Each year as winter recedes, the changing climate brings warmer days and frosty nights. This causes sap in sugar maple trees to flow up from the roots, and maple harvesting to kick into high gear.During this short, but eagerly anticipated sweet season, guests flock to sugar bushes (maple tree forests) and sugar shacks to witness the tree-tapping and boiling process of converting sap to syrup.Pancake houses pop up and kids are treated to maple taffy. Family-friendly, maple-themed events and festivals follow.And maple syrup is just the start. This versatile flavour is used in so much, from beer and wine to tea and coffee. It’s infused in spreads, jams, butter, butter tarts, donuts, bacon and even maple bacon donuts.
Here are some of the best places to sample and experience everything maple in Ontario.
Don’t miss out, time is limited on this tasty season.
Note: Always check weather, reservations, dates and hours of operation in advance as some event details may change.
Lanark County and the Ottawa Region
The knowledge and use of sweet sugar maple sap originated with the Indigenous Peoples of the Eastern Woodlands who valued it for centuries. In and around Ottawa, maple syrup production continues today. So much so that Lanark County, located within an hour’s drive southwest of Ottawa, is hailed as “Ontario’s Maple Syrup Capital”.
Maple syrup experiences include:
Lanark County Maple Trail
Choose your own adventure on a self-guided tour of seasonal maple sugar bushes and camps, as well as other year-round maple-related stops at shops, restaurants and breweries.
Location: throughout Lanark County
Fulton’s Sugar Bush and Maple Shop
Nestled between the communities of Pakenham and Almonte in Mississippi Mills, Fulton’s is like the godfather of maple with over 170 years and six generations of experience.
Explore the property trails, book a horse-drawn sleigh ride, visit the maple shop and learn all about maple tapping and production.
Details: The 2023 sugar bush season runs from February 18 to April 16 and there is a $10 entrance fee per vehicle.
Location: 399 Sugar Bush Road, Pakenham
Sand Road Maple Farm and Sugar Camp
Just east of Ottawa, this fully operational maple farm opens its gates to visitors to witness the traditional maple syrup-making process. And of course, to enjoy a homemade pancake and maple syrup feast.
Details: The syrup season typically begins in March and runs until the sap stops flowing. The first-come-first-serve, buffet-style breakfast costs between $9.95 (kids under five) and $21.95 (adults) and runs from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Location: 17190 Sand Road, Moose Creek
Wheelers Pancake House, Sugar Camp and Maple Heritage Museum
In addition to the all-day pancake breakfast, you’ll also want to visit Wheelers Maple Heritage Museum, which holds the Guinness World Record for the “Largest Collection of Maple Syrup Artifacts.”
Details: Wheeler maple farm and pancake house is open weekends only until the syrup season from March 6 until April 30, during which they open Tuesdays to Sundays.
Location: 1001 Highland Line, McDonalds Corners, Lanark Highlands
Find more maple-inspired highlights at:
- Balderson Village Cheese Store for maple crunch chocolate and maple butter.
- Top Shelf Distillers in Perth for maple-infused Reunion French Toast Moonshine.
- Beau’s All Natural Brewing Co. in Vankleek Hill for Maple Rush, a robust porter made with organic maple syrup.
- Perth Brewery for the O’Canada Maple Ale.
- SuzyQ in Ottawa’s Hintonburg neighbourhood for maple bacon donuts.
From family-friendly events to maple-themed wine and dining experiences, there are great opportunities to enjoy Ontario’s favourite sweet treat in and around Kingston.
Maple syrup experiences include:
Kingston’s Maple Madness
A seasonal highlight for families, the annual maple syrup event at Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area involves demonstrations of sap boiling as well as wagon rides and trails to explore.
Location: 1641 Perth Road, Glenburnie
PEC March Maple Madness 2023
After a brief hiatus, March Maple Madness is back to celebrate local sugar bushes, maple farms and maple treats in The County.
Create your own itinerary from the dozens of participating maple syrup producers, wineries, breweries, cideries, restaurants and accommodations.
Details: The event takes place every Saturday and Sunday in March, starting on March 4, 2023.
Location: Prince Edward County