There’s nothing quite like maple season in Ontario’s Southwest. As winter melts into spring, the region comes alive with the sweet aroma of boiling sap and fresh pancakes. Whether you’re planning an epic road trip through multiple maple hotspots or a cozy stay-and-play getaway in one area, this guide has you covered. From charming sugar shacks to lively festivals, here’s how to immerse yourself in the sweet charm of each region during maple season.
Elgin County: Pancakes and Pioneer Charm at Palmer’s Maple Syrup Shanty
Inside Palmer’s Maple Syrup Shanty, shelves are stocked with maple syrup and treats to take home. This family-run sugar shack has been serving pancake and waffle breakfasts topped with their own maple syrup for decades. Open every Saturday and Sunday in March (9 AM – 3 PM), Palmer’s offers guided tours that walk you through the evolution of syrup production—from old-school tree tapping to modern techniques.
After feasting on pancakes with maple ham and a hot coffee in the cozy shanty, browse their gift shop for fresh maple syrup, candies, and Palmer’s merchandise to commemorate your visit. The friendly folks at Palmer’s love to share their passion for maple, making this an interactive, family-friendly experience.
While you’re in the area, take a scenic drive to Port Stanley’s waterfront or wander through St. Thomas. The countryside around Palmer’s is dotted with farm-gate stores and charming small towns, perfect for a leisurely maple-season afternoon drive.
Middlesex County: Sugar Bush Adventures and Maple Feasts
Middlesex County is sugar bush country, with multiple stops to experience the syrup-making process up close and, of course, indulge in some heavenly maple treats.
- Kinsmen Fanshawe Sugar Bush (Thorndale): This volunteer-run maple grove has been operating since 1972. Enjoy historic syrup-making tours, horse-drawn wagon rides, and a pancake house serving fluffy pancakes drenched in fresh Ontario maple syrup. Open weekends through March, plus daily during March Break.
- Fort Rose Maple Company (Parkhill): This family-owned operation turns a maple syrup excursion into a full-day event. On weekends through early April, they host an all-you-can-eat pancake brunch buffet with sausages, ham, baked beans, and more—all smothered in their Fort Rose pure maple syrup. After brunch, take a wagon ride to their 11,000-tap sugar bush, sample fresh maple syrup and maple butter, and learn about the sap-to-syrup process.
Pro Tip: Arrive hungry and early. These spots get busy on peak weekends, so plan your pancake house stop first thing in the morning before continuing your maple trail adventure.
Dunnville’s Sweet Escape: Family Fun at Richardson’s Farm & Market
For a hands-on, family-friendly maple adventure, Richardson’s Farm & Market in Dunnville is a must-visit. This charming farm invites visitors to experience every step of the syrup-making process, from tree tapping to sap boiling. Take a wagon ride through their picturesque sugar bush and see firsthand how this golden delight is made. Kids and adults alike will enjoy tasting fresh maple taffy cooled on snow.
With guided tours, an interactive learning experience, and plenty of maple goodies to take home, Richardson’s is a great stop for families looking to make sweet memories.
Tap into Maple Season from Home: Richardson’s DIY Tree Tapping Kit
For those interested in making their own maple syrup, Richardson’s Farm offers At-Home Tree Tapping Experiences, allowing you to harvest and boil sap in your own backyard. Their tree tapping kits come with all the essentials, plus instructional videos to guide you through the process.
Springwater Conservation Area: Festival Fun in the Forest
For a festival atmosphere, head to the Springwater Maple Syrup Festival, running March 16 (10 AM – 3 PM). Enjoy wagon rides, syrup tastings, live music, and family-friendly activities. One highlight is the horse-drawn wagon rides through the maple forest—a step back in time and the perfect way to soak in Ontario’s winter beauty.
Essex County: The Essex Region Maple Trail – A Self-Guided Sweet Tour
The Essex Region Maple Trail connects multiple businesses across Windsor-Essex, each offering unique maple-inspired experiences. From maple lattes and bacon donuts to maple-infused wines and artisanal baked goods, this choose-your-own-adventure maple road trip is perfect for food lovers and explorers alike.
Grab the official #MapleTrail map from the Essex Region Conservation Authority and plan your route, mixing farm visits, wineries, bakeries, and nature stops for a diverse maple-tasting experience.
Plan Your Sweetest Adventure Yet
Ontario’s Southwest is the perfect destination for a maple season road trip. Whether you’re traveling through maple country or settling in for a weekend getaway, there are endless ways to celebrate. Pack a cooler for all the maple treats you’ll collect, chat with local producers, and enjoy every moment.
The sap is running, the pancakes are hot… all that’s missing is you!!
