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Sweet Huron - A Maple Tradition


Our pioneer ancestors took advantage of the maple stands on every farm in the county, and relied on the maple syrup and sugar they could reap from the trees to inject a little sweetness into their diet. The spring “sugaring off” season became a family tradition for generations of farm families. Eventually, some farms developed the maple syrup process into a cottage industry and others let the tradition fade away. Now, some families and farms tap just a few trees to get a taste each spring and others have made it a primary crop on their farm.

We checked in with a few producers in Huron who offer farmgate sales and/or tours and here are a few sweet stops for you.

  • Schilbe Family Maple Syrup has been producing maple syrup for nearly 50 years on its home farm just outside of Bayfield. It typically produces around 1,500 gallons from over 3,000 taps. Cathy Scott and her brother Eric Schilbe are the second generation to operate the sugar shanty with the big green door. They grew up helping their parents with the production and continue to have a passion for it. The farm has wandering trails through the sugar bush that are open to the public to use. There is a good parking lot that is large enough to accommodate buses. As with everything, it is best to check ahead before you head out. Schilbe Family Maple Syrup is on Facebook @SchilbeFamilyMapleSyrup or call 519-719-3818. 77340 Orchard Line, Bayfield.
  • Amalgamation Acres featuring Legacy Maple Syrup is the product of Annette and Brian MacKenzie joining forces in both marriage and farming in 2012. Since the home place had 60 acres of maple bush, one spring they decided to show the kids how maple syrup was produced, and ended up getting hooked on the production. They tried an experiment to see how steam power could help the process and suddenly they had their brand and vision. The Legacy Maple Syrup comes in unique streamlined, sleek bottles and can be found at Green’s Meat Market in Lucknow, online at https://amalgamation-acres.square.site/ or by chance at the farm 85399 St. Helens Line, Lucknow.
  • Blyth Creek Maple Farm has made it its mission to bring the farm to people and provide a full experience for visitors. Val and Steve Bachert have designed a tour that walks you through the history of maple syrup production in Ontario, from an authentic Indigenous display using hot rocks to bring the sap to a boil to pioneer times introducing cast iron pots over open fires to the modern sugar shack with collecting tanks, vacuum pumps and an evaporator. Each station has activities for a hands-on learning experience. Val brings a passion for food to their on-farm store. Sweet products are all homemade (except fudge) and available year-round. www.blythcreekmaplefarm.com 519-357-7558. 42232 Moncrieff Rd., Blyth.
  • Drudge’s Maple Syrup has been boiling down sap in Canada continuously since 1797. That’s nine generations of passion for maple syrup which provide centuries of experience to Drudge’s process. All products are available either at the retail store or online. Be sure to request the e-recipe book featuring Elizabeth Drudge’s recipes all featuring Drudge’s maple syrup. www.drudgesmaplesyrup.com. 43269 Amberley Road, Wroxeter. 519-291-2819
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  • Cranston’s Maple Syrup is a local favourite. Ivan and Gail Cranston are continuing a family tradition that has lasted more than 80 years. In addition to Cranston’s top quality maple syrup and maple butter, the family offers gift baskets on request. You can find them on Facebook at Cranston Farms Maple Syrup. 85750 Lucknow Line, Lucknow. 519-529-7360.
  • Westlake Maple Syrup has been a family tradition and passion for six generations. Many advancements have been made over the past 100 plus years. Sap was once collected in buckets and transferred by horse-drawn sleigh to the sugar shack. In 1973 Gordon Westlake switched the maple farm over to tubing for sap collection, much to his son Ron Westlake's relief. The sap is pulled through the tubing with a high efficiency vacuum, and then filtered before the boiling process. Sap will deteriorate quickly and therefore is boiled without delay.  One thing remains constant in the production of our maple syrup: the sap is boiled down from start to 98% complete, entirely by seasoned hardwood from our farm. From sap to syrup the 100% pure maple syrup is caramelized right to the end for unparalleled flavour and consistency. Drop by while the season is on, (or off season) and taste for yourself. Contact the farm to see if they're boiling that day. Call ahead for Farm Gate sales at 519-565-5261, or text 647-882-4299 or email [email protected]. 35703 Pavillion Road, Bayfield (or pick up Westlake Maple Syrup year-round at Zehr’s Country Market in Bayfield).


Many other Huron County producers are well-known for top quality and unique products that are available at markets and retailers throughout the county. 

 

In fact, maple syrup is so popular that there are two major events that celebrate it each spring. The 56th annual Belmore Maple Syrup Festival will be held on April 9 and 11 this year at the Belmore Community Centre. Come for the pancakes (served 8 am to 2 pm on Thursday, and 8 am to 6 pm on Saturday), then stay for local live music, craft show, maple syrup products and pork sausage booths, and kids entertainment. There will also be outdoor syrup demonstrations and "Pub Day" opens at 10 am, with refreshments available. 91122 Belmore Line, Belmore.

 

This March, the fourth annual Maple Mania will hit the county with events and tastings being hosted across the region. Last year, Ontario’s West Coast, the tourism department of the County of Huron, planned a delicious adventure with sugar bush tours and maple-themed menus at various farm to table restaurants. While plans had not been finalized as of our print deadline, be sure to check out their website in early March to get the full sweet schedule for 2026! www.ontarioswestcoast.ca