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 maple season, as well as year-round maple options that you can experience within urban Ottawa and in the nearby countryside.
Maple facts
- First Nations peoples have been harvesting and boiling sap from maple trees to produce syrup since time immemorial.
- 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 February 28 to April 12. 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 February 28 to March 29, 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 February 28 to April 19. 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 14. Maple taffy, a special sugar shack menu and other products are available for purchase.
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 15 to April 19, without reservations on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Group reservations are accepted on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
Plan your visit during the Vanier Sugar Festival! This free annual, family-friendly event promotes the maple season traditions with music, food, activities, and of course, maple taffy.
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!
Maple drinks
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 Perth Brewery's O'Canada Maple Ale. You can also enjoy a maple flavoured coffee or a Canadiano from one of Ottawa's cafes.
Maple vendors
Several maple farms and vendors from around the region have stalls at markets throughout the city. Visit the maple syrup stand at the ByWard Market Heritage Hall, or stop in to Adaawewigamig, where you can find authentic Indigenous maple-flavours in pemmican strips, candles, soda and of course, maple syrup. You can also explore Ottawa's farmers' markets to peruse more maple flavours.
