The best Christmas tree farms across Canada
Bundle up your crew and pick the perfect holiday tree. We’ve rounded up family-favourite tree farms across Canada.
Photo: iStockphoto
ATB Christmas tree farms
Christmas time is here
The festive season is upon us. Get holiday-ready with an exciting family adventure to find the perfect tree.
A version of this article appeared in our December 2013 issue with the headline "All the best: Christmas tree farms," pp.149-155.
BC: Saanichton Christmas Tree Farm
Located on Vancouver Island’s Saanich Peninsula, this farm has more than 50 acres of land dedicated to producing more than 15 varieties of trees, from alpine fir (known for their purple cones) to Colorado blue spruce. Enjoy a guided tour of the fields (by appointment only) and learn about a variety of traditions and myths surrounding the use of Christmas trees by people around the globe. There’s also a large selection of holiday wreaths and centrepieces available for purchase.
Open daily November 30 to December 24.
8231 East Saanich Road, Saanichton. 250-652-3345
Get more information at saanichtonchristmastreefarm.com
BC: Pine Meadows Tree Farms Ltd.
The wet west coast climate is what gives this farm its excellent tree-growing conditions. Choose from eight varieties, from the North American Christmas classic Douglas fir to the blue-hued Abies lasiocarpa. Don’t want to cut down your own tree? No problem! Visit the barn and select a pre-cut one. Tree stands and wreaths are also available for sale. Warm up with free hot drinks and satisfy your sweet tooth with a candy cane before heading home.
Open daily November 29 to December 24.
47036 Prairie Central Road, Chilliwack. 604-793-3090
Get more information at pinemeadowstreefarms.ca
BC: Frosty's Family Christmas Tree Farm
Escape the city and enjoy a day at this beautiful spot in Langley. Choose from five tree species (firs and spruce), and once you’ve made your pick, warm up by the bonfire while enjoying a candy cane and Christmas music. Frosty’s also has hot chocolate, hot apple cider and hot dogs available for purchase (weekends only) at their indoor concession stand. TBA.
24488 52 Avenue, Langley. 604-856-4889
Get more information at frostysfamilychristmastreefarm.com
BC: Christmas Ranch Tree Farm
Known for its logging, manufacturing and agricultural industries, the city of Lumby is well set up for growing firs and pines. Cut down your tree yourself or get the staff to do it for you. Take your family for a creek-side stroll along Reindeer Trail to the children’s playhouse, have a festive photo shoot on Santa’s sleigh and visit Scooter and Sabre, the farm’s miniature horses. Warm up in Santa’s (heated!) workshop where you can enjoy a free hot chocolate.
Open daily December 1 to 24.
172 Horner Road, Lumby. 250-547-6028
Get more information at christmasranch.ca
BC: Alouette Christmas Tree Farm
All aboard the Alouette Express! After cutting down the perfect grand, Fraser or noble fir, hop on this festive farm’s train and enjoy a ride around the property. Stop at Snowflake Stable to say hello to the farm animals, then delight the kids with a visit from the man in red himself! Get toasty by the fire with hot dogs, apple cider and popcorn, then peruse the selection of gifts while the kids get crafty at Santa’s Workshop. For an extra-special outing, sign your family up for a ride on the Polar Express: Wear your warmest pyjamas and take a train ride through the woods to the workshop, where you’ll enjoy hot chocolate and cookies, crafts, and a reading of The Polar Express with jolly old St. Nick (call ahead for dates and booking information).
Open daily November 30 to December 22.
23083 132nd Avenue, Maple Ridge. 604-467-0100
Get more information at alouettechristmastreefarm.com
Alberta: Fir Ever Green Tree Farm
Experience a true country Christmas at this prairie tree farm. Fir Ever Green offers blue spruce, white spruce, pine and, of course, firs. It may be freezing cold outside, but it’s warm and cozy inside the log cabin, where you can sip hot chocolate and apple cider, and treat yourself to festive goodies. Weather permitting, they also offer an old- time sleigh ride to tour the grounds (call ahead for availability).
Open November 23 to December 24.
RR#1, Falun. 780-352-4368
Get more information at firevergreen.com
Alberta: Raven Ridge Tree Farms
Alberta’s harsh winters call for one thing: hardy Christmas trees. And that’s exactly what Raven Ridge specializes in. Find the perfect prairie-grown balsam fir for your family, then visit their store and Christmas workshop, where you’ll find homemade wreaths, ornaments and other holiday supplies.
Open weekends November 23 until Christmas (or call for an appointment during the week).
RR#3, Rocky Mountain House. 403-722-3207
Get more information at ravenridgetrees.com
Alberta: Field and Trees Farm
Located west of Edmonton, this Yellowhead County farm is a small family-run operation. Take a horse-drawn sleigh ride out to the fields where you can cut down your perfect prairie spruce, or select a pre-cut one. Before heading home, stop by the toasty campfire and enjoy hot chocolate and cookies. While the trees grown here are tall, the farm’s season is short — be sure to call ahead to make sure they’re open.
Open December 14, 15 and 21.
53501-A Range Road 153, Yellowhead County. 780-723-2889
Get more information at fieldandtrees.com
Saskatchewan: Chaplin Country
This prairie farm isn’t just a farm – it’s a bed and breakfast, a popular field-trip destination, home to a variety of farm animals, and the perfect place for families to scout out their holiday tree. Chaplin offers balsam fir, Scots pine and white spruce; cut one down right away or mark it for a later date so it can grow bigger and you can get the freshest tree possible.
Open November 1 to December 24, but call ahead to let them know you’re coming.
RR#5 Box 43, Saskatoon. 306-931-3353
Get more information at www.chaplinfarm.com
Saskatchewan: Mason's Christmas Tree Farm
Located just outside the small prairie town of Kenaston, Mason’s Christmas Tree Farm is a great place to kick off the holidays. This family-run farm offers u-cut and pre-cut Scots pines ranging from four- to eight-feet tall, as well as plenty of expert guidance on how to choose the perfect tree. They also sell free-range turkeys, locally sourced apple cider and homemade crafts.
Open daily November 23 to December 23 (or earlier, by appointment).
Road 300, Kenaston. 306-544-2734
Get more information at masontrees.ca
Manitoba: CD Trees
This southeastern Manitoba farm offers plenty more than just trees. Watch for wildlife as you hike through the pines, or enjoy a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the snowy fields (weekends only, until December 15). And there’s a kiddie slide, free coffee and hot chocolate, and fire pits available to build your own bonfire. They have plenty of pre-cut scotch pines, white spruce and fir trees in their indoor facility, which also sells wreaths, outdoor displays, boughs and more.
Open daily November 23 to December 24.
28141 Road 35 East, Steinbach. 204-326-6222
Get more information at cdtrees.com
Manitoba: Timber Trails
Manitoba’s largest Christmas tree farm offers three species in their u-cut field (long needle scotch pine, red pine and traditional white spruce) plus four more in their pre-cut selection (Canaan fir, balsam fir, Fraser fir and white pine). Kids will love visiting the petting zoo and climbing the farm’s hay bale pyramid, and the whole family will enjoy the horse-drawn sleigh rides and roasting hot dogs around the cozy bonfire.
Open Tuesdays to Sundays November 30 to December 24.
Box 21246, Steinbach. 204-434-9812
Get more information at timbertrails.ca
Ontario: Sloan's Christmas Tree Village and U-Cut
If you’re heading to this Bothwell farm, it’s best to arrive early to enjoy a whole day’s worth of fun at their Christmas village. Take a ride on the mini train or horse-drawn wagon, decorate (and then eat!) cookies, wind through a giant maze and enjoy a variety of other activities. Bring your own picnic (or purchase food on-site) and roast marshmallows at one of their 300 campfires. When it comes to your tree, choose from nine species of fir, spruce and pine. Village entry prices vary.
Open daily November 23 to December 23.
29876 Zone Road 7, Bothwell. 519-695-2228
Get more information at sloanschristmastreevillage.com
Ontario: Drysdale's Tree Farm
With more than 400 acres of spruce, Scots pine, and Fraser and balsam firs, Drysdale’s tree farm is Canada’s largest choose- and-cut plantation. Beginning in mid-November, the farm opens the doors of its Christmas village each weekend. Enjoy a horse-drawn wagon ride, visit the face-painting station and then make your way to the red-roofed home of Mr. and Mrs. Claus, where kids can get their photos taken with Santa. (Don’t forget your wish list!)
Open daily November 16 to December 22 for u-cut trees; activities are weekends only.
6635 Simcoe Road 56, Egbert. 705-424-9719
Get more information at drysdales.ca
Ontario: Thomas Tree Farm
Start your Thomas Tree Farm visit with a wagon ride to the fields. There, you’ll find a healthy selection of Scots pine, spruce and balsam firs ready to be cut. Enjoy free hot chocolate and homemade cookies, and let your brood run wild in the children’s play area (entry is free with the purchase of a tree) while the staff cleans and wraps your tree. Before you leave, take a walk through the maple bush, and peruse the selection of handmade evergreen wreaths and boughs.
Open November 23 and 24, then daily November 30 until the trees are gone (call ahead for availability).
6421 McCordick Road, North Gower. 613-489-2314
Get more information at thomastreefarm.ca
Ontario: Horton's Magic Hill Tree Farm
There’s plenty of Christmas magic to experience at this farm. In addition to offering more than 30,000 pine, spruce and fir trees across its 100 acres, Horton’s also has excellent tobogganing hills (bring your own sleds) and playgrounds. Grab a treat at the “Munchhouse” and enjoy it by the bonfire as the staff wraps your tree.
Open weekends November 30 until the end of the season (check website for availability).
14844 Warden Avenue, Stouffville. 905-888-1738
Get more information at hortontreefarms.com
Ontario: Ian's Christmas Adventure Park & Tree Farm
Ever wonder where Santa’s four-legged friends spend their days? Pay a visit to the Reindeer Barn at Ian’s and you’ll meet them, as well as a variety of other friendly animals. Explore the farm’s rope and hay mazes, hike around HO HO Lake to Santa Claus’s cabin, and meet the man himself in Santa’s Woodland Workshop each evening. Bring along your skates and toboggans for a day of fun, and marvel at the beautiful Christmas lights along Candy Cane Lane. And don’t forget your tree – choose from a variety of pines, spruces and firs.
Open daily November 23 to December 24.
804 Richmond Road, Beckwith. 613-253-0086
Get more information at iansevergreen.on.ca
Ontario: Cedar Hill Christmas Tree Farm
Settled in the 1820s, this farm has just recently become dedicated to growing Christmas trees. Choose from Scots pine, balsam and Fraser firs, and white spruce. Enjoy a free wagon ride to the field, and let the staff clean and wrap your tree while you hit the sledding hills and straw play structure. After you work up an appetite, sit down to a meal at Café Claus and choose from soup, chili or the valley-fa- vourite bacon on a bun, followed by a sweet treat (don’t miss the butter tarts). Stop by their gift shop to pick up homemade preserves and decorations.
Open daily November 22 to December 24.
951 Concession 8 South, Pakenham. 613-256-3029
Get more information at cedarhillchristmastreefarm.com
Ontario: Chickadee Christmas Trees
This family-run tree farm has all the components of a perfect winter day in the country: fresh wreaths, nature trails, a children’s play area, a gift shop and, of course, Christmas trees. Harvest your own or select a pre-cut one; choose between Scots or white pine, white spruce or balsam fir. The farm also offers complimentary hot apple cider and candy canes to get everyone in a festive mood. Sandwiched between Guelph and Cambridge, this is a family hot spot, so call ahead for availability, especially later in the season.
Open Fridays to Sundays November 29 to December 22.
6639 Wellington County Road #34, Puslinch. 519-654-2029
Get more information at chickadeechristmastrees.ca
Ontario: Clembrook Christmas Farm
This Milton farm plays host to tons of festive fun each December – just ask the man in the big red suit. Santa and Mrs. Claus visit the farm on weekends from late November to mid-December. Weather permitting, bring your sleds and go tobogganing or for a wagon ride. Enjoy an outdoor picnic (bring your own food or purchase snacks on-site), and take in the scenic views of Rattlesnake Point. Cut down your own pine, fir or spruce, or visit the barn and select a pre-cut tree. Most activities are limited to weekends, so plan accordingly.
Open daily November 16 to December 23.
4231 Derry Road, Milton. 905-878-6576
Get more information at clembrookchristmasfarm.com
Ontario: Knox's Pumpkin Farm
This may be a pumpkin plantation, but make no mistake – they know how to do Christmas right. Visit on December weekends for carol singing, cider sipping, pre-cut fir trees and much more. This year, the farm has a special surprise: visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus! While Santa always does his best to greet every girl and boy, he’s very busy this time of year, so call ahead to book a spot for the whole family to hang out with the man in red.
Open daily December 1 to 23 (tree sales begin November 28).
6325 Enfield Road, Hampton. 905-263-2930
Get more information at knoxpumpkinfarm.com
Quebec: La Ferme Quinn
You don’t have to go far from the city to experience a true country Christmas. Quinn Farm is located just 20 minutes from Montreal and offers more than 10,000 balsam, Fraser and Korean fir, white pine and spruce trees. Head out to the field via a tractor-drawn wagon (weather dependent) to make your pick, then let the staff tie your tree to the roof of your car. Admission to the farm is $5 per person and includes a trip to the animal barn, fun in the children’s play area and a cup of hot cider or cocoa.
Open Thursdays to Sundays November 21 to December 24.
2495 boul. Perrot, Notre-Dame-de-l’Ile-Perrot. 514-453-1510
Get more information at quinnfarm.qc.ca
Quebec: Plantation JLS
Bundle up your brood and head out to this southern Quebec tree farm for an afternoon of tractor rides, Christmas trees and even a meet-and-greet with Santa Claus himself. Choose from balsam and Fraser firs, and then explore the on-site shop for handmade decorations.
Open weekends November 23 to December 15.
5 chemin St-François, Sainte-Angèle-de-Monnoir. 514-346-8882
Get more information at sapinsdenoeljls.ca
Quebec: Arbres de Noel Hadley
If you’re looking for a white Christmas, you’ll find it here. Nestled in the Laurentian Mountain foothills (an hour north of Montreal), this farm certainly gets its fair share of the white fluffy stuff. Luckily, Grandpa Cliff’s limousine service (a tractor-pulled wagon) is equipped for the snowy fields. Choose your tree from a healthy harvest of balsam and Fraser firs, then warm up in the rustic Christmas shop where you’ll find refreshments and small decorations.
Open Thursdays to Sundays November 28 to December 24.
1600 chemin Vide Sac, Lachute. 450-562-9726
Get more information at hadleyarbresdenoel.ca
New Brunswick: Red-Robin Christmas Trees and Maple Syrup
Take a walk through the rows and rows of balsam fir trees in this farm’s 20-plus-acres, and you’ll see the many benefits of having a pesticide-free plantation – just ask all the birds, white-tailed deer, hares, foxes and partridges that are happy inhabitants of its fields. Enjoy hot chocolate and freshly baked cookies once you’ve selected your tree. After the holidays, bring your tree back and they’ll use it as mulch to help cultivate next year’s bounty.
Open daily November 12 to December 24.
383 Keswick Ridge Road, Keswick. 506-470-5121
Get more information at red-robin.ca
Nova Scotia: Kevin's U-Cut
Start your Kevin’s U-Cut experience with a horse-drawn sleigh ride to the field (weather permitting). There, you can choose from several thousand balsam firs grown without chemical fertilizers and pesticides. While you warm up with hot chocolate by the bonfire, staff will wrap your tree and bring it to your vehicle.
Open weekends in December.
Mossman Road, West Northfield. 902-521-4482
Get more information at kevinsucut.com
Nova Scotia: Travis' Christmas Tree Farm
This year marks the 25th anniversary of this family- run operation. Travis’ offers 30 acres of balsam fir, white pine and Scots pine trees, including 10 acres of u-cut. The farm is also known for its homemade wreaths, which can be custom decorated to suit your style (call ahead to place your order).
Open weekends October 26 through November for u-pick trees, and daily from December 1 to 20 for pre-cut trees.
490 Hill’s Road, Sydney. 902-562-1860
Get more information at travistreefarm.ca
Nova Scotia: Scothorn Farms Ltd.
This fifth-generation family farm dates all the way back to 1851. While the Christmas-tree operation didn’t start until the early sixties – when trees sold for just 35 cents! – it is certainly what Scothorn is known for now. Families can choose from approximately 100,000 balsam firs here, then head over to the log cabin to warm up with a complimentary cup of hot cider.
Open daily November 30 to December 23.
8727 Highway 14, Hardwoodlands. 902-758-1890
Get more information at scothorn.com
PEI: Crooked Creek Farm
Specializing in traditional balsam firs, this island farm is a wonderful place to begin the Christmas season. After bringing your tree back to your car (a staff member will gladly assist you), take a silly photo with the elf cut-out photo board, enjoy a glass of apple cider and take home some free pine boughs to decorate for the holidays.
Open daily December 1 to 24.
346 Crooked Creek Road, Oyster Bed Bridge. 902-621-0030
Get more information at crookedcreekfarm.ca
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