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 There will be lots of maple treats to sample as festivals around Ontario celebrate the sweet treat. (Supplied by Ontario Tourism) |
PACK THE SCHOOL HOLIDAY WITH FAMILY FUN - Any plans yet for March Break? How about skiing, tube sliding, special museum events, or one of the many maple syrup festivals in Ontario? Whether you stay close to home or venture further afield there’s lots to do. Here’s a sample:
Maple fun and more
One of Ontario’s most popular maple syrup festivals is on now through April
11 at two locations north of Toronto: The Kortright Centre for Conservation in Vaughan and Bruce’s Mill Conservation Area in Stouffville.
Both locations have food and drinks, lots of entertainment, maple syrup demonstrations, syrup sampling, horse-drawn wagon rides, and hour-long maple syrup guided walks.
Throughout the day, visitors at Kortright are entertained by a birds of prey demonstration, an Earth Rangers Animal Show, face painting, nature stories and - new this year - strolling unicycle and juggling performances.
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Bruce’s Mill has presentations and live animal displays from the Muskoka Wildlife Centre, and performances from Robert Davis Children’s Music Show, the Doug Barr Children’s Show, a balloon artist, pony rides and a petting zoo.
Kortright is open daily 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bruce’s Mill is daily during the March Break from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $8 for adults, $6 for kids and seniors. For more, check maplesyrupfest.com.
- In Rockton, meanwhile, you can enjoy the maple syrup harvest along with a rural 1860’s village experience. The Sweet Taste of Spring event at the Westfield Heritage Village takes place on the next three Sundays (March 14, 21, 28) as well as March 17-18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Visitors can meet early Canadian settlers as they encounter the legends and techniques involved in maple syrup production; learn how Canada’s First Nations’ made syrup and sugar using a hollowed-out log and hot rocks; watch 19th-century pioneers as they use the three cauldron method of preparing syrup and compare these activities to the modern methods used today.
There are also tours of historical homes and shops, old-fashioned horse and wagon rides, and, of course, pancakes with maple syrup. See westfieldheritage.ca/maple.
Mad Science and more
There is no shortage of March Break activities at the London Regional Children’s Museum. Every day will feature new performances, crafts and activities including cookie decorating, face painting, balloon animals and “smart art.” Add to that, different special events each day. For example, on March 15, there’s an origami workshop led by paper artist John Reid, followed in the afternoon by Latin and traditional Indian dance performances. On March 16 and March 19, kids can get close to a real working fire truck and meet firefighters. St. Patrick’s Day (March 17) will feature Celtic dancers, and a ventriloquist show. On March 18, guests from Mad Science will wow the crowd with a “super science show,” followed by a traditional Maori performance.
For more, visit londonchildrensmuseum.ca.
Discounts on Ontario attractions
Take advantage of free discount coupons to more than 30 of Ontario’s top attractions this March break and beyond. These include 20% off Gray Line Toronto’s hop-on hop-off city tour and 10% off Niagara Falls day and evening tours; two for one admission to the Waterloo Children’s Museum; 20% off at the Ontario Science Centre; and $10 off admission to the Fallsview Indoor Waterpark.
The Attractions Ontario Winter Passport is available at hotels and tourist information centres or go online to print the coupons at attractionsontario.ca. For details, check the website or call 416-868-4386 ext 221.