Spring is upon us, the sap is flowing and Tap Into Maple has begun! Oro-Medonte is home to some incredible maple producers, who are working hard this time of year to bring us the best syrup around. Join in the delicious fun by taking part in Tap Into Maple a self-driving, sweet tooth fulfilling route promoting some top notch maple syrup producers. Take this opportunity to learn the process of sap to syrup at one of our amazing maple syrup producers.
ELSIE’S CREEK FARMS
4279 Line 5 North
Self-Guided tours are available daily through March, 11am-4pm, plan ahead and call Carl – (705) 737-6339 to arrange weekday visits.
On Maple Weekend (first weekend in April), Elsie’s remains open 11am-4pm. Explore the farm, walk the trails through the maple forest and see the sugar shack in operation. Parking is roadside due to popularity.
HUTCHINSONS MAPLE SYRUP
2217 Line 5 North
Self-Guided tours and purchasing product is available on site (cash, debit, credit). Hutchinson’s is open 9-5 daily, if needed they will accommodate order pickups in off hours. Call ahead to ensure Mother Nature is cooperating if you specifically want to see a sap boil, otherwise just stop by!
For Maple Weekend, local band “Pat & Russ” will be joining the festivities on Saturday from noon until 2pm, as well as Monty the Alpaca from 1-3pm.
Sully’s Eats & Treats will be serving up Pancakes in a Cup, Eggies, Hash Browns, Hamburgers, Hot Dogs & Fries all weekend! The fire will be roaring, there will be a Scavenger Hunt for the kids, and a Cross-Cut Saw on site for people to give a try. Tons of fun for all ages!
Meet Maple! This beautiful girl is Hutchinson’s new, little mascot. Maple is a busy, wiggly puppy, anxious to greet the public for her first maple season!
Follow their Facebook page for the most up-to-date information.
McCUTCHEON’S MAPLE SYRUP
3983 Line 9 North
Come visit McCutcheon’s sugarhouse on the weekends of March 18-19, 25-26 and April 1-2 from 1-5pm. Enjoy a self-guided walk through the trails and pour some maple syrup on the snow for a sweet, traditional springtime treat – aka Maple Taffy.
Check them out on Facebook or call 705 835-5780 for further information.
Contactless pickup available. Shop online through their website. Cash, Etransfer or credit/debit payment available on site.
SHAW’S PANCAKE HOUSE
493 Line 14 S
Open Daily 8am-4pm for a pancake and maple syrup experience that you’ll never forget. Make Shaw’s a part of your itinerary, bring your family and friends. Rolling Sands Percherons are on site every weekend, and every day of March Break, for horse-drawn carriage rides through the sugarbush, tickets are available on site.
Immerse yourself in the maple production process, enjoy a self-guided trail walk for some amazing sugarbush photos and fresh air. With more than 4,500 sugar maple trees on the Shaw property, this is a walk filled with history, beauty and SAP!
SUGAR SWEET FARMS
1558 Line 5 North
Family-run since 1980, Sugar Sweet Farms has won ribbons at the Royal Winter Fair. They pride themselves on a large variety of syrups and delicious homemade products. Sugar Sweet Farms operates by Honour system with a porch pickup. You can stop by 7 days/week during daylight hours. Please note they accept only cash.
Shop & Dine
In addition to maple producers, check out some local shops and dining spots who have partnered with the producers to create delicious maple treats!
Chelsea Chocolates – 3239 Penetanguishene Road
Enjoy some maple treats from our local chocolatier. Chelsea Chocolates, in beautiful Craighurst, has created delectable maple buttercreams, in milk AND dark chocolate, as well as a Caramel Apple Bourbon Maple bar that is ALMOST too beautiful to eat.
Stock up on all of your chocolate cravings while visiting this delectable shop.
Off Eleven Pizza + Eats – 30 Airport Road
One of our coolest locations, set on the grounds of the Lake Simcoe Regional Airport, OffEleven is offering THREE incredible menu items using local producer, Hutchinson’s Maple Syrup. Choose from the following special Tap Into Maple menu options:
- Apple, Blue Cheese and Bacon Pizza topped with caramelized maple syrup
- Bourbon Maple Glazed Crispy Chicken Wings
- Maple Glazed Pork Belly BLT sliders
Quayle’s Brewery – 4567 Line 12 N
Check out the incredible Quayle’s Brewery, who is very excited to be participating in Tap into Maple this year. They are offering a Maple Coffee Porter on tap, and a delicious Maple Crème Brulée on their food menu, both items are created in partnership with McCutcheon’s Maple Syrup. Quayle’s offers families a year round experience with indoor and outdoor options for seating, bring your family and friends to enjoy the fulsome menu and seasonal activities.
** NOTE: Tap Into Maple runs from March 3rd until April 2nd. Maple Weekend is the first weekend of April, a grand finale to the festivities.
Follow the TAP INTO MAPLE MAP to hit all of the great locations across the Orillia & Lake Country Region!
