About The Farm
A Brief history...
In 1980, the Vandenbergs took over an abandoned and poorly drained dairy farm. They cleared the land of trees, shrubs and rocks, in order to grow their berries and vegetables. In the middle of the farm are many great pine trees that the Vandenbergs left behind. A century old shed was moved from the back of the house to the front of these great pines for your convenience as you pick your own produce from the fields.
Today on the Farm...
It is amazing how things grow! Today, Rideau Pines Farm & the Vandenberg family offer you more than 9 varieties of strawberries. If you prefer raspberries, there are again more than 9 varieties, including fall bearing plants. The Vandenbergs produce everything from pickling cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, corn, and broccoli to potatoes, cauliflower, onions, garlic, honey ... and much more!!!
The farm is situated on Fourth Line Road, very close to the 416 highway. The house is located by the road with the many fields of delicious produce growing away from the noise and pollution of the highways. The family home is located directly on the farm - 10 feet from one raspberry patch and not even 100 meters from the first strawberry field! The Vandenbergs collect meal ideas right from their own backyard! They operate during strawberry season from a shed close to the strawberry fields, and during the raspberry & the vegetable seasons from a market right beside the barn.
A cooler inside the barn helps keep produce as fresh as possible - especially for berries & veggies harvested in the mornings of hot days! A clean outhouse is on site, for customer convenience. Rideau Pines Farm has a pond at the back of the property which is used for irrigation and protection from frost.
General Information...
For pick your own customers, the Vandenbergs try to make everything easy: tractor rides when berry picking is in far fields, staff in the fields to help you harvest & help you carry, and plenty of free & friendly advice and company.
The farm is in operation from mid-May starting with Asparagus to October 31st ending with pumpkins, squash, apples and honey!
Hours of Operation are every day! Monday thru to Saturday 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, and Sundays from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm. Please note that hours are subject to change depending on weather and produce availability! Sometimes things just will not grow fast enough!
Saturday mornings, the Vandenbergs bring produce to two other markets: The North Gower Farmer's Market (from 8:30 - 12:30), and the Manotick Market (9:00 - 1:00).
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to give a call (613) 489-3601.