Discover the magic of spring in Grey County! While we embrace our chilly winters, there's a collective excitement as we await the arrival of spring, bringing with it the promise of warmer, longer days. Spring isn't just a change in weather; it's a crucial time for the production of one of our most cherished Canadian delights: maple syrup.
As the season begins, maple trees, once dormant, come to life. When daytime temperatures rise above freezing and dip back below freezing at night, the perfect conditions emerge to get the sap flowing. Here in Grey County, the maple season has already started, and we invite you to join in the celebration. Immerse yourself in a maple festival, indulge in sweet maple products, and make the most of this enchanting season.
2024 Maple Festivals
Down Home Sap Boil - March 29 & 30, 2024 - SOLD OUT!
An outdoor afternoon celebrating true Canadiana with a maple sap boil in Down Home by Sumac + Salt's outdoor kitchen space. With a 2pm arrival, you will be welcomed into the "sugar shack" and can cozy up by the fires with a warm complimentary cocktail/mocktail. Food will be passed throughout the day - think pork belly cassoulet and brioche French toast. There will be an outdoor bar setup with beverage for purchase serving organic wines, local beer and non alcoholic options.
The day is ticketed at a cost of $70/person and tickets must be purchased ahead of time. This is a family friendly event, children under 5 are free, but please make a note of additional children at time of booking. This event will be completely outdoors so please dress appropriately and in layers. Fingers crossed for warm weather, it may be muddy!
Kemble Maple Tour - April 6, 2024
The Kemble Maple Tour takes place all around the picturesque village nestled at the base of Kemble Mountain. Kemble is just 15 minutes north of Owen Sound and 15 minutes east of Wiarton. This year's maple tour includes the famous maple breakfast feast at The Kemble Sarawak United Church from 8:30am - 3pm, an arts & crafts sale upstairs at the church from 9am - 4pm, a free family fun fair at the Kemble Arena from 10am - 3pm, and access to five maple producer stops for the family to visit and enjoy from 9am - 4pm.
You must purchase passports in advance, at one of the locations listed on their website. They go on sale on March 1st and sell out fast, so don't delay!
Maple Weekend at Meaford Maples - April 6 & 7, 2024
Meaford Maples is a boutique, organic maple syrup operation that uses gravity-fed tubing to bring sap from the trees above. They have a weekend of fun and education planned that you don't want to miss. On April 6th & 7th, you can visit their Sugar House to see how they make and bottle maple syrup. Explore the property and hike through the maple trees, sample different grades of maple syrup, maple candy and more. Maple products will be available to purchase and door prizes to be won. You can also check out their Facebook page for more event info and other fun things happening throughout the year.
Maple Weekend at Nicholls Farms & Maple Syrup - April 6 & 7, 2024
Indulge in a weekend of maple filled fun at Nicholls Farms in Grey Highlands. This family run operation with over 1000 taps, pipeline technology and RO system is dedicated to producing the finest maple syrup straight from the bush to your kitchen table. Come tour the sugar bush, see how their operation works and sample some of this years freshest maple syrup. Bring your loved ones and rubber boots! You can find more information on their Facebook page.
Maple Weekend at Beaver Valley Maple - April 7, 2024
Beaver Valley Maple is opening its doors to public tours for Maple Weekend. The VIP tour experience includes a full explanation of the process, from spout to bottle. You will be transported to see one of their forest properties on the Niagara Escarpment before returning to the sugar shack for a tasting of Ontario’s finest maple syrup. Your tour will be hosted by one of Beaver Valley Maple’s owners and lead sugar-makers.
Holstein Maplefest at Love's Sugar Bush - April 13 & 14, 2024
The Egremont Optimist Club presents the 28th Annual Holstein Maplefest at Love's Sugar Bush. Upon arrival, you will take a hay wagon ride back to the 40-acre working sugar bush. They serve pancake breakfast all day long, and host several demonstrations including woodcarving, log sawing, maple taffy on snow, sheep shearing and blacksmith demos. Check out the full entertainment schedule on their Facebook page.
*Please remember that these are all outdoor experiences and events taking place during a Grey County spring. Please dress according to the weather conditions and prepare for mud, rain, snow and hopefully sunshine!
Other Sweet Local Maple Treats
Highland Grounds
Highland Grounds in Flesherton uses Uncle Richard’s Maple Syrup in their butter tarts, and sells their maple products right in store. Using a family recipe, their unparalleled butter tarts include a generous portion of locally produced Uncle Richard’s maple syrup. Hand made from scratch with fresh ingredients, their butter tarts carry you back to tea and sweets with grandma in her kitchen because they are made just like she did, using the same recipe.
Eowyn's Littlest Ice Cream Shop
Maple season is the perfect time to visit Eowyn's Littlest Ice Cream Shop. They've recently moved to a new location at 149 Garafraxa Street in Durham, where they have more room to serve up their delicious creations! Eowyn's is more than just ice cream - they have baked goods, delectable coffees, ice cream sandwiches, delicious lunch specials, and custom cakes! This maple season, try their maple milk tea or a maple vanilla latte, available hot or iced!
The Bakery of Flesherton
Indulge in the irresistible maple bacon donuts or the classic maple-dipped donuts from The Bakery of Flesherton! Crafted in-house with the finest Beaver Valley Maple Syrup, these treats are in high demand this spring. Don't miss out—grab yours before they're gone!
Pom Pom Treat Hut
Pom Pom delights visitors with their year-round offerings of signature plant-based and dairy ice cream flavors at their Meaford location. This maple season, they've elevated their menu with the irresistible maple walnut ice cream and maple lattes, crafted using locally sourced maple syrup and top-notch ingredients. Don't miss the chance to explore their selection of custom ice cream cakes and other delectable treats while you're there, adding even more sweetness to your visit.
Sapsucker
Sapsucker is organic, sparkling tree water - from maple trees! The subtle bubble and slightest hint of natural sweetness make it delicious, easy to drink and unexpectedly refreshing. Sapsucker is plant-based and nutrient rich, powered by 46 naturally occurring minerals, vitamins and antioxidants. Sapsucker is a product of the Lower Valley Beverage Company in Flesherton, and you can find it at many local stores.
Mill Creek Chocolates
If you want melt-in-your-mouth maple, you have to try the Maple Smoothie from Mill Creek Chocolates. The Dark Salted Maple Leaf Chocolate is available in the assorted chocolate box, or you can purchase as many as your heart desires by weight in store at the Owen Sound location. Also look out for the assorted boxes at select local farm stores and businesses across Grey County.
Local Maple Syrup Producers
Did you know it takes approximately 40 gallons of sap to make one gallon of maple syrup? Our Grey County maple syrup producers work hard every spring to bring you the best maple syrup products. Many of them sell products at their farm store, at local markets and in several local stores and shops.
Beaver Valley Maple, Beaver Valley
Dejong Acres, Wiarton
Kemble Mountain Maple Products, Kemble
Love's Sweetness, Holstein
Meaford Maples, Meaford
Miners' Maple Products, Kemble
Nicholls Farms Maple Syrup, Grey Highlands
Uncle Richard's Maple Syrup, Priceville
You can also buy local maple products year round through Eat Local Grey Bruce
