Maple Syrup Festivals in and Around Durham Region, Ontario (2025)

1 day ago8 min read

As winter melts away and spring begins to bloom, the Durham Region of Ontario transforms into a haven for maple syrup lovers. The 2025 maple syrup festival season is packed with delightful events that celebrate this cherished Canadian tradition. Here’s a look at some of the top festivals you can enjoy.

Maple Syrup Festivals in and Around Durham Region, Ontario: Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa, Bowmanville, Clarington, Courtice 2025

1. Pefferlaw Creek Farms Maple Syrup Festival

Experience the charm of a traditional maple syrup festival at Pefferlaw Creek Farms in Uxbridge. This family-friendly event offers a perfect blend of education, entertainment, and delicious food amidst beautiful natural surroundings. Whether you're curious about the syrup-making process or just looking for a fun day outdoors, this festival has something for everyone!

Location: 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

2. Purple Woods Maple Syrup Festival

Celebrate the sweetness of spring at the Purple Woods Maple Syrup Festival in Oshawa! This popular annual event is hosted at the Purple Woods Conservation Area and brings together the best of Canadian maple traditions. Enjoy a fun-filled day of outdoor activities, tasty treats, and unforgettable experiences for the whole family.

3. Brooks Farms Maplefest

Credit @https://www.youtube.com/@ontarioroadtripping

Brooks Farms Maplefest is a delightful annual event that celebrates the sweetness of spring with fun activities for all ages! Set in the scenic surroundings of Mount Albert, this festival combines education, entertainment, and delicious maple treats.

Location: 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

4. Sunderland Maple Syrup Festival

The Sunderland Maple Syrup Festival is a community-driven event that showcases the best of local maple syrup and family-friendly entertainment. This festival is a fantastic way to enjoy the charm of Sunderland while celebrating a sweet Canadian tradition.

Location: 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

5. Bowmanville Maplefest

Bowmanville Maplefest is a vibrant celebration of the region's maple syrup heritage and culinary delights. This annual festival transforms King Street East in Bowmanville into a bustling hub of local vendors, delicious food, and family-friendly activities. Perfect for visitors of all ages, the event offers a fantastic opportunity to sample and purchase a variety of maple-themed treats while enjoying the lively atmosphere of this charming downtown area. Whether you're a maple syrup enthusiast or simply looking for a fun outing, Bowmanville Maplefest promises a memorable experience.

Location: 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

6. Maple Syrup Festival at Kortright

The Maple Syrup Festival at the Kortright Centre for Conservation is an immersive celebration of Ontario's maple syrup heritage, perfect for families and nature enthusiasts alike. Set against the beautiful backdrop of the Kortright Centre, this event offers visitors the chance to learn about the history and process of syrup production while enjoying a variety of engaging activities. From hands-on demonstrations to delicious pancake meals topped with fresh maple syrup, this festival combines education, outdoor fun, and culinary delights.

Location: Kortright Centre for Conservation, 9550 Pine Valley Drive, Vaughan, ON
Date: March 8, 2025, to April 6, 2025
Price: $7.80 to $12.10 + HST
Highlights:
- Demonstrations: Learn about syrup production from traditional and modern perspectives.
- Family-Friendly Activities: Fun outdoor activities for visitors of all ages.
- Pancake Meals: Enjoy perfectly cooked pancakes topped with fresh maple syrup (available at an additional cost).
Website: Kortright Centre for Conservation

7. Maple Town

Credit @https://www.youtube.com/@yourtvhalton

Maple Town at Mountsberg Conservation Area is a delightful event that brings over 150 years of maple syrup history to life! This family-friendly festival is an excellent way to celebrate the arrival of spring while learning about the traditional and modern methods of syrup-making. Visitors of all ages can enjoy interactive activities, watch syrup production demonstrations, and savor the sweet flavors of maple syrup. It's an unforgettable outing for families, history buffs, and maple enthusiasts.

Location: Mountsberg Conservation Area, 2250 Campbellville Road, Campbellville, ON
Date: March 1, 2025, to April 6, 2025
Price: $3 to $12.25
Highlights:
- Interactive Activities: Hands-on experiences for children and adults alike.
- Syrup Production Demonstrations: Learn about the process of making maple syrup using traditional techniques.
- History Comes Alive: Discover the rich heritage of maple syrup production spanning over 150 years.
Website: Mountsberg Conservation Area

8. Bruce’s Mill Maple Syrup Festival (Close by Durham Region)

The Bruce’s Mill Maple Syrup Festival is a celebration of the timeless tradition of maple syrup production. Set in the beautiful Bruce’s Mill Conservation Park, this festival is perfect for families and nature lovers. Visitors can enjoy interactive demonstrations, delicious pancakes topped with fresh maple syrup, and a variety of outdoor activities. Horse-drawn carriage rides add a nostalgic touch, making it a fun and educational outing for all ages. Whether you're exploring the park's trails or indulging in maple treats, this festival offers a sweet way to welcome spring.

Location: 3291 Stouffville Road, Stouffville, Ontario, Canada
Dates:
- Full Festival Duration: Saturday, March 8, 2025 – Sunday, April 6, 2025
- March Break: Saturday, March 8 – Sunday, March 16, 2025
- Weekends: March 23, 24, 29, 30, and April 5, 6, 2025
Price: $7.80 to $12.10 + HST
Highlights:
- Maple Syrup Demonstrations: Learn the art of syrup production with hands-on and educational displays.
- Pancakes with Maple Syrup: Savor freshly made pancakes topped with authentic maple syrup (available at an additional cost).
- Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides: Enjoy scenic rides through the park, adding a touch of charm to your visit.
- Family-Friendly Activities: Fun outdoor games and activities suitable for all ages.
- Hiking & Nature Trails: Explore the conservation park’s picturesque trails.
Website: Bruce’s Mill Maple Syrup Festival

9. Elliott Tree Farm Maple Syrup Experience

Elliott Tree Farm, located just an hour from the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), offers a delightful Maple Syrup Experience that combines education, outdoor fun, and delicious treats. The farm is steeped in history, dating back to the 1890s, and provides a welcoming environment for families, nature enthusiasts, and history lovers. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, learn about the rich heritage of maple syrup production, and indulge in award-winning maple products.

Location: 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

With these fantastic festivals, the Durham Region is the perfect destination to celebrate the arrival of spring and indulge in the sweet taste of maple syrup. Gather your family and friends, and make unforgettable memories at these delightful events! Whether you’re enjoying pancakes, learning about syrup production, or simply soaking in the festive atmosphere, there’s something for everyone to enjoy during this sweet season.