As winter gives way to spring in Orillia & Lake Country, there’s one sure sign that the season is changing: the sweet aroma of boiling maple sap drifting through the air. That’s right—it’s time to Tap into Maple! Running from March 3 to April 6, this beloved seasonal experience invites visitors to explore the region’s sugar bushes, maple-infused cuisine, and local artisan treats.
A Taste of Tradition: Visit Local Sugar Shacks
This year’s Tap into Maple adventure highlights the deep-rooted maple heritage of the region with 22 participating locations, including seven maple syrup producers ready to welcome visitors. Whether you’re walking through tap-lined trails, watching sap being boiled into syrup, or sampling freshly made maple taffy, this is your chance to experience the magic of maple firsthand.
From small family-run operations to larger sugar houses, each stop offers a unique take on maple syrup production. Visit Hewitt’s Maple Syrup and Farm Market, Hutchinson’s Maple Syrup, Shaw’s Maple Syrup, Maple Grove Syrup and more to witness the dedication of local producers who work year-round to craft this liquid gold. With this year’s snowfall providing an “old-fashioned Canadian maple season,” producers are optimistic for a sweet harvest.
Sweet Treats & Maple-Inspired Shopping
For those with a sweet tooth, the maple goodness doesn’t stop at syrup! Orillia & Lake Country’s finest chocolatiers and gourmet food artisans have infused their products with local maple syrup, creating one-of-a-kind treats. Make sure to check out:
- Chelsea Chocolates in Oro-Medonte for handcrafted maple chocolates
- Copperpot Nuts in Severn for maple-glazed nuts
- DWN Craft Chocolatier, Mariposa Market, and Susie Q Fudge & Gifts in Orillia for fudge, confections, and more
- The Gathering Place at Casino Rama Resort for maple-infused delights
You can also swing by the Orillia Farmers’ Market on Saturday mornings to pick up a bottle of PyrValley Maple Syrup, including their specialty birch syrup.
Maple on the Menu: Where to Eat & Drink
Orillia & Lake Country’s culinary scene is getting in on the maple fun with special menus celebrating this local treasure. Whether you’re craving sweet or savoury, these restaurants and cafés have something for everyone:
- Off-Eleven Pizza + Eats, Lake Country Grill, and Blue Moon Junction – Enjoy maple-inspired dishes that highlight this beloved ingredient.
- Apple Annies Café and Em’s Café – Indulge in freshly baked maple treats, specialty drinks, and seasonal menu items.
- Quayle’s Brewery – Sip on a maple-infused craft beer while enjoying great food and family-friendly activities at Feast On® certified, Quayle’s Brewery.
Family Fun & Maple-Filled Events
The Tap into Maple experience wouldn’t be complete without family-friendly events to celebrate the season. Plan your visit around these must-see happenings:
- March Break Activities – Some maple producers will extend their hours and host special programming for families.
- Sweetwater Harvest Festival (March 22 & 23) – Held at the Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre, this festival features interactive maple experiences, delicious food, and educational activities in partnership with Sainte-Marie Among the Hurons.
- Maple Weekend (April 5 & 6) – Hosted by the Ontario Maple Syrup Producers Association, this grand finale to Tap into Maple includes special events, demonstrations, and extra sweet treats at participating sugar bushes.
Plan Your Maple Getaway
Whether you’re a maple enthusiast, a food lover, or just looking for a fun spring adventure, Tap into Maple is the perfect way to celebrate the season while supporting local businesses. Plan your own self-guided tour through Orillia & Lake Country’s charming maple destinations and indulge in the best flavours of spring.
For details on hours of operation, locations, and event schedules, visit TapIntoMaple.com and start planning your sweet escape today!
