PLEASE CALL AHEAD. Maple products will be available for purchase at these locations but the storm damage has made access to sugar bushes dangerous and electricity has not been restored to many locations prior to print deadline on Tuesday afternoon.
Visitors are invited to take a tour at our local sugarbushes in celebration of maple syrup production to see how that clear, thin sap is transformed into that thick, rich, sweet confection.
Producers will share their secrets, some samples, grading techniques and, weather permitting, a walk through their sugar bush. Wear your boots! From traditional wood-burning stoves to modern, sophisticated reverse osmosis and gleaming stainless steel boilers, each producer has their own process, but methods result in that delicious treat. Producers are eager to share new ways to use this farm product beyond pancakes in recipes both sweet and savory, including baking, roasting, sauces and vinaigrettes.
According to local syrup producer Jill Staples, the 2025 season is looking promising. A slow start to spring and snow cover on the ground is contributing to a longer season than the last few which were cut short by early springs. She explains that the unusual cold is disrupting the normal flow times for sap, which currently is starting mid-afternoon and extending through the wee hours of the morning. Sleep deprivation aside, producers will be relieved to have a normal six week window for syrup production.
The following are local tour participants: J and K Sugar Shack 3804 Challice Line; Johnston’s Farm Market 10704 County Rd. 28; Bailieboro; Puddleduck Farm, 476 County Rd. 10,Millbrook; Red Mill Maple Syrup 1232 Deyell Line; Staples Maple Syrup, 403Hwy 7A, Cavan; Sweet Maple Farm 10010 Powerline Rd., Millbrook; and Woodleigh Farms, 528 Sharpe Line, Cavan, and Clancey & Gayle’s Maple Products at 542 Waite Rd. in Pontypool. There are also pancake breakfasts planned for Saturday morning. The Legion is hosting a pancake breakfast onSaturdayfrom9 to 11:30 am. Plan your visit by checking out the locations on the Ontario Maple Producers website atwww.mapleweekend.ca, as some are open both days, others only one of two while Clancey’s requests that visitors reserve a spot in advance. Admission is free, but you might want to bring some cash to purchase some products or sample some of it on freshly-baked pancakes or waffles.