What better way to spend the tail end of winter than by making your way through all the maple syrup events happening across Ontario? There’s an abundance of sugar bush farms with mouthwatering treats to sample, which means there’s no shortage of maple-themed fun to be had.
Whether you’re a die-hard syrup enthusiast or just looking for a fun day out, there’s sure to be a festival or event near you. Dive into our list of the top 15 maple syrup events across Ontario and start planning your next sweet adventure today.
Tap into Maple in Orillia & Lake County
Hit up the maple syrup trail in Central Ontario from March 3 to April 2 to visit some of the best maple syrup producers in Orillia, Oro-Medonte, Rama, Ramara, and Severn. With over 20 locations and 10 maple syrup producers, there will be sweet treats and maple-inspired cuisine and experiences.
Check out this handy map to plan your journey.
Maple Madness 2023 at Cataraqui Conservation in Kingston Ont.
Time to gear up for the 40th anniversary of Maple Madness. Sign up online to participate in the March Break events or visit the Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area each weekend, starting on March 4. You can take a tractor ride to the sugar bush and learn how to make maple syrup before sampling the sweets and stacks of freshly made pancakes.
Activities run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and self-guided tours are also available. Register online today.
Pefferlaw Creek Farms 2023 Maple Weekends
You’re in luck this year because Pefferlaw Creek is not only having one but eight weekends of sugar shack fun, plus tapping tours and hiking from March 4 to April 23.
You don’t need to book ahead, but you do need to bring your appetite—Pefferlaw Creek Farms will serve a delicious pancake breakfast and many samplings on weekends. Admission is $5 per person or $20 for a family. Forest trails will close at 5 p.m.
Ferme Proulx et Érablière in Ottawa
Satisfy your sweet tooth all season long with a visit to Ferme Proulx et Érablière—festivities start March 5. You can partake in outdoor farm activities and sugar bush visits from 9 to 5 p.m. and enjoy smores kits and snacks alongside a pancake breakfast.
Virtual tours are available Tuesday to Thursday between March 1 to April 14. Call 613-833-2417 or email info@proulxfarm.com to reserve.
Maple Magic at Regal Point Elk Farm
Join the Rotary Club of Wiarton on the weekends of March 18 and 25 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a full day of food and fun. From fresh pancake meals and maple taffy on snow to activities and an elk tour, there is something for the whole family to enjoy.
Stop by 462081 Concession 24 in Georgian Bluffs and bring a donation to enter, which helps support the Rotary Club and more events throughout the year.
32nd Annual Sweetwater Harvest Weekends at Wyemarsh in Midland, Ont.
What’s better than one weekend of festivities? Two weekends, of course! Head to Wyemarsh on March 18, 19, 25, and 26 to learn about the history of local Indigenous People’s traditional maple syrup-making practices and check out live historical demonstrations after you and the family wonder through the sugar bush, snacking on some liquid gold along the way.
Purchase tickets through Eventbrite, and come early because there’s limited parking.
Annual Kemble Maple Syrup Tour at Kemble, Sarawak & Zion Keppel United Churches
Stamp your maple syrup passport by touring six local maple syrup operations on April 1 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Kemble, Ont. Munch down on a maple-themed meal at Kemble-Sarawak United Church from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., making room for Belgian waffles, local maple syrup, baked beans, coleslaw, and peameal bacon.
Pick up your passport ahead of time at Kemble Post Office, Josie’s Fashions in Wiarton, Bayshore Country Feeds in Owen Sound, or Balmy Beach Convenience from March 4 to 25—get yours soon because space is limited.
Maple Sugar Festival at Brooks Farms
Need March Break plans? Take that sweet tooth to Brooks Farms and devour a delicious pancake breakfast, followed by a sugar bush tour every day over the break. (Tours are available throughout the day.) You’ll also have the chance to hop on a wagon ride, warm up at the campfire, and sample different maple syrup products.
Get your Maple Sugar Festival tickets here.
Elmira Maple Syrup Festival
Join the Elmira community for a full day of demonstrations, activities, and pancakes with maple syrup (or maple syrup with a side of pancake) on April 1. Take a bus ride to explore the nearby sugar bushes to find out how to tap maple trees, collect the sap, and prepare it for tasting.
Before the event, grab an Elmira maple syrup festival sap pail for $10 by contacting Kyle Bosomworth at 226-979-9146.
Spring Tonic Maple Syrup Festival at Tiffin Centre for Conservation and Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Area
Check out the Spring Tonic Festival on April 1 and 2 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. to catch a historical demonstration comparing how Indigenous People first maple syrup to how farmers make it today. Leave room for a yummy pancake and sausage breakfast with fresh syrup, and take part in various activities like a horse-drawn wagon ride.
Download the self-guided maple syrup tour on your phone to explore Tiffin Conservation Area’s sugar bush.
Maple Grove Syrup Tours in Severn
You won’t want to miss the self-guided sugar bush tour, family-friendly activities and lots of maple syrup tastings at the Maple Grove Syrup Tours on April 1 and 2 at 2448 Burnside Line.
Lunch and refreshments will be provided, along with a demonstration of turning sap into syrup. Grab your tickets on the website today.
Belmore Maple Syrup Festival at Belmore Community Centre
After a three-year hiatus, Belmore Maple Syrup Festival is back and ready to welcome everyone with a pancake breakfast, live music, craft show, and kid’s room on April 6 and 8. Don’t forget to take a peak at the outdoor maple syrup demonstration.
Grab your tickets at the door—children under five are free. All events are wheelchair accessible.
Maple in Muskoka on Huntsville’s Main Street
It’s back again! On April 29, Maple in Muskoka is bringing the community together to celebrate the maple harvest from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Entry is free and the day will be packed with a maple marketplace, game zone, live music, drumming circle, busker square, a Rotary Pancake Breakfast and more.
Stay the whole weekend and explore the Muskoka Maple Trail on your own, too!
Festival of the Maples in Perth, Ont.
Head on over to the Festival of the Maples on Saturday, April 29, to visit local vendors and sample all the tasty treats that Eastern Ontario offers. Enjoy a full day of entertainment, awards, and the sap-tapping and wood cookie competition.
Catch King of Swingers, Duke LeBold, and Jonathan Cao performing on the street and stock up on maple products to use in future recipes.
Elmvale Maple Syrup Festival
If you need an excuse to eat more maple syrup, visit Elmvale’s Maple Syrup Festival on Saturday, April 29, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. All proceeds go to schools, music programs for children, and more.
While you’re there, check out the Arts, Craft, and Quits Show, take your shot at the Annual Log Sawing Competition, stuff yourself full during the Pancake Eating contest, shop at the local vendors, and join in on the local tours.
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