Fruit Picking Jobs in BC (Okanagan): Cash Pay & Free Camping

For decades, the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia has been the summer destination for thousands of Quebecois students and international backpackers.

The deal is simple: You wake up at 4:30 AM, you climb ladders to pick fruit until noon, and then you spend the rest of the day swimming in the lake. If you are fast, you can make $300 a day in cash. If you are slow, you barely cover your beer money.

But in 2026, the industry has changed. The "wild west" days of sleeping in random orchards are mostly gone. Farmers are stricter, the piece-work rates have legally increased, and housing is harder to find.¹

Whether you are looking for a student summer job or a way to fund your travels across Canada, here is the "Street Guide" to surviving the harvest season.

1. The "Big Three" Crops (And What They Pay)

Unlike hourly jobs, fruit picking is usually Piece Work.² You are paid by the bucket or the bin. The harder you work, the more you make.

(Rates below are effective as of Jan 1, 2026, based on BC Employment Standards).

1. Cherries (The Gold Rush)

• Season: Late June – Early August.
• The Hubs: Oliver, Osoyoos, Keremeos.
• The Rate: Approx. $0.317 per pound (roughly $7–$8 per bucket).³
• Verdict: High Risk / High Reward.
  • Pros: The trees are small. If the crop is heavy, you can fill a bucket in 10 minutes. Top pickers make $400/day.
  • Cons: Rain splits the cherries. If it rains, the farmer sends you home. The season is short and intense.

2. Peaches & Stone Fruit (The Heavy Lifters)

• Season: August.
• The Hubs: Penticton, Summerland.
• The Pay: Often Hourly ($17.40+) because quality matters more than speed. Bruised peaches are worthless.
• Verdict: Best for Chill Vibes. Less pressure than cherries, but lower potential earnings.

3. Apples (The Grind)

• Season: September – late October.
• The Hubs: Kelowna, Vernon.
• The Rate: Approx. $24.05 per bin.
• Verdict: Reliable Money.
  • Pros: The season is long. You can work for 2 months straight.
  • Cons: It is physically brutal. You are carrying heavy bags up and down 10-foot ladders.

2. Where to Sleep: The "Loose Bay" Update

Housing is the #1 problem in the Okanagan. If you don't have a place to stay, you won't get hired.

Secrest Hill (Formerly "Loose Bay")

If you read old blogs, they talk about "Loose Bay Campground" in Oliver. It has been renamed Secrest Hill Agricultural Worker's Campsite.

• The Setup: It is a government-subsidized campground exclusively for fruit pickers.
• The Cost: Approx. $10–$15 per night.
• Amenities: Hot showers, Wi-Fi, charging stations, and a communal kitchen.
• The Vibe: It is the social hub. Farmers drive here in the morning looking for workers. If you are solo, go here immediately.

On-Farm Camping (The Holy Grail)

Some farmers allow you to pitch a tent in the orchard for free (or $5/day) if you work for them.

• How to find them: You must ask during the interview. "Do you have accommodation?"
• The Warning: Facilities are basic. You might be using a porta-potty and a garden hose for a shower.

3. How to Get Hired (Don't Use Indeed)

Farmers do not post on Indeed. They hire the people standing in front of them.

• Method A: The "Drive-By"
  • Get a car (or make friends with someone who has one). Drive down Highway 97. Look for hand-painted signs saying "PICKERS WANTED." Pull over and talk to the owner.
• Method B: The BC Job Board
  • Use the official BC Fruit Growers’ Association website. They list legitimate openings.
• Method C: The Hostel Network
  • Stay at Kelowna International Hostel or Penticton Hostel. Farmers often call the front desk when they need a crew of 5 people for the next morning.

Comparison Table: Fruit Picking vs. Tree Planting

Practical Questions Answered

"Is it cash under the table?"

Consensus: It's mixed.

• Legit Farms: Pay via cheque/direct deposit every 2 weeks. They deduct taxes. This is required for your Second Year Visa (if you are international).
• Small Orchards: Many small family farms still pay cash daily or weekly at a flat rate.
• Internal Link: If you specifically want daily cash, check our guide on cash jobs in Canada.

"Do I need a car?"

Yes, mostly.

The orchards are not in the city center. There is very little public transit in Oliver or Keremeos.

• The Fix: If you don't have a car, stay at Secrest Hill. You can usually hitch a ride with other pickers to the farm every morning in exchange for gas money.

"Do I need my own ladder?"

No.

The farm provides the ladders and the buckets. You just need to bring:

1. Gloves: Cherry juice stains your hands black for weeks.
2. Hat: It is +35°C in the desert. You will get heatstroke without one.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much can I make cherry picking in BC?

An average picker earns $150 to $200 per day. An experienced "Highballer" who moves fast can earn $300 to $400 per day during the peak of the season. However, if it rains, you might make $0 for three days straight.

Do I need a work permit to pick fruit?

Yes. You must have a valid SIN to work legally. Most international pickers are on the IEC Working Holiday Visa. Farmers are frequently audited, and working illegally can get you deported.

When does the fruit picking season start?

The season kicks off in late June with cherries in the South Okanagan (Osoyoos/Oliver). It moves north to Kelowna for cherries in July, then peaches in August, and finishes with apples and grapes in September and October.

Are there scams I should avoid?

Yes. Never pay for a "Job List." Scammers sell lists of farms to backpackers for $50. This information is free on Google or at the local employment center. Also, never pay a "reservation fee" to secure a job before you arrive in Canada.

About the author

Jeff Calixte (MC Yow-Z) is a Canadian career researcher and digital entrepreneur who studies hiring trends, labour market data, and real entry-level opportunities across Canada. He specializes in simplifying the job search for newcomers, students, and workers using practical, up-to-date information.

Sources

• BC Fruit Growers’ Association (Job Board): https://www.bcfga.com/
• Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (Secrest Hill Camping): https://www.rdos.bc.ca/
• BC Government (Farm Worker Piece Rates): https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-business/employment-standards-advice/employment-standards/hiring/farm-workers

Note:

Job availability, wages, and hiring conditions can vary widely by province, employer, season, and experience level. All salary ranges and job examples in this guide are estimates based on current labour market data. Always confirm details directly with the employer before applying.