A trip to a Christmas tree farm is a sweet annual family tradition, and southern Ontario has dozens of tree farms where you can cut your own spruce, fir, or pine that will infuse your home with the scent of yuletide joy.
The farms included here are especially family-friendly options that in non-COVID years have visits with Santa, Christmas treats, and other fun family events. This year, they’ve universally toned it down and activities are more limited. But a trip to the tree farm is still a memorable event and a great family photo op!
About Christmas Tree Varieties
If you’re looking to cut your own tree, you’ll have the easiest time choosing a species that is typically grown in southern Ontario. Most common are White Spruce (the only Christmas tree native to Ontario), Scots pine, White pine, Blue spruce, and Balsam fir. Less common are Fraser fir, Canaan fir, Serbian spruce, and Douglas fir.
Keep in mind that “common” doesn’t mean “better”, especially in our northern climate. We’ve got some pretty amazing coniferous trees in our backyard!
Qualities by tree type:
Fir trees have a strong scent, are long-lasting, and most have sturdy branches for decorating; some varieties (Fraser fir) don’t appear as full as many pines and spruces (not true of Douglas firs, but their branches are less sturdy).
Spruce trees have short and stiff needles that can be quite sharp; they are generally quite fragrant and have medium-sturdy branches; may have a lighter-green or bluish hue.
Pine trees are less fragrant than firs and spruces; they are dense and appear quite full; they have somewhat soft and feathery needles, with branches that range from not-at-all sturdy to very sturdy (Scots pine) for holding decorations.
If you’re particular, be sure to confirm your tree variety is available before you go — farms may have only a handful of a certain variety and can run out.
Christmas Tree Farms Near Toronto
These farms are all within a 1.5-hour drive from Toronto. All farms offer some or all of the following; enquire directly if you need one or more of these services:
- use of saw (note that some farms do not allow chainsaws)
- assistance cutting or hauling
- tree baling
- needle shaking
- loading and tying into/onto your vehicle
Albion Orchards – Caledon
At this family-friendly farm, you can cut your own tree (or buy a freshly cut one) plus pick up goodies, preserves, gift baskets, and hot apple cider at the farm market. Staff is on hand to assist you on weekends only.
Tree varieties: Balsam fir, Canaan fir, Fraser fir, White spruce, Blue spruce
Benjamin Tree Farm – Waterloo
Get a tree right up until December 24 at this 50-acre farm that has 25,000+ trees to harvest yourself, as well as pre-cut trees, wreaths, and potted Christmas trees. While extra precautions are in place this year, the gift shop and Winter Wonderland outdoor play area remain open and you’ll find treats to purchase and complimentary (self-serve) cider and cookies.
Tree varieties: White spruce, Balsam fir, White pine, Blue spruce (pre-cut: Balsam fir and Fraser fir)
Clembrook Christmas Farm – Milton
One of the closest tree farms to Toronto, Clembrook sits on 45 acres adjacent to Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area and has cut-your-own and precut trees, wreaths, and garlands. In non-COVID years, there are numerous family-friendly activities (Santa and Mrs. Claus visits, bonfires, wagon rides)—but these are all postponed until next year. Curbside pickup is available this year.
Tree varieties: Scotch pine, White pine, Austrian Pine, Norway spruce, Colorado spruce, Canaan fir (pre-cut: Fraser fir, Balsam fir, White pine, Scotch pine)
Chickadee Christmas Trees – Puslinch (Wellington County)
This 20-acre tree farm near Guelph offers harvest-your-own and pre-cut trees. This year, curbside pickup available by appointment. Closed in 2020 due to COVID are the gift shop, nature trail, and all kids’ activities.
Tree varieties: Scotch pine, White pine, White spruce, Balsam fir (pre-cut: Balsam fir, Fraser fir)
Drysdale’s Tree Farm – Egbert (Simcoe County)
Possibly the most popular Christmas tree farm in southern Ontario, Drysdale’s is a holiday tradition for many families for its Christmas Village, gift store, beautifully crafted wreaths, and 400 acres of trees. If you’ve been to Drysdale’s in past years, you should know that wagon rides and Santa visits are suspended this year.
Tree varieties: Balsam fir, Fraser fir, White spruce, Blue spruce
Elliott Tree Farm – Erin (Wellington County)
Come for the tree and stay warm with a cup of gourmet hot chocolate. The farm also has an on-site food truck (weekends) and a gift shop. This year, Elliott Tree Farm is offering discounts for weekday visitors to avoid weekend crowds. There will be a Santa appearance on December 12.
Tree varieties: Blue spruce, Norway spruce, White pine (pre-cut: Fraser fir and Balsam fir)
Jingle Bills Christmas Tree Farm – Puslinch (Wellington County)
Visits are by appointment only this year, but once you arrive at this 100-acre farm, you can enjoy complimentary hot chocolate, shop at the Elves’ Marketplace, and pick up treats to take home before or after harvesting your own pine or spruce. Closed for 2020: hayrides, tobogganing, farm hoppers, snowman contest.
Tree varieties: White pine, White spruce
MacPherson Christmas Tree Farm – Whitchurch-Stouffville
This Stouffville farm is open daily from November 28, offering (in 2020) wagon rides, scavenger hunts, and free hot chocolate. No additional food items or drink will be available this year.
Tree varieties: Fraser fir, Balsam fir, Canaan fir, Blue spruce, White spruce (pre-cut: Balsam fir, Fraser fir)
Wintersinger’s Tree Farm – Hillsburgh (Wellington County)
Visits are by appointment only this year and are limited to 60 minutes. Weekday visits are encouraged. Take a hayride out the field to choose your perfect tree and enjoy a hot chocolate or hot apple cider (outdoors) before you leave.
Tree varieties: White spruce, Norway spruce, Blue spruce, Fraser fir, Balsam fir
