Family friendly, fun, educational, interactive and downright delicious.
A trip to Mountsberg or Crawford Lake checks all these boxes, as Conservation Halton’s sweetest time of year has returned.
Running throughout March Break and on weekends and holidays until April 6, the highly-anticipated maple season offers plenty of enjoyable learning opportunities and no shortage of tasty treats to savour.
And as those in the know can appreciate, this winter’s heavy snowfalls have provided a good source of water for sap flow as the white stuff begins to melt.
“It’s shaping up to be a good season, however Mother Nature really is in charge of how the season progresses – we are along for the ride,” notes Conservation Halton Education Manager Brenna Bartley.
Those visiting Mountsberg’s Maple Town can explore the sugar bush and watch maple sap transform into syrup in the evaporator.
And that’s just where the adventure begins, as families can warm up by a fireside lounge, help their children become ‘certified’ Sugar Rangers with new and returning challenges and dig in to maple sugar and syrup samples, maple syrup drizzled pancakes and other maple products available to take home
A horse-drawn wagon ride or maple sugar making workshop can be added to one’s visit, while visitors can also learn about sugar making from its Indigenous roots to today’s production methods.
An equally complete maple-themed experience awaits at Crawford Lake’s Sweet Water Season.
Visitors can explore the Indigenous heritage of maple sugaring, which is captured with the First Harvest: Celebrating Sweet Water exhibit.
Fire-side maple sugar making demonstrations are held throughout the day, while sweet tooths can be satisfied with guided syrup-tastings and detailed insight into the different colours and flavours of maple and birch syrups.
Also on tap is the Mar. 22 World Water Day, when Crawford Lake visitors can enjoy the Six Nations Women’s Singers, water themed kids activities and a hoop dancer.
“This year’s programs offer something for everyone. For many it is a generations-long family tradition,” said Bartley. “My favourite part is watching people connect with nature and seasonal cycles. It’s a privilege to watch people discover the joy of being outdoors with their families.”
Visit conservationhalton.ca/mapleseason for tickets, pricing, park hours and more information.