Family Day may have been in February, but with the number of events taking place across Ontario’s Highlands this spring, it’s pretty easy to keep the family fun going. Spend this spring indulging in mapley-goodness, welcoming the first warm days, laughing until it hurts, and making memories together.
Whether you have a young family, or a grown one, here are our recommendations for events across Ontario’s Highlands to check out this spring.
Sugarmaker’s Buffet
When: March 1 – April 29, 2018
Where: Temple’s Sugar Bush , Lanark County
From the moment you enter the timber-frame building that houses the restaurant at Temple’s Sugar Bush , your senses will be awakened. Choose your own adventure – of the maple variety – as you take on the weekend buffet and fill your plate with sweet smelling slow-roasted maple glazed smoked ham, feel the welcoming whiff of house-made maple sausages hit your nose, or become instantly transported to your childhood as you watch fluffy buttermilk pancakes being served. Bring the whole family for breakfast, lunch or an early dinner (the buffet runs from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. on weekends), and head out to explore the sugar shack and take a walk on the sugar bush trail – if you’re still able to move!
March Break at the Sugar Bush
When: March 10-18, 2018
Where: Fulton’s Pancake House & Sugar Bush , Pakenham & Wheeler’s Maple , Lanark Highlands
Credit: @tom_the_legend99
It’s March Break, so that means bedtimes and sugar limits go out the window –right? Bring on the sugar rush with events happening at both Fulton’s Pancake House & Sugar Bush and Wheelers Maple the whole week long.
Pack up the kids (maybe throw some of their friends in there too) and visit these sugar bushes to explore the trails, go for a sleigh ride, see adorable farm animals, devour pancakes, and even indulge in a maple taffy or two. Get in the spirit with theme days at Fulton’s and make memories together this March Break.
Spring Splash
When: March 24, 2018
Where: Sir Sam’s Ski & Ride , Haliburton
Credit: @brittany_burton
Bid farewell to winter and splash into spring with excitement and laughter as you watch brave contestants don their creative costumes and attempt (keyword: attempt) to cross a frigid, super-sized puddle at the base of Cash Register. Feeling brave? Why not sign up as a contestant yourself and bring your family to cheer you on?
If your kids are fully grown (do they ever really grow up?), consider grabbing a famous Sir Sam’s Caesar or Boshkung brew to enjoy together while experiencing the excitement from the spacious chalet sun deck, and wrap up the day with an Aprés Ski Dinner & Dance with the Stephanie Gregg Band.
Wheeler’s Easter Egg Hunt
When: March 30-April 2, 2018
Where: Wheeler’s Maple, Lanark Highlands
Whether you hunt individually, pair up, or team together as a family, this weekend is sure to bring back childhood memories of searching for eggs, the glee at uncovering them, and maybe even the competition between siblings over who could find the most. Spend a day at Wheeler’s together enjoying the spring festivities (like the classic maple taffy on snow), the search for wooden eggs, and the smiles on your children’s faces as they indulge in their sugary prize at the end.
Maple Syrup Festival
When: March 31, 2018
Where: Lloyd Watson Centre, Wilberforce
Indulge in all you can eat pancakes and sausages, dripping with as much locally made pure Maple Syrup as your heart desires. Wander through the flea market and craft tables, let your children’s creativity shine with a colouring contest and crafts on site, and head across the road for free public skating from 12:00-2:00pm at the arena.
Ten Collective Art Exhibit
When: March 31-April 1, 2018
Where: Mississippi Valley Textile Museum, Almonte
Discover the unique styles of 10 Mississippi Mills painters –The Ten Collective – at this two day show. Wander the historic Mississippi Valley Textile Museum and be amazed by the display of artistic talent, taking shape in a variety of styles, including acrylic, oil, and mixed media.
Maple Run Studio Tour
When: April 7-8, 2018
Where: Lanark County
Credit: @mapleruntour
Hop in the car and tour the backroads of Pakenham in Lanark County to uncover hidden gems at artist’s studios and artisan stops along the way. Meet with artists at one-room schoolhouses, the oldest general store in Canada, a modern and luxurious B&B, and more during this tour. We’ve even heard Cartwright Springs will be joining the route once again in case you feel like stopping in for a taste of one of their maple drinks, like carbonated maple sap or Maple Porter (grown up kids only for that one).
Maple Weekend
When: April 7-8, 2018
Where: Participating Maple Syrup Producers across Ontario, including Sugar Bushes in Hastings County , the Ottawa Valley , and Lanark County.
Celebrate the sweetest part of spring at the 4th Annual Maple Weekend, taking place at sugar bushes and maple producers across the province. Discover the centuries-old craft of maple sugaring, chat with local producers, and enjoy samples sure to make your sweet tooth dance. With pancake breakfasts, maple taffy on snow, sugar making demonstrations, and horse-drawn sleigh rides, this is a true Canadian celebration fit for all ages.
Perth Festival of the Maples
When: April 28, 2018
Where: Perth
Wander the main streets of Downtown Heritage Perth –shut down for the event –to celebrate the grand finale of maple season and uncover unique finds from maple producers and local vendors. With kids’ activities, a classic antique car show, and demonstrations, this is a celebration for families of all ages.
Kashub Day
When: May 5, 2018
Where: Wilno – Canada’s First Polish Settlement
If pierogis, sauerkraut, and sizzling smoked sausage get your mouth watering, then this day will make your taste buds jump for joy. Join in the celebration of this community’s Polish Kashub Heritage, indulge in mouth-watering dishes, and kick your heels up with live local music.