March Break has always been a time for my family to slow down, reconnect, and embrace one of Canada’s sweetest traditions—Maple Season! There’s something magical about this time of year—the crisp air, the scent of woodsmoke from campfires, the sound of live music filling the sugar bush, and of course, the warm, golden maple syrup that makes everything feel extra special.
As a mom of four, I’ve made it a tradition to bundle up the kids, head to a local maple syrup festival, and soak in the experience. It started years ago when my daughters were little, and now it’s a beloved yearly event I look forward to just as much as they do! From watching syrup drip from tree taps to competing in pancake stacking contests (yes, that happened!), these festivals have become a core memory for my family.
This year, I’m broadening my maple syrup festival horizons—while Halton has been my go-to for years, I’ve fallen in love with Westfield Heritage Village and am eyeing Elmira’s legendary festival as well! If you’re looking for the best maple syrup experiences for March Break, here’s your guide to my favourite festivals and a new one I can’t wait to check out!
🍁 My Favourite Maple Syrup Festivals in Halton & Hamilton
Mountsberg Conservation Area – Maple Town (Halton)
📍 Where: Mountsberg Conservation Area
📅 When: Weekends & March Break (March 1 – April 6, 2025)
Why I Love It:
Mountsberg’s Maple Town holds a special place in my heart—it was the first maple syrup festival I attended with my girls, and the smoky scent of campfires and lively Celtic music always brings me right back. Years ago, they held an event called the Flapjack Olympics, and we were lucky enough to win some medals! My oldest daughter even made it into the newspaper for her pancake stacking skills (proud mom moment! 🙌).
What to Expect:
🍁 Walk through a working sugar bush and see how syrup is made, from traditional methods to modern evaporators.
🍁 Visit the Raptor Centre and get up close with birds of prey.
🍁 Enjoy fresh pancakes with maple syrup by the fire.
Crawford Lake – Sweet Water Festival (Halton)
📍 Where: Crawford Lake Conservation Area
📅 When: Weekends & March Break (March 1 – April 6, 2025)
Why I Love It:
Crawford Lake offers a unique Indigenous perspective on maple sugaring, making it a deeply educational experience. Plus, this is where I go for the BEST maple taffy on snow—a must-try treat!
What to Expect:
🍁 Indigenous-led Sweet Water demonstrations—learn how the Anishinaabe first harvested maple sap.
🍁 A walk through the stunning 15th-century Longhouse Village.
🍁 That delicious maple taffy—my personal favourite!
Westfield Heritage Village – A New Favourite! (Hamilton)
📍 Where: Westfield Heritage Village, Rockton
📅 When: Sundays (Feb 23 – March 23) + March Break (March 12 & 13)
Why I Love It:
This one has completely stolen my heart! It’s not just a maple festival—it’s a living history experience. The village is filled with historical buildings staffed by costumed interpreters who take you back in time. The multiple syrup-making demonstrations from different eras give a true appreciation for how this sweet tradition has evolved.
What to Expect:
🍁 Visit historic cabins, general stores, and blacksmith shops run by historians in period costumes.
🍁 Watch syrup-making demonstrations using 1800s and 1900s methods.
🍁 Enjoy fresh maple treats in the charming heritage village setting.
Elmira Maple Syrup Festival – The One I’m Excited to Try!
📍 Where: Elmira, Ontario
📅 When: April 5, 2025
Why I’m Excited:
I’ve heard incredible things about Elmira’s maple street festival—it’s completely different from the sugar bush experiences I’m used to! It’s known as one of the world’s largest maple syrup festivals, featuring a huge pancake breakfast, street vendors, live music, and family fun. I can’t wait to check it out this year!
What to Expect:
🍁 A massive street fair with over 100 vendors.
🍁 One of the biggest maple pancake breakfasts in Ontario.
🍁 Wagon rides, log-sawing contests, and a huge maple marketplace.
Maple Syrup at Home – A New Family Tradition
Over the years, we’ve loved bringing fresh maple syrup home from these festivals to enjoy on pancakes, waffles, and even in baking. But this year, we’ve taken it one step further—we’ve started tapping our own sugar maple right in our backyard! There’s something incredibly rewarding about making your own syrup from tree to table, and I’m excited to see where this little tradition leads.
Which Festival Will You Visit?
Whether you’re looking for a traditional sugar bush experience, a historical deep dive, or a full-on street festival celebration, Ontario has something for everyone.
For me, maple season is pure magic—a time to celebrate the changing of the seasons, enjoy simple pleasures, and pass down traditions to my kids. If you’ve never been to a maple festival, make this March Break the year you start!
