12 Sweet Stops for Tap into Maple in Orillia
Is there anything sweeter than March in Ontario? It’s during this time that many of the maple syrup producers are busy working to make the liquid gold that every Canadian loves. And if you’re looking for a fun road trip then check out Tap into Maple in Orillia & Lake Country.
This fun family friendly event is the perfect way to explore Orillia maple syrup farms and learn about how it goes from tree to table. Plus, you can enjoy maple syrup inspired menus at various restaurants and shop for maple products at local small businesses.
In this guide to Tap into Maple in Orillia and area, I’m sharing everything you need to know before you go. You’ll discover my top picks for which maple syrup farm to visit, which restaurants to eat at, and where to shop for local maple syrup treats. As well as local insider tips!
Plus, whether you want to make it a weekend getaway or fun road trip from Toronto, I’ve got all the details. Like where to stay and a Tap into Maple road trip itinerary!
So, if you’re looking to break out of your winter hibernation and enjoy the Ontario maple syrup season then Tap into Maple is for you!
What is Tap into Maple?
Tap into Maple is a month-long event that celebrates the sweetest time of year in Canada, maple syrup season. The event takes place from March 1 to April 7 every year.
Kicking off at the beginning of March, it runs through to Maple Weekend, which the first weekend in April. Maple Weekend is hosted by the Ontario Maple Syrup Producers Association with fun activities taking place at numerous farms across the province.
It’s a self-guided tour with stops all over Orillia and Lake Country. Stops include maple syrup producers as well as restaurants and local shops featuring maple syrup inspired menus and sweet treats.
There are 20 different Tap into Maple stops across Orillia and Lake Country. You can find the full list here.
My Top Picks for Tap into Maple in Orillia Stops
- Shaw’s Maple Syrup
- Maple Grove Syrup
- DWN Craft Chocolatier
- Quayle’s Brewery
Best Orillia Maple Syrup Producers to Visit
There are 8 farms, producers and sugar shacks to visit this year on the Tap into Maple tour. Below are my favourite stops but a few others to consider are Windlee Farms Maple Syrup and Elsie’s Creek Farm.
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Maple Grove Syrup
On the backroads of the Township of Severn is one of the most inviting Orillia maple syrup producers, Maple Grove Syrup! Brent, a nurse, and his family will welcome you on to their farm with open arms.
Maple Grove Syrup is a great stop for Tap into Maple! With 50-acre sugar bush, there’s plenty to do for the whole family. Hike the trails that are lined with maple trees and peek inside the buckets to watch them fill up.
Then head back to the sugar shack to watch the magic happen. This off the grid sugar shack is powered by solar energy and is toasty warm with the traditional wood-fired evaporator fully stoked.
Brent and his wife are passionate about producing maple syrup and love sharing how it works. From their 1500 tapped trees to the collection process and to the final bottle, you can hear the excitement as they share their story and the process.
My friend and I enjoyed our first maple taffy of the season at Maple Grove. It was the perfect blend of sweet and sticky, while flooding me with memories of my childhood visiting a local sugar bush.
Be sure to browse their products on their old wagon before you go. They sell 100% pure maple syrup as well as maple granulated sugar.
Insider Tip: The trails at Maple Grove Syrup, each approximately 2 km in length, are easy to navigate and a great way to see all the tapped trees. But during late winter and early spring the trails are very muddy. So, be sure to wear appropriate footwear.
Address: 2448 Burnside Line, Severn
Opening Hours: Saturday 10am – 2pm & Sunday 2pm – 4pm
Shaw’s Maple Syrup
Shaw’s is one of the oldest Ontario sugar shacks in Orillia area, dating back to 1904. In the past 120 years, five generations of the Shaw family have taken care of the maple trees on their farm.
Located in Oro-Medonte, Shaw’s Maple Syrup farm makes for the perfect spring day trip from Barrie, at only 20 minutes away! Open from mid-February to mid-April, you can visit their Sugar Camp and Pancake House Monday through Sunday.
Start your visit with a classic pancake breakfast. The menu features both pancakes and French toast as well as sausages that are delicious when topped with their maple syrup.
Next pop into their sugar shack to see how maple syrup is made. I loved the elevated platform that gives a unique view of the evaporator.
Also, in the sugar shack is a mini maple syrup history museum. Throughout are a number of maple syrup production artifacts as well as historic photos of the Shaw’s family.
One cool piece that I was blown away by was a list of recorded dates that they started tapping in their sugar bush. Dating between 1906 and 1959, it shows the majority of dates in March. However, 2024 is their earliest start to the maple season in Shaw’s history!
But honestly, the best part of being in the building is the sweet aroma of the maple syrup boiling!
The Shaw’s sprawling farm is also home to trails taking you through their maple sugar bush. Wandering the trails, you’ll see their tapped tree as well as the remains of the original Shaw’s sugar camp. Another fun thing to do at Shaw’s is take a horse-drawn wagon ride.
Before you leave, pop into their gift shop. Inside you’ll find more maple syrup artifacts, old photos and a variety of items for sale. Grab a bottle of their maple syrup and maple sugar candies.
Insider Tip: If you want to beat the line ups for breakfast, and there are line ups, visit Tuesday to Thursday around 9am.
Address: 493 14 Line S, Oro-Medonte
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday 8am – 4pm
Hutchinson’s Maple Syrup
Another great place to stop for Orillia maple syrup is Hutchinson’s! The family has been producing maple syrup in the area for over 50 years.
While they started with 200 taps and using cast iron posts to boil, the family has grown. Now they have over 1600 taps and use a high vacuum system to pull the maple sap into their new sugar shack.
During our visit Michele and Doug Hutchinson gave us a full tour of their maple syrup process. We even got to see how they test for Brix. Brix is unit of measure used gauge syrup density, which should be between 66° and 68°.
From pulling to boiling to bottling, it’s a remarkable process to learn about and see in person. I highly recommend everyone see it for themselves to truly appreciate how maple syrup goes from tree to table.
Inside Hutchinson’s sugar shack you can purchase their maple syrup as well as maple butter.
Address: 2217 Line 5 N, Oro Station
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday 9am – 5pm
Best Restaurants to Visit for Tap into Maple in Orillia
This year there are 7 different restaurants offering Orillia maple syrup inspired menus. Below I’m sharing my favourites but others to check out are Pier One Resort’s lakeside restaurant in Lagoon City and Casino Rama Resort’s Simcoe Yard House.
Quayle’s Brewery
One of the best places to eat and drink for Tap into Maple in Orillia and Lake Country is Quayle’s Brewery. This stunning brewery sits perched atop a hill off the rural backroads.
As soon as you approach, you’ll be in awe of its historic charm but this building was built in 2016. However, it’s a re-creation of a local landmark called the Musical Barn that dated to the 19th century.
Quayle’s Brewery features 12 acres of hop yards and a wrap around patio that overlooks them. You can even dine out on the patio in the winter thanks to the firepits.
Inside you’ll find a rustic bar, tasting room, and three floors of seating. During our visit we enjoyed lunch in the loft with live music. That’s one thing about Quayle’s is that there’s always something going on. Whether it’s live music, trivia night, or markets, this is a community hub as owner Catherine Pearson pointed out.
I tried out all of their incredible Tap into Maple menu items! To drink, you’ve got to try their Coffee Maple Ripple stout beer. On the dessert menu you’ll find two options and good luck deciding!
One is a Maple Crème Brulee and the other is a Maple Bread Pudding. I was pleasantly surprised by the bread pudding. It was light and fluffy with the perfect level of maple sweetness.
If you’re looking for the best lunch spot, this is it! For lunch I enjoyed the Beer Mac & Cheese, which uses their house-made beer cheese.
Insider Tip: The Beer Mac & Cheese is a hearty portion. So, if you’re having one of the Tap into Maple desserts, consider sharing it, or you’ll be bringing it home as leftovers like I did.
Address: 4567 Line 12 N, Coldwater
Opening Hours: Thursday to Saturday 12pm – 8pm, Sunday 12pm – 5pm, Closed Monday to Wednesday
Grape & Olive Bistro
If you’re looking for great restaurants to eat at for Tap into Maple in Orillia then head to the Grape & Olive Bistro. Located in the Best Western Mariposa, it’s an ideal dinner location if you’re staying overnight.
The Grape & Olive Bistro offers casual fine dining with a menu that includes everything from fresh pasta to lobster. Best known for their seasonal inspired menus, they use ingredients sourced from local farmers for a fabulous farm to fork dining experience.
For Tap into Maple they have a 3-course dinner for $59. For each course you’ll find a diverse list of options, making it perfect for everyone’s appetite and dietary needs.
I chose the Grape & Olive Caesar Salad for my appetizer, which comes topped with maple bacon. My friend enjoyed the Sweet Potato & Maple Caramelized Apple Soup. I tried a spoonful and loved the unique flavour profile.
For my main I went with the 10 oz Steak that’s marinated in maple bacon seasoning. It comes with creamy mash potatoes and seasonal vegetables. Other main options include salmon and chicken cordon blue.
The dessert menu is a tough one, as all sound delicious. I opted to order the Maple Napolean, while my friend enjoyed the Maple Crème Brulee that uses Shaw’s maple syrup.
Address: 400 Memorial Ave, Orillia
Opening Hours: Wednesday to Saturday 5pm – 9pm, Closed Sunday to Tuesday
Off Eleven Pizza
The most unique place to eat for Tap into Maple is Off Eleven Pizza! This pizza place is located inside the Lake Simcoe Regional Airport, which is just off Highway 11, 15 minutes north of Barrie.
Climb the steps to the airport and head to the left for the restaurant entrance. Off Eleven Pizza has a patio and indoor dining with views of the runway.
Partnering with local Hutchinson’s Maple Syrup, Off Eleven Pizza features three Tap into Maple menu options. My friend and I ordered the Maple Jalapeno Pepperoni Pizza and Bourbon Maple Glazed Crispy Chicken Wings.
The pizza blew me away with the maple jalapenos that just popped with flavour. But I loved the wings with the perfect sticky bourbon maple glaze and crispiness. For those who love tacos, the other Tap into Maple menu option is the Maple chipotle Pulled Pork Tacos, which comes with three tacos.
Address: 30 Airport Rd, Oro-Medonte
Opening Hours: Tuesday 11am – 2pm, Wednesday & Thursday 11am – 7pm, Friday 11am – 7:30pm, Saturday 12pm – 7:30pm, Closed Sunday & Monday
Great Places to Visit in Orillia & Area for Tap into Maple
I’m all about shopping local, and a great way to support local businesses in Orillia and Lake Country is to visit for Tap into Maple. All of the local businesses below offer one or more maple treats that I promise you’ll love!
DWN Craft Chocolatier
When it comes to things to do in Orillia, a browse through its downtown shops is a must! One of those sweet shops is DWN Craft Chocolatier.
DWN Craft Chocolatier crafts award-winning chocolate with bean-to-bar fundamentals. Everything is made in the shop and we were immediately intoxicated by the sweet smell!
At the shop you’ll find an array of chocolate creations, from bars to chocolate covered candied fruit. The chocolate bars come in a variety of colours and flavours, many of which are incredibly unique.
A few unique ones include strawberry sumac, rhubarb raspberry rose, and raspberry toffee – which I am excited to try!
Plus, they come with fun saying on the packaging. Like the Old Fashioned dark chocolate bar that says, ‘sitting at a cozy dark bar in Toronto sipping a toasted old fashioned.’
It’s all about the details, and Dawn, the chocolatier masterfully draws you into her creations with the details and wins you over with the taste.
For Tap into Maple in Orillia you can purchase her milk chocolate maple almonds. The almonds are slow roasted and dusted with Hutchinson’s maple syrup and then coated in her mild chocolate.
Address: 21 Peter St S, Orillia
Opening Hours: Wednesday & Saturday 11am – 5pm, Thursday 11am – 9pm, Friday 11am – 7pm, Closed Sunday to Tuesday
Susie Q Fudge & Gifts
Another fun shop in downtown Orillia is Susie Q Fudge & Gifts. Previously known as Apple Annie’s Shop, the name changes in 2023 but it still maintains all the same great items.
Susie Q Fudge & Gifts is located below the famous Mariposa Market. Take the stairs down and as you descend, you’ll start to smell the fragrant fresh fudge.
I recommend making your first stop in the shop the fudge counter. They offer free tastings and two of their fudge flavours are maple inspired. One is straight maple and the other is maple walnut. The latter is my favourite!
All of their fudge is fresh and handmade. Crafted with real butter and cream, in small batches, the results are incredibly creamy fudge.
After you’ve decided which maple fudge you want to buy, take a wander around the shop. Along with fudge, this fun shop sells an assortment of kitchen gadgets, gift items, and an array of local products.
I love all the maple-themed items that make for fun souvenirs, especially knowing the food won’t last. One item that I loved was a mug that says Orillia, Canada with three maple leaves.
Address: 109 Mississaga St E, Orillia (Located in the basement of Mariposa Market)
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 9am – 6pm & Sunday 9am – 5pm
Copperpot Nuts
Coldwater is one of the cutest towns in Ontario! This gem is full of fabulous shops, including a year-round Christmas store, and a cozy café.
While there’s plenty of things to do in Coldwater, I always visit Copperpot Nuts! This fun and quirky women-owned shop sells a variety of kitchen items and local products like maple syrup.
But they’re best known for their double roasted nuts that they roast onsite and package by hand in small batches. These fantastic nuts come in close to 20 different flavours and they use ingredients from local producers as much as they can.
Copperpot Nuts is a must stop on the Tap into Maple in Orillia and Lake Country tour. Using local Backwoods Maple Syrup, they sell maple roasted almonds, cashews and peanuts. But my favourite is the maple roasted pecans.
Address: 2 Gray St, Coldwater
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday 10am – 5pm
Hewitt’s Farm Market
A well-known farmer’s market in Simcoe County, Hewitt’s Farm is a short 10 minute drive east of Orillia. The farm has been family run for over 40 years and their market is open year-round.
If you’ve spent any time in the area then you’ve probably seen their roadside market stands in their signature bright blue. Many know them for their corn but Hewitt’s Farm is also a maple producer.
Inside their cozy market they sell a wide variety of items, including everything from fresh produce to home décor. You’ll find a long list of Ontario made products from Empire Cheeses, Kawartha Dairy, and Sheldon Creek.
In addition, they sell their own baked goods, frozen meals home preserves, and maple syrup.
The Hewitt’s Farm Market is a fun Tap into Maple stop to do some shopping that supports local!
Address: 3331 Townline Road Warminster
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday, 10am – 6pm & Sunday 11am – 5pm
Chelsea Chocolates
Walking into Chelsea Chocolates will bring an instant smile to your face as you immediately smell the sweet aroma of chocolate.
Their small retail shop is located just outside Barrie in Craighurst. Manufacturing chocolates and truffles since 1995, Chelsea Chocolates uses fine Belgian chocolate to craft their delicious treats.
Inside you’ll find shelves full of various chocolates, with a flavour or theme to fit anyone’s appetite or occasion. Plus, at the front counter they have a selection of fresh chocolate truffles.
For Tap into Maple you’ll find a tabletop filled with maple chocolates, from maple chocolate bars to cute little maple chocolates in the shape of a maple leaf.
Insider Tip: The intersection that Chelsea Chocolates is on is home to four unique art trees. Try and see if you can find them all!
Address: 3239 Penetanguishene Rd, Craighurst
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 10am – 5pm, Saturday 10am – 4pm, Closed Sunday
Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre
One of my favourite places to visit in Midland is the Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre. Designated a Provincially Significant Wetland, it’s a great place to visit for birders and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Covering 3000 acres, the Wye Marsh is home a number of nature trails, an interpretive centre and offers a variety of activities and events throughout the year.
Known as one of the best Ontario maple syrup festivals, their Sweetwater Harvest Festival is also part of Tap into Maple. The festival takes place near the end of March every year. This year it’s on March 23 & 24, 2024.
The Sweetwater Harvest Festival at Wye Marsh has been a favourite for over 30 years. This is a truly unique experience that includes activities at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons, which is next door.
During the festival weekend at Wye Marsh there are a lot of fun things to do. Visit the sugar shack to see how sap becomes maple syrup, then hike through the sugar bush. Enjoy some roasted Bannock over an open fire and listen to an Indigenous storyteller.
Insider Tip: If the ground is still snow covered, they offer snowshoe rentals both new and traditional ones, which are fun to hike with.
Looking for more fun events in the area? Check out these top Simcoe County festivals.
Address: 16160 Highway 12 East, Midland
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday 9am – 4pm
Tips for Planning a Maple Getaway in Orillia
Plan for weather
Tap into Maple in Orillia and Lake Country takes place in that weird Canadian season the blends winter and spring. So, plan for all weather. It could be raining, snowing, or beautiful.
Dress accordingly, along with inclement weather, the grounds and trails of the maple syrup farms are often wet, mucky or snow covered. I highly recommend wearing boots to be safe.
Check Hours of Operation
With many businesses participating in Tap into Maple being small and family run, some have staggered hours. I highly recommend checking for opening hours before you go and calling ahead, especially if you are planning to visit during the week.
Where to Stay?
For those planning to make a weekend getaway of it, I recommend staying at the Best Western Mariposa Inn in Orillia. It makes for an ideal base for visiting most or all of the Tap into Maple stops.
Best Western Mariposa Inn is a mid-range hotel with affordable rooms. Rooms are spacious and come with microwaves and minifridges, which are perfect for keeping all your Tap into Maple goodies. Plus, some rooms have fireplaces and kitchenettes.
It has an onsite restaurant that offers a buffet hot breakfast as well as dinner. The hotel amenities include an indoor pool, hot tub, and fitness room.
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Tap into Maple in Orillia and Lake Country makes for the perfect spring day trip from Toronto! It’s a great way to get outdoors, learn about maple syrup, and enjoy some tasty food all while supporting local businesses. I love that you can make it a fun road trip with the family or plan a sweet girl’s getaway. One thing is for sure, you’ll come away with a greater appreciation for Ontario farmers and some sweet memories.
Disclaimer: I was a guest of Orillia and Lake Country but as always all opinions expressed are my own.
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