There’s something special about maple season in Lanark & District, and this year’s Maple Weekend is looking to be even sweeter. On April 4 and 5, Lanark & District maple syrup producers will once again open their sugar bush doors to visitors from across Eastern Ontario and beyond for Maple Weekend, a free, family-friendly celebration of one of Canada’s most cherished spring traditions.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of this event, which has grown into a provincial celebration of sweet Ontario maple syrup, and one that first began right here in Lanark & District as a pilot project in 2015.
Over the past decade, Maple Weekend has evolved from a small regional initiative into a popular annual event for families, foodies, and outdoor enthusiasts looking to reconnect with the land and learn more about where their food comes from. Today, thousands of visitors make the trip to Lanark & District each spring to experience maple syrup production firsthand — from sap to syrup.
During the weekend, participating local producers invite guests to explore working sugar bushes and enjoy a wide range of maple-themed experiences. Visitors can watch as sap is collected and transformed into syrup through traditional and modern boiling techniques, enjoy pancake breakfasts topped with fresh maple syrup, sample locally made maple products, or try classic taffy on snow.
Many locations also offer outdoor activities such as wagon rides through the sugarbush or the opportunity to explore forest trails while learning about the maple-making process along the way.
“We are proud that Lanark & District played a leading role in launching Maple Weekend ten years ago,” says LDMSP Chair Martin Ennis. “Each year, this event gives us the opportunity to welcome visitors to our sugar bushes, share our passion for maple syrup production, and celebrate a tradition that has been ingrained in the fabric of our rural communities for generations.”
Maple Weekend runs from 10am to 4pm on April 4 and 5. Admission is free, although some locations may charge for food or special activities. Visitors can find additional details, including an interactive map and information on activities offered at each participating sugar bush, by visiting ontariomaple.com/lanarkdistrict.