Canadian Maple Syrup

Watch out French Fries Maple Syrup is taking over!

According to the Government of Canada Maple Syrup web site “Canada produces about 85 per cent of the world’s maple syrup. It is the world leader in exports, selling about 30,000 tonnes valued at $147 million to more than 40 countries in 2003. In Canada, the maple syrup industry is surpassed only by frozen French fries in single horticultural commodity exports.”

“This is certainly one of Canada’s Seven Wonders and a unique gift to the rest of the world.” according to Ron Taylor, Publisher of Canada Travel News.

Canada’s Provincial Producers
The greater number of producers is mostly in Quebec, with the rest in Ontario, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Coincidently these are also the Provinces with the best fall colours.
The main syrup producing trees are sugar maples, red maples and silver maples. Ken Jewett has developed a passion for the Canadian maple tree with the founding of Maple Leaves Forever. Maple Leaves Forever (MLF) is focusing on the planting of the Maple Tree across Canada. MLF believes that the Maple tree, which plays a truly significant role in so many aspects of life in Canada, not only deserves but also requires a focused mentoring organization.

Maple Syrup Festivals

North of Toronto Ontario
including north East
north and north west of
Toronto. A variety of activites
and fun for the entire family

Quebec-Sugaring off. In the Province of
Quebec maple syrup harvest is called
sugaring off.

Nova Scotia Maple Festivals

Maple Syrup events and festivals run throughout the Province
from Early March to Mid April

New Brunswick Sugar Camps

Maple Sugar Bush visits are popular
in New Brunswick During Maple Sap
harvest time. There is a festival put
on by the Maple Syrup Producers

40 years of tapping trees has never been sweeter

Toronto's sugar shacks are back in full swingand flowing with golden maple sap, as Toronto and Region Conservation (TRCA)celebrates the 40th Anniversary of its Annual Sugarbush Maple Syrup festival,which begins on March 7, 2008

The Sugarbush Maple Syrup Festival has been open to the community since 1968 welcoming kids, families and new Canadians with the opportunity to getoutside and learn about Canada's tradition of making maple syrup. Fun events such as wagon rides, craft sessions, tours, demonstrations, animal shows, andspecial films have attracted more and more visitors each year.

"This continues to be a family event that everyone enjoys year afteryear, especially during the March break season," says TRCA Director of Parks and Culture, Derek Edwards. To mark the occasion, TRCA has partnered with talented Toronto pastry chef Iris Roteliuk, of Summerhill Market, to create a tasty treat featuring Canada's national flavour.

"While people are tapping trees, I hope they will start to think about all the interesting ways to integrate maple syrup into their recipes, anythingfrom decadent salmon entrees to sweet desserts," says Roteliuk. "Maple pecan shortbread with frozen maple parfait is quickly becoming one of my favouritedesserts. It combines fresh maple syrup with the crunch of a cookie, and is quick and simple to make." Roteliuk's recipe as well as photos and videos featuring the community's favourite maple syrup memories will be posted on the Maple Syrup Festival website at www.trcaparks.ca/maplesyrup.

The Sugarbush Maple Syrup Festival runs March 7 through April 6 at the Kortright Centre for Conservation in Woodbridge and at Bruce's Mill Conservation in Stouffville, $8 for adults and $5 for children above the age of five. Details, including activity schedules, are available at www.trcaparks.ca/maplesyrup.

March Break Activities often coincide with the Maples Syrup Harvest. See more ideas on family fun and kids activities during March Break in Ontario Easter is also a good time to get out to the Sugar Bush and there are a number of Resort destination Easter getaways north of Toronto.