March 2022

Best March & April Maple Syrup Getaways

Celebrate Spring in Ontario With a Sweet Maple Road Trip

Sticky hands up if you want a whole weekend of maple in Ontario. It’s time to plan your sweet spring escape Ontario staycation, one dripping in maple syrup.

March and April in Ontario are filled with maple syrup production excitement. The sap has started to run and spring is around the corner.

JW MARRIOTT THE ROSSEAU MUSKOKA, Minett Ontario

Maple-inspired Resort Experiences at The Rosseau – 2023 Dates and Offers TBA

From feisty beverages and hearty meals to decadent desserts and relaxing spa treatments, JW is infusing the goodness of maple into everything.

Maple-inspired Food & Beverage Offerings

Maple Hot Bevvies at Country Market

Maple Dolce

The Decadent Maple Dolce – Maple syrup, cocoa powder, brewed coffee and steamed milk topped with maple flakes.

Maple Chai Latte – Maple syrup, maple extract, spiced chai tea, steamed milk topped with a cinnamon maple leaf design.

Maple Chai Latte

Lakes Bar and Lounge

Maple Salad – Medley of greens / granny smith apples / feta cheese crispy bacon / sun-dried cranberries crunchy pumpkin seeds / maple vinaigrette.

Smokey Maple Muskoka Caesar – Jalapeño infused vodka, sriracha, Worcestershire, Walter Craft smoky maple mix, garnished with maple bacon, pepper, olive and pickled bean.

Maple Sriracha Glazed Chicken Wings – with harissa dip.

Maple Sriracha Wings

Maple and Caramel Crème Brûlée – with almond biscotti.

Maple Caramel Creme Brulee

HydroSpa Muskoka

The team at HydroSpa Muskoka has got an array of maple inspired treatments with luxury products to nourish your skin and revitalize your spirits! Relax and ease the stress away with a hearty maple body treatment or an exfoliating manicure and pedicure.

Maple inspired treatments are available 2023 Dates TBA.

Maple Sugar Body Experience at HydroSpa Muskoka

Holistic Maple Experience

Maple Sugar Signature Manicure

Maple Sugar Signature Pedicure

Book Now

SHERWOOD INN ON LAKE JOSEPH, Port Carling Ontario

The Muskoka Maple Rush

A maple syrup inspired package for Muskoka maple lovers! Sherwood will be collecting sap on-site all sugar rush long, and guests can enjoy menu items prepared with syrup from last year’s on-site harvest. Check out nearby Muskoka Lake’s Farm & Winery and snowshoe or hike to their sugar bush during the day – their Bog to Bottle Tour is another great one to check out too! Book our Couples dinner package and enjoy some maple content. 2023 Dates TBA

Book Now

DEERHURST RESORT, Huntsville Ontario

DEERHURST’S MAPLE DISCOVERY TRAIL

2023 TBA Available for resort guests. Feel free to explore the trail even when the Sugar Shack is not open.

Starting March Break through April, Deerhurst Resort celebrates the sugaring season in Muskoka with it’s fun-filled Maple Discovery Trail leading to the resort’s very own sugar shack.

Make your way along an interpretative trail leading from the sugar bush pump house at the bottom of the hill, up through the maple woods to the Deerhurst Sugar Shack at the top.

Along the way guests can follow the story of how maple syrup is made, gather ‘Fun Facts’ to answer our Maple Syrup quiz (pick one up at the Activity Desk or Winter Sports Shop) then enjoy a sweet maple treat at the sugar shack around the campfire at the times below!

DEERHURST MAPLE SUGAR SHACK EXPERIENCE

Includes syrup making demonstrations and a sweet maple treat by the campfire:

March Break (2023 TBA):

(For resort guests only. No reservations; first come first serve. Subject to current provincial gathering restrictions. Please respect social distancing and wear a mask at the sugar shack.)

The Maple Discover Trail brings you to the Deerhurst Maple Sugar Shack (which you can also drive to), where guests can step into the past to witness the old-fashioned spile and bucket method of collecting sap, learn the history of making syrup, see how a modern evaporator works and best of all, taste a sample of delicious warm syrup created right there. Return back via the Maple Discovery Trail, or continue up to the Lookout Trail for more incredible resort views.

MAPLE SYRUP CULINARY CREATIONS @ Deerhurst

This is also the time of year, Executive Chef, Rory Golden, who has championed the Deerhurst Maple Sugar Shack for almost 30 years, delights with delectable maple specials. (Why not forgo the usual pancakes and try the Maple Breakfast Poutine, or order a Maple Dessert Tasting for a heavenly trio of desserts!)

Book Now

Another thing to do to celebrate maple is to attend maple festivals and special events. With pancake breakfasts, midways, vendors and more, this is a great way to start the outdoor festival season in Ontario. Shake winter off and start planning to attend a maple festival today.

Maple Events

Ontario is home to some of the best and biggest maple producers. Maple Sugar Shacks and Maple Farms are open for people to visit and see maple syrup production up close. If you’re looking for something to do with your family or a fun date idea, you’ll definitely want to consider heading to maple farm this season.

Maple Farms

Visit the Packages Calendar to find more Ontario getaway offer packages.

March 18, 2022 Algonquin Park, Almaguin Highlands, Muskoka & Parry Sound, Bruce Peninsula, Southern Georgian Bay & Lake Simcoe

ToDoOntario Experiences: Birding & Breakfast

Whether you are an expert or beginner Ontario birder this is an experience for you. This is a special opportunity that true birders will love and new birders will too.

This exclusive Birding & Breakfast will get you up with the birds at the Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre. It is extremely rare for the public to have access to the Wye Marsh to hear and see the morning chorus of birds.

The ‘Birding’ portion of this experience begins at 7:30am at the Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre located in Midland, Ontario. Not only will you have access to the Wye Marsh at this special hour but the experience includes a 45 minute presentation and guided trail walk with the marsh’s expert Birder and Naturalist, Patrick Jackson. Patrick will help you identify calls, show you the best locations for bird sightings, offer excellent photo tips and give you insider information about the marsh and two forest types located on their property.

The Wye Marsh has a boardwalk, a walk up viewing tower and two wooden bird sight structures making it a ideal location for birdwatching.

BIRDING & BREAKFAST EXPERIENCE PACKAGE DETAILS

Price: $65 +HST

Date: May 14, 2022
Time: 7:30 AM
Venues: Wye Marsh, Mom’s Restaurant (self driven)

Birding portion includes:

45 minute trail hike with birder guide, the rest of the visit time is self-guided for you to bird and tour the marsh at your leisure
2 hour total visit at Wye Marsh
Binocular loan
Birding 101 All About Birds Pocket Guide

After the Birding portion of the event, you will drive yourself to Mom’s Restaurant located near Wye Marsh and enjoy a nice sit-down hot breakfast to end the experience. Here you can review your photos, write down notes about the experience and chat with like minded friends.

REGISTRATION FORM

Fill in this form below to register for this experience. You will receive an email within 24 hours to let you know if you are confirmed and to receive payment instructions.

To Do Birding & Breakfast Signup

Other Important Details:

There is no food or drink allowed inside the Wye Marsh.
Portable washrooms are available on site at the Wye Marsh.
This experience is rain or shine, unless the weather is lightning, thunder or high winds. In this case a new date would be set.
This is a self-driving experience.

If you have questions about this experience, please email fun(at)todoontario.com

Click here for more Ontario nature events, activities & experiences.

Click here for awesome Ontario nature getaway packages.

March 15, 2022 Bruce Peninsula, Southern Georgian Bay & Lake Simcoe

Tap Into Maple in Orillia & Lake Country

Tap Into Maple hits the sweet spot in Orillia & Lake Country

It’s that sweet time of year again, as Orillia & Lake Country presents the ever-popular Tap into Maple experience. Running March 4 to April 3, the program is an opportunity to visit the region’s maple syrup producers, enjoy special maple-themed experiences, and indulge in local maple-inspired cuisine.

Take a self-guided tour through lesser-traveled routes to working sugar shacks that offer a firsthand view of the maple syrup process, from harvesting and boiling to enjoying.

The Farmgate, just outside of Brechin, will be offering socially distanced demonstrations, sharing knowledge about the work that goes into creating this uniquely Canadian product. In the rolling hills of Oro-Medonte, McCutcheon’s Maple Syrup will have roadside pick available for online orders of their award winning maple products and their sugar house will be open the weekends of March 26th and April 2nd.

Backwoods Maple Syrup, Elsie’s Creek Farm, Hutchinson Maple Syrup, and Maple Grove Syrup each invite visitors to take part on self-guided tours through their sugar shacks and sugarbush trails while picking up some tasty treats. Check each farm for details about hours of operation and booking ahead.

Shaw’s Maple Syrup will be serving up their famous pancake meals daily, 8am to 4pm, until April 18th. This maple syrup hotspot offers self-guided tours, indoor and outdoor seating for pancake meals, maple syrup and more.

Indulge in maple treats while shopping around the region. In Craighurst, Chelsea Chocolates will be offering a special maple truffle and buttercream along with their decadent hand-crafted chocolates.

Over in downtown Orillia, Apple Annie’s Café & Shop is offering sweet treats from store-made maple fudge to maple drinks to enjoy.

Hewitt’s Farm Market & Bakery will have maple goodies for visitors to their store in Warminster including syrup, maple pecan muffins, maple barbeque sauces and more. On Saturdays through March, bring the family out to the Orillia Fairgrounds Farmers Market with vendors featuring maple products from syrup to baked goods. There will also be games and activities for kids!

The Wye Marsh Sweetwater Harvest Festival returns for three weekends starting March 19th with lots of outdoor fun. Sugar shack demonstrations, Maple Kids’ Zone, vendors, interpretive hikes and more make it a perfect family outing to celebrate spring.

Orillia & Lake Country Tourism , 22 Peter St. S., Box 2525, Orillia, ON L3V 7A3 Office: 705-325-9321 Fax: 705-325-6817
Email: [email protected] www.OrilliaLakeCountry.ca
Rounding out the program is Maple Weekend, presented by the Ontario Maple Syrup Producers Association, which runs April 2nd and 3rd. It may be a grand finale for Tap Into Maple, but Maple Weekend is a kick-off for the spring sales of maple products in our area.

Visit TapIntoMaple.com for more information on all of the participating producers, businesses and activities. Please follow all COVID protocols at each business and location.

For more events in Ontario check out the ToDoOntario events calendar.

March 8, 2022 Bruce Peninsula, Southern Georgian Bay & Lake Simcoe

The Best Things to Do in Ottawa in March 2022

Over 11 million tourists visit Ottawa every year, and for a good reason. There is a variety of things to do in Ottawa for all the family or as a couple. But what are the best things to do in March? Keep on reading and you will easily have a March Ottawa ToDo list.

When deciding what to do in Ottawa, it is essential to consider the season. Throughout the year, there are different events and top things to do. You will be missing out on experiencing winter in Ottawa at its best in March if you do not do your research.

The good news is you do not need to look far. Read on for the top things to do in Ottawa in March for all the family.

Walk Along the Ottawa Canal Skateway

Sometimes you you can still catch the Ottawa Rideau Canal Skateway in early March, weather permitting. However, the skateway has closed for the 2022 season. The Canal Skateway is the world’s largest skating rink, which also happens to make its way through downtown Ottawa. It is worth coming back for another year, but this year you can still walk along the edges and take in amazing views of Ottawa.

So, not only do you get to experience the fun of skating, but you get to do it on Ontario’s UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy sightseeing and seeing a different perspective of Ottawa. If you do not skate, you can walk along the edges of part of the rink or on the pathways above.

Explore the National Gallery

The National Gallery of Canada is the perfect thing to do when in Ottawa during March. One of its current exhibits is one of Ottawa’s March events that you shouldn’t miss; Canada and Impressionism.

There are a variety of galleries, events, and learning spaces for the whole family. Take part in family art adventures and workshops together. Or take shelter from the March weather and discover some incredible art.

Visit Byward Market Shopping

The historic Byward Market neighborhood is full of shopping opportunities that you should not miss. Wander around Ottawa’s oldest neighborhood, visiting the Farmers’ market and the many different shops. It also plays host to certain March events in Ottawa too.

Explore the many independent boutiques, shops, galleries, and restaurants around Byward Market. And when you get tired of shopping, take a break in one of the restaurants.

Eat at ALL the Restaurants

Centretown and the Byward Market contain so many great restaurants, you’ll be able to eat food from all over the world in all kinds of restaurants.

ToDoOntario - Starling restaurant, Ottawa

Starling Restaurant & Bar

Be sure to check out old fish market building. Here you will find three brand new eateries, each with their own unique style and vibe. Here you’ll find 3 unique restaurants stacked for a full night of fun. If you like a modern unique vibe, great food and creative cocktails, this is the place for you!

Sleep in Ottawa’s Castle

If you are visiting Ottawa for more than a day, stay in its castle: the Fairmont Château Laurier. You are not far from the Byward Market and Rideau Canal, but you get to be transported to a historic chateau. Full of romance for couples and fairy tales getaways for children, this historic hotel is steep in stories….and maybe even ghosts! This is a great place to stay if you like history and notable Canadians. We don’t tell you more, you’ll have to visit to see for yourself.

There are various rooms and suites available for the whole family, or for couples. There are also all the services you need to enjoy in the castle, from childcare to the pool and fine dining.

> See Fairmont Chateau Laurier Offers <

Eat or Have High Tea at Zoé’s

These are experiences that turn into traditions. Have a burger and a local brew, or go all out fancy and have the high tea experience Zoé’s is famous for.

* Fairmont Chateau Laurier Tea-Lightful Spring Break Offer *

Delight in the Fairmont Tea experience when you spend a night at Ottawa’s Château Laurier this Spring Break.

Reconnect with family and friends while you relax over a cup of Fairmont curated specialty tea and nibble on freshly baked scones, signature tea sandwiches, and delectable desserts.

This offer is available Sunday through Thursday.

Offer Includes

Luxury Accommodations Sunday through Thursday
Afternoon Tea or Prince & Princess Tea (children under 12) for each occupant Sunday through Thursday

Available

Between Tuesday, February 22, 2022 and Thursday, March 17, 2022

BOOK OFFER NOW

Enjoy These Top Things To Do in Ottawa

ToDoOntario - National Gallery, plants @ entrance

National Gallery of Canada

There is a vast array of things to do in Ottawa, and visiting in March is not an exception. This list is an excellent start if you are visiting Ottawa in March with your family or loved ones. Ottawa city council has approved a Valentine’s Day do-over due to the protest/occupation in February. Come show Ottawa your love!

If you want to make the most of your trip to Ottawa, consider a ToDoOntario getaway package. These packages contain cost savings, numerous unique activities, and accommodations for you and your loved ones. Use this little ToDo list to help you remember and plan the suggestions from this article.

Browse our current packages to get started planning a fun Ontario getaway. Also, keep an eye on our blog for more helpful Ontario travel tips.

Tag us at #ToDoOntario or #ToDoOttawa so we can see your photos and come along for the fun.

March 7, 2022 Ottawa & Countryside