North America, Europe, and even the Southern Hemisphere, where it brightens tables in December.

But no matter where it grows, Cristalina always brings the same promise: a sweet, firm bite of summer’s first harvest—beautiful, bold, and brimming with flavor. 🌞🍒

06/14/2025

🍒 A Legacy in Every Cherry 🍒
Our family farm began in 1921, when my grandparents, Marius and Sarie Kuipers, immigrated to the Okanagan.

They planted this Van cherry tree nearly 75 years ago, and after all this time, it’s still producing some of the biggest, boldest, most beautiful cherries you’ll find.

The Van cherry was developed right here in the Okanagan, at the Summerland Research Station in the 1940s. It quickly became a beloved BC classic. But this tree isn’t just part of cherry history—it’s a living part of our family’s story.

Every summer, it reminds us of the hard work, vision, and care that built this orchard. And this year, the Vans are sizing up beautifully—dark, sweet, and full of flavor.

Come taste a piece of history. ✨

06/13/2025

Sweet. Juicy. Legendary. 🍒

These beauties aren’t just cherries—they’re history in your hand.

Back in 1875, in a quiet Oregon orchard, horticulturist Seth Lewelling and his trusted foreman, Ah Bing, nurtured a new kind of cherry—deep red, bursting with flavor, and unlike anything before it. The result? The now world-famous Bing cherry, named in honor of the man who helped bring it to life.

Fast forward to today—and from the looks of things, this is shaping up to be a stellar Bing year. The fruit is sizing up beautifully and ripening with rich color and flavor.

So when you bite into one, you’re not just tasting fruit—you’re tasting a story over 140 years in the making.

06/11/2025

The Cristalinas are sizing and ripening up nicely! 🍒 Early season sweetness is just around the corner!

06/09/2025

🍒 Season Opening Announcement 🍒

🍒 You- Pick Cherries 🍒

We’re excited to announce that the orchard will officially open for the season on Opening Weekend: Friday, June 27th and Saturday, June 28th, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM!

After opening weekend, our regular hours will be: Monday to Saturday – 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM *Closed Sundays*

As always, our hours depend on fruit availability, so be sure to come early for the best picking!

🍒 What to Expect When Visiting 🍒

• Pricing: Prices are set about a week before we open. We charge an orchard entrance fee for guests over 10 years old, and fruit is priced by the pound once picked.
• No Reservations Required: We do not take reservations, but the farm can get busy—arriving early in the day is the best way to beat the crowds and enjoy a relaxed experience.
• Capacity Limits: To ensure a safe and enjoyable visit, we may need to limit the number of guests in the orchard at one time during peak hours.
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Our farm offers stunning views and a peaceful, park-like setting, perfect for a summer outing.
• Dog-Friendly: Leashed dogs are welcome to explore the orchard with you.
• Facilities: Portable washrooms are available for your convenience.
• Be Prepared: Summer days on the farm can be warm—dress for the weather, wear comfortable shoes, and bring sun protection and water.

🍒 Farm Rules & Guidelines 🍒

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all guests—and to protect the health of our orchard—please follow these important rules during your visit:

1. No Climbing Trees
Climbing is strictly prohibited. It’s dangerous and can damage the trees.
2. Use Ladders at Your Own Risk
Ladders are provided for your convenience but must be used with caution. Supervise children at all times.
3. Do Not Pull Down Branches
Branches are fragile and can break easily. Please be gentle when picking fruit.
4. Pick Only in Designated Areas
Some sections may be closed for ripening or maintenance. Follow all posted signs and staff directions.
5. Only Pick Fruit in Season
Please do not pick anything that is not currently ready or open for harvest.
6. All Picked Fruit Must Be Purchased
Please be aware that all fruit you pick must be paid for.
7. Cherry Picking Reminder
When picking cherries, take only the fruit and its stem. Do not pick the spurs—these are needed for next year’s crop.
8. No Littering
Help us keep the farm clean—please use the garbage containers provided.

We appreciate your cooperation in helping us protect the orchard and provide a safe, enjoyable experience for everyone. Thank you, and we look forward to seeing you on the farm!

06/06/2025

Cherry Season Update 🍒
Our early season cherries are starting to show some color—always an exciting sign! This means we’re approximately 25 days from harvest. We’re currently anticipating opening the first week of July, but please keep in mind that exact dates may shift depending on weather conditions, which can speed up or slow down ripening. Stay tuned for updates!

Kuipersfamilyfruitfarm.com

06/05/2025

Apricot & Peach Update: Apricot thinning is nearly complete—peaches are up next. Thinning means removing most of the fruit so the remaining ones have room to grow—it’s a crucial step to ensure not just a bumper crop, but beautifully sized, high-quality fruit. Excited for what’s shaping up to be a great season!

06/04/2025

📢 Now Hiring: Fruit Stand Assistant (You-Pick Orchard – Seasonal)
📍 Kuipers Family Fruit Farm
🕘 Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM (hours may vary)

Do you love sunshine, fresh fruit, and meeting people? We’re looking for a high-energy, outgoing individual to join our fruit stand team during the busy harvest season!

🌿 About the Job:
A fast-paced, people-focused role helping visitors enjoy their you-pick experience in a stunning orchard setting overlooking the lake.

👋 Key Responsibilities:
• Welcome guests & explain the you-pick process
• Handle cash & card payments
• Direct customers to the right rows
• Keep the stand area tidy
• Answer questions & monitor activity in the orchard

💪 What We’re Looking For:
• Friendly, clear communicator
• Can work outdoors on your feet
• Dependable, punctual, and flexible
• Able to lift light/moderate loads
• Loves working with people!

🍒 Other Details:
• This is a you-pick only orchard (no pre-picked sales)
• Harvest season is busy and unpredictable—flexibility is key
• Seasonal role through harvest

📩 Apply by emailing [email protected]
📱 or text 250-575-3308

We’d love to have you on the team for a great harvest season!

05/13/2025

The cherries are coming along nicely!

05/04/2025

Here are a couple of updated photos from the farm—it’s a busy season as we care for all the fruit trees. We also planted a new block of apricots this year!

04/19/2025

It’s a very different season on the farm compared to last year. The trees are loaded with blossoms, and the bees have been working hard with the warm, dry weather. We’ve been busy with pruning, nutrient applications, and cleanup—and next week we’ll be planting a new block of Tilton apricots. Looking forward to the season ahead.

Address

579 Barnaby Road
Kelowna, BC
V1W4N7

Website

http://kuipersfamilyfruitfarm.com/

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Our Story

During the 80’s, 90’s and 00’s my parents, Richard and Edith Kuipers transitioned the orchard from commercial production while scaled back the orchard significantly. Large sections of the apple and pear orchard where removed and in my fathers advanced years he did what he could to manage the orchard and farm while not replanting any new fruit trees.

Today, almost one hundred years later from my grandparents’ time the orchard and farm are still active selling cherries, apricots, peaches, pears, apples, and prunes. We are planting new tree’s yearly and growing the orchard in the interest of serving our local community as well as tourists that visit yearly. The original property is divided in two with my sister and her husband owning Twin Oaks Organic Orchard next door.

Our agricultural philosophy doesn’t embrace commercial mono-cropping or high-density fruit growing techniques that create an orchard environment that requires high pesticide use. With our eco-diverse orchard environment, you can be assured that pesticide use is limited dramatically in comparison to commercial growers.