5 small towns in Ontario to visit during sugaring season
Maple syrup season in Ontario is as short as it is sweet, but lucky for you, it's happening right now and being celebrated across the province.
With the season getting an early start this year, thanks to a freakishly warm winter and early spring, it's just about time to celebrate the sticky, sugary sap — and lucky for Ontario residents, there's no shortage of ways to celebrate.
Towns and communities all over Ontario embrace the harvest in the form of festivals, sugarbush tours, and by incorporating the syrup into various foods and beverages. Here are 5 small towns to visit during sugaring season.
Huntsville
Huntsville is one of the largest of three towns in Muskoka, and is a great all-season destination with loads of adventures to experience — especially during sugaring season.
From March 8th through April 26th, you can follow the Muskoka Maple Trail, that will lead you to restaurants, breweries, and more to sample maple-inspired dishes.
At the end of the downtown Huntsville celebrates with the Muskoka Maple Festival on Main Street, with vendors, live music, activities, a pancake breakfast, and even a lumberjack show. It doesn't get much more Canadian than that!
Almonte
Located within Ontario's maple capital of Lanark County, Almonte makes for the perfect home base during sugaring season, with over 200 maple syrup producers in the area, including Fulton’s Sugar Bush and Maple Shop, one of the best and most well-known sugar camps in Ontario.
Stop by during the first weekend of April for the Maple Run Tour, which invites visitors to shop for artisan crafts and pieces from over 30 artists, as well as indulge in locally-harvested syrup. Nearby, Perth will also host the Festival of the Maples at the end of April.
Wellington
Prince Edward County has so much to offer, and the community of Wellington embraces The County's month-long celebration of maple syrup with an array of delectable maple-infused meals to try at the town's many charming restaurants.
Every weekend in March, local businesses take part in the March Maple Madness festival, including many of the area's wineries, breweries, and restaurants. On March 23 and 24, PEC will also host a two-day festival called Maple in the County.
Kingston
Though technically not a small town, the city of Kingston is still perfect for a quick getaway during maple season. Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area, for example, is celebrating the season with its Maple Madness festivities every weekend of March.
The events include tractor-drawn wagon rides, demonstrations of sap boiling, multiple trails to explore, and freshly made pancakes with warm maple syrup to fill your belly with sweet, sticky goodness.
Whitchurch-Stouffville
The vibrant rural community of Whitchurch-Stouffville sits just on the outskirts of Toronto, and celebrates maple syrup in a big way.
The annual Sugarbush Maple Syrup Festival is on until April 7, and is held at two locations: Bruce’s Mill Conservation Park, and Kortright Centre for Conservation.
Take part in maple syrup demonstrations including games, horse drawn carriage rides, disc golf, food trucks, and activities. After, explore the town's historic charm, dine on international cuisine, or shop in the village.
Muskoka Maple Festival. Contributions by Meg Cossmann.
Latest Videos
Latest Videos
Join the conversation Load comments
