Spring has officially entered the building and with it comes an opportunity to celebrate the season with the most Canadian product ever – maple syrup! Each spring, maple syrup producers and communities across the province celebrate maple season by hosting maple festivals and events, and inviting visitors to come tour their sugarbush and experience maple syrup making up close. It’s the perfect way to celebrate spring and you sweet tooth at the same time.

This spring, take note of one of the sweet events below and bring the family, your significant other, friend, or have your maple adventure solo, but know this – you won’t run out of fun events to celebrate the sweetest time of the year in Ontario. 

Ontario Maple Weekend

Date: April 6-7, 2024, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Participating sugarbushes across Ontario’s Highlands

This is the pinnacle of all maple events! Taking place at participating sugarbushes across Ontario, this event is free, family-friendly, and invites you to come and discover the sweet story of maple syrup straight from the producers’ mouth. Chat with a farmer to learn more about how they produce this sweet liquid gold, wander maple trails, sample sweet taffy, and more. 

Sweet Tip:

Find a list of participating producers here. This year, there are roughly 80 participating sugarbushes across the province, including sugarbushes in Lanark & District, Ottawa Valley & District, and Haliburton-Kawartha.

Perth Festival of the Maples

When: April 27, 2024, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Perth, Ontario

Head to heritage downtown Perth the last Saturday in April to celebrate maple in none other than the Maple Syrup Capital of Ontario, Lanark County. Expect a fun-filled day of maple syrup producers, craft and artisan vendors, local businesses and food vendors, not to mention live music and entertainment. An antique car show, dedicated kids' play zone, and in past years you could even book a helicopter ride from Conlon Farm. 

Sweet Tip:

Bring the wet wipes because there will be plenty of taffy on snow here! Plan to stop for lunch at one of the downtown shops who will likely break out the maple-themed dishes to amp up your maple experience. 

Maple Magic by Yours Outdoors

When: Various Dates Throughout Maple Season
Where: Haliburton Forest & Wild Life Reserve

Maple magic is waiting for you at Haliburton Forest & Wild Life Reserve, in Haliburton Highlands. This two-hour experience is run by Yours Outdoors and is great for all ages, from 2 to 92. Learn all about how maple sap transforms into the sweet maple syrup we all love to eat, visit a real sugar shack, and naturally you will enjoy a pancake meal to accompany your experience!

Sweet Tip:

Haliburton Forest & Wild Life Reserve offers a wealth of outdoor experiences to enjoy during your visit, including snowshoeing, hiking, and more. You can even rent a cottage or other accommodation to extend your visit a little longer. 

Sugarbush Day at O'Hara Mill Homestead

When: March 16, 2024, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: O’Hara Mill Homestead

If you like your pancakes with a history lesson on the side, stop in to O’Hara Mill Homestead for their annual 1800s Sugar Bush event. O'Hara Mills Homestead is tucked away off Highway 7 almost halfway between Toronto and Ottawa in a historic homestead from the 1800s. Plan a visit to watch blacksmith demonstrations, see how maple used to be made, and make your own maple taffy. You'll also be able to enjoy wagon rides, entertainment, and of course, pancakes and syrup.

Sweet Tip:

When passing through Madoc, make a stop at Hidden Goldmine Bakery to pick up some of their famous buttertarts, or to see what maple-inspired sweets they have to offer. 

Spring
Food & Drink