Enjoy Maple Syrup in the Park
The calendar has flipped to March and as the season shifts towards spring, we know our watershed residents are ready for fun activities with their family and friends. After the long winter, we’re all undoubtedly feeling the need to get outside to enjoy some fresh air and a little vitamin N (nature)! Our Maple Syrup in the Park event is a great way to have fun and explore our conservation areas.
March kicks-off a great seasonal tradition at Credit Valley Parks. We tap the sugar maple trees, string sap lines and fire up the evaporator in the sugar shack, as we demonstrate the process of how to make delicious maple syrup. Visitors are encouraged to come learn about maple syrup and taste the iconic Canadian treat at Island Lake and Terra Cotta Conservation Areas from March 11 to March 26 (dates vary by location).
Maple Syrup in the Park is a family-friendly event where visitors can:
- Tour maple syrup demonstrations
- Take a walk-through Tales on the Trail with family (a storybook experience)
- Try maple taffy
- Learn about Indigenous culture and heritage
- Participate in a scavenger hunt
- Enjoy pancakes with real maple syrup! The food pavilion has a menu that includes vegan and gluten free options, plus bacon, sausage, poutine and maple butter tarts – who could resist?
Looking for Something More Exclusive?
This year we’re hosting Maple Syrup by Lamplight at both parks. This exclusive after-hours maple syrup experiences is for visitors 19 years of age or older. Guests at Terra Cotta Conservation Area will experience an interpretive wagon ride to an illuminated sugarbush, while those visiting Island Lake Conservation Area will enjoy a guided tour by lamplight through the story of the maple sugarbush. Participants will learn about maple syrup production techniques used throughout history, sample warm maple syrup, taste maple taffy, enjoy a signature mocktail or cocktail and learn how to tap a tree. Dates vary by location between March 30 to April 1.
New this year, we’re also offering Sap to Syrup: A Maple Syrup Making Experience at Terra Cotta Conservation Area for visitors 18 years of age or older. This is an intimate, hands-on experience that takes place in the sugar shack. Visitors will learn how to tap a tree, collect sap and use an evaporator to produce and bottle maple syrup. Participants will take home a bottle of delicious, locally tapped syrup. Tickets are available for April 1 and 2, get your tickets early because space is limited.
Advanced reservations are required for all our maple syrup events. Tickets are available by visiting cvc.ca/maplesyrup. Ticket prices vary by event. Credit Valley Parks passholders also enjoy free admission to Maple Syrup in the Park when they book a reservation.
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By Jamie Williams, Specialist, Marketing and Communications
Is a reservation required just to access Terra Cotta and munch a couple of pancakes but not take part in a demonstration or tour?