7 Sugar shacks around Ottawa to visit this maple season
4 Minute Read
Summary
-
Maple season runs from February to April, when freeze–thaw cycles enable sap flow and syrup production.
-
Seven Ottawa‑area sugar shacks offer maple taffy, sleigh rides, hiking trails and family activities.
-
Traditional flavours and heritage tours make maple season a quintessential Canadian experience.
Nothing says “Canada” like a sticky bite of maple taffy made on a bed of fresh snow. When the nights dip below freezing, and the sun melts the snow during the day, sap begins coursing through the sugar maples of Ontario and Quebec. This means it can be harvested to make delicacies such as maple syrup, maple taffy, spreads, jams, donuts, and more.
A trip to the sugar bush is a tradition dating back centuries, and one of Canada’s favourite things to do in the cold. Maple season typically runs from February to April, depending on the weather.
Experience the heritage with a sweet treat and a day in the snowy sunshine at these seven sugar shacks near Ottawa.
Stanley’s Sugarbush
https://www.instagram.com/p/C37t_sjAX1J/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
Where: 2452 York's Corners Rd., Edwards, ON
When: Select dates until April 12, 2026
When maple season rolls around, Stanley’s Sugarbush is the place to be. Families can learn about the maple syrup process at the heritage sugar shack, take a relaxing tractor ride through the forest and step into the museum to explore artifacts from the farm. You can even head to the Pancake House for a pay-by-weight breakfast.
Wheelers Sugarbush
Where: 1001 Highland Line, McDonalds Corners, ON
When: Select dates March 1 to April 26, 2026
The Wheelers have been tapping trees since 1978, and since then their family business has grown into one of the largest maple syrup producers in Ontario. Visit the sugar camp to see how the sweet stuff is made, head to the blacksmith shop to explore hand-forged items and meet the sheep and alpacas at the barn. Complete your time with a trip to the pancake house for a homemade breakfast—just make sure to book your table in advance!
Sugarbush on the Farm
Where: 670 Cedarview Rd., Ottawa, ON
When: Select dates until March 29, 2026
At the Log Farm, the sugar bush is the sweetest time of year. With maple taffy galore and a close look at how Canada’s favourite sweet treat is made by boiling sap until it becomes liquid gold, a trip to the farm is fun for the whole family. Kids can even grab their own pail and collect sap from the trees themselves for a hands-on experience.
Maple Fest at Proulx Farm
Where: 1865 O’Toole Rd., Ottawa, ON
When: Select dates March 1 to April 12, 2026
The maple syrup at Proulx Farm has a uniquely rich flavour due to the clay in the soil that nourishes their trees. A trip to the farm is worth it just to pick up a jug, but you can also munch on a pancake brunch, make s’mores, go on a guided tour, visit the petting zoo and go for a wagon ride through the forest.
Fulton’s Sugarbush
Where: 399 Sugar Bush Rd., Pakenham, ON
When: Until April 19, 2026
Fulton’s Sugarbush may be open year-round, but maple season is the time to go. With six generations of expert maple heritage, Fulton’s has perfected the art of the sugar bush. Visitors can sample the different grades of maple syrup, hitch a ride on a horse-drawn sleigh, snowshoe on the trails and unwind by the campfire for a day of delectable fun.
Vanier Sugar Shack
Where: Vanier Museopark, 300 des Pères-Blancs Ave., Ottawa, ON
When: Select dates until April 19
This event brings the community together to celebrate Canada’s maple heritage at the only urban sugar shack in the country. During the 2026 Sugar Festival on March 9, 28 and 29, head out to Vanier Museopark for live music, lumberjack skills competitions, community art projects and much more! You can also attend Soup Splash, a culinary competition where local cooks go head-to-head to create the best maple-based soup.
Parc Omega’s Sugar Shack
Where: 399 Route 323 Nord, Montebello, QC
When: From February 14, 2026
On your Parc Omega adventure, stop in at the sugar shack for a maple taffy snack before exploring the other attractions the park has to offer. Hike through a spring trail, walk among the treetops at the aerial boardwalk, meet the birds of prey and go toe-to-toe with wolves at the observation window. Maple season only happens once a year, so your gourmet break is a special treat, perfect for a day spent enjoying the Quebec wilderness.
Save this spring with CAA
No matter where you go this spring, your CAA Membership can go with you. For deals on shopping, dining, sports, entertainment and more, flash your card at businesses around the city.
Visit CAA Rewards to learn more about how you can save with your Membership, starting at just $30 a year.
