March is here! In Ontario that means Maple Syrup Festivals.
Think horse-drawn wagon rides, pancake breakfasts and walking tours learning how maple syrup is made. And that is just for starters. Each festival has their own unique activities such as face painting, games, crafts and entertainment for the whole family.
Around the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) festivals start March 9 to first week April. Open on weekends and all days during the March break (March 9-16). Adult tickets are usually under $10 excluding any rides, breakfasts or additional activity.
If you live within the GTA, you have several choices on where to go depending on how far you want to drive. (List is not exhaustive and please check individual sites for specific details.)
Bruce Mill’s Conservation Area, Stouffville
Kortright Conservation Area, Woodbridge
Terra Cotta Conservation Area, Halton Hills
Island Lake Conservation Area, Orangeville
Purple Woods Conservation Area, Oshawa
Bronte Creek Conservation Area, Oakville
The best thing is, you can be anywhere in Ontario and for sure there is a Maple Syrup Festival near you. Festivals north of Toronto start a bit later but runs to end of April.
Warkworth Maple Syrup Festival
Don’t want to leave the GTA and don’t want to drive? Take the TTC to the Sugar Beach Sugar Shack (Sherbourne Common, 61 Dockside Drive, Lower Sherbourne & Queen’s Quay). Sweetness from all things maple will overflow. March 9-10 only. Admission free.
Wherever you choose to go – bring home a bottle or two of those pure maple syrup. They are a healthy alternative to refined sugar, and it is said pure maple syrup has up to 24 antioxidants!
Happy Wandering!
