• Work With Us
  • FranΓ§ais
  • COVID-19
  • Events
  • Blog
  • FAQs
  • Search

Visit The County

Prince Edward County

  • About
  • Explore
  • Do
  • Taste
  • Stay
  • Plan
  • Experience
  • Covid-19
  • Events
  • Blog
  • FAQs
  • Homepage
  • /
  • Do
  • /
  • Go Mad for Maple in The County this March 🍁πŸ₯ž
Back to Blog

Go Mad for Maple in The County this March 🍁πŸ₯ž

There is nothing sweeter than the first sign of spring, especially when that sign is sweet maple sap flowing through the trees. Here in The County, sugarbushes are already hard at work tapping maple trees and getting ready for their annual harvest.

Maple season celebrations have been impacted by COVID-19 for the last two years, and it’s no different in 2022. The annual Maple in The County festival is on hold for another year, but there are plenty of other ways to enjoy the region’s maple syrup this year. Read on to put together a maple tour and get your fix this spring.

Maple taffy on snow. Image by Terry Culbert.

Stop by a Sugarbush

While the Maple in the County festival is not going forward this year, the sap is still flowing at the affiliated sugarbushes. If you’re looking to pick up some syrup from the source, Sweetwater Cabin/Hubbs Sugarbush, Fosterholm Farms, Vader’s Maple Syrup, Nyman Farms, Loha Farms,Β Roblin’s Maple Syrup and Justin’s Maple Syrup are open throughout the season for sales of quality maple products.

🍁

Attend a Maple Madness Event

Maple Madness is a new event series in The County which takes place every weekend throughout March, with different events and specials throughout the area to bring you a taste of maple. In addition to maple syrup producers, craft beverage producers, restaurants, and other County businesses are getting in on the fun. Here’s just some of what you can experience this month:

Waupoos Estates Winery & Restaurant

Head down to Waupoos to enjoy a maple-inspired two-course pre-fixe menu experience for $35pp. These dishes are created by Executive Chef Scott McInerney and are driven by Waupoos Restaurant’s their farm to table philosophy. Don’t forget to check out their Maple-themed drink specials while you’re there. Waupoos Estates is open 10am – 3pm each weekend throughout March. While you’re there be sure to stop across the street at Clafeld Cidery & Market to purchase maple products from the property.

One of the maple-inspired dishes you could try at Waupoos Estates Restaurant during Maple Madness. Image by @waupoosestateswinery on Instagram.

Three Dog Winery and Moonlight Kitchen

Head to Three Dog Winery to celebrate the first harvest of the season with maple waffles and traditional French Canadian maple baked goods from Moonlight Kitchen alongside sugar shack experiences and bonfires. All of that Fun for the whole family!

County Shores

Over at County Shores there’s plenty of maple-y fun to be had. Enjoy their grounds on the beautiful Bay of Quinte while playing maple trivia and enjoying a maple-inspired menu filled with delights like Maple Pulled Pork, Maple Butter and fresh Maple Cinnamon Rolls. You’ll also have a chance to learn about the maple syrup harvesting process, watching as sap turns to maple syrup in their wood-fired evaporator. On every weekend throughout March.

The maple harvest begins at County Shores. Image by @countyshores on Instagram.

Walt’s Sugar Shack

Walts Sugar Shack is open every weekend from February 19th-March 28th from 10:00am-4:00pm, and will be serving up a pancake and sausage breakfasts to showcase the best of their maple syrup harvest (some weekends will feature other menu items – check their Facebook page for updates). The store will be open for you to purchase, baked goods, beef, pork and of course Maple featured products! Free coffee will also be available.

Kinsip House of Fine Spirits

Head just north of Bloomfield to Kinsip for a maple-y outing where you can enjoy warm maple syrup cocktails made from their famous maple whisky and whisky barrel-aged maple syrup. Be sure to follow their Facebook and Instagram for more details.

The Waring House

Enjoy the iconic taste of maple at The Waring House with their Maple Cream Tea feature, plus a variety of Maple themed items on their weekend menu. Be sure to follow them on Facebook for up to date hours and menu details.

Related: 10 Fun Facts About Maple Syrup

Koopmans Maple Mountain

Get your hands on locally produced golden maple syrup at Koopmans Maple Mountain. This maple syrup is featured beautifully in maple candy, sugar and maple butter, which you can purchase alongside their maple syrups products while supplies last throughout March. While you’re there, be sure not to miss candles from The Sugar Shack Candle Co., which includes scents such as Maple Pancakes as part of their collection.Β  Note, Koopmans will not be open the first weekend in March, but will be open every other weekend.

Drake Devonshire & Motor Inn

The Drake is getting in on the fun with some maple-themed additions to their famous brunch menu. Plus, if you book a two night stay at the Drake Motor Inn this March they’ll include maple-inspired brunch for four.

The County Cider Company

County Cider is opening again after a long winter, just in time for maple season! They are celebrating with a maple-y food speicial of maple apple meatballs and maple apple hand pies for dessert. But you can’t go to County Cider without trying some of their cider! Luckily they have some cider perfect for the occasion: choose from Maple Bourbon Cider and Coffee Maple Cider in pints, or go the non-alcoholic route with mulled cider.

Prince Eddy’s Brewing Company

Make maple syrup season even more rad with a visit to Prince Eddy’s Brewing Company. They’ll be serving up a twist on their popular C.R.E.A.M Ale, this time made with dark maple syrup from Walt’s Sugar Shack. They’ll also be selling a limited number of 50ml maple syrup bottles in collaboration with Walt’s. Plus, enjoy a maple-filled pop-up from The County Canteen consisting of steamed bao buns three ways: Maple Five Spice Pork Belly with Maple Hoisin and Kimchi, Maple Soy Glazed Salmon with Maple Tonkatsu Sauce, Pickled Daikon and Carrot, and Crispy Tofu with Maple Gochujang Sauce, Garlic and Ginger Mayo, Cucumber, and Kimchi. Are you drooling yet?

In addition to Prince Eddy’s, three other breweries are celebrating maple throughout March. Barley Days, Midtown Brewing and Matron Fine Beer all have maple-y plans up the sleeves of their plaid flannel shirts, so be sure to follow them on Instagram for updates about their Maple Madness plans.

This is not maple bao, but it is bao from The County Canteen. Can you imagine the deliciousness of this bao + maple syrup? Yeah, we’re drooling too. Image by @thecountycanteen on Instagram.

The County Canteen

Speaking of The County Canteen, they’ll also be cooking up a maple feast as their Picton Main Street restaurant throughout March. On the menu is Pork Belly with Maple Cotton Candy, a Waffled Ham and Cheese Melt with Maple Butter, and a Maple Old Fashioned. Dining at The County Canteen is first come, first served, so head there early to guarantee a table.

Sugarbush Vineyards

One of the things we love most about maple season is getting outside in the early spring weather, and a great place to do that is at Sugarbush Vineyards. Go for a hike on their 2km Walking Trail that loops through the Sugarbush and Vinyard, which is open from 11:00am-4:00pm (dogs welcome). Play maple trivia as you hike, be on the lookout for fairy doors and beware of bigfoot lurking back there! After you’re done, head back to the winery for complimentary hot chocolate and a maple cookie! But if it’s wine you’re craving, wine will be available to taste, enjoy by the glass, or to purchase to take home. Be sure to wear good bootsΒ  as it could be muddy or snowy. They will be collected cash donations or non-perishable food items for the Wellington Food bank.

Lacey Estates Winery

Head to Lacey Estates Winery on Closson Road for 100% estate grown, small batch wines and while you’re there enjoy a perfect pairing of smoked sausage appetizers with maple cheddar and maple chevre.

Fifth Town Artisan Cheese

Want even more maple cheese in your life. Down in Waupoos you’ll find Fifth Town Artisan Cheese where you can sample and purchase a selection of cheeses infused with the sweet nectar. Let maple chevre, maple bourbon capreggio goat taleggio, and maple chestnut rum cressy blue cheese grace your cheese boards this March.

7 Numbers Picton

For an Italian twist on Maple, head to 7 Numbers Picton. All month they’ll be serving up maple specials like maple-brined pork belly and maple creme brulee.

Norman Hardie Winery

Join Norman Hardie Winery and Vineyard for some fine wine alongside home-smoked maple-smoked trout on their lunch menu and enjoy it all from their heated enclosures. While you’re there be sure to pick up some local maple syrup from their retail stores.

Rosehall Run

Rosehall Run is getting in on the maple fun with featured maple products for sale — Nyman Farms Pure Maple Syrup & Kinsip Whisky Barrel Aged Maple Syrup — alongside featured products for sampling and wine pairing, such as Maple Cheddar Cheese Biscuits with Pink Peppercorns.

Huff Estates Winery

Huff Estates is going all out this year with a complementary menu of maple munchies. Don’t miss such craveable snacks as “ultimate” maple bacon french toast, maple buttermilk pudding cake, maple chili, and maple blondie bars.

Hello Bonjour

Local cafe Hello Bonjour is the perfect hangout spot for Maple Madness. Open Saturdays & Sundays 8:00am-1:00pm for this event, this is a spot you want to check off your list! They’ll be serving up organic & gluten free blueberry pancakes (serve with maple syrup, of course!), maple pecan butter tarts, and extra large vegan maple “bacon” cinnamon rolls.

Sap boiling down on a gas stove. Photo by Terry Culbert.

Sandbanks Estate Winery

You won’t want to miss maple season at Sandbanks Estate Winery. With maple s’mores, maple hot chocolate, and maple-inspired menu features each week, you’ll find something for everyone here.

Indergaard Farm

At Indergaard FarmΒ you’ll find Walt’s Maple Syrup in their farm stand alongisde their farm fresh free range eggs. They’ll also be serving up free popcorn flavoured with Walt’s Maple Syrup. If that hasn’t already made this a must-visit stop, you’ll be excited to know that you can also visit with their alpacas and chickens!

Lakeside Motel

The Lakeside Motel is also getting in on the maple fun. On Fridays from 4-8PM, Saturdays from 9-11AM and 4-8pm, and Sundays from 9AM – 2PM throughout March, you can head to this enjoy maple in delicious style. Think Maple themed charcuterie boards, Waffles served with Kinsip Whiskey Barrel Aged Maple Syrup (or Walt’s Sugar Shack syrup if you prefer), Maple bacon, granny smith and gorgonzola pizza, as well as Maple themed caesars and cocktails. They’ll also have local artist Trevor Norris playing live music on Saturday March 12th from 5:30 – 8pm with campfires to get cozy by, as well as a heated enclosure.

Gillingham Brewery

Head to Gillingham Brewery to experience their CG County Maple Ale. An annually celebrated Canadian Spring treat fused into a delightful medium-bodied brew. A combination of honey, brown and caramel malts brewed with 100% Canadian maple syrup from LOHA Farms here in Prince Edward County. Expect aromas of soft whiskey notes which elude aged oak barrels. A smooth silky palate that finishes with a gentle hop bitterness that’s precisely balanced and lingers warming maple syrup. The perfect Canadian Spring Ale!

Karlos Estates

Karlo Estates is offering gluten-free buckwheat pancake medallions topped with Melt vegan β€œbutter” paired to their 2020 Bubble, Sausage Party Toronto Seitan Salami paired with their 2020 Ontario Chardonnay, and maple-candied pecans with Fleur de Sel paired to their 2018 VanAlstine White. All of these delights will be available for purchase Saturdays and Sundays at the winery.

Also get tickets to their β€œDinner and a Show” tasting series by clicking the link in our bio or on our website. All March β€œDinner and a Show” Tastings will not only feature a local musician and a one plate meal paired to three wines, and a delectable maple treat will be offered to finish the meal. Check out all “Dinner and a Show” events on our events page.

🍁

Cook Up a Maple-y Recipe

Grab your bottle of County-made maple syrup and cook up one of these recipes we’ve previously shared here on the blog:

Smokin Rednex County Maple Dressing

Ingredients
2 cups vinegar of your choice, such as apple cider|
1 cup County maple syrup
4 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon each salt and pepper

Instructions
Mix and drizzle at will.

County Cider Company‘s Honeycrisp Cocktail

2 oz Rye Whiskey
1 tbsp Maple Syrup
1/2 oz Orange Juice
a twist of Orange Peel
3 dashes of bitters
4oz of County Apple Cider

In a tall glass (or awesome cocktail mug) stir together the whiskey, maple syrup, and orange juice. Add the bitters and orange peel, then top off with the cider.

Flame & Smith‘s Ember Roasted Squash with Maple Syrup, Whiskey, Candied Pecans, and Torched Herbs

This recipe is a little more involved, so we’ve have a downloadable recipe card for you!

Download Flame + Smith’s Ember Roasted Squash Recipe

🍁

See something missing or need something updated? Send us an email atΒ tourism@pecounty.on.ca.

Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Linkedin

#PrinceEdwardCounty

visitthecounty

Visit The County is the DMMO for #PrinceEdwardCounty, a rural community bursting with creative talent & natural stunners.

Prince Edward County β„οΈπŸ·πŸ½οΈπŸ
❄️ A Winter Bucket List for PEC ❄️⁠ ⁠ ❄️ A Winter Bucket List for PEC ❄️⁠
⁠
We're going to let you in on one of our best-kept secrets: winter in Prince Edward County. Sure, it's colder and quieter, but for us those are just added benefits that make for some unforgettable experiences. For the uninitiated that may need some convincing, so head to our blog to discover our complete bucket list for an incredible winter experience in The County.⁠
⁠
Link in bio πŸ‘†οΈβ 
⁠
Note: this bucket list might not be accomplished in a single weekend getaway, but maybe that calls for making a PEC winter getaway a tradition. Or better yet, book a longer stay to enjoy a whole week of winter fun in The County. Discover unique and luxurious accommodations on our website at visitthecounty.com/stay⁠
⁠
⁠
⁠
πŸ₯Ύ Hit the Trails πŸ₯Ύβ  ⁠ There's nothing li πŸ₯Ύ Hit the Trails πŸ₯Ύβ 
⁠
There's nothing like a walk in the forest after a snowfall. Luckily, Prince Edward County has lots of options to get you breathing that winter air between brunch, wine tasting, and your next indulgent County meal. ⁠
⁠
πŸ¦‰ Macaulay Mountain Conservation area is a great stop for a walk after spending the morning in Picton. With access from Macaulay Heritage Park, this @quinteconservation area has a large trail network that allows for you to customize your routes. Be sure to download a map from the Quinte Conservation website  and wear appropriate footwear as the path can be wet in places in mild weather, though with a fresh cover of snow it's a dream! If you're looking for an easier stroll or if you just want to take a look at one of The County's loveliest community arts projects, be sure to check out @birdhouse_citypec.⁠
⁠
🌲 Sandbanks Provincial Parks really shows off in winter with six trails to choose from of varying lengths and difficulty. From snow on the beach on Dunes Trail to quiet, riverside moments on Cedar Sands, you're bound to stumble upon countless magical "are we in Narnia?" moments for your memory bank. Head to the Ontario Parks website to learn more about accessing @sandbankspp in Winter, and don't forget these crucial safety tips: ⁠
⁠
1. Stay off the lake. Shore ice can be very precarious and it's not worth the risk. ⁠
2. Start your walk with plenty of time before dark to help ensure you get back to your car safely. ⁠
3. Dress appropriately. Winter boots. Layers. Gloves and hats. This is no place for sneakers! ⁠
⁠
❄️ The Millennium Trail runs the length of The County and is just as much a major artery through the area in winter as it is in the warmer months. Cross country skiing, fat biking, walking, and snowmobiling are just a few ways you can enjoy this public linear park. ⁠
⁠
Image Description: Yellow and green arrows mark a trail in Sandbanks Provincial Park during winter. The path ahead is covered in snow and lined with snow-frosted pine trees. ⁠
⁠
#PrinceEdwardCounty #PEC #CountyUp #DiscoverON #VisitTheCounty #SouthEasternOntario #TheCounty #BayOfQuinte #DiscoverOntario #Picton #SandbanksPP #VisitPEC #WinterinPEC
🍳 Brunch Season 🍳⁠ ⁠ When you have a day 🍳 Brunch Season 🍳⁠
⁠
When you have a day of wintery outdoor adventures planned, there's no better way to start your day than with hearty brunch. Luckily, winter in Prince Edward County is brunch season, with many spots offering seasonal brunch menus in addition to our already popular brunch offerings. Here are some delicious brunch experiences you will want to have this winter: ⁠
⁠
πŸ₯“ @creekside_cafe_pec won our hearts with their stunning brunch menu when they opened last summer, and the good news is that they're still at it this winter, and with new menu items to boot. Brunch starts up again this Saturday, so don't miss it! ⁠
⁠
πŸ›οΈ Come for the weekend and stay for the brunch starting January 15 at @jacksonsfallscountryinn. Not staying at the inn? That's okay - you're invited too! Just be sure to make a reservation in advance. ⁠
⁠
🍾 Head to @karloestates for their bubble brunch every Sunday - all-you-can-eat vegan pancakes, handcrafted sparkling wine, and a cozy barn setting - what more could you want?⁠
⁠
🍺 Run to @parsonsbrewing to experience their seasonal brunch menu before enjoying a wintery pint by the fire and a skate on their outdoor rink (weather permitting). ⁠
⁠
🍳 Check out the new breakfast menu at @thecountycanteen featuring deliciousness such as an epic breakfast burrito and an indulgent breakfast poutine. ⁠
⁠
πŸ₯ž They're available all year round, but we'd be remiss not to mention the decadent brunches at @drakedevonshire, @theroyalhotelpicton, and @pictonharbourinn. ⁠
⁠
πŸ“… Visiting in February? Don't miss brunch @stellaseatery and @bermudapec to help lift you out of your deep winter blues. ⁠
⁠
Image description: Patrons enjoying brunch at Creekside Cafe. ⁠
⁠
#PrinceEdwardCounty #PEC #CountyUp #DiscoverON #VisitTheCounty #SouthEasternOntario #TheCounty #BayOfQuinte #DiscoverOntario #Picton #SandbanksPP #VisitPEC
✨ 2023 ✨⁠ ⁠ Gliding into the new year like ✨ 2023 ✨⁠
⁠
Gliding into the new year like... ⁠
⁠
With the holidays behind us we're looking forward to a winter filled with outdoor adventures, delicious culinary experiences, and cozy moments inside stunning accommodations. ⁠
⁠
Have you booked your winter getaway to Prince Edward County yet? Head to visitthecounty.com today to start planning. ⁠
⁠
⁠
#PrinceEdwardCounty #PEC #CountyUp #DiscoverON #VisitTheCounty #SouthEasternOntario #TheCounty #BayOfQuinte #DiscoverOntario #Picton #SandbanksPP #VisitPEC
⁠❄ PEC Winter Bucket List ❄⁠ ⁠ #3 Gettin ⁠❄ PEC Winter Bucket List ❄⁠
⁠
#3 Getting Cozy on an Outdoor Patio⁠
⁠
Sure, it's great snuggling up indoors next to a fire, but there's something equally as great about embracing the chill, bundling up and enjoying some locally-crafted beverages by the fire pit. Whether @gillinghambrewing or many of Prince Edward County's wineries, breweries and cideries, this is an essential part of the winter experience in The County. Bonus: it's family and pup-friendly, with space for kids to enjoy the snow and the ability for pups to join you on your County outings. ⁠
⁠
Have you booked your winter getaway to PEC yet? Start your planning at visitthecounty.com today!⁠
⁠
Image description: A couple smiles as they cheers with another couple @gillinghambrewing on their patio in wintertime. ⁠
⁠
#PrinceEdwardCounty #PEC #CountyUp #DiscoverON #VisitTheCounty #SouthEasternOntario #TheCounty #BayOfQuinte #DiscoverOntario #Picton #SandbanksPP #VisitPEC #WinterinPEC #WinterTravel
🌟 All is Bright 🌟⁠ ⁠ Happy Holidays from 🌟 All is Bright 🌟⁠
⁠
Happy Holidays from Prince Edward County! We hope you and yours are staying safe and enjoying a beautiful time together while sipping on PEC wine, noshing on locally-produced goods, and opening County-made gifts. ⁠
⁠
As for us? We're reflecting on another year of beautiful memories made in The County, and looking forward making more in 2023. We hope you'll join us! ⁠
⁠
What PEC adventures do you have planned for next year? Let us know in the comments! ⁠
⁠
⁠
#PrinceEdwardCounty #PEC #CountyUp #DiscoverON #VisitTheCounty #SouthEasternOntario #TheCounty #BayOfQuinte #DiscoverOntario #Picton #VisitPEC
⭐ Holiday Hours ⭐⁠ ⁠ Spending the holidays ⭐ Holiday Hours ⭐⁠
⁠
Spending the holidays in PEC? Wondering what's open and closed over the holiday period? Be sure to check out our Instagram story highlight for an ever-growing round-up of 2022 holiday hours from Prince Edward County shops, wineries, breweries, restaurants, and more. ⁠
⁠
Don't see a business mentioned in our highlight? That's great! It's very likely they are open and running as normal. But it's always best to reach out before making the trip to be sure - follow them here on Instagram, check out their hours on their website, or give them a quick call to confirm. ⁠
⁠
🌨️ Please note these hours are subject to change, especially with the expected inclement weather, so be sure to stay tuned in if you're thinking of going out, and adjust plans if necessary. Stay safe out there! ⁠
⁠
Image by OneLook for Visit The County⁠
Image description: An arial shot of a frozen Picton Harbour in Prince Edward County under a blanket of fresh snow with blue sky on the horizon. ⁠
⁠
#PrinceEdwardCounty #PEC #CountyUp #DiscoverON #VisitTheCounty #SouthEasternOntario #TheCounty #BayOfQuinte #DiscoverOntario #Picton #SandbanksPP #VisitPEC
❄ PEC Winter Bucket List ❄⁠ ⁠ #2 Skating a ❄ PEC Winter Bucket List ❄⁠
⁠
#2 Skating at Parsons⁠
⁠
One of the great things about Prince Edward County in wintertime is that there is plenty of fun to be had for the whole family, and one of these hubs for winter family fun is @parsonsbrewing, where kiddos and kiddos at heart can take to the covered rink, sip hot chocolate and make s'mores by the fire. Stick around for their delicious food menu (or come early for Sunday brunch!) and of course their extensive list of handcrafted beers. ⁠
⁠
To have this winter experience, be sure to follow @parsonsbrewing for updates about the opening of their winter rink. This experience is of course subject to the weather! We're 🀞 for colder temps so we can enjoy the rink for as long as possible! ⁠
⁠
Have you booked your winter getaway to PEC yet? Start your planning at visitthecounty.com today!⁠
⁠
Image description: A boy skates on the rink on a chilly January day at Parsons, his parents looking on. ⁠
⁠
#PrinceEdwardCounty #PEC #CountyUp #DiscoverON #VisitTheCounty #SouthEasternOntario #TheCounty #BayOfQuinte #DiscoverOntario #Picton #SandbanksPP #VisitPEC #WinterinPEC #WinterTravel
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Visit The County

  • About
  • Explore The County
  • Do
  • Taste
  • Stay
  • Plan
  • Blog
  • Board of Directors
  • FranΓ§ais
  • Region

Connect



@VisitTheCounty

#PrinceEdwardCounty
Travel Media
Contact UsSubmit Your Tourism Business

Subscribe to Visit The County's Newsletters

* indicates required
                    
                    
                    
Which newsletter would you like to subscribe to?
      
            
            
      

Copyright Visit The County. All rights reserved. Web design/development byΒ 1dea Design + Media Inc, content curated byΒ Visit The CountyΒ staff, who gratefully acknowledge the support ofΒ RTO9: South Eastern Ontario.

Copyright © 2023 Β· Outreach Pro on Genesis Framework Β· WordPress Β· Log in