Sugarbush Maple Syrup Festival at Bruce's Mill Conservation Area

I visited for the Maple Syrup festival and personal feel it is sooo overrated! It was overcrowded so there were lineups for everything. Walking through the forest and learning about Maple Syrup was okay but hard to take in any information because of so many people. Made the experience hard to enjoy. Walking trails are super muddy - wear rubber boots. Parking was again, overcrowded. Huge line ups for the washrooms which were muddy and unclean. Food was overpriced and not particularly delicious - combined with long wait times. If I'm honest, the experience felt like a waste of time and money. Would much rather hike somewhere more private and stop off at a general store and buy 100% real maple syrup on the way home. They don't have anything here that you can't get elsewhere. I could maybe see the appeal if you had little kids because that's mostly who was there - young families, but as a 20 something that attended with her boyfriend and their dog - we left disappointed.
9 years ago (20-06-2017)

It took over 28 minutes to go past the entrance, huge line and only one person attending at the gate. Buying tickets online in advance didn't make any difference, you are in the same line as people paying entrance fees in change. They have to improve this process because once you are in the park is really nice, plenty of parking and activities for the family. In the meantime I'll try other parks for the maple syrup festival.
9 years ago (03-04-2017)

Great family fun, large fat pancakes with lots of maple syrup. Kids loved the maple candy and lollipops, while parents enjoyed the trails and learning about how natives and pioneers made syrup from sap of maple trees.
9 years ago (17-06-2017)

Friendly and knowledgeable staff. Busy. Horse-drawn wagon ride was really nice but short (5 minute loop). The guest vendors and games are great. We didn't go inside the playground--it's $10/kid/hour so be prepared for that if you want to go.
9 years ago (20-03-2017)

Parking is included in the prices. Tickets online are $8.85 for adults, $5.75 for children and seniors. Children under 4 are free. If you buy tickets at the door it's $10 for adults and $6.50 for seniors and children. The place is pet friendly except pets are not allowed in the pancake house and on the horse wagons. Must be on leash. There's not much to do. Not really worth going unless you're a kid or just want to experience how people make maple syrup. There's a maple syrup trail that you can follow. They have some shows going on along the paths. There is also some maple syrup sampling. They have an outside demonstration of how maple syrup is made in logs and in pots. The trail is a long walk but there's not much to actually see. The trail was also not really paved so if the weathers wet. Try to avoid going because it's really muddy. There is also treewalking. This is for kids. Like a jungle gym for kids to run around. It was really packed when I went. Prices don't include this event. Prices are $10 for children and $5 for adults. Children under 4 are free. Under a specific age, adult supervision is required. Treetop trekking, not sure if this ones free or not. But it probably isn't. There's probably an additional charge. They also have horse wagons that bring people around. This ones not as pricey. $2 per person. If you are hungry, they have food trucks available and a few stalls set up that sells honey, apple cider and tarts that you can buy. The tarts are pretty good. They have an indoor area where you can also buy pancakes. Pancakes are relatively cheap. Additionally they have a small shop where you can buy souvenirs. They have a variety of maple syrup products. Overall, I feel like it's totally not worth it because you have to pay for admission and on top of that you have to pay for everything you do almost. In addition to that you have to pay for food, drinks and whatever else you buy. P.S. there is no actual washroom. Be prepared to use porta potties.
9 years ago (29-04-2017)