by Christine Wilson | February 2025
Waterloo Region is about to get a whole lot sweeter thanks to maple syrup tours, events, festivals, and workshops marking the transition from winter to spring.
Nothing says classic Canadian comfort like the rich, golden syrup we all know and love. With sap flowing at its peak in March, it’s the perfect time to celebrate all things maple and make the most of the season. Whether you’re exploring a sugar bush to see the process firsthand or indulging in gourmet maple-infused experiences, Waterloo Region is the place to be for maple syrup season. Here’s a look at what’s happening.
1. St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market Maple Trail – March 2025
The St. Jacobs Market Maple Trail offers a delicious self-guided experience throughout March. Pick up a trail map and follow the maple leaf markers to discover local vendors serving up irresistible maple-infused treats, from warm fritters and maple-glazed cinnamon buns to smoky maple bacon poutine. Participating vendors include Bennett’s Bagels, The Fritter Co., and Halenda’s Meats. Learn more about the Maple Trail here.
2. Langdon Hall Maple Harvest – March 15, 16, 22, or 23, 2025
Spend a morning or afternoon exploring the magical grounds of Langdon Hall with an immersive event that celebrates nature, tradition, and culinary artistry. Led by Head Gardener Jeremy Gehl, this experience takes you on an interactive walking tour to learn about the sap collection and evaporation process, as well as the chance to taste fresh sap. After, you’ll enjoy a maple-inspired cooking demonstration and a gourmet three-course lunch served in the Main House. Tickets are $195 per person (plus tax). Purchase your tickets for the event here.
3. Elmira Sugar Bush Tours – Every Saturday in March 2025
Discover maple syrup through the lens of history and local culture with Elmira Sugar Bush Tours, hosted by Elmira Wagon Rides. Begin at the St. Jacobs Farmers Market with a short video about Old Order Mennonites, then enjoy a scenic bus ride through Woolwich Township’s farmland. At the sugar bush, meet Norman and Bernadine Horst and learn about their family’s maple syrup process, and discover their farm store for fresh maple syrup, homemade preserves, farm-fresh apples, and more! The tour lasts just over two hours and includes bus fare, guided narration, sugar bush entry, and a treat. Tickets are $49.95 for adults, $44.95 for seniors, and $39.95 for children ages 3–12. Toddlers can join for free. Book your sugar bush tour here.
4. Elmira Maple Syrup Festival – April 5, 2025
Celebrate the start of spring at the Elmira Maple Syrup Festival, a cherished one-day event that has been a local tradition since 1965. This family-friendly festival offers something for everyone, from live entertainment to a Family Fun Area featuring interactive farm displays, pony rides, and maple taffy-making workshops. Guests can also visit the Sugar Bush to see firsthand how sap is transformed into syrup, and of course, enjoy delicious pancakes, sausages, and more—all generously drizzled in pure local maple syrup. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning maple enthusiast, the Elmira Maple Syrup Festival continues to grow, offering something new with every visit. Learn more about the Elmira Maple Syrup Festival here.
5. Maple Weekend – April 5-6, 2025
Maple mania will be in full swing across the province the weekend of April 5 – 6 as part of the Maple Weekend. This event has connected local syrup makers with their communities for over a decade. With 75 producers across Ontario—14 of which are right here in Waterloo-Wellington—this is your chance to experience the magic of maple syrup production up close. Snyder Heritage Farms is just one of the producers you can visit. They’re a certified organic maple operation, and will be offering tours through their operation throughout Maple Weekend. Visit OntarioMaple.com for more details and to find a list of all of the participating local producers.
6. Maple on the Menu Across Waterloo Region
If you can’t make it to one of these events, there are plenty of ways to savour maple sweetness across Waterloo Region. Coffee shops like Midnight Run and Café Pyrus offer Maple Lattes on their menus, Waterloo Brewing has a mouth-watering Kale Sugar Shack Salad with a maple mustard vinaigrette, and Trio Restaurant has a seasonal Horchata Colada cocktail with Adam Brown 55 Vodka, Galliano, Frangelico, Maple Syrup, and Cream.
