The aroma of boiling sap will soon fill sugar shacks across Ontario as maple syrup producers prepare for what they expect to be a bumper season. After months of careful weather monitoring, farmers say the combination of cold nights and mild days this winter has created ideal conditions for sap flow, a critical factor in determining syrup yield and quality.
“This year’s freeze-thaw cycles have been textbook perfect,” said Peter Lawson, a third-generation syrup producer near Lanark. “When you have consistent nights below zero and days that rise just above, the trees respond beautifully. We’re expecting both a high volume and exceptional flavor.” Lawson, like many small-scale producers, has already stocked up on wood for boiling and bottles for packaging in anticipation of a busy spring.
Ontario’s maple syrup industry is not only a cultural tradition but also an important economic driver. According to the Ontario Maple Syrup Producers’ Association, the province produces more than 1.5 million liters annually, much of which is exported to markets in Europe and Asia. This year, global demand is expected to rise as consumers seek natural, sustainably produced sweeteners.
At Fortune Farms in Almonte, the tapping has already begun, with staff working in shifts to collect sap from more than 4,000 trees. “We’re aiming for an early start to maximize the run,” said owner Alison Ferguson. “The earlier you get going, the more days you can collect before the weather turns warm for good.” The farm also welcomes visitors, offering guided tours and tastings during peak season.
While the industry outlook is positive, challenges remain. Climate change has made sap seasons less predictable in recent years, with sudden temperature spikes sometimes cutting production short. Producers are adapting by diversifying their tree stands, investing in vacuum tubing systems, and experimenting with hybrid boiling techniques to improve efficiency.
Local tourism boards are also seizing the moment, promoting maple-themed events such as pancake breakfasts, artisan markets, and heritage demonstrations. In Perth, the annual Maple Festival is scheduled to return in full scale for the first time since the pandemic, with organizers expecting record attendance. “People want to reconnect with traditions,” said festival coordinator Rachel Moore. “Maple season is part of our identity.”
For many producers, the work is as much about legacy as it is about profit. “This is something my grandparents did, my parents did, and now I do,” Lawson said. “Every bottle we sell is a piece of Ontario’s history — and this year, it’s going to taste especially sweet.”