2021 Maple Madness
Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 restrictions we are not able to host our normal maple madness festivities this year - yes, that means no pancakes, puppet shows or wagon rides.
We may not be able to old our full-on program but we have family friendly maple themed activities happening on the weekends at Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area - March 13/14, 20/21 and 27/28. Join us for a guided sugar bush tour, an interpretive talk/demo, purchase some maple syrup from the maple shop, scavenger hunts, and other resources that families can take on the trails for a fun day outdoors. See registration details and further info below.
Questions? 613-546-4228 ext. 222
We may not be able to old our full-on program but we have family friendly maple themed activities happening on the weekends at Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area - March 13/14, 20/21 and 27/28. Join us for a guided sugar bush tour, an interpretive talk/demo, purchase some maple syrup from the maple shop, scavenger hunts, and other resources that families can take on the trails for a fun day outdoors. See registration details and further info below.
Questions? 613-546-4228 ext. 222
Guided Sugar Bush Tour
Join us in the sugar bush to learn how maple syrup is made, registration is required. Staff will guide participants through the sugar bush interpretive trail where you will learn how maple syrup was made in the olden days and how we make it now.
You will meet your hike leader in the sugar bush, it is a 20-25 minute walk (2 km one way) from the parking lot at the Outdoor Centre to the sugar bush on the service road. For example: if you book a 10:00 tour you need to arrive at 9:30 to give yourself time to walk to the sugar bush.
The sugar bush interpretive trail will be closed to those who do not have a ticket on the weekends. The trail is available for self-guided tours during the week.
Register below for the Saturday or Sunday tour:
You will meet your hike leader in the sugar bush, it is a 20-25 minute walk (2 km one way) from the parking lot at the Outdoor Centre to the sugar bush on the service road. For example: if you book a 10:00 tour you need to arrive at 9:30 to give yourself time to walk to the sugar bush.
The sugar bush interpretive trail will be closed to those who do not have a ticket on the weekends. The trail is available for self-guided tours during the week.
Register below for the Saturday or Sunday tour:
Maple Interpretive Talk / Demonstration
Meet us at the Outdoor Centre to learn how maple syrup is made, registration is required. An interpretive talk/demo area is set up on the back lawn of the Outdoor Centre where staff will take you on a journey to learn how maple syrup was made in the olden days and how we make it today. We are also joined by Paul Carl who will teach participants how the Indigenous peoples of this area traditionally harvested and celebrated the gift of sweet water.
Please meet staff on the front lawn of the Outdoor Centre to be taken to the demonstration area - meet at the yellow physical distancing sign. The talk/demo will last for about 45 minutes.
The demonstration area will only be open to those who are registered and have a ticket.
Register below for the Saturday or Sunday talk/demo:
Please meet staff on the front lawn of the Outdoor Centre to be taken to the demonstration area - meet at the yellow physical distancing sign. The talk/demo will last for about 45 minutes.
The demonstration area will only be open to those who are registered and have a ticket.
Register below for the Saturday or Sunday talk/demo:
What's Happening at the Outdoor Centre
The Outdoor Centre is open from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm on the weekends. You do not need to register/book for the following amenitites:
- A face covering must be worn at all times within the Outdoor Centre. Staff will be screening visitors upon entry.
- Snack bar (hot & cold drinks, snacks, merchandise).
- Washrooms are available.
- Maple shop will be open from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm on weekends. We accept cash, de]bit and credit.
- Educational fact sheets, colouring pages, scavenger hunts, species ID sheets, trail maps and more are available upon request inside the Outdoor Centre. Please ask staff for a copy.
Maple Shop Price List
Maple Syrup:
- 4 L - $70.00
- 2 L - $50.00
- 1 L - $27.00
- 500 ml - $17.00
- 250 ml - $12.00
- 50 ml decorative leaf bottle - $5.00
- Maple butter - $13.00
- Maple lollipop - $3.00