Secrets of the Sugarbush

What's Involved?

Maple sap marks the first harvest of the year on our small family farm. Val and Brent, farmer-owners of Heartwood Farm & Cidery, have been sharing the magic of maple syrup season with friends and family for years. Heartwood’s small-scale maple syrup operation combines modern techniques of sap collection and processing with the charm of a small, wood-fired, open-air sugar-shack, and the homespun delights of personal stories shared by the maple syrup team. In keeping with Heartwood's unique "up close and personal" approach to sharing our farm experiences, we offer Secrets of the Sugarbush as a 90-minute, intimate, small-group (max 16) immersion into the art and science of sap collection and maple syrup-making. We can't guarantee that the sap will be running when you visit, but the sugar shack will be in full swing, and we look forward to bringing you behind the scenes to experience all aspects of our operation. Come to Heartwood to revel in the tradition of transforming this gift from the trees into a sweet taste of spring. - Let Val and Brent welcome you and guide you on a sugarbush walking tour, sharing their hands-on knowledge of the whole, fascinating process of tapping, collecting, and processing maple syrup. - Gather around the wood-fired evaporator in our open-air sugar shack to learn all about the art and science of this craft. - Taste the progression of sap to syrup right from the evaporator and enjoy a mug of “sweet maple tea”. - Explore, relax and “forest bathe” among the maples. - Visit our farm store and get an introduction to our artisanal ciders -- featuring a sweet touch of maple syrup -- crafted here in our on-farm cidery. Tickets must be purchased in advance - book your spot below! We will be opening up dates for this experience as the maple sap season unfolds -- reach out to val@heartwoodfarm.ca if you are interested in bringing a group on a date that's not yet listed. No dogs please (farm animals find even the cutest ones stressful!) Includes a short walk through the woods. Come prepared for slush and mud season!