Honouring Canadian Maple Syrup
An annual event that takes place during the entire month of March, the PEC March Maple Madness event gives a Great White North nod to the start of maple syrup season in the Prince Edward County region, which is known for producing some of the best maple syrup in the world.
During the event, visitors can experience a variety of activities related to maple syrup production, including tours of local sugar bushes, tastings of different grades of maple syrup, and demonstrations of traditional maple syrup production methods.
Many local restaurants and shops also offer special maple-themed menus and products.
This year, there are 50 participants taking part, including eight sugar bushes, 11 PEC breweries, distilleries and cideries, 17 wineries, and 14 restaurants and food producers. Each Saturday and Sunday, they’ll feature local Prince Edward County maple syrup through tasty drinks, baked goods, meals and more.
After all, the mighty maple knows no bounds – especially here in PEC.
No Maple Syrup Festival is Complete Without Classically-Canadian Pancakes
While you’re here, you can be rest assured that you won’t go hungry. There are three PEC March Maple Madness participants serving up pancakes this year, including Campbell’s Orchards, Karlo Estates Winery and Walt’s Sugar Shack.
Campbell’s Orchards, located on County Rd. 3 near Carrying Place, will be flipping pancakes between 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. every Saturday throughout March. The pancakes will be served with maple-baked beans and pure maple syrup that’s produced on-site.
After breakfast, take advantage of a guided “Walk & Talk” tour through Murray’s Sugarbush, which kicks off at 12:30 p.m. You can find out how pure maple syrup is made and maybe even have a sweet taste or two along the way! Book your spot in advance to make sure you don’t miss out.
Karlo Estates Winery, located on Danforth Road just outside of Wellington, will be offering a “Sunday Bubble Brunch” featuring all-you-can-eat gluten-free buckwheat pancakes with coconut yogurt, fresh berries, and locally-produced pure maple syrup. Contact Karlo Estates for further information and to book your visit.
Walt’s Sugar Shack, which is on Salem Road near Consecon, will be dishing out a sausage and pancake breakfast with butter and their own pure maple syrup. Other locally-grown menu items will be available, as well.
Enjoy your tasty meal in Walt’s dining tent complete with lighting and a crackling wood stove fire to keep you and your pancakes toasty warm.
After your pancakes, pick up some of Walt’s locally-raised, hormone and GMO-free, grass and grain-fed beef.
Prince Edward County Restaurants Help You See the Sweet Side of PEC
Restaurants and wineries in Prince Edward County, eager to participate in this popular event that showcases Prince Edward County maple syrup, will be offering full meals with maple syrup as the star ingredient.
Here’s the rundown of where you can get your fill of maple on a plate:
Karlo Estates will be offering a vegan dinner with musical entertainment featuring locals’ favourite musical artists each Saturday in March. The meal and the music will pair perfectly with Karlo Estates award-winning wines. The cost is $47 per person. Please contact Karlo Estates for additional details.
Waupoos Estates Winery & Restaurant will be offering a two-course prefix menu dining experience using farm-to-table ingredients and a maple theme. This meal is $18 per person ($15 for kids) and will be offered between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday in March.
The County Canteen, a popular eatery in the heart of downtown Picton, will be offering a maple-themed breakfast menu between the hours of 8 a.m to 11:30 a.m. every weekend in March.
The Grange of Prince Edward will be serving up maple-themed breakfasts, lunches, and dinners every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in March. Please contact The Grange for additional information and reservations.
The Waring House in Picton will be offering maple-themed entrées and desserts at the popular Amelia’s Garden Restaurant and in the Barley Days Pub. (And if you enjoy live entertainment, you’re in luck. There’s a good chance you’ll be able to take in some local talent in Barley Days Pub on Friday and Saturday evenings throughout March. Check out The Waring House events calendar.
Prince Edward County Hotels Will Offer You Sweet Dreams
One of the greatest features of Prince Edward County is the varied collection of unique places to stay.
Whether you’re looking for a quaint and cozy bed and breakfast in downtown Picton, or are searching for something more secluded that’s nestled along the shores of Lake Ontario, the area has it all.
Just follow the PEC March Maple Madness accommodations link, or check out StayPEC, the local accommodations association.
NOTE – You can also check out Sandbanks Vacations, which has a carefully-curated collection of private homes and cottages in various parts of Prince Edward County.
Many of the Sandbanks Vacations property owners want to sweeten your stay even further by offering you a third night for free for a two-night booking in March.
Take advantage of that third night free special even if you don’t plan on staying the third night. It will allow you to relax and enjoy your weekend getaway a little longer by not having to check out early.
Search properties now and book your stay now before it’s too late!
Prince Edward County Vacation Specials
Visit Prince Edward County during Maple March Madness as a party of four or more and double your value by taking advantage of two specials that Sandbanks Vacations has for you:
- Third Night Free (at participating properties)
- Enjoy a County Trio Wine Tour for just $99 per person plus HST, which includes door-to-door pick-up and drop-off at your private Sandbanks Vacations rental property
Get Ready to Tap Into Spring
Prince Edward County Maple Madness is a great opportunity to learn about the history and importance of maple syrup production in the region, as well as to enjoy the beautiful scenery and hospitality of Prince Edward County.
While you’re here, check out all of the other great places to visit and things to eat during PEC March Maple Madness on their Things To Do page.
