Farm Crawl Hamilton, an annual event that opens farms up to the public, will begin their 2026 season this Saturday, June 20.
The event is the first of three farm crawls in 2026, with the other two dates slated for Saturday, July 18, and Saturday, Sept. 19.
The annual event allows visitors to experience rural Hamilton and explore local agriculture in the region.
Twelve farms are participating in the June 20 Farm Crawl, with tastings, animal meet-and-greets, tours, and live demonstrations scheduled throughout the day.
Tickets are limited and must be purchased online at farmcrawl.ca.
They are priced at $5 for children, $10 for seniors, $20 for adults, $40 for families, and $50 for a season pass, which includes access to all three Farm Crawl events.
Those with tickets can drive from farm to farm from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Visitors are encouraged to create their own itinerary and explore farms at their own pace.
Kathy Wade Vlaar, Executive Director of Farm Crawl Hamilton, explained in a press release, “Farm Crawl is all about welcoming people onto the local farms in Hamilton and giving them the opportunity to experience the amazing diversity of agriculture in our region.”
“By connecting visitors (crawlers as we like to call them) directly with local farmers, we hope to foster a greater appreciation for where our food comes from while creating a fun and memorable experience for the whole family.”
The event began in May 2012, after the owners of Manorun Organic Farm, Weir’s Lane Lavender and Apiary, and Jerry’s Berries (aka Lotsa Hostas) decided that they wanted to open up their farms to the public.
The first Farm Crawl had about 60 participants.
Since then, the Farm Crawl has expanded to include multiple farms.
The 12 participating farms are Angora Springs on Highway 99 in Dundas, Between the Vines on Weirs Lane in Dundas, Jerry’s Berries/Lotsa Hostas in Copetown, Liberty Way Farm on Highway 5 in Dundas, Manorun Organic Farm on Highway 52 in Hamilton, Maple Ridge Acres on Concession 11 East in Freelton, Pure and Simple on Middletown Road in Millgrove, Rock Maple Lodge on Norman Road in Sheffield, Simpler Thyme Organic Farm on Highway 6 in Hamilton, Struyk Farm Market on Concession 4 West in Troy, Summit Station Dairy on Powerline Road West in Hamilton and West Avenue Cider on Concession 8 East in Freelton.
Angora Springs has a flock of sheep, including three new lambs, a free-range flock of chickens, an incubator full of eggs ready to hatch, rhubarb, and a “beautiful Canadian horse” named Ruby.
Between the Vines has Highland cattle, Heritage chickens, babydoll sheep and honeybees.
Jerry’s Berries will have fresh raspberries and a honeybee observation hive, while Lotsa Hostas has two acres of display gardens.
Liberty Way Farm is a 21-acre farm with chickens, horses, and over 30 varieties of organic vegetables, herbs, fruits, and nut trees.
Manorun Organic Farm will feature hourly wagon rides, pony grooming demonstrations, and “nut munching with the pigs in the forest.”
Maple Ridge Acres is home to alpacas and will have “Little Pink Trailer” ice cream available for purchase.
Pure and Simple has chickens and a resident goat and will have guided walks in the vegetable gardens, flower garden, and orchard.
Even though maple syrup season is over, Rock Maple Lodge will have farm tours, sawmill demonstrations, and will have their onsite local sports museum open for visitors.
Simpler Thyme Organic Farm will have a pancake breakfast at 10 a.m. with their own maple syrup, chicken egg collecting, and potato planting.
Struyk Farm Market has wagon rides to see the fields and planted crops, greenhouse tours, and a plant-a-pepper activity.
Summit Station Dairy will have guided tours of its barn, where visitors can visit their cows and sample milk and cheese curds.
Finally, West Avenue Cider will have self-guided tours through their orchard and gardens and complimentary cider samples, including non-alcoholic cider for kids.
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