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

Feb 2112 min read

Updated: Feb 21

As the winter frost gives way to the first signs of spring, it’s time to celebrate one of Canada’s most cherished traditions: maple syrup season! There’s no better way to embrace the arrival of warmer days than by visiting the many maple syrup festivals in and around Peel Region, Ontario. These family-friendly events offer a perfect blend of nature, history, and indulgence, allowing you to experience the magic of sap collection and syrup production firsthand.

From guided tours of sugar bushes to pancake feasts drenched in golden syrup, these festivals showcase the rich heritage of maple syrup-making while providing something for everyone. Whether you're a local or just visiting, join in the festivities to explore the art of turning sap into liquid gold, enjoy outdoor activities, and savor the sweet taste of spring.

Ready to plan your syrup-filled adventure? Let’s dive into some of the best maple syrup festivals near Peel Region!

Maple Syrup Festivals in and Around Peel Region, Ontario: Mississauga, Brampton, Caledon 2025

Maple Syrup Festivals in and Around Durham Region, Ontario

Maple Syrup in the Park Festival, Terra Cotta Conservation Area
Maple Magic Festival, Bradley Museum in Mississauga
Sunderland Maple Syrup Festival
Maple Syrup Festival at Kortright
Maple Town, Mountsberg Conservation Area
Bruce’s Mill Maple Syrup Festival
Elliott Tree Farm Maple Syrup Experience
Make Your Own Maple Syrup

1. Maple Syrup in the Park Festival, Terra Cotta Conservation Area

The Maple Syrup in the Park Festival at Terra Cotta Conservation Area celebrates the Canadian tradition of maple syrup production. Scheduled from March 13 to 16 and March 22 to 23, the festival features interactive demonstrations, wagon rides to the sugarbush, and a pancake breakfast with real maple syrup. Early bird tickets are available until February 23, offering discounts for adults, youth, and seniors.

Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including face painting, storytelling, and educational stations showcasing both historical and modern syrup-making techniques. The festival also includes a new Maple Mystery Challenge and a maple-themed storybook walk, making it a fun and educational experience for families.

Location: Terra Cotta Conservation Area, 14452 Winston Churchill Blvd, Halton Hills

Date:

March 13 to 16, 2025
March 22 and 23, 2025

Price:

Early bird tickets: Save $3 per ticket if purchased before February 23, 2025.
Credit Valley Parks Passholders: 15% discount on all tickets, including early bird pricing.
Tickets available online, by phone (1-800-367-0890), or at the park during the event.

Highlights:

Daily children’s entertainment: Face painting, magic shows, and puppet shows.
Wagon ride to the sugarbush to see sap collection.
Maple Mystery Challenge: Solve the mystery of the woodland animal sipping sap.
Educational stations showcasing historical and modern syrup-making techniques.
Traditional stories, songs from Oshkabewis, and a Fire Keeper at the sweat lodge.
Blacksmith demonstrations of traditional iron tool-making.
Maple-themed storybook walk and giant games.
Pancake breakfast with real maple syrup and warm maple taffy (available for purchase).

Website: Maple Syrup in the Park

2. Maple Magic Festival, Bradley Museum in Mississauga

The Maple Magic Festival 2025 at the Bradley Museum in Mississauga, Ontario, will take place on March 8 and 16. This annual event celebrates the tradition of maple syrup production with a variety of activities for all ages. Attendees can enjoy pancakes with real maple syrup, crafts, games, and guided tours of the museum.

Visitors will also learn about the Indigenous origins of the maple harvest and experience live demonstrations of syrup-making. Special activities include outdoor guided tours of the maple sap line and a visit to the historic Bradley House, where seasonal activities of the Bradley Family will be re-enacted.

Location: 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
Website: Maple Magic Festival 2025 – City of Mississauga

3. Sunderland Maple Syrup Festival

The Sunderland Maple Syrup Festival 2025 will take place on April 5 and 6, offering a weekend full of fun and engaging activities for all ages. Highlights include a pancake breakfast at the Sunderland Legion, live music performances, and a variety of outdoor vendors. Families can enjoy the petting zoo, pony rides, and demonstrations by local artisans, making it a perfect outing for everyone.

In addition to the delicious food and entertainment, the festival features bus tours to local maple producers and unique events like bathtub races and lawn tractor pulls. With ongoing activities throughout the weekend, including a book sale and various food stalls, the Sunderland Maple Syrup Festival promises a delightful experience celebrating the sweet tradition of maple syrup.

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

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4. Maple Syrup Festival at Kortright

The Maple Syrup Festival at Kortright will run from March 8 to April 6, 2025, featuring a variety of family-friendly activities and maple syrup demonstrations. Visitors can enjoy the festival on weekends and during March Break, with hours from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Activities include wagon rides, strolling entertainment, and live performances, making it an exciting outing for families.

In addition to the daytime festivities, the festival will host Maple Syrup Evenings starting March 14, where guests can experience a tranquil walk through the illuminated forest while learning about the history of maple syrup production. Tickets must be purchased in advance, and various food options will be available at the café.

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

5. Maple Town, Mountsberg Conservation Area

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

Maple Town at Mountsberg Conservation Area is a delightful celebration of maple syrup season, running weekends from March 1 to April 6, 2025. This family-friendly event invites visitors to explore the enchanting world of maple syrup production through hands-on activities and educational demonstrations. Guests can participate in the Sugar Ranger Challenge, where children can earn a certificate by completing fun tasks related to maple syrup making.

In addition to the interactive experiences, visitors can enjoy delicious maple-inspired treats, including pancakes drizzled with fresh maple syrup at the Pancake Pavilion. The festival also features various demonstrations showcasing the process of turning sap into syrup, as well as opportunities to meet farm animals and explore scenic trails. With its rich history and engaging activities, Maple Town promises an unforgettable experience for all ages.

Location: Mountsberg Conservation Area, 2250 Campbellville Road, Campbellville, ON
Date: March 1, 2025, to April 6, 2025 | Weekends, Holidays & March Break | 9:30 am to 4:30 pm
Price:
- Non-member:
- Adult $12.25 + HST
- Senior $10.00 +HST
- Child (age 5-14) $9.00 +HST
- Children 4 and under free
- Member:
- Adult $5.00 +HST
- Senior $4.00 +HST
- Child (age 5-14) $3.00
- Children 4 and under free
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

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6. Bruce’s Mill Maple Syrup Festival

The Bruce’s Mill Maple Syrup Festival will take place from March 8 to April 6, 2025, at Bruce’s Mill Conservation Park. This annual event celebrates the arrival of spring with a variety of activities and demonstrations centered around maple syrup production. Families can enjoy authentic demonstrations of Early European Settler and Indigenous syrup-making techniques, along with modern methods.

Visitors can participate in special family-fun activities on weekends and during March Break, including horse-drawn wagon rides and various entertainment options. The festival runs from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with maple syrup demonstrations available until 4:30 p.m. Admission prices are affordable, with tickets required for entry, and pre-purchased tickets are necessary for Bruce’s Mill.

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

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7. Elliott Tree Farm Maple Syrup Experience

The Elliott Tree Farm Maple Syrup Experience runs every weekend from February 15 to April 6, 2025, with additional dates during March Break. This immersive experience begins with a delicious pancake breakfast served in the warm Horse Barn Canteen, featuring all-you-can-eat pancakes topped with pure maple syrup, along with sausage and bacon. After breakfast, guests can enjoy a 10-15 minute walk through the sugarbush trail, where they will visit the sugar shack, check sap buckets, and taste various maple products, including raw sap and maple toffee over snow.

In addition to the culinary delights, the experience includes access to the Maple Syrup Museum of Ontario, where visitors can learn about the history and production of maple syrup. The festival also offers complimentary toboggans for the sugar bush trail, making it a fun outing for families. Tickets are non-refundable but transferable, and the farm is dog-friendly, allowing leashed pets in designated areas.

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

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8. Make Your Own Maple Syrup

Making maple syrup at home is a rewarding process, though it requires patience and access to maple trees. Here's a step-by-step guide:

What You'll Need:

Maple trees: Sugar maple, red maple, or black maple trees work best.
Tapping supplies:
- Spiles (taps) to insert into the tree
- Drill with a 7/16" or 5/16" bit (size depends on the spile)
- Hammer or mallet
- Collection buckets or food-grade containers
- Tubing (optional, for directing sap into the bucket)
Sap boiling equipment:
- Large pot or pan
- Outdoor fire pit, propane stove, or evaporator pan
- Candy thermometer
- Filter (cheesecloth or syrup filter)
Storing supplies: Sterilized glass jars or bottles with lids.

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Identify and Tap Maple Trees

Timing: Tap trees in late winter or early spring when daytime temperatures are above freezing (around 40°F/4°C) and nighttime temperatures are below freezing.
Locate trees: Sugar maples are ideal because their sap has a higher sugar content.
Drill a hole: Drill 1.5 to 2 inches into the tree at a slight upward angle, about 2-4 feet above the ground.
Insert the spile: Gently tap the spile into the hole with a hammer until it's snug. Attach a bucket or tubing to collect sap.

2. Collect the Sap

Sap will flow best during sunny days with freezing nights.
Check buckets daily and collect the sap. Store it in a cool place (like a refrigerator or ice-packed container) to prevent spoilage.

3. Boil the Sap

Prepare an outdoor boiling setup: Boiling sap produces a lot of steam, so it's better to do this outside.
Filter the sap: Pour the collected sap through cheesecloth or another filter to remove debris.
Start boiling: Boil the sap in a large pot or evaporator pan. Keep adding more sap as it reduces, but do not let the pot run dry.
Concentrate the syrup: As the water evaporates, the sap will thicken. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature. Maple syrup is ready when it reaches 219°F (104°C).

4. Filter and Bottle the Syrup

Once the syrup is ready, filter it through cheesecloth or a syrup filter to remove any sugar sand (sediment).
Pour the hot syrup into sterilized jars or bottles and seal tightly.

Tips for Success

It takes about 40 gallons of sap to make 1 gallon of syrup—be prepared for a lot of boiling!
Do not overheat the syrup, or it can crystallize.
Store your syrup in a cool, dark place. Refrigerate after opening.

Enjoy your homemade maple syrup on pancakes, waffles, or other treats! 🍁

Maple syrup festivals in and around Peel Region, Ontario, are more than just a celebration of Canada’s iconic treat—they’re an opportunity to connect with nature, explore local heritage, and create lasting memories with loved ones. From the sights and sounds of the sugar bush to the irresistible aroma of fresh maple syrup, these festivals capture the essence of springtime in the most delightful way.

Whether you’re sampling maple-infused delicacies, learning the age-old art of syrup-making, or simply soaking up the festive atmosphere, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So, gather your family and friends, and make this maple syrup season a sweet adventure you won’t soon forget! 🍁