The Sweetest Time of Year at our Parks!
CELEBRATE A LOCAL TRADITION
It's one of the most delicious and historic traditions at Conservation Halton and you're invited to take part! Experience all Maple Season has to offer by visiting Mountsberg's Maple Town and Crawford Lake's Sweetwater Season! Learn more about each of these offerings and get tickets below. 
Maple Town at Mountsberg
March 2, 2024 - April 7, 2024
Weekends, Holidays & March break

9:30 am to 5:00 pm
     
  • Learn all about tree tapping, sap collection, syrup making and our amazing Sugar Maples!
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  • Learn about the history of syrup making
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  • Sample maple sugar and syrup
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  • Enjoy maple taffy on snow
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  • Enjoy fresh pancakes and treats like maple cotton candy & popcorn by the fireside. Click here to view the menu.
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  • NEW Sugar Ranger Challenge! Meet with Professor Sugar who will get you and your little ones started on this self guided journey through the sugarbush. You will complete six different hands on challenges before receiving your official Sugar Ranger certificate!
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  • Shop for delicious maple treats at the Country Store
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  • Visit the animal barn and Raptor Centre
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  • Play on the Natural Playground
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  • Add a horse-drawn wagon ride, Talon and Tailfeathers, or workshops like candle making and maple sugar making
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ADMISSION FEES
 
 
 
Non-member: 
Adult $12.00 + HST
Senior $9.75 +HST
Child (age 5-14) $8.75 +HST
Children 4 and under free

Member: 
Adult $7.00 +HST
Senior $5.00 +HST
Child (age 5-14) $4.00
Children 4 and under free
Maple Town at Mountsberg
Weekends, holidays and the week of March Break from March 4, 2023 to 
April 9, 2023 
The Mountsberg sugarbush has been producing maple magic for more than 150 years and educating the public for over 40 years. The park will tap about 300 sugar maples this spring and the crystal-clear sap will be magically transformed into sweet maple syrup in the Sugar Shanty. 

 
Your visit to Maple Town will offer park visitors independent exploration of the various demonstrations and exhibits around the sugar bush- and of course, don't forget the pancakes! Plus, you can add a Wagon Ride through the sugarbush for a truly unforgettable experience or Talons and Tailfeathers for a closer encounter with the Mountsberg Raptors.
 
 
 
Included in your Maple Town Experience:
 
     
  • Raptor Centre
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  • Cameron Barn
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  • Maple Taffy on Snow (additional fee applies)
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  • Wagon Rides: Additional fee applies, available first come, first served. Purchase tickets at the Discovery Centre or Country Store. Wagon rides are available 10am-2:30pm.
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  • Candy Cabin: Watch our educators whip up a batch of delicious maple sugar on the woodstove and try a free sample of this tasty treat!
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  • Pancake House (additional fees apply): What’s maple season without a piping hot stack of pancakes covered in maple syrup! Pick up yours in the pancake house!
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  • Sugar Shack: The Sugar Shack is where the maple magic happens. Watch our skilled sugar makers turn watery maple sap into sticky sweet maple syrup in the evaporator. Our educators lead formal presentations every twenty minutes.
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  • Historical Sites: From the first Indigenous sugar makers to pioneer cast iron kettles to the flat pan, this area takes you through the changing technology used to make maple magic over the years.
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  • Country Store: Pick up a bottle of maple syrup or some maple candies to take home and enjoy!
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  • Maple Trivia Trail: Take a stroll through the sugar bush and pick up some maple trivia as you check out the 150-year-old maple trees and watch the sap drip into the pails!
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Sweet Water at Crawford Lake
March 2, 2024 - April 7, 2024
Weekends, Holidays & March break

10:00 am to 4:00 pm
     
  • Learn about the Indigenous origins and current practice of maple sugaring
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  • Visit the 'First Harvest: Celebrating Sweet Water' exhibit in a replica 15th-century Longhouse Village 
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  • Join a guided maple and birch syrup-tasting session and relax by fireside lounges
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  • Take in a Sweet Water demonstration by the fire in the Longhouse Village
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  • Enjoy maple taffy on snow
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ADMISSION FEES

Non-member: 
Adult $10.50 + HST
Senior $8.25 +HST
Child $7.25 Child (age 5-14) +HST
Children 4 and under free

Member: Included in membership
Testimonials
 
 
 
"Maple Town at Mountsberg is the perfect destination for a family outing during March Break. It's an educational yet enjoyable experience for kids, offering an interactive learning opportunity for kids about maple syrup production. Kids get to learn first hand the process of extracting maple syrup and its transformation into various products. The highlight of our visit was the Mountsberg Sugar Rangers Challenge, a fantastic activity that not only entertained but also educated kids about maple trees, syrup extraction, and the importance of preserving our environment. My younger one was thrilled to receive a certificate, and was excited to take it to the school. While the pancakes looked tempting, we found them to be a bit overpriced, so we opted to skip them. Additionally, I would advise purchasing tickets in advance for the wagon ride and other paid activities, as they tend to sell out quickly."
 
 
 
- Imran S
 
 
 
 
 
 
"Wonderful place for a nature hike. Friendly, knowledgeable staff. Check them out during maple syrup season, and there's a lot to do. The maple syrup on a stick is fantastic. Go check it out!"
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
- Alex G
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
"Our family absolutely loves Mountsberg! Of all of Conservation Halton's parks, this one easily wins the "most kid friendly" park. They have a natural playground, farm animals, the Raptor Centre, easy to hike trails, the sugar bush, etc."
 
 
 
- Erica T
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
"Visited Mountsberg for Maple Town from Toronto, and I was very impressed by the conservation area - it was so well organized, with great staff, and will keep you entertained for quite a few hours!

The Maple Town is only a couple hundred metres from the parking lot. They have a delicious pancake breakfast (the pancakes were huge!), demonstrations of the historical development of maple syrup making with a staff member providing explanations, a very entertaining talk/demonstration in the sugar shack, wagon rides, and more. All the staff members who we met (including the person manning the gate) were friendly, welcoming and cheerful. They're amazing. Would recommend at least two hours just for Maple Town for a leisurely breakfast, stroll and listening to the talks.

The park itself also has extensive trails, including a short wildlife loop, where there was supposed to be bison, although we didn't see any (maybe because of the season).

We also did the raptor experience for an extra fee per person, which I'll cover in a separate review, but it was so well worth it! Definitely makes me want to come back during the summer and try their other experiences.'
 
- Andrew Y
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Schedule & FeesSchedule
Maple Season runs from March 2, 2024, until April 7, 2024. The event operates on weekends, holidays, and daily during March Break (March 11 to 15). 

Reservations for Mountsberg’s Maple Town are 4 hours in length. We continue to have reservation times for this event due to its popularity and the need to ensure we have enough parking space for all our guests.

Mountsberg’s Maple Town – 9:30 am to 5:00pm
Crawford Lake’s Sweetwater Season – 10:00 am to 4:00 pm


Fees

Mountsberg’s Maple Town
Non-member: 
Adult $12.00 + HST
Senior $9.75 +HST
Child (age 5-14) $8.75 +HST
Children 4 and under free

Member: 
Adult $7.00 +HST
Senior $5.00 +HST
Child (age 5-14) $4.00
Children 4 and under free

Crawford Lake’s Sweetwater Season 
Non-member: 
Adult $10.50 + HST
Senior $8.25 +HST
Child $7.25 Child (age 5-14) +HST
Children 4 and under free

Member: Included in membership

Reserve ahead for Maple Town and Sweetwater Season and save! A $1.50 additional fee applies to non-member tickets purchased at the gate.
Programming & Locations
What is Mountsberg’s Maple Town?
Mountsberg’s Maple Town has been making maple magic for over 40 years! Maple Town features 150-200 year old sugar maples and a quaint forest village where maple syrup is made and served over piping hot pancakes. Maple Town is located 500m from the main parking lot. 

During Maple Season Mountsberg features: 

Maple Town - 9:30 am to 5:00 pm

o   NEW Sugar Rangers Challenge for kids! Earn your Sugar Rangers certificate by completing seven fun maple challenges!
o   Candy Cabin: Try a free sample of maple syrup or maple sugar fresh off the woodstove!
o   Sugar Shack: Where the magic happens! Learn how we turn sap into syrup in the evaporator.
o   Historical Sites: Try on a yoke and learn how sap was turned into sugar throughout history
o   Pancake House*: Pick up a piping hot stack of pancakes covered in maple syrup! Click here to view the menu.
o   Country Store
o   Sugar Bush Trivia Trail

Raptor Centre Trail -  9:30 am to 5:00 pm

o   Learn all about raptors and their amazing adaptations as you get up close with our resident hawks, owls, and eagles!
o  Talons and Tailfeathers meet in the Raptor Centre under the grey archway beside the parking lot.

Cameron Barn & Farm Animals - 9:30 am to 5:00 pm

o   Come and visit with our horses, donkeys, sheep, goats, chickens, and bunnies! 

Maple Treats! - 9:30am to 5:00 pm

o   Taffy on Snow, maple cotton candy, and maple popcorn (additional fee applies).

Gift Shop - 9:30 am to 5:00 pm

Wagon Rides* - 10:00 am to 2:30 pm 

o   Enjoy a horse-drawn wagon ride and soak up all sights and sounds of spring with one of our talented guides. Tickets are limited, first come, first served. 
o  Access will be first come, first served, please make sure to purchase your tickets at the gift shop at the time of your arrival. 
o  Wagon Rides meet in the sugar bush (past the Sugar Shack). Please allow at least 10 mintues of travel time from the parking lot.

Note: for the safety of our horses and guests a tractor drawn wagon may be used during inclement weather or if the horses experience health issues.

Workshops*

o   Beeswax Candle Making (10:00 am to 12:00 pm) 
o   Maple Sugar Making (1:00 pm, 2:00 pm, 3:00 pm) 
o   Both Candle and Candy Making workshops meet on the second floor of the Discovery Centre beside the parking lot.

* Additional fees apply
   




What is Crawford Lake’s Sweetwater Season?

Maple sugaring is a truly Indigenous tradition. Visit Crawford Lake to learn more about how Indigenous sugar making has changed over the years.

Activities available during Sweetwater Season include: 

Longhouse Village - 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

First Harvest: Celebrating Sweet Water Exhibit - 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

o   Explore the Indigenous heritage of maple sugaring through this informative exhibit in the inspiring Deer Clan Longhouse gallery.

Maple Syrup Tastings - 12:00 pm & 2:00 pm

o   Join the Crawford Lake team to sample a maple and birch syrup tasting flight and discover what syrup suits your palate.

Maple Taffy on Snow* - 11:00 am to 3:30 pm

Sweet Water Demonstrations - 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, 3:00 pm

Gift Shop - 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

* Additional fees apply

   
Why do some activities require an additional fee?

Some activities, like workshops, wagon rides, and foods are offered at an additional fee. We apply these fees only for activities that require additional staff/materials and that can’t accommodate all our Maple Season guests. Wagon rides, for example, are only able to accommodate 5, 000 of our roughly 20,000 guests each year. Rolling the fee for this activity into the gate fee would not be fair to those who are not able to take part due to volume, so an additional fee applies.

We work to ensure that the program you receive for your gate fee is full of fun learning activities, amazing animal encounters, entertaining staff, and delicious maple samples! Maple Season helps us to raise funds to maintain a high level of care for our animals and keep costs low for visiting school children. Conservation Halton parks are self-funded and we appreciate your support!


Locations

Maple Town
Mountsberg Conservation Area.
2259 Milburough Line
Campbellville, ON
L0P 1B0
Map of Maple Town

Sweet Water Season
Crawford Lake Conservation Area
3115 Conservation Road
Milton, ON
L9T 2X3
Map of Sweet Water Season
Reservation Questions, Changes, & Cancellation
Why do members pay a fee for Mountsberg’s Maple Town?

Mountsberg’s Maple Town is a time-honoured tradition that requires a very high input of staff time and effort to bring to life each year. User fees are calculated to ensure they offset these costs while trying to ensure they are as fair as possible for all our guests. Conservation Halton Parks are not associated with Ontario Parks or Parks Canada. Conservation Halton parks are self-funded and we appreciate your support!

We keep Sweet Water at Crawford Lake more streamlined and this event is included for all CH members. This is a really unique and peaceful opportunity to learn about maple and try some taffy on snow away from the crowds.


How do I make a reservation/get tickets?
Click here and then simply book your visit, just as you would book a visit to any of our parks. You will receive a record of your booking via email, please bring this email with you. We will also be able to retrieve your booking via your license plate number.
 

Can I change my booking date or time?
No, Maple Town and Sweetwater Season are rain/snow or shine events.
 

Can I book multiple vehicles/families under the same reservation?
No, please include only one vehicle per booking. License plate numbers are used to grant access to the park.

Are dogs allowed?

Mountsberg's Maple Town:
Yes, dogs are welcome to attend ! As always at our parks, they must be kept on a 2m leash.

However, there are some areas of the park where dogs are not permitted for food or animal safety. These include:
· The Pancake Pavilion
· The farm animal barn
· The path featuring our Birds of Prey
· The Wagon Ride

Crawford Lake’s Sweetwater Season:
Yes, dogs are welcome to attend! As always at our parks, they must be kept on a 2m leash.

Note: Service animals excepted for Maple Season. Please contact visitorservices@hrca.on.ca to make arrangements to bring your service animal in these areas.


Can I add-on to my experience at Mountsberg’s Maple Town?
Yes, you can add the following additional experience to your booking (spaces limited).

Talons & Tailfeathers

If you are looking for a closer encounter with the Mountsberg Raptors, you’ll love Talons & Tailfeathers! This group experience offers a meet and greet with some of our birds of prey while learning all about the adaptations that make them exceptional hunters through the exploration of bioartefacts!

Fee: $10+HST per person (children 2 and under free).

Available: 
10:30 am to 11:15 am
12:00 pm to 12:45 pm
2:00 pm to 2:45 pm
3:30pm to 4:15 pm


Beeswax Candle Workshop

The bees may be quiet at this time of year, but you can still join our staff to chat all things honeybees and make your own dipped beeswax candle to take home. A promise of sweeter days to come from our hive to yours.

Note: this activity is not recommended for children under the age of 5. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Fee: $10+HST per person (children 2 and under free).

Available:
10:00 am to 10:20 am
10:20 am to 10:40 am
10:40 am to 11am
11:00 am to 11:20 am
11:20 am to 11:40 am
11:40 am to 12:00 pm


Maple Sugar Workshop

Learn how to make maple sugar and take home a sample of your efforts! It’s an easy and delicious treat made with only one ingredient – maple syrup!

Note: this activity is not recommended for children under the age of 5. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Fee: $10+HST per person (children 2 and under free)

Available: 
1:00 pm to 1:45 pm
2:00 pm to 2:45 pm
3:00 pm to 3:45 pm
Logistics
Parking
Parking is included in your reservation fee.

Should I bring cash or credit?
All areas accept debit and credit (Mastercard & Visa). Cash is accepted in giftshops only.

Do I have to arrive at the start of my booking time?
Your start time will be stated on your e-ticket. It is important to arrive on time to ensure a quality experience and sufficient parking for all guests. If you have booked an additional workshop, you must arrive at the scheduled time to avoid disappointment.

Do I need to bring a receipt with me to Maple Town?
Yes, please bring your booking email with you on your phone. There is no need to bring a printed copy. Your booking will be validated at the front gate using your license plate. Once you are in the park there is no need to provide further proof of payment to enter Maple Town. Your ticket entitles you to enjoy all areas of the park.

Can I just show up without a reservation?
Yes, however, we strongly encourage you to buy your tickets in advance. Tickets are limited and the parking may be full upon arrival. A $1.50 additional fee applies to non-member tickets purchased at the gate.

Will Conservation Halton ever cancel Maple Season Events?
Sometimes cancellations occur due to extreme weather. We will email guests as soon as possible if they will be impacted by a closure. We will also keep our social media platforms updated. Follow Conservation Halton on Facebook or Instagram.

What to Wear
Please dress appropriately for the weather, Maple Season events are primarily outdoors. Warm, sturdy footwear, a hat, gloves, and dressing in layers is strongly recommended. Trails can be muddy at this time of year, please wear shoes that can get messy. Little ones may want to dress to jump in puddles.
Accessibility
Strollers & Wheelchairs

Mountsberg’s Maple Town:
Mountsberg’s Maple Town is located approximately 500m (one way) from the main parking lot. The pathway is flat, hardpacked, and wide. You must cross a railway line to get to and from Maple Town. Although the trails will be plowed, fresh snow, ice, or rain will impact trail conditions and may make travel difficult for strollers or people with mobility challenges. Maple Town buildings have a lip at doorways and some wheelchair users may need assistance to navigate.

Please contact us at visitorservices@hrca.on.ca for more information about accessibility - we are happy to help! 

Crawford Lake’s Sweetwater Season:
The trails in the Longhouse Village have been recently resurfaced, they are wide, flat, hard packed gravel. Although the trails will be plowed, fresh snow, ice, or rain will impact trail conditions and may make travel difficult for strollers or people with mobility challenges.
 

Washrooms

Mountsberg’s Maple Town:
Indoor washrooms including an accessible/family washroom are available in the Discovery Centre located beside the parking lot. Washrooms and change tables are available in the Sugar Bush. Some locations may have lips at doorways that require assistance for wheelchair users or strollers.

Crawford Lake’s Sweetwater Season:
Indoor washrooms including change tables and accessible stalls are available in the Visitor Centre located down the hill from the main parking lot. One wheelchair accessible bathroom is available in the Deer Clan Longhouse. Some locations may have lips at doorways that require assistance for wheelchair users or strollers.


For more information on accessibility

We want all our guests to experience maple season! If you or a group member requires accommodation to be able to participate, please contact us at visitorservices@hrca.on.ca to discuss options available.
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