Sugarbush Maple Syrup Festival at Bruce's Mill Conservation Area — Attraction in Whitchurch-Stouffville

Nothing screams Canada more than the yearly Maple Syrup Festival in the Vaughan area!

This event is perfect if you are interested in learning about the history of this Canadian delicacy, or even to try a bunch of sweet, fresh maple syrup products!

My sister and I went to relive our childhood during the easter weekend, and there was no wait for parking/entrance, but then again, we arrived a bit past our scheduled time. You will need to purchase parking for around $4, which is not too bad considering the price for the average person is around $11.50.

The tour itself was facsinating. The employees at each station were very enthusiastic and very willing to explain every question and concept to each person. My personal favourite station was where they were boiling the maple syrup in 3 different pots, as it really shows how much work was put into making just one bucket! It was also very intruiging to see the creative ways our native people collected and harvested the syrup, as well as the history if it overall!

The only thing that was a bit dissapointing was how there was a lack of interactivity within the stations. They did not have the maple taffy and only allowed one sample of maple syrup. There was a station where you were allowed to touch the fur of different animals, but that was the most touching you were able to do.

The gift shop was well priced; there were an assortment of items that were priced very well. My personal favourites were the 0.40 cent hard maple candies and the $3 sugary maple candies. For a small souvenir bottle of maple syrup it was around $3.66, so for anyone who came to visit abroad and wanted to have a small bottle to show you have authentic Canadian syrup… they’ve got you covered.

The food trucks were kind of pricey in my opinion, but in our economy it makes sense as to why it is how it is, so no complaints too much.

There are also other activities to do such as tree trecking and riding in a horse wagon (which I really wanted to do, but they were unavailable at the time).

Overall, a great experience. You get your...

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...

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...