As winter fades and the first hints of spring arrive, Ontario’s maple trees begin their annual transformation, bringing forth the liquid gold that has been a part of Canadian heritage for generations.
Across the province, charming villages and sugar bushes welcome visitors for a taste of this seasonal delight. Whether you're looking for an immersive experience with old-fashioned tapping demonstrations or simply craving a plate of warm pancakes drizzled in fresh syrup, Ontario’s maple syrup festivals offer something for everyone.
Here's Where to Experience Ontario’s Best Maple Syrup Festivals
Lanark County and the Ottawa Region
Lanark County Maple Experience
Hailed as the 'Maple Syrup Capital of Ontario', Lanark County invites you to come and enjoy a self-guided tour of seasonal maple sugar bushes, camps, and year-round maple-inspired stops at local shops, restaurants, and breweries.
Location: Events throughout Lanark County
Fulton’s Sugar Bush and Maple Shop
Nestled between Pakenham and Almonte in Mississippi Mills, Fulton’s is a Maple heritage institution, with over 170 years of tradition and six generations of expertise. Wander the scenic property trails, embark on a horse-drawn sleigh ride, explore the maple shop, and discover the fascinating process of maple tapping and production.
Location: 399 Sugar Bush Road, Pakenham
Sand Road Maple Farm and Sugar Camp
Located just east of Ottawa, this active maple farm welcomes visitors to witness the traditional maple syrup-making process firsthand. Enjoy a homemade pancake and maple syrup buffet, served buffet-style on a first-come, first-served basis. The syrup season usually begins in March and runs until the sap stops flowing.
Location: 17190 Sand Road, Moose Creek
Wheelers Pancake House, Sugar Camp and Maple Heritage Museum
Treat yourself to a memorable meal at Wheeler Pancake House, where each pancake is crafted from scratch for a truly authentic experience. Don’t miss the Wheelers Maple Heritage Museum, proudly holding the Guinness World Record for the largest collection of maple syrup artifacts. Visit Wheeler's Maple Farm and Pancake House, open Tuesdays to Sundays from late February through mid-April. For the latest details, be sure to check their 2025 hours.
Location: 1001 Highland Line, McDonalds Corners, Lanark Highlands
Stanley's Olde Maple Lane Farm
Located just a 30-minute drive from downtown Ottawa, Stanley’s Olde Maple Lane Farm is a year-round destination for family fun. During maple season, hop on a tractor-drawn ride to the sugarbush, explore the farm museum, and visit the heritage sugar shack. Indulge in warm pancakes drizzled with fresh maple syrup at the pancake house, and shop for a variety of maple treats like candies, cookies, seasonings, and condiments at the Farm Shop. Open Saturdays and Sundays from March 1 to April 20, with additional weekday hours during March Break 2025.
Location: 2452 York's Corners Road, Edwards
Kingston and Prince Edward County
Kingston’s Maple Madness
A must-visit for families, the annual maple syrup event at Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area features live sap boiling demonstrations, scenic wagon rides, and trails to discover.
Location: 1641 Perth Road, Glenburnie
PEC March Maple Madness
March Maple Madness brings the best of local sugar bushes, maple farms, and maple delights to The County. Craft your own experience with a variety of participating maple syrup producers, wineries, breweries, cideries, restaurants, and accommodations. Join the festivities every Saturday and Sunday throughout March.
Location: Throughout Prince Edward County
Muskoka and Haliburton Highlands
Muskoka Maple Trail
Embark on a self-guided culinary journey through over two dozen sweet stops, each offering unique maple treats, gifts, and attractions. Indulge in maple-drizzled waffles, smoky maple ribs, maple-infused candles, and even a maple-inspired cocktail. This delightful event runs from March 7 to April 26, 2025.
Location: Events throughout Muskoka
Muskoka Maple Festival
Celebrated as spring’s sweetest gathering, this family-friendly event is a full day of maple-themed fun, featuring lively performances, entertainment, and a variety of delicious maple-inspired foods. Join the festivities on April 26, 2025.
Location: Main Street, Huntsville
Maple Weekend in Haliburton Highlands
Each year, the first weekend in April invites you to experience Haliburton Highlands’ unique celebration of Ontario’s beloved springtime treat. Explore sugar bush trails, enjoy live demonstrations, indulge in pancake breakfasts, and discover a variety of maple syrup products.
Location: Events throughout Haliburton Highlands
Maple Sugar Bush Dog Sledding Tour
Experience Ontario’s exclusive dogsled maple sugar bush tours with Winterdance. Glide through the picturesque sugar bush trail by dogsled, discover the art of maple syrup production at the sugar shack, taste fresh maple taffy, and take home a bottle of world-renowned syrup. Tours are available on select dates throughout maple season.
Location: 1888 Hodgson Road, Haliburton
Algoma Country
St. Joseph Island Maple Syrup Festival
Connect with local maple producers and craft vendors while enjoying pancakes, sausages, and rich, golden maple syrup at the annual Maple Syrup Festival at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 374. Join the fun on select days in early April for this sweet celebration.
Location: 1534 10th Side Road, Richards Landing
York, Durham, and Headwaters
Elliott Tree Farm Maple Syrup Experience
This immersive event offers a full taste of Ontario's maple syrup heritage. Enjoy unlimited pancakes topped with award-winning pure maple syrup, accompanied by crispy bacon and breakfast sausage. Explore the Maple Syrup Museum of Ontario, then take a scenic walk along the sugar shack trail to see maple syrup production in action. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy maple taffy over snow, sample maple sugar, and experience the rich, sweet process of sap turning into syrup. A perfect way to embrace the season and create lasting memories with family and friends!
Location: 9467 Erin East Garafraxa Townline, Hillsburgh
Maple Syrup Museum of Ontario
Discover the history of maple syrup production at the Maple Syrup Museum of Ontario, now located at Elliott Tree Farm. Explore an exceptional collection of early tools and artifacts that tell the story of this beloved Canadian tradition. The museum is open during the Elliott Tree Farm Maple Syrup Experience, offering visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in both the rich heritage and the hands-on experience of maple syrup production.
Location: 9467 Erin East Garafraxa Townline, Hillsburgh
Sugarbush Maple Syrup Festival
Experience the sweetness of spring at York Region’s Maple Syrup Festival, featuring family-friendly activities, live demonstrations, and a variety of delicious maple products. Held at two stunning locations—Bruce’s Mill Conservation Area and the Kortright Centre for Conservation—this annual festival runs from March 8 to April 6, 2025. Don’t miss out on the chance to celebrate maple syrup season in the heart of nature.
Locations:
- Bruce's Mill Conservation Area, 3291 Stouffville Road, Whitchurch-Stouffville
- Kortright Centre for Conservation, 9550 Pine Valley Drive, Woodbridge
Maplefest at Brooks Farm
Maplefest at Brooks Farm offers a day full of family fun, featuring both guided and self-guided sugar bush tours, wagon rides, a cozy campfire, and a barnyard playground. Enjoy delicious pancakes while celebrating the sweet season in this charming, family-friendly setting. A perfect way to make lasting memories while experiencing all the joys of maple syrup season.
Location: 122 Ashworth Road, Mount Albert
Purple Woods Maple Syrup Festival
Celebrate the maple syrup season with daily activities at the festival, including live maple syrup demonstrations, self-guided hikes through the sugar bush, and shopping at the Heritage Store. Don’t miss special events like the enchanting sugar bush lantern walk, complete with maple syrup tastings. Join in the fun on weekends throughout March and experience the sweetness of the season.
Location: 38 Coates Road East, Oshawa
Sunderland Maple Festival
Join in the fun at this lively outdoor event, featuring music, entertainment, local maple producers, and a variety of vendors. Enjoy a delicious pancake breakfast and watch captivating iron forging demonstrations. Taking place on April 5 and 6, 2025, this event offers free admission and parking, making it the perfect way to celebrate the season with family and friends.
Location: 1 River Street, Sunderland
Kawarthas and Northumberland
Kawarthas Northumberland Maple Festival
Explore a variety of events and activities across local farms, communities, and sugar bushes during the maple syrup season. From Maplefest at McLean Berry Farm to tree tapping at Elmhirst’s Resort, you can craft your ideal maple-themed getaway and experience the sweetness of the season in unique and memorable ways.
Location: Throughout Kawarthas and Northumberland
Orillia and Lake Country
Tap into Maple
Embark on a self-guided, maple-themed tour along the "sweetest route" to visit local sugar shacks and sugar bushes. Experience the fascinating process of harvesting and boiling maple syrup firsthand. This flavourful event runs from March 1 to April 7, 2025, offering a perfect way to immerse yourself in the maple syrup season.
Location: Events throughout Lake Country
Sweetwater Harvest Weekend at Wye Marsh
Step back in time for a weekend in March and discover how maple syrup was traditionally made at one of Ontario's most unique, family-friendly nature preserves. Join the event on March 22 and 23, 2025, for an unforgettable experience that celebrates the rich history of maple syrup production.
Location: 16160 Highway 12 East, Midland
Stratford, St. Jacobs, and Elmira
Elmira Maple Syrup Festival
Since 1965, Elmira has been celebrating Ontario’s liquid gold with pancakes and maple syrup. Join the fun at the family-friendly festival, featuring farm displays, pony rides, and a play area complete with inflatables and a climbing wall. Don’t miss the annual Maple Syrup Festival on Saturday, April 5, 2025, for a sweet day of activities for all ages.
Location: Downtown Elmira
Norfolk, Haldimand, and Oxford Counties
Richardson’s Farm and Market
Hop on a wagon ride to the sugar bush for a guided tour that explores the rich history of maple syrup production. For a truly immersive experience, purchase tickets for the Family Maple Experience, which includes a delicious brunch. Engage all your senses as you tap the trees for sap, taste the sap at different boiling stages, and even make your own taffy on snow. A unique and interactive way to enjoy the maple syrup season!
Location: 131 River Road, Dunnville
Windsor and Essex Region
Maple Syrup Festival
Celebrate the maple syrup season at the Maple Syrup Festival, held over three weekends in March at two locations along the Maple Trail. Special events include the First Taste of Spring, Lumberjack Weekend, and Taster’s Weekend, featuring maple-inspired activities like the Maple Taffy pour. A perfect way to savor the sweet start to spring with family-friendly fun and delicious treats.
Locations:
- Holiday Beach Conservation Area, 6952 County Road 50, Amherstburg
- John R. Park Homestead Conservation Area, 915 Essex County Road 50, Essex
Niagara Region
Sugar Bush Trek at White Meadows Farms
Hop aboard the Sugar Shuttle wagon for a scenic 10-minute ride through the countryside, then embark on a 45-minute walking tour guided by an expert. Learn about the rich history of maple syrup production and enjoy hands-on experiences like tasting maple taffy on snow and sampling fresh maple syrup. Explore the surrounding forest and immerse yourself in the sweetness of the season. This unique experience is available on weekends from March 1 to April 13, and daily during March Break from March 10 to 14. Advanced booking is recommended.
Location: 2519 Effingham Street, Pelham
Maple Syrup Days at Agape Valley
Hop on a hayride shuttle to the sugar bush at Agape Valley, where you’ll enjoy a guided walk through the forest to learn how sap is collected and transformed into maple syrup. Afterward, treat yourself to a hearty pancake breakfast at the pancake house and indulge in delicious maple taffy. This sweet experience is available on weekends in March and daily during March Break, from March 10–14. A parking pass is required for admission.
Location: 392 Kilman Road, Ridgeville
Maple Leaf Place
Discover a unique maple experience where you can shop for maple products and satisfy all your syrup curiosities. Visit the world’s only indoor maple sugar bush, where you can take an immersive audio-visual tour through the history of maple syrup. Sample a flight of various syrups, indulge in complimentary maple taffy, and learn about different syrup grades, along with tips for using maple syrup in cooking and baking. Best of all, admission is free.
Location: 4199 River Road, Niagara Falls
Northeastern Ontario
Sucrerie Seguin Sugarbush
The Séguin family has been crafting award-winning maple syrup since 1950 at Sucrerie Seguin Sugarbush, located in Monetville, just east of Highway 64. To reach the sugar shack, follow Dokis Reserve Road for nine kilometres, then travel the final stretch by foot or ATV—don’t forget your rubber boots! During Maple Weekend, enjoy sugarbush tours, taffy on snow, and a variety of maple-themed activities for the whole family.
Location: 1838 Dokis Reserve Road, Monetville
Whether you're looking for a fun family outing, a taste of fresh maple syrup, or a chance to learn about this Canadian tradition, these festivals offer something for everyone. Plan your visit and enjoy the sweet side of Ontario this maple syrup season!
