Each year I get serious joy out of picking blackberries and letting you know when they're ready so you can get out and pick some for yourself. Generally we publish a story about them around mid-August when they're really popping but as we've had an unusually hot year the berries are ready right now!
The Himalaya Berry is actually an invasive species that was introduced in 1885. And while they might not be great for the rest of the vegetation they sure do taste good (in smoothies, or in jam, or just on their own).
Here are our top 5 recommended places to find patches of this goodness in and around Vancouver:
1. East Van alleyways
Go east of Main street and walk the alleys. Almost every single one of them has blackberries for the picking.
2. Helijet terminal
As you enter the Helijet terminal on Burrard inlet, take a look to the left there. There's a trove of blackberries waiting for you.
3. The North Shore
You'll have luck in the industrial area that's East of the Second Narrows but many a side street to the West have productive bushes.
4. Olympic Village
The photos shared in this post were shot on 1st Ave adjacent to the Olympic Village where there are craploads of berries right now.
5. The Fraser Valley
The hidden gem! Drive along Highway 1 between Langley and Chilliwack and you'll happen upon a ton of bushes that border farm land. You'll surely find some without having to trespass on private property as the Himalayas seem to have become the Valley's new official bush.
