Canada’s capital region celebrates delicious maple syrup all year long, especially when sugar shacks are open for maple season (roughly February through April, weather depending). During this traditional spring outing, you can learn about the fascinating syrup-making process, indulge in maple-themed treats such as maple taffy and pancakes, and enjoy outdoor fun including hayrides and walking trails. Here are a few highlights of the 2025 maple season, as well as year-round maple options that you can experience within urban Ottawa and in the nearby countryside.
Maple facts
- Maple sap starts flowing through the trees when outdoor temperatures reach about +5° Celsius (41° Fahrenheit) during the day, and -5° Celsius (23° Fahrenheit) during the night.
- To produce one litre (34 ounces) of maple syrup, 40 litres (10.5 gallons) of sap must be boiled down.
- Boiling maple syrup results in the sweeter and thicker maple taffy which, when cooled on snow or ice, becomes candy-like.
Stanley’s Olde Maple Lane Farm
Stanley’s Olde Maple Lane Farm, located about 30 minutes east of downtown Ottawa in Edwards, Ontario, is hosting their maple season on weekends from March 1 to April 20, as well as on select days during Ontario March Break. Admission includes access to the heritage sugar shack, tractor rides, animal barn, walking trails, family activity centre and more. The Pancake House is back! Stop by for a traditional pancake breakfast and some sugarbush items.
Log Farm
Step back in time at the Log Farm, a pioneer-style working farm located in the Nepean area just west of downtown Ottawa. Meet the farm animals, enjoy taffy on snow, take a wagon ride, collect maple sap, and see how syrup is made. There are also play areas for kids, self-guided tours of the farmhouse, where you will step back in time and see what family life would have been like in the 1860s. There is also a farm shop to check out.
The Log Farm hosts its sugar bush season on weekends from March 1 to April 6, plus select days during the Ontario March Break. Capacity is limited by time slot; reservations recommended.
Fulton’s Sugar Bush and Maple Shop
Located in Pakenham, Ontario, just under an hour’s drive west of downtown Ottawa, the family-run Fulton’s Sugar Bush and Maple Shop sits on a 400-acre rural property. Open daily from March 1 to April 20. The farm offers sleighrides, taffy and more. Entrance fees per vehicle apply to specific activities.
In addition, you can explore the outdoor trails (pass required) and browse the maple shop (in person and online) any day during maple season. Stock up on maple goodies such as Fulton’s unique maple culinary and spa products, as well as items from other local businesses.
Parc Omega
Less than an hour’s drive from downtown Ottawa and situated in Montebello, Québec, Parc Omega is a large wildlife park that focuses on Canadian animals. During the winter, you can enjoy activities such as snowshoeing, snow tubing, horse-drawn sleigh rides and more.
The on-site sugar shack is open daily from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., starting February 7. Maple taffy, a special sugar shack menu and other products are available for purchase.
Experience the sweet magic of Sugar Fest at Parc Omega on February 1 and 2. Enjoy maple taffy, snow tubing, campfires, and more—fun for the whole family! Don’t forget your plaid!
Vanier Museopark
Less than 5 kilometres from downtown Ottawa, the Vanier Sugar Shack is the only operating sugar shack in an urban setting in Canada. Located in a 17.5-acre maple sugar bush in the heart of Canada’s capital, the Vanier Museopark keeps the tradition of maple syrup production alive, traditions established in the neighbourhood by the White Fathers circa 1939.
The Vanier Sugar Shack is proud to offer quality food from local producers in an enchanting setting where old-time charm blends with modernity. The Shack is open from February 16 to April 21, without reservations on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Group reservations are accepted on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
The Vanier Sugar Festival will also celebrate its 40th anniversary from March 24 to 30. This free annual, family-friendly event promotes the maple season traditions with music, food, activities, and of course, maple taffy!
Proulx Maple & Berry Farm
Proulx Maple & Berry Farm, located just east of Ottawa in the community of Cumberland, offers a traditional sugar bush experience. Admission includes a guided tour, access to the small animal petting farm, a hayride through the forest, and play parks for the kids. Additional options during select periods include virtual tours, food kits, access to the Pancake House and weekend brunch (indoor/outdoor dining is available as well as takeout).
Proulx’s Maple Festival runs on weekends from March 1 to April 21, as well as during the Ontario March Break and Easter weekend.
Ontario Maple Weekend
Celebrate Ontario Maple Weekend and discover the magic behind the world’s best maple syrup! Enjoy pancake breakfasts, sugarbush trails, taffy on snow, sleigh rides, and more. Taste pure Ontario maple syrup and experience this sweet springtime tradition!
Find Maple Weekend participants near Ottawa!
Maple beer
Maple sap or syrup is often used in beverage production, including by several of Ottawa’s dozens of craft breweries. Among local maple-infused brews, you’ll find Orléans Brewing Co.’s Maple Cabin Ale and Beau's Maple Rush.
Market vendors
Several maple farms and vendors from around the region have stalls at markets throughout the city. So you can get your maple fix—including syrup, candy, fudge and much more—at the weekly Ottawa Farmers’ Market on Sundays at Lansdowne.
