Bronte Creek Maple Syrup Festival
Steam rises from the evaporator as costumed interpreters pour fresh maple taffy onto snow—the sweet smell of sap transforming into syrup fills the crisp March air. At Bronte Creek's annual Maple Syrup Festival, you'll step into the 1890s along Maple Lane, where guides in period dress demonstrate traditional syrup-making techniques from bucket collection to the finished golden product.
Tour the beautifully preserved Spruce Lane Farmhouse (circa 1899), meet heritage farm animals, then hop on a wagon ride to the Pancake House for a stack drizzled with fresh syrup. With easy trails winding through hardwood forest and ravines, this is your chance to welcome spring the way Ontarians have for generations, no car required.
This trip is family friendly! The syrup festival has activities for all ages - the delicious Pancake House, Wagon rides, the interactive Maple Festival Passport - Park Ranger Challenge, Taffy, Tours, farm animals and more, alongside our Parkbus guided hike.
Whats the tentative plan for the day?
We'll spend 9:30-12 enjoying the syrup festival, and then we'll group back up for the guided hike with our Parkbus Staff in the park from 12:15-3:15.
Ticket Prices
Adult - $55
Student/Senior - $50
Children - $27.50
Pickup Locations
34 Asquith Avenue
Pick up at 34 Asquith Ave, just north of the Yonge and Bloor Subway stop. We recommend getting there 15 minutes early to make sure you have enough time for the bus.
Departure Time
8:30 AM
Return Time
4:45 PM
Bronte Creek Provincial Park
Estimated arrival
9:30 AM
Departure
3:30 PM
What's included in this trip?
Your Parkbus ticket includes return transportation from Toronto. Festival admission requires a provincial park vehicle permit, which is included when you travel with us. Food and activities like the pancake breakfast are additional costs on-site.
What happens at the Maple Syrup Festival?
The festival runs from 9:30am to 3:00pm and features guided tours of Maple Lane with costumed 1890s interpreters demonstrating traditional syrup-making, a visit to Spruce Lane Farm with heritage animals, maple taffy and sugar-making demonstrations, a wagon ride to the Pancake House, the historic 1899 Spruce Lane Farmhouse, a family activity centre, and a maple gift shop.
Is this trip good for beginners or people who aren't super outdoorsy?
Absolutely. This is one of our most accessible trips—flat paved trails, indoor activities, and plenty of places to sit and enjoy the atmosphere. You can be as active or relaxed as you like.
What should I wear?
Dress in layers for early spring weather. March temperatures can vary widely, and you'll be moving between indoor and outdoor spaces. Waterproof footwear is a good idea as trails can be muddy during the thaw.
Can I explore trails or is it just the festival?
Both! Bronte Creek has several easy trails perfect for a spring walk—the Trillium Trail (1 km, paved, wheelchair-accessible) starts right behind the farm, and the Ravine Trail offers beautiful valley views. Spring wildflowers are often starting to emerge in March.
What's the ActiveDays experience like?
This is your day to engage however feels right. Join our guide for a group exploration of the festival, or wander at your own pace. ActiveDays is about creating space to connect—with nature, with new people, or simply with a quiet morning and a plate of pancakes.
Can I buy maple syrup to bring home?
Yes! The Maple Gift Shop sells fresh Ontario maple syrup, maple butter, maple candy, and other treats. Stock up—it makes a great souvenir.
Is this trip suitable for kids?
The festival is very family-friendly, with a children's activity centre, farm animals, wagon rides, and the big red Playbarn with indoor climbing and play equipment. Kids love watching the maple taffy demonstrations.
What if the weather is bad?
The festival runs rain or shine. Many activities are indoors or under cover, including the farmhouse tours, Playbarn, and Pancake House. We only cancel trips in cases of severe weather warnings.
