Written By Alan Good
TRAVEL - The weather is turning warmer and that means maple syrup is running. The maple leaf is Canada’s emblem and maple syrup is our creation. Well one of them. Miles of tubing have been strung out between maple trees in local farms, some for over a hundred years.
A short drive will take you to some sweet tasking syrupy goodness. Like McLachlan’s on Lamont Drive, Komoka. They have been operating for over 100 years. Learn how maple syrup is produced and walk on their nature trail.
Rolling Ridge Maple Products is at the corner of Vanneck and Ilderton Road. Called the “sugar shack”, it’s another family owned and operated business for 3 generations.
In the 1600’s, producers of maple syrup dropped hot stones into the sap to boil it. Today the sap, taken from thousands of taps and gathered by vacuum tubing, is processed using reverse osmosis and oil-fired evaporators.
Canada exports maple syrup to over 70 countries, with over 60% going to the United States, followed by Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Japan, and Australia. Most local sellers of sweetness sell only locally, so they don’t have to be involved with tariffs.
In 2024, Ontario producers harvested 607,000 gallons. If you think our province is the top producer of syrup, take another guess. Of all the provinces, Ontario came in third, producing approximately 3%–4% of Canada’s supply.
“Canada produces over 70% of the world’s maple syrup, with Quebec dominating at roughly 90–92% of the national total. In 2024, Canada produced a record 18.9 million gallons, driven by Quebec (18 million gal), New Brunswick (1.2 million gal), Ontario (607,000 gal), and Nova Scotia (43,000 gal),” according to statistics Canada.
Estimates are that production this year will maintain near-record levels.
Fun facts: Although maple syrup and honey are both natural, and nutrient-rich alternatives to refined sugar, they differ in composition and flavor. Maple syrup is generally lower in calories and sugar, contains more minerals like manganese and zinc, and is suitable for vegans. As well, maple syrup has more calcium, potassium, and magnesium. There are ten species of maple trees in Canada.
March is the critical time for syrup producers, when nights go a little below zero and days reach slightly above. So why not go out soon to take the tours, hike, and enjoy the warm sun. And of course, enjoy some delicious pancakes with maple syrup.
