It’s Maple Sugar Season in Grey County
Grey County winters can feel endless but as we approach April, we know that spring is just around the corner! Even though that can mean a good few weeks of “mud season”, it’s also time to celebrate one of rural Ontario’s sweetest spring time rituals – maple syrup season.
As evenings stay cold but daytime temperatures begin to rise, conditions are ideal to get the sap running and sugaring season kicks in. In Grey County, sugaring season typically stretches from late March to mid-April which means it’s the perfect time to visit a local sugar bush or maple festival where you can sample some delicious maple treats, and immerse yourself in the magic of this time honoured custom. Not sure where to go? Here are a few local events and activities at Grey County Sugar Bush locations:
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April 5-6, 2025
Nicholls Farms & Maple Weekend
Enjoy a sweet weekend at Nicholls Farms in Grey Highlands south of Flesherton! This family-run farm, with over 1,000 taps, is committed to crafting top-quality, delicious maple syrup you’ll be happy to put on your dining table. Take a stroll through the sugar bush, get a behind-the-scenes look at the syrup-making process, and taste the freshest maple syrup of the season. Don’t forget to bring your sweet tooth and your boots!
Maple Weekend at Meaford Maples
Meaford Maples is a small-scale, organic maple syrup producer that relies on old fashioned methods to collect sap from the trees above. They’ve planned a weekend full of fun and learning that all ages will enjoy. Stop by their Sugar House for a firsthand look at how they produce and bottle their maple syrup. Wander the property, enjoy the woods, and taste a variety of syrup grades, maple candy, and more. Maple products will be available for purchase, and you might even take home a door prize!
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April 12-13, 2025
29th Annual Holstein Maplefest at Love’s Sugar Bush
The Egremont Optimist Club is proud to once again host their Annual Holstein Maplefest at Love’s Sugar Bush! Hop on a hay wagon for a scenic ride into the heart of a 40 acre, fully operational sugar bush. Indulge in a delicious all-day pancake breakfast and take in a variety of live demonstrations, from woodcarving and log sawing to maple taffy on snow, sheep shearing, and blacksmithing. It’s a celebration of tradition, craftsmanship, and all things maple!
Kemble Maple Tour (April 12th only)
You’re in for a treat at the 2025 Kemble Maple Tour but you’ll need to purchase a meal passport before April 10th if you want to attend! The day begins with a tasty maple syrup-infused meal at the Kemble-Sarawak United Church, served fresh from 8:30 am to 2:00pm. While you’re at the church, don’t forget to stop by the arts & crafts show, running from 9am-4pm, where local artisans will be showcasing their finest handmade goods.
A free Family Fun Fair will be in full swing from 10am-3pm at the Kemble arena. And of course, no maple tour would be complete without visits to the five maple tour stops! All are open from 9am-4pm, where you can see how they each put their own unique twist on maple syrup production. But what if you’re not lucky enough to snag a meal passport? No worries! Local community groups will be serving up hot dogs, burgers, drinks and snacks at the Kemble Arena. Get in the spirit and soak up the sweet sights, smells, and flavors of maple season in Kemble!
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Local Maple Syrup Producers
Not able to attend the events above but still interested in some locally produced maple syrup? Many of Grey County’s maple syrup producers make their wares available through local markets, farm stores and on the shelves at lots of local shops and businesses. Stop by one of these locations (as noted by VisitGrey.ca) to pick up a jug of fresh, local maple syrup today!
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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
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If you’re thinking of buying or selling in Grey County or have questions about any of the neighbourhoods mentioned in this article, we would be happy to help!
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