Maple Season Fun For The Whole Family: Sugar Bushes in Middlesex County
If you have ever wondered what a sugar bush actually is, here is the answer. A sugar bush is a forest of maple trees that are tapped to collect sap, which is then boiled down into pure, golden maple syrup. In Middlesex County, sugar bushes are more than production sites. They are seasonal destinations filled with warm food, fresh air, and long-standing traditions.
From late February through early April, the magic happens thanks to a classic Canadian weather pattern. Freezing nights followed by milder daytime temperatures allow sap to flow and signal the start of maple syrup season. It is the perfect time to bundle up, head outdoors, and enjoy one of Middlesex County’s most cherished winter experiences.
Here is where you can experience sugar bush season in 2026:
Kinsmen Fanshawe Sugar Bush
Located just east of London, the Kinsmen Fanshawe Sugar Bush is a long-time local favourite that blends history, education, and plenty of maple syrup. Open seasonally, this sugar bush invites visitors to learn how maple syrup has been produced over generations, using both traditional and modern methods.
Guests can enjoy a horse-drawn wagon ride through the woodland, take part in guided tours that explain the syrup-making process from sap to syrup, and finish their visit with the famous pancake breakfast topped with freshly made maple syrup.
Hours and experiences can vary throughout the season, so visitors are encouraged to check ahead, especially around Family Day and March Break. Learn more about their hours and tour offerings from their Kinsmen Fanshawe Sugar Bush Website.
Fort Rose Maple Company
A staple of maple season in Parkhill, Fort Rose Maple Company offers a classic sugar bush experience with a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere. Guided tours provide a closer look at maple syrup production, from tree tapping to bottling.
Wagon rides through the sugar bush add rustic charm, while the on-site pancake house is the perfect place to warm up. Guests can enjoy hearty breakfasts served with a generous helping of their maple syrup.
Be sure to check their website for hours of operation and special programming during Family Day and March Break. Plan your visit using their Fort Rose Maple Company Website.
McLachlan Family Maple Syrup
Located in Komoka, McLachlan Family Maple Syrup combines generations of maple syrup expertise with a passion for sharing the craft. Their self-guided tours offer a behind-the-scenes look at how syrup is made, complete with interactive demonstrations and storytelling.
Visitors can also hop on a wagon for a scenic ride through the sugar bush and enjoy a homemade pancake breakfast featuring the farm’s signature maple syrup.
Seasonal hours may vary, particularly during Family Day and March Break, so checking ahead before visiting is recommended. Discover more on their McLachlan Family Maple Syrup Website.
Maple Syrup Beyond the Sugar Bush
While some maple syrup producers focus on tours and hands-on experiences, Middlesex County is also home to incredible maple syrup makers whose products can be enjoyed year-round. If you are looking to bring a taste of maple season home with you, keep an eye out for locally made maple syrup products from Rolling Ridge Maple Syrup and Lumsden Farms.
Although these producers do not offer public sugar bush tours, their maple syrup reflects the same care, craftsmanship, and dedication to quality that define maple season in the county. From classic pure maple syrup to delicious maple-inspired treats, their products are perfect to enjoy all year round.
Plan Your Visit
Whether you are a maple syrup enthusiast or simply looking for a cozy winter outing, sugar bush season in Middlesex County is a perfect way to embrace the season. From the aroma of sap boiling to the taste of warm pancakes drizzled with syrup, these experiences offer a sweet escape into nature, tradition, and community.
Before heading out, remember to check hours of operation and special schedules for Family Day and March Break, then get ready to enjoy the sweetest time of year in Middlesex County.