Do you remember your first Maple Fest? The first time you learned how maple syrup was made? Your first taste of maple candy and rolling maple toffee in snow? Maybe you were with your parents, or perhaps a class trip or maybe your first trip to a sugar bush was as an adult? And how about that big sugar high after sampling all the goodies?
Personally, I have never missed a Maple Fest as far back as I can remember. Every year, I’d research where to go and often my sister and I would get together with our children to enjoy Maple Fest together. Below are the three places closest to the BOMM (Burlington, Oakville, Milton and Mississauga).
🥞🪣🚜 Mountsberg – Maple Town 🍁
Maple Town offers the whole gambit including maple sugar samples, maple taffy on snow, maple inspired food and a Sugarbush tour. But there are a few key things to note when planning either a day or evening visit:
- Masks are mandatory inside and outside (when close to other people)
- Pancake Pavilion is open but with limited seating (daytime only)
- Wagon Rides are evening only. Be sure to visit the website for more details on what’s available during the day and what’s happening in the evening to make sure you get the experience you’re looking for.
- Daytime tours are 1 hour, evening tours are 1.5 hours.
The Deets:
- Open March 12 to April 10th
- Daytime activities are open on weekends and holidays 9am-5pm (2pm final reservation)
- Evening activities are open Thursdays – Sundays and Holidays 5pm-10pm (8:30pm final reservation)
- Tour length 1.5 hours
- Tickets online
| Maple Town Website |
🥞🎭 🦅 Mississauga Maple Magic 🍁
Maple Magic at Bradley Museum happens over two weekends and is a great place to go not only for syrup tasting but also special events for kids. Here are some of the key things you need to know when planning your visit:
- Week 1: See a puppet show from 12-13 March and
- Week 2: a live bird show by the Canadian Raptor Conservancy and Enchanted Forest Craft Station 19-20 March
- Masks must be worn inside and it is recommended to wear masks outside
- The Barn where pancakes are served has a roof but is otherwise open
Showtimes for special events such as puppet shows are 1pm and 3pm, Going-Places subscribers are getting inside advice to arrive 1/2 hr early in order to secure seats.
Activities include:
- Maple Exhibit and Gift Shop at the Anchorage Gallery, with products supplied by Ontario maple syrup producer Voisin’s
- Syrup taste testing with pancakes at the Barn
- An outdoor guided tour of the maple sap line with museum interpreters, available from 12:15 – 3:30pm, including a Maple Candy and Taffy demo in the Bradley House
- Neon Animals light display of local wildlife by artist Talia Shewchuk
The Deets:
- 12-13 March and 19-20 March
- 12pm – 4pm
- No reservations required, Credit and Debit cards only
| Maple Magic Website |
🥞🍁 Terra Cotta – Maple Syrup in the Park 🍁
Terra Cotta in Halton Hills is also a good choice. If you reserve a time slot here you get a 2hr stay and you may walk the trails until 5:30pm. Check out their menu that includes things like maple Glazed Pulled Pork Sandwich, Poutine, Chilli and even Veggie Burgers! For dessert you can get a Maple Ricotta Italian Cannoli freshly made onsite.
Overall, activities at Maple Syrup in the Park include:
- Pancake House (additional cost, see menu)
- Taffy (additional cost, make sure to add to your cart when booking)
- Tour maple syrup demonstrations
- Storybook walk (Indigenous Partners)
The Deets:
- March 12-20, 26, & 27 2022
- Dogs on lease are allowed but not permitted in the Pancake House
- Reservations required – Make sure to add your maple taffy from the “cart” page after clicking BOOK NOW. All taffy must be pre-purchased at an additional cost.
| Link to Maple Syrup in the Park |