Our friends at a local farm have more exciting and interesting activities to share with us, and this spring, it's all about tapping maple trees—what is commonly known in Canada as a Sugar Shack! We’ll kick off the day by exploring the beautiful Limehouse Conservation Area, an easy 8 km hike that’s truly a hidden gem. The "hole-in-the-wall" allows you to walk through a maze of stones, while the kiln and mill ruins offer a peek into the past, nestled by a serene river with wooden bridges crossing the streams.
After stretching our legs, we'll head to the nearby farm and cidery, where the sugarbush and sugar shack are the main attractions at this time of year. Maple sap marks the first harvest of the season on this small family farm. The farmer-owners have been sharing the magic of maple syrup season with friends and family for decades. Their small-scale maple syrup operation blends modern sap collection techniques with the charm of a wood-fired, open-air sugar shack, along with the personal stories shared by the maple syrup team.
In keeping with their "up close and personal" approach to sharing their farm experiences, they offer a unique, intimate small-group immersion called "Secrets of the Sugarbush." This experience dives into the art and science of sap collection and maple syrup-making. While we can’t guarantee that the sap will be running during your visit, the sugar shack will be in full swing, and we’re excited to bring you behind the scenes to experience all aspects of the operation. Revel in the tradition of turning this gift from the trees into the sweet taste of spring.
Join the farmer-owners for a guided sugarbush walking tour, where they’ll share their hands-on knowledge of the entire fascinating process of tapping, collecting, and processing maple syrup. Gather around the wood-fired evaporator in the open-air sugar shack to learn all about the art and science behind it. Taste the progression of sap to syrup directly from the evaporator and enjoy a mug of “sweet maple tea.” You’ll also have the chance to explore, relax, and “forest bathe” among the maples.
Before heading home, you can visit the farm store to sample and purchase artisanal ciders, including those made with a touch of maple syrup, crafted right on the farm in their cidery.
Our friends at Heartwood Farms have more interesting activities to show us, and this spring, it's how to tap maple trees—what is commonly known in Canada as a Sugar Shack! We will start the day exploring the beautiful Limehouse Conservation Area, an easy 8 km hike that is truly a hidden gem! The "hole-in-the-wall" will let people walk around the maze of stones. The kiln and mill ruins offer a peek into the past, near a serene river with wooden bridges crossing the streams.
After we have stretched our legs, we'll head to Heartwood Farm and Cidery.
Located right beside their home and cidery, the sugarbush and sugar shack are definitely the centre of attention at this time of year! Maple sap marks the first harvest of the year on thesmall family farm. Val and Brent, farmer-owners of Heartwood Farm & Cidery, have been sharing the magic of maple syrup season with friends and family for decades. Heartwood’s small-scale maple syrup operation combines modern techniques of sap collection and processing with the charm of a small, wood-fired, open-air sugar-shack, and the homespun delights of personal stories shared by the maple syrup team.
In keeping with Heartwood's unique "up close and personal" approach to sharing their farm experiences, they offer Secrets of the Sugarbush, an intimate, small-group immersion into the art and science of sap collection and maple syrup-making. We can't guarantee that the sap will be running when you visit, but the sugar shack will be in full swing, and we look forward to bringing you behind the scenes to experience all aspects of our operation. Come to Heartwood to revel in the tradition of transforming this gift from the trees into a sweet taste of spring.
10:20 - Van leaves from pickup near Keele Station
11:30 - Meet self-drivers and begin hike at Limehouse Conservation (eating packed lunch en route)
15:00 - End hike and drive to Heartwood Farm & Cidery
15:30 - 18:30 - Farm visit
20:00 - Anticipated return to Toronto
Carbon Offsetting
Wilderness Union offsets the estimated carbon emissions of every trip by investing in a global portfolio of verified carbon reduction projects.
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Cancellations made:
More than 10 days before the event: Will receive a full refund minus a 5% admin fee.
7–10 days before the event: 50% refund.
Less than 7 days before the event: No refunds.
Weather or emergency cancellations: If an event is canceled due to severe weather or other uncontrollable factors, members can receive a full credit to their account.
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Will this event still run if it snows?
Yes, we will be running this event if it snows and is safe to do so.
Am I allowed to bring my dog?
Yes, as long as they are leashed and traveling in a private vehicle. Please note they won't be able to come to the farm.
