Embrace the sweetness of spring with pure, golden maple syrup made right here in Rideau Lakes! The first harvest of the year is maple syrup and if you’re a fan of nature’s sweet treat, you’ve come to the right place.
As soon as the temperatures hit just right the sap starts flowing – and sugarhouses across the region spring into action. Whether collecting by bucket or pipeline, Rideau Lakes maple producers all have one thing in common: the end result is delicious.
Read on for the inside scoop on some of our local maple syrup producers and attractions:
Delta Maple Syrup Festival
Get ready to celebrate the sweetness of spring! The Delta Maple Syrup Festival is set for April 20, 2024 in the village of Delta. This family-friendly festival has been bringing together maple lovers of all ages for 57 years to enjoy pancake breakfasts, fun competitions, children’s activities, a giant book sale, milling and blacksmith demonstrations, vendors selling all things maple and much more!
Photo: Delta Agricultural Society
Blair Brothers Maples
A sweet new activity turned into a family tradition! Blair Brothers Maples was born from the pandemic and now has more than 800 taps on their multi-generational homestead near Newboro. In fact, they will be celebrating Ontario Maple Weekend Saturday, April 6 and Sunday, April 7, 2024 with maple demonstrations (sap dependent!), live music, kid zone, pancakes, syrup samples, maple taffy, maple baked goods from The Pie Bar and more! Bring the kids and learn how to tap trees. Pick up your syrup at the Recess Cafe in Portland, where this liquid gold is sold year round (until it’s sold out!).
Blair Brothers Maple Syrup sold at Recess Café in Portland
Curtis Valy Farms
Visitors are welcome in the sugarhouse here to watch the boil, as well as gathering in the sugarbush with the horses! A family farm since 1910, Curtis Valy Farms has a loyal following for their maple syrup and maple products made on Daytown Road near Delta. Be sure to look here for the popular maple lollipops, maple sugar and maple butter.
Photo: Curtis Valy Farm Facebook Page
Leggett's Maple Sugarbush
The Leggetts have continuously been making syrup since 1827, when the farm was first deeded to the family. The present day sugarhouse in Crosby was built in 1892, and the family believes it to be possibly one of the oldest working sugarhouses in Ontario. The world champion maple syrup from Leggett’s has twice been awarded Reserve World Champion at the Royal Winter Fair, and was also twice awarded the title of World Champion Maple Syrup. For the first time in the history of The Royal Winter Fair, Leggett's pure maple syrup placed first in all three categories (extra light, light and medium; now known as Golden and Amber). In addition, Leggett's has twice been awarded the title of premier exhibitor at The Royal, garnering 7 of a possible 8 First Place ribbons as well as The Charles Corbett Trophy for most points in Maple Sugar Classes.
Photo: Leggett's Maple Sugarbush website gallery
Little Rideau Farm
Maple vinegar, anyone? Yes, you read that right – and it’s a local favourite! Little Rideau Farm is a World Champion Maple Syrup Producer moving beyond their classic syrup to also create maple butter, artisanal maple mustard, maple sugar, maple candy and more. Are you drooling yet? Order online or stop by the year-round farm gate between Westport and Newboro.
Little Rideau Farm in Newboro
Gunnebrooke Farms Ltd.
This long-time family run farm at 206 County Rd 8, Elgin offers traditional maple syrup in 250ml to 4L in either plastic, glass or tin (tin only in 1L) containers. They also have maple butter and maple sugar! Give Joyce a call at 613-359-5071 to order or stop by the farm to pick some up.
Photo: Gunnebrooke Farms Facebook PageSugar Maple Farms
Situated near Portland, Sugar Maple Farms makes natural maple syrup without the use of any chemicals or additives. Stainless steel sugar shanty equipment is part of this modern operation.
Photo: Sugar Maple Farms Facebook Page
Walker Family Farm
Make your day a little sweeter! Maple Syrup might as well run in the veins of the Walker family, which has been perfecting the art of sugarmaking for four generations. Tours are provided upon request at Walker Family Farm at 132 Kitley Bastard Townline Road. Learn about the fascinating story of the Walker Family Farm, now operating with more than 1,600 taps! Elevate your baking or breakfast waffles with this first crop of the season.
Photo: Walker Family Farm Facebook Page
It’s time for liquid gold in Rideau Lakes!
