Apparently, it’s that time of year – Hooray!
For those of you who like to get festive – and have some fun doing it – how about driving a bit outside the GTA and picking your own Christmas tree from an authentic tree farm?
You can have a great day tramping about in the back country, get a fresh, gorgeous tree, pay less than you would in the GTA, and support a small business all at the same time. For everything but the more expensive fir trees, you can get any tree you want for less than $50 (plus a couple of dollars for wrapping)
Below we’ve listed the 6 best places outside the GTA to pick-your-own Christmas tree. Most of these places take cash only, so get to a bank machine – and have a great day finding that perfect tree. Most have some pre-cut options, but then that’s kinda defeating the purpose. They also supply sleds and saws. All these places have a small shack of sorts to warm up in – and to have a quick snack or hot chocolate. A special shout out to Rina’s who has a hay wagon on weekends for the young’uns.
Keep in mind that these trees were grown to be cut for Christmas. You’re going to a tree farm. Please do not go into a forest and cut a tree down yourself
Following the list of tree farms, we’ve provided a handy descriptive list of the types of trees you’re likely to see. Print it off and bring it along to make sure you get the Christmas tree you want.
In no particular order (location probably being the prime consideration):
1. Chickadee Christmas Trees
(http://www.chickadeechristmastrees.ca)
6639 Wellington County Rd #34, Puslinch (Near Waterloo)
519-654-2029
Dates: November 29 – December 22
Hours: Fridays from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Pick-your-own closes at 4:45 p.m.
2. Prestonvale Tree Farms
(http://www.prestonvaletreefarms.com)
1421 Prestonvale Rd., Courtice (East of Whitby)
905-434-3910
Dates: 7-days a week, starting December 1
Hours: Saturday & Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
3. Rina’s Christmas Trees
(http://www.rinaschristmastrees.ca)
1762 Sixth Concession W, Rockton (near Hamilton)
519-621-1438
Dates: November 29 – December 24
Hours: 7-days a week from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
4. Smiths’ Trees
(http://www.smithstrees.com)
105 Orchard Hill Rd., Pelham (Near Niagra Falls)
905-892-3410
Dates: November 23 – December 15
Hours: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. until dark.
5. Pinedale Farm
(http://www.christmastrees.on.ca/pinedalefarms.html)
Two locations: 1554 Concession 5 West, Flamborough & 1650 Concession 6 West, Flamborough (near Hamilton)
519-624-6891
Dates: November 29 – December 24:
6. Taylor Christmas Tree Farm
(http://www.christmastrees.on.ca/taylortreefarm.html)
4485 2nd Concession Rd., Stouffville/Uxbridge (near Pickering)
905-640-1325
Dates: November 29 – December 21
Hours: Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Christmas Trees – Descriptions
There’s no right or wrong. The right tree depends on how much space you have, the colour you like, and the shape that brings a smile to your face. Needle retention is a big deal, too. If you need a tree to last a month, then some of the spruce trees should be avoided. As well, the Fir trees will cost more – sometimes double.
