Taste Spring in the Sugar Bush: A Guided Day at Ontario's Original Maple Festival
Steam rises from the sugar shack as sap transforms into liquid gold. Somewhere nearby, bannock crackles over an open fire. This is Sweetwater Harvest Festival at Wye Marsh, a celebration of maple syrup season that's been running since 1991, and it's unlike any other syrup festival you've attended.
Your ticket gets you access to two sites: Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre and historic Sainte-Marie among the Hurons, connected by shuttle or a pleasant ten-minute walk. Wander the sugar bush, watch the sap boil down, and explore 3,000 acres of wetlands just waking from winter. Between the Indigenous storytelling, the birds of prey, and the floating boardwalks over the marsh, this is a day that tastes like spring and feels like discovery.
Pickup Locations
Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre
Estimated arrival
10:30 AM
Departure
4:00 PM
What exactly is the Sweetwater Harvest Festival?
Sweetwater has been celebrating maple syrup season at Wye Marsh since 1991. One ticket gets you into two sites: Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre (the birthplace of the festival) and Sainte-Marie among the Hurons, a historic site just a short walk or shuttle ride away. It's part maple syrup education, part cultural celebration, part nature experience—and entirely worth the trip.
What happens at each site?
At Wye Marsh, you'll wander through the sugar bush, visit the sugar shack to see sap become syrup, roast bannock over an open fire, listen to Indigenous storytellers, and explore the trails and boardwalks. The birds of prey are also on display. At Sainte-Marie among the Hurons, there's an arts and crafts market, historical activities like making clay pots and corn husk dolls, tastings in the cookhouse, and the option to grab a pancake breakfast with real maple syrup at the on-site restaurant.
How difficult is the hiking portion?
Very accessible. The trails at Wye Marsh are mostly flat with extensive boardwalks over the wetlands. Your ActiveDays guide will lead you through the sugar bush and marsh at an easy pace with plenty of stops. This is a day for exploring and tasting, not racing through trails.
What should I wear and bring?
Dress in layers—March weather can be unpredictable. Wear sturdy, comfortable footwear that can handle potentially muddy trails. Bring some cash for the arts market, maple syrup purchases, and optional pancake breakfast. The festival runs rain or shine, so check the forecast and come prepared.
Do I have to stay with the group the whole time?
Not at all. ActiveDays trips are designed to be flexible. Your guide will lead you through key highlights, but you're welcome to explore both sites at your own pace, linger at the sugar shack, or spend extra time at the craft market. Meet up with the group when it suits you.
Is this trip good for solo travellers?
Absolutely. ActiveDays trips attract people who want to get outside and connect—whether that's with nature, new experiences, or fellow travellers. Many participants come solo and spend the day sharing bannock and swapping stories with people they just met.
What's included with the trip?
Your Parkbus ticket includes round-trip transportation from Toronto and admission to the Sweetwater Harvest Festival, which covers both Wye Marsh and Sainte-Marie among the Hurons. Your guide will help you navigate the day and make the most of both sites. Food purchases (like the pancake breakfast or maple syrup to take home) are on your own.
How long is the bus ride?
Wye Marsh is located near Midland, approximately 1.5 to 2 hours north of Toronto depending on traffic. Sit back, let someone else navigate, and arrive ready for a full day of exploration.
When does the festival run?
Sweetwater Harvest Festival takes place March 22 & 23, 2025, from 9 am to 5 pm. The Parkbus trip is timed to give you a full day at the festival.
