Maple Syrup Festivals in the Kawarthas & Nearby

There’s something about March in the Kawarthas—longer days, melting snow, and that unmistakable smell of fresh maple syrup in the air. Maple season is one of the sweetest signs of spring in Ontario, and across the Kawarthas and surrounding regions, sugar bushes and festivals come alive with tours, tastings, and family-friendly experiences.

If you’re looking to plan a local outing (or a short road trip), here are some of the best maple syrup festivals and experiences happening in and around the Kawarthas this March.

🍁 Maple Weekend & Sugar Bush Experiences (Kawarthas Region)

Across the Kawarthas, maple season is celebrated through a series of farm tours and “maple weekend” experiences rather than one single festival.

What to Expect:

• Guided sugar bush tours

• Tree tapping demonstrations

• Fresh maple taffy and syrup tastings

• On-site farm shops and local products

Many local producers open their doors throughout March, offering visitors a chance to see how syrup goes from tree to table—and sample plenty along the way.

👉 Explore Kawartha Lakes Maple Experiences

🍁 Warkworth Maple Syrup Festival (Nearby Northumberland)

A short drive from Peterborough, Warkworth hosts a charming small-town maple celebration centred around local sugar bushes.

Highlights:

• Maple-themed events throughout the village

• Activities at nearby sugar bushes, like Sandy Flat

• Local vendors and seasonal treats

It’s a great mix of rural charm and community celebration.

👉 Learn more about Warkworth Maple Festival

🍁 Purple Woods Maple Syrup Festival (Oshawa)

One of the most popular festivals within easy driving distance, this event runs on select dates in March.

Dates:

• March 14–16, 2026 (plus additional dates)

Highlights:

• Horse-drawn wagon rides through the sugar bush

• Interactive demonstrations

• Pancakes with fresh maple syrup

• Family-friendly activities

👉 Purple Woods Maple Syrup Festival Details & Tickets

🍁 Pefferlaw Creek Farms Maple Syrup Festival (Uxbridge)

A great option if you’re looking for a full farm experience.

Dates:

• Weekends from March 7 to April 19, 2026

Highlights:

• Sugar shack and tapping tours

• Pancake meals with local ingredients

• Hiking trails and live music (select dates)

👉 Pefferlaw Creek Farms Maple Festival Info

🍁 Brooks Farms Maplefest (Uxbridge)

Perfect for families, this festival combines maple education with fun activities.

Dates:

• March 14–22, 2026 (plus select later dates)

Highlights:

• Wagon rides and sugar bush tours

• Barnyard play areas

• Maple syrup tastings and campfires

👉 Brooks Farms Maplefest Details

🍁 Sugarbush Maple Syrup Festival (GTA Conservation Areas)

If you’re up for a slightly longer day trip, this well-known festival runs across multiple conservation areas.

Dates:

• Weekends March 7 – April 6, 2026 (including March Break)

Locations:

• Bruce’s Mill Conservation Park

• Kortright Centre for Conservation

Highlights:

• Live demonstrations

• Family programming

• Educational exhibits

👉 Sugarbush Maple Syrup Festival Info

🍁 Maple Syrup in the Park (Terra Cotta Conservation Area)

Another great March Break option with a mix of education and outdoor fun.

Dates:

• March 19–22 and March 28–29, 2026

Highlights:

• Wagon rides to the sugar bush

• Interactive demonstrations

• Pancake breakfasts with real maple syrup

👉 Maple Syrup in the Park Details

Planning Your Maple Season Visit

• Go early in the day: Popular festivals fill up quickly, especially on weekends.

• Dress for the weather: You’ll be walking through muddy trails and snowy woods.

• Bring cash: Many smaller sugar bushes are cash-only.

• Book ahead when possible: Some events require timed tickets or advance reservations.

A Sweet Way to Welcome Spring

Whether you’re staying close to home in the Kawarthas or exploring nearby communities, maple syrup season is one of the most quintessentially Canadian experiences you can have. From rustic sugar shacks to full-scale festivals, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate—and plenty of syrup to taste along the way.

If you’re looking for a simple local outing, start with Kawartha-area sugar bushes. If you’re up for a short road trip, the surrounding regions offer some of Ontario’s most well-loved maple festivals, all within a couple of hours of Peterborough.