Discover 19 Best Maple Syrup Festivals Near Toronto (2025)
Updated: 6 days ago
Best Maple Syrup Festivals Near Toronto (2025)
Toronto, Hamilton, Campbellville, Oakville, Vaughan, Halton Hills, Milton, Stouffville, Elmvale, Huntsville, Mississauga, Sunderland, Hillsburgh, Uxbridge, Oshawa
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As winter fades and spring approaches, it's time to celebrate one of Canada's sweetest traditions: maple syrup season! The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) offers a variety of maple syrup festivals that are perfect for families and anyone looking to enjoy the great outdoors while indulging in delicious maple treats. Here’s a roundup of some of the best maple syrup festivals near Toronto for 2025.
Read more:
Maple Syrup Festivals Near Toronto
1. Maple Town at Mountsberg
The Maple Town at Mountsberg is a delightful festival that immerses visitors in the rich tradition of maple syrup production. Located in Campbellville, Ontario, this festival runs from March 2 to April 7, 2024, on weekends, holidays, and during March Break.
Website: conservationhalton.ca
Address: 2259 Milburough Line, Campbellville, ON.
Distance from Toronto: Approximately 70 km.
Dates: March 2 – April 7, 2024 (weekends, holidays, and March Break) from 9:30 am – 5 pm
Highlights of the Festival:
Pancake Breakfasts: Enjoy delicious pancakes served with fresh maple syrup, a must-try for all attendees.
Educational Demonstrations: Learn about the history and process of maple syrup production through engaging demonstrations.
Family Activities: The festival offers a variety of activities suitable for all ages, making it a perfect family outing.
Admission Costs:
Adults: $12 + HST
Seniors: $9.75 + HST
Children (5-14): $8.75 + HST
Free for children under 4.
This festival is a great way to experience the beauty of nature while indulging in one of Canada’s sweetest traditions.
2. Bronte Creek Provincial Park Maple Syrup Festival
The Bronte Creek Provincial Park Maple Syrup Festival is another fantastic event that celebrates the arrival of spring and the maple syrup season. Located in Oakville, Ontario, this festival takes place every weekend in March and during the week of March Break, from 9:30 am to 3:00 pm.
Website: ontarioparks.ca
Address: 1219 Burloak Drive, Oakville, ON.
Distance from Toronto: Approximately 50 km (25 miles).
Dates: Every weekend in March and the week of March Break, 9:30 am – 3:00 pm
Festival Features:
Guided Tours: Visitors can enjoy guided tours that explain the history and techniques of maple syrup production.
Pancake Meals: Savor delicious pancakes served with real maple syrup, a highlight of the festival.
Interactive Activities: The festival includes various interactive activities for children and families, ensuring a fun-filled day.
Admission Costs:
$18 per car (food and purchases are extra).
This festival is a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature and learn about the maple syrup-making process in a beautiful park setting.
Are you spending some time in and around Toronto, Ontario, Canada? Here are some other places to visit nearby:
3. Maple Syrup Festival at Kortright
The Maple Syrup Festival at Kortright is one of the most popular events in the Greater Toronto Area, taking place at the Kortright Centre for Conservation in Woodbridge, Ontario. The festival runs from March 9 to April 7, 2024, with specific hours varying by day.
Website: trca.ca
Address: 9550 Pine Valley Drive, Woodbridge, ON.
Distance from Toronto: Approximately 30 km.
Dates: March 9 – April 7, 2024 (hours vary)
What to Expect:
Maple Syrup Demonstrations: Experience authentic demonstrations of both traditional and modern syrup-making techniques.
Horse and Wagon Rides: Enjoy free horse and wagon rides, a favorite among families.
Family-Friendly Activities: The festival features a range of activities designed for all ages, including entertainment and educational programs.
Admission Costs:
Adults (14-64): $11.50 + HST
Seniors (65+): $9.50 + HST
Children (4-13): $7.45 + HST
Free for children under 3.
The festival also offers evening events starting March 14, where visitors can enjoy a quiet walk through the illuminated forest, complete with campfires and storytelling. This unique experience adds a magical touch to the festival.
4. Maple Syrup in the Park at Terra Cotta Conservation Area
The Maple Syrup in the Park festival at Terra Cotta Conservation Area is a delightful event that celebrates the arrival of spring and the maple syrup season. Located in Halton Hills, Ontario, this festival runs from March 14-17 and March 23-24, 2024.
Website: cvc.ca
Address: 14452 Winston Churchill Boulevard, Halton Hills, ON.
Distance from Toronto: Approximately 60 km.
Dates: March 14-17 and 23-24, 2024
Festival Highlights:
Educational Stations: Visitors can explore various educational stations that teach about the history and process of maple syrup production.
Pancake Breakfasts: Enjoy delicious pancakes served with real maple syrup, a staple of the festival.
Family-Friendly Activities: The festival offers a range of activities suitable for all ages, ensuring a fun experience for families.
Admission Costs:
Adults: $13
Youth (6-14): $7.50
Seniors: $10.50
Free for children under 5.
This festival is a fantastic way to enjoy the outdoors while learning about the traditional practices of maple syrup making.
5. Sweetwater at Crawford Lake
Sweetwater at Crawford Lake is another exciting maple syrup festival that takes place at the Crawford Lake Conservation Area in Milton, Ontario. The festival runs from March 2 to April 7, 2024, on weekends, holidays, and during March Break.
Website: conservationhalton.ca
Address: 3115 Conservation Road, Milton, ON.
Distance from Toronto: Approximately 70 km.
Dates: March 2 – April 7, 2024 (weekends, holidays, and March Break) from 10 am – 4 pm
Festival Highlights:
Guided Syrup-Tasting Sessions: Visitors can participate in guided syrup-tasting sessions to learn about the different grades and flavors of maple syrup.
Indigenous Practices: The festival highlights Indigenous practices related to maple syrup production, providing a unique cultural perspective.
Pancake Meals: Enjoy pancakes served with fresh maple syrup, a delicious treat for all attendees.
Admission Costs:
Adults: $10.50 + HST
Seniors: $8.25 + HST
Children (5-14): $7.25 + HST
Free for children under 4.
This festival not only celebrates the sweetness of maple syrup but also educates visitors about its cultural significance.
6. Maple Syrup at the Village – Black Creek Pioneer Village
The Maple Syrup at the Village festival takes place at Black Creek Pioneer Village in Toronto, Ontario. Scheduled for March 11-15, 2024, from 11 am to 4 pm, this festival offers a unique historical experience.
Website: blackcreek.ca
Address: 1000 Murray Ross Parkway, Toronto, ON.
Distance from Toronto: Approximately 25 km.
Dates: March 11-15, 2024, from 11 am – 4 pm
Festival Highlights:
Costumed Educators: Experience live demonstrations by costumed educators who showcase traditional syrup-making techniques from the past.
Pancake Options: The festival features a variety of pancake options, all served with real maple syrup.
Interactive Activities: Families can enjoy various interactive activities that engage children and adults alike.
Admission Costs:
Adults: $24.20 + HST
Seniors/Students: $22 + HST
Children (3-14): $19.80
Free for Toronto Region Conservation Park members.
This festival provides a wonderful opportunity to step back in time and learn about the history of maple syrup production in a pioneer village setting.
7. Maple Syrup Season at Westfield Heritage Village
The Maple Syrup Season at Westfield Heritage Village offers a unique opportunity to experience the charm of maple syrup production in a historical setting. This festival takes place during March Break and on select days throughout March.
Website: westfieldheritage.ca
Address: 1049 Kirkwall Road, Rockton, ON.
Distance from Toronto: Approximately 85 km.
Dates: March Break and select days in March (exact dates TBA).
Festival Highlights:
Demonstration Sites: Visitors can explore two demonstration sites showcasing both the traditional tbontehree-kettle method and a modern sugar shack.
Maple Trivia Trail: Engage in a fun Maple Trivia Trail that encourages exploration and learning about maple syrup.
Pancake Meals: Enjoy delicious pancakes served with real maple syrup, available for purchase in the Ironwood Hall.
Admission Costs:
HCA Members: Free entry, but a $10.00 reservation fee is required.
Non-HCA Members:
Reservation Fee: $10.00
Vehicle Fee: $11.00
Per Person Fee: $5.50 (Ages 5 and under are free).
This festival is a great way to immerse yourself in the history of maple syrup production while enjoying the beautiful surroundings of Westfield Heritage Village.
8. Maple Syrup Festival at Bruce's Mill Conservation Park
The Maple Syrup Festival at Bruce's Mill Conservation Park is a beloved event that attracts families and maple syrup enthusiasts alike. Scheduled from March 8 to April 6, 2025, this festival features a variety of activities and demonstrations.
Website: trca.ca
Address: 3291 Stouffville Road, Stouffville, ON.
Distance from Toronto: Approximately 45 km.
Dates: March 8 – April 6, 2025.
Festival Highlights:
Maple Syrup Demonstrations: Learn about the traditional and modern methods of maple syrup production through engaging demonstrations.
Family Activities: Special family-fun activities are planned for weekends and March Break, making it a perfect outing for families.
Pancake Meals: Enjoy delicious pancakes served with fresh maple syrup, available for purchase.
Admission Costs:
Adults (Ages 14-64): $12.10 + HST
Seniors (Ages 65+): $10.00 + HST
Children (Ages 4-13): $7.80 + HST
Children 3 years and under: Free (with adult purchase)
Parking: $6.00 + HST.
This festival is a fantastic way to celebrate the arrival of spring while indulging in one of Canada’s sweetest traditions.
Are you spending some time in and around Toronto, Ontario, Canada? Here are some other places to visit nearby:
9. Elmvale Maple Syrup Festival
The Elmvale Maple Syrup Festival is one of the largest one-day maple syrup festivals in Ontario, taking place on April 26, 2025. This community-driven event attracts thousands of visitors eager to taste local maple syrup.
Website: emsf.ca
Address: 92 Queen Street, Elmvale, ON.
Distance from Toronto: Approximately 130 km.
Dates: April 26, 2025.
Festival Highlights:
Pancake Breakfasts: Enjoy a hearty pancake breakfast served with local maple syrup, a highlight of the festival.
Local Vendors: Explore a variety of local vendors offering maple products and other treats.
Family Activities: The festival includes various activities for children and families, ensuring a fun-filled day for everyone.
Admission Costs:
Free Entry
This festival not only celebrates maple syrup but also fosters community spirit and showcases local talent.
10. Muskoka Maple Festival
The Muskoka Maple Festival is a family-friendly event held in downtown Huntsville, Ontario, on April 27, 2024. This festival highlights the culinary delights of maple syrup and offers a variety of activities for all ages.
Website: muskokamaple.com
Address: Huntsville, ON (specific venue details on the website).
Distance from Toronto: Approximately 220 km.
Dates: April 26, 2025.
Festival Highlights:
Pancake Breakfast: Start your day with an all-day pancake breakfast featuring local maple syrup.
Maple Syrup Producers: Meet local maple syrup producers and learn about their craft.
Arts & Crafts: Enjoy arts and crafts activities, making it a perfect outing for families.
Admission Costs:
Free Entry
This festival is a wonderful way to experience the beauty of Muskoka while celebrating one of Canada’s most cherished traditions.
11. Maple Magic Festival, Bradley Museum in Mississauga
The Maple Magic Festival 2025 is coming to the Bradley Museum in Mississauga, Ontario, on March 8 and 16. This annual celebration honors the rich tradition of maple syrup production with activities that cater to all ages. Guests can savor pancakes topped with authentic maple syrup, participate in crafts and games, and take guided tours of the museum.
The festival also highlights the Indigenous origins of the maple harvest, featuring live demonstrations of syrup-making in action. Special attractions include outdoor guided tours of the maple sap line and a visit to the historic Bradley House, where reenactments showcase the seasonal activities of the Bradley Family.
Address: Bradley Museum, Mississauga, Ontario
Date: March 8–16, 2025
March 8: 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
March 9: 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
March 15: 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
March 16: 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Price:
Tickets start at $6.95
Ages 3 and under: Free
Highlights:
Pancakes with real maple syrup
Guided tours of the maple sap line with Museum interpreters
Visit to the historic Bradley House with re-enactments of seasonal activities
Indigenous seasonal food traditions by Elder Mark Sault (March 8 & 9 only)
Crafts and games
Gift shop with maple syrup and treats by Canadian producers
Free shuttle service from Clarkson GO Station (drop-off not wheelchair accessible)
Activities & Features:
Pancakes with real maple syrup
Outdoor guided tours of the maple sap line with Museum interpreters
Visit to the historic Bradley House with re-enactments of seasonal activities
Indigenous seasonal food traditions presented by Elder Mark Sault (Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation) on March 8 and 9 only
Crafts and games
Gift shop with maple syrup and treats by Canadian producers
12. Sunderland Maple Syrup Festival
The Sunderland Maple Syrup Festival 2025 is set for April 5 and 6, offering a weekend packed with fun and engaging activities for all ages. Festival highlights include a delicious pancake breakfast at the Sunderland Legion, live music performances, and a bustling array of outdoor vendors. Families can look forward to the petting zoo, pony rides, and demonstrations by local artisans—making it an ideal outing for everyone.
Beyond the fantastic food and entertainment, the festival features unique attractions such as bus tours to local maple producers, exciting bathtub races, and lawn tractor pulls. Visitors can also enjoy ongoing activities throughout the weekend, including a book sale and various food stalls. Celebrate the sweet tradition of maple syrup at the Sunderland Maple Syrup Festival for a memorable and fun-filled weekend!
Address: 1 River Street, Sunderland
Dates: April 5 to 6, 2025
Highlights:
Local Sugar Shack Tours: Explore how maple syrup is made with tours of nearby sugar shacks, offering a glimpse into traditional and modern syrup-making methods.
Live Entertainment: Enjoy performances by local artists and entertainers throughout the festival.
Pancake Breakfast: Indulge in a hearty pancake breakfast served with fresh maple syrup.
Community Activities: Participate in fun events like the Maple Leaf Painting Contest and other family-friendly activities.
Free Admission and Parking: Accessible to everyone, making it a budget-friendly outing.
Website: Sunderland Maple Syrup Festival
13. Elliott Tree Farm Maple Syrup Experience
The Elliott Tree Farm Maple Syrup Experience returns for 2025, running every weekend from February 15 to April 6, with additional dates during March Break. This immersive event begins with a hearty pancake breakfast served in the cozy Horse Barn Canteen. Guests can indulge in all-you-can-eat pancakes drizzled with pure maple syrup, accompanied by sausage and bacon.
After breakfast, visitors can take a scenic 10-15 minute walk through the sugarbush trail, where they’ll explore the sugar shack, check sap buckets, and sample a variety of maple treats, including raw sap and maple toffee on snow.
The experience also includes access to the Maple Syrup Museum of Ontario, where visitors can dive into the history and process of maple syrup production. To add to the fun, complimentary toboggans are available for use on the sugarbush trail, making it an ideal outing for families. The farm is dog-friendly, allowing leashed pets in designated areas. Please note that tickets are non-refundable but transferable. Celebrate the sweetness of the season at Elliott Tree Farm!
Address: Elliott Tree Farm, 9467 Erin East Garafraxa Townline, Hillsburgh, ON N0B 1Z0
Dates:
February 15, 16, 17 (Family Day Weekend)
Every weekend from February 15 to April 6, 2025
Special dates: Monday, March 10 & Friday, March 14 (March Break) and April 4 (PD Day)
Price: Trail Passes are $9 per person (children 3 & under are free). Cash only.
Highlights:
Maple Syrup Museum of Ontario:
Open during the Maple Syrup Experience every Saturday and Sunday from 11 AM to 3 PM.
Features a unique collection of Indigenous, pioneer, and modern maple syrup artifacts to preserve the history of syrup production in Ontario.
Free entry and parking; dogs are welcome on a leash.
All-You-Can-Eat Pancakes:
Includes pancakes served with bacon, breakfast sausage, and Elliott’s award-winning pure maple syrup.
Sugar Shack Trail:
A scenic walk to the farm’s sugar shack where visitors can see maple syrup being made firsthand.
Enjoy tasting maple taffy over snow, fresh sap, maple sugar, and syrup during the tour.
Heritage Gift Barn:
Offers small-batch maple syrup, maple fudge, and baked goods like maple butter tarts.
Products can also be purchased online and shipped across North America.
Trail Loops:
Access the East and West Trail Loops for walking, hiking, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing.
Photography Passes:
Reserve a weekend photography session pass for memorable photos amidst the scenic farm landscape.
Website: Elliott Tree Farm
14. Pefferlaw Creek Farms Maple Syrup Festival
Discover the charm of a traditional maple syrup festival at Pefferlaw Creek Farms in Uxbridge. This family-friendly event combines education, entertainment, and mouthwatering food in a picturesque natural setting. Whether you’re eager to learn about the syrup-making process or simply looking for a fun-filled day outdoors, this festival offers something for everyone to enjoy!
Address: 12300 Concession Road 6, Uxbridge
Dates: Saturdays and Sundays from March 8 to April 19
Highlights:
Tapping Tour: Learn how maple trees are tapped to collect sap and the history of this Canadian tradition.
Sugar Shack Tour: Explore the process of boiling sap into maple syrup and watch live demonstrations of traditional and modern syrup-making techniques.
Hiking: Enjoy scenic trails through the farm’s sugar bush and surrounding forested area.
Live Music: Groove to live performances from local artists on select festival dates, creating a festive atmosphere.
Pancake Meal: Indulge in a hearty pancake breakfast made with fresh local ingredients and topped with Pefferlaw Creek Farms’ maple syrup.
Admission: $10 per person, with free entry for kids 12 and under
Website: Pefferlaw Creek Farms Events
15. Purple Woods Maple Syrup Festival
Celebrate the sweetness of spring at the Purple Woods Maple Syrup Festival in Oshawa! Held at the scenic Purple Woods Conservation Area, this beloved annual event showcases the best of Canadian maple traditions. Spend a fun-filled day enjoying outdoor activities, delicious maple-inspired treats, and memorable experiences perfect for the entire family.
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Address: 38 Coates Road East, Oshawa
Dates: Saturdays and Sundays from March 8 to 30, plus March Break from March 12 to 16
Highlights:
Self-Guided Tour: Wander through the sugar bush at your own pace and visit the modern evaporator to see how sap is boiled into syrup.
Games and Activities: Fun for the whole family, including children’s games and interactive maple-themed activities.
Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides: Take a scenic ride through the sugar bush on a traditional horse-drawn wagon.
All-Day Breakfast Pancakes: Savor fluffy pancakes served with real maple syrup, available throughout the day. Gluten-free options are also offered.
Sweet Shack Taffy: Enjoy maple taffy on snow for just $2 (cash only).
Heritage Store: Shop for maple syrup, maple candies, and other treats to take home.
Admission: $8 online or $11 at the gate, with free entry for children under two
Website: Purple Woods Maple Syrup Festival
16. Brooks Farms Maplefest
Brooks Farms Maplefest is a charming annual celebration of spring's sweetness, offering fun activities for all ages! Located in the picturesque setting of Mount Albert, this festival blends education, entertainment, and irresistible maple treats for a delightful experience everyone will enjoy.
Address: 122 Ashworth Road, Mount Albert (Uxbridge)
Dates: Weekends starting March 1 and during March Break
Highlights:
Wagon Rides: Enjoy a scenic ride through the farm, perfect for families.
Educational Tours: Participate in self-guided and guided tours to learn about the maple syrup production process, from tree tapping to syrup making.
Maple Syrup Tastings: Sample different grades of maple syrup and learn about their unique flavors.
Campfires & Marshmallows: Roast marshmallows around the bonfire in the sugar bush for a cozy treat.
Barnyard Playland (Weather Permitting): Let the kids explore and play in the farm's popular barnyard area.
Pancake Breakfast (Optional): Upgrade your ticket to include a delicious pancake breakfast with fresh maple syrup.
Tickets:
Maplefest Admission: $12.99 + HST (23 months and under are free).
Pancake Breakfast Bundle:
Adult: $25.99 + HST
Child: $21.99 + HST
Website: Brooks Farms Maplefest
17. Bowmanville Maplefest
Bowmanville Maplefest is a lively celebration of the region's maple syrup heritage and culinary delights. Each year, King Street East in Bowmanville transforms into a bustling hub of local vendors, mouthwatering food, and family-friendly activities. Perfect for visitors of all ages, this festival offers the chance to sample and shop for a variety of maple-themed treats while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of Bowmanville's charming downtown. Whether you're a devoted maple syrup fan or just looking for a fun day out, Bowmanville Maplefest guarantees a memorable experience!
Address: King Street East, Bowmanville, Ontario
Date: May 3, 2025
Highlights:
Local Maple Syrup Producers: Discover and purchase maple syrup and other maple-infused products from local vendors.
Maple Treats: Indulge in a wide variety of delicious maple treats, including butter tarts, cookies, and brownies.
Free Admission and Parking: Enjoy this event without any entry fees.
Shuttle Service: Free shuttle buses are provided from Clarington Fields for added convenience.
Website: Bowmanville Maplefest
18. Maple Syrup Festival at Bronte Creek Provincial Park
The Maple Syrup Festival at Bronte Creek Provincial Park is a cherished annual event, perfect for families and maple syrup enthusiasts. Running every weekend in March and during March Break, this festival offers a mix of history, outdoor fun, and sweet treats.
Address: 1219 Burloak Drive, Oakville, ON.
Distance from Toronto: Approximately 50 km.
Dates: Every weekend in March and March Break (9:30 AM – 3:00 PM).
Festival Highlights:
Maple Syrup Demonstrations: Take a guided tour of Maple Lane with costumed interpreters from the 1890s who showcase historical methods of collecting and making maple syrup. End the tour at Spruce Lane Farm, where you can make fresh maple sugar or enjoy maple taffy.
Family Activities: Visit the Family Activity Centre for games and fun, and explore the Spruce Lane Farmhouse, a living history museum recreating life in 1899.
Pancake Meals: Hop on a wagon ride to the Pancake House and enjoy fresh pancakes with 100% pure maple syrup.Meal Prices:
Small Meal: $6.00
Medium Meal: $12.00
Family Platter: $40.00
Maple Gift Shop: Browse and purchase maple syrup, maple butter, candies, baked goods, BBQ sauces, and souvenirs.
Admission Costs:
Daily Vehicle Permit: $18.00
Seniors (65+): $14.50
Disabled Permit (with proof): $9.00
Bus Permit: $62.50
Website: brontecreek.org
Note: Budget around $40 for purchases in the gift shop, candy shanty, and taffy station. Debit/credit is accepted everywhere except at the taffy station (cash only).
19. What if You Want to Make Your Own Maple Syrup!
Making maple syrup is fun, delicious, and super rewarding. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Find a Maple Tree
Look for sugar maples—they’re the best because their sap is high in sugar. They have opposite branches, grayish bark, and iconic maple leaves. Sap flows in late winter to early spring when days are above freezing and nights are below freezing.
Step 2: Tap the Tree
You’ll need:
A drill (7/16" or 5/16" bit).
Spiles (tree taps).
Food-safe buckets or containers.
How to tap:
Drill a 2-inch-deep hole, at a slight upward angle, about 3 feet off the ground.
Gently hammer in the spile.
Attach your bucket and watch the sap flow!
Step 3: Collect Sap
Sap looks and tastes like sweet water. Remember, it takes about 40 gallons of sap to make 1 gallon of syrup, so collect as much as you can!
Step 4: Boil the Sap
Boil the sap to evaporate the water—it’s about 98% water, so this takes time. Use a large, shallow pan (outdoors if possible, because it gets steamy!). As it thickens, transfer it to a smaller pot to finish indoors. Syrup boils at 219°F (104°C), or test it by checking the consistency—it should flow off a spoon in a smooth stream.
Step 5: Filter and Bottle
Strain the syrup through cheesecloth to remove impurities, then pour it into sterilized jars or bottles while it’s hot. Seal it up, and you’re done!
Pro Tips
Only tap healthy trees over 10 inches in diameter.
Process sap quickly—it can spoil if left too long.
Drizzle your syrup on everything from pancakes to bacon (you’re welcome).
And there you have it! Sweet, golden syrup made by YOU. 🍁 Enjoy!
Things to Do During Maple Syrup Season
Maple syrup season in Toronto, which typically falls between late February and early April, is a fantastic time to celebrate this iconic Canadian tradition. Here are some things to do in and around Toronto during maple syrup season:
1. Visit a Maple Syrup Festival
Toronto and nearby regions host several maple syrup festivals during the season. These festivals often include syrup tastings, demonstrations of the sap-to-syrup process, and family-friendly activities.
Sugarbush Maple Syrup Festival: Held at various locations like Kortright Centre for Conservation and Bruce's Mill Conservation Area, this festival offers wagon rides, tree-tapping demonstrations, and pancakes topped with fresh maple syrup.
Purple Woods Maple Syrup Festival: Located slightly outside Toronto, this festival features hikes through sugar maple forests and syrup-making exhibits.
2. Tour a Sugar Shack
Visit a local sugar shack to experience the traditional methods of making maple syrup. Nearby areas like York Region, Durham, and Halton have farms and conservation areas where you can see the process in action.
Kortright Centre for Conservation: Just north of Toronto, it’s a great spot to learn about sustainable maple syrup production.
Mountsberg Conservation Area: Located in Campbellville, it offers a hands-on experience of maple syrup tapping.
3. Enjoy Maple-Themed Foods
Many restaurants, bakeries, and cafes in Toronto feature special maple-infused menus during this season. Some must-try treats include:
Maple-glazed donuts
Maple lattes
Pancakes or waffles drenched in fresh syrup
Maple taffy (hot syrup poured over snow)
4. Explore Farmers' Markets and Local Shops
Stock up on locally produced maple syrup and other maple-based products at farmers' markets or specialty shops. Popular markets include:
St. Lawrence Market: A Toronto landmark with artisanal maple products.
Evergreen Brick Works Farmers' Market: Offers a wide range of organic and local goods, including maple syrup.
5. Take a Day Trip to Nearby Sugarbush Farms
Drive out of Toronto to explore scenic sugarbush farms where you can learn about traditional syrup-making and enjoy outdoor activities.
White Meadows Farms (St. Catharines): Offers guided tours, tastings, and a charming farm shop.
Brooks Farms (Mount Albert): A family-friendly destination with a working sugar bush and fun attractions for kids.
6. Make Your Own Maple Syrup
If you’re feeling adventurous and have access to sugar maple trees, you can try tapping them and boiling down the sap to make your own syrup. Some conservation areas offer workshops to get you started.
7. Take a Nature Walk or Hike
Maple syrup season coincides with the transition from winter to spring, making it a great time to enjoy the outdoors. Many conservation areas with sugar bushes also have walking trails, such as:
High Park: A large urban park with trails and nature walks.
Don Valley Trails: A peaceful escape in the heart of Toronto.
8. Attend Maple Syrup Workshops
Learn more about the history and techniques of maple syrup production through workshops and educational programs. Check out events hosted by:
Toronto Botanical Garden
Black Creek Pioneer Village
9. Indulge in Maple Taffy on Snow
This classic Canadian treat is a must during maple syrup season. Many festivals and farms offer demonstrations where hot maple syrup is poured onto snow and rolled onto sticks for a chewy, sweet delight.
10. Celebrate at Local Events
Check out local community centers or event listings for seasonal maple-themed activities, such as:
Maple-inspired cooking classes
Craft workshops featuring maple products
Live music and pancake breakfasts
11. Experience Indigenous Maple Syrup Traditions
Learn about the origins of maple syrup and how Indigenous peoples discovered and refined the process of sap harvesting. Some cultural centers and events provide opportunities to explore the history and significance of maple syrup in Indigenous traditions.
Indigenous Experiences at Black Creek Pioneer Village: Learn about traditional maple tapping and its importance in Indigenous culture.
Indigenous-led Tours: Check for events hosted by organizations like the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto.
12. Maple Syrup-Inspired Cocktails and Beverages
Toronto’s vibrant bar scene often integrates seasonal ingredients into creative cocktails. Many bars and distilleries offer maple-inspired beverages during this time of year, such as maple-infused old fashioneds or maple whiskey.
Spirit of York Distillery: Check out their seasonal cocktails featuring locally sourced ingredients.
Toronto Cocktail Bars: Spots like BarChef or Canoe may offer maple syrup-infused drinks.
13. DIY Maple Syrup Spa Treatments
Pamper yourself with maple syrup-inspired spa experiences! Some spas and wellness centers feature treatments like maple sugar scrubs, which are great for exfoliation and hydration. Or, you can create your own DIY maple spa treatment at home with maple syrup, brown sugar, and essential oils.
14. Visit Local Breweries for Maple Syrup Beers
Toronto has a thriving craft beer scene, and many local breweries release seasonal beers made with maple syrup during this time. Look for maple stouts, porters, or ales at places like:
Steam Whistle Brewery
Bellwoods Brewery
Henderson Brewing Co.
15. Take a Maple Syrup and Snowshoe Tour
Combine your love of the outdoors with the sweetness of maple syrup by joining a guided snowshoe tour at a sugarbush farm or conservation area. Some locations offer snowshoe rentals and guided walks through the maple forests, often ending with a warm treat of pancakes and syrup.
Scanlon Creek Conservation Area
Island Lake Conservation Area
16. Host a Maple Syrup Tasting Party
Gather a variety of maple syrups from different regions and grades (such as golden, amber, and dark) and host a tasting party with friends and family. Pair the syrups with pancakes, waffles, cheeses, or even savory foods like bacon and roasted vegetables.
17. Check Out Maple Syrup Art Installations
Some communities and public spaces in Toronto may host art installations or exhibits inspired by maple syrup and its importance to Canadian culture. Keep an eye on local art galleries or public events calendars for seasonal exhibits.
18. Go Maple Syrup Shopping in Small Towns
Take a day trip to nearby small towns like St. Jacobs, Elora, or Niagara-on-the-Lake, where you’ll find quaint shops selling artisanal maple syrup, candies, and baked goods. These towns often have charming downtown areas to explore.
19. Try Maple Syrup Pairings with Cheese or Wine
Experiment with pairing maple syrup with cheeses like aged cheddar, gouda, or blue cheese. Some wineries in nearby regions, like Niagara, offer tastings that showcase how maple syrup complements their wines.
20. Take a Maple Syrup Boiling Workshop
Join a hands-on workshop where you can learn how to boil sap into syrup yourself. These workshops are often held at conservation areas or sugarbush farms, giving you an authentic experience of the process.
Toronto and its surrounding areas are rich with opportunities to celebrate the sweetness of maple syrup season. Whether you’re exploring sugar bushes, indulging in maple-inspired foods, or learning about the syrup-making process, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
These maple syrup festivals are a fantastic way to welcome spring and enjoy the sweet taste of Canada’s iconic maple syrup. Whether you're indulging in pancakes, learning about syrup-making, or enjoying family-friendly activities, there's something for everyone at these events. Don’t miss out on this delicious tradition!
