Lanark County is the Maple Syrup Capital of Ontario for good reason. Over 400 maple syrup producers of varying sizes call the county home. This makes Lanark County the absolute best place to experience the sweetness of the maple syrup season. From a walk through the woods to smelling the unmistakable sweet scent of bubbling syrup to an all-out street festival, a visit to Lanark County during maple time is a trip you will never forget.

Maple syrup season is all the sweeter because it doesn’t last forever. Producers have only a few weeks when sap flows to collect everything they need for an entire year of delicious maple products. The timing of maple syrup season is variable depending on the temperatures. Maple sap will flow when the temperatures are above freezing during the day, but still below freezing at night. In Lanark County this typically falls between late February and early April. There is plenty of maple to enjoy any time of year, but if watching the collection of sap and the maple syrup boil is important to you, be sure to check local forecasts to avoid disappointment.

A visit to Lanark County to enjoy the maple season could be a daytrip, a weekend, or an entire week. As you build out your itinerary, here are a few ideas to get you started:

1. Maple Weekend

Maple Weekend is a big deal in Lanark County. Participating maple syrup producers open their facilities to visitors and offer free samples of fresh maple syrup and confections. Enjoy pancake breakfasts, sugarbush trails, sugar making demonstrations, taffy on snow, horse-drawn wagon rides, and more. In 2025 Maple Weekend falls on April 5-6th. Visit Lanark & District Maple Syrup Producers Association for full details. Find participating producers from Lanark & District at Ontario Maple.

2. Maple Taffy

For a truly sweet experience, indulge in the making and tasting of maple taffy. This treat is made by pouring hot maple syrup over snow, where it quickly cools and thickens into a chewy candy. Many sugar bushes and festivals offer maple taffy on snow during the season, providing a fun way to enjoy a taste of Lanark County.

3. Visit the Maple Syrup Museum

A visit to Wheeler’s Maple Products isn’t just tasty; you can take a deep dive into maple syrup history at their Maple Heritage Museum. This one-of-a-kind museum features the world’s largest collection of maple syrup artifacts, offering visitors an unparalleled glimpse into the evolution of syrup making from its Indigenous roots to the present day. It’s an educational journey that connects you with the craftsmanship and dedication behind every bottle of maple syrup. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore this homage to maple syrup’s rich heritage.

4. Visit a Pancake House

No maple syrup season is complete without a visit to a pancake house. These cozy establishments serve up fluffy pancakes with generous helpings of local maple syrup, often accompanied by other breakfast favorites. It’s a comforting way to start your day and a tasty tribute to the season’s star ingredient. You can find pancake houses in Lanark County at Wheeler’s Maple Products and Temple’s Sugar Bush.

5. Wander the Trails of a Sugar Bush

Take a leisurely stroll through the serene trails of a sugar bush to witness the natural beauty of maple syrup production. The sight of sap buckets hanging from trees and the sound of birds chirping create a peaceful backdrop for reflection and appreciation of nature’s bounty. It’s a refreshing activity that showcases the simplicity and beauty of syrup making. The trails at Fulton’s are open during the season for hiking, skiing and snowshoeing.

6. Experience a Maple Syrup Boil

For those interested in the heart of syrup production, witnessing a maple syrup boil is a must. This process, where sap is boiled down to syrup, is both an art and a science. Many producers welcome visitors to observe the boil and explain the intricacies of achieving the perfect consistency and flavor. It’s a captivating experience that offers a deeper understanding of the dedication behind every drop of syrup. Fortune Farms near Almonte is a great place to see maple syrup being made from tree to bottle.

7. Travel the Maple Trail

For the adventurers and foodies, the Maple Trail offers a curated journey through the county’s best syrup producers and maple-infused culinary delights. It’s an opportunity to taste the region’s diversity in maple production and discover unique maple products, from creamy maple butter to innovative maple-infused beverages.

8. Festival of the Maples

The Festival of the Maples in Perth is a popular event celebrating its 49th year in 2025. The downtown core of the beautiful heritage town of Perth will be buzzing with all kinds of activity, from street performers to log-cutting competitions to a vendor market bursting with the sweet delicious tastes of maple products. In 2025, the Festival of the Maples will be on April 26th.

Maple season is without a doubt one of the most exciting times to visit Lanark County. We can’t wait to see you at the sugar bush. While you are here, be sure to enjoy more Lanark County culinary experiences with the Sip & Savour Trail. You might also want to explore Lanark County museums and heritage architecture or visit one of our many art galleries. For help putting together a perfect Lanark County adventure, check out our itineraries page.