It's that time of year again, when the maple sap is flowing in the trees! We can "tap" into this at a maple syrup festival and sample the sweetness of spring at the Bruce's Mill Conversation Area, in Stouffville.

Come and enjoy the simple pleasure of being in the fragrant maple woods on a fresh March day. Smell the sweet aroma billowing from the sugar shack as the maple sap is boiled down to syrup. Savour the taste of hot pancakes fresh off the griddle smothered with homemade maple syrup in an old log cabin. Experience maple syrup being made in the pioneer and modern ways is a Canadian tradition to be enjoyed year after year. You'll appreciate the warm and personal approach, as well as the rustic setting of the beautiful sugarbush.

Conveniently located off Highway 404, Bruce's Mill Conservation Area is a popular destination for residents of the City of Toronto and York Region. Whether you are looking for some great sports fields, a nice hike, a nice picnic spot or a place to relax and take in the birds and nature, this is a great place to visit!

Please plan to arrive at the conservation area for 1pm. We'll do a group hike then, it's choose your own adventure!

We can break into smaller groups, as there are lots of options to explore at the Sugarbush Maple Syrup Festival. A few highlights of things to do:

• go on another hike -- there are 3 different trails to walk through
  
• hop on the horse-drawn wagon ride
  
• join a group on a guided tour, to learn more about how maple syrup is made (the tours are offered every hour, on the hour)
  
• watch the strolling unicycle juggler, who will be around until about 2pm
  
• go to the petting zoo
  
• and, perhaps most importantly, eat delicious pancakes with maple syrup!!
  

The cost of pancakes is about $6.50 for 3 pancakes, and $5.50 for 2 pancakes. Other things for sale include hot dogs, sausages, back bacon, and soft drinks. You could also pick up some fresh maple syrup in a bottle to take home with you.

After we've filled our bellies with good and sweet things, meet back up with your driver / passengers at 4:00 when the conservation area closes, and begin our carpool rides back home. We should be back in Toronto by about 5:30 p.m.

This is a family friendly event. Please feel free to bring your children along for the day.

WHEN: Saturday, March 27th
TIME: 1-5:30pm
WHERE: Bruce's Mill Conservation Area
3291 Stouffville Rd, Stouffville, ON L4A 0A1
COST: $8 adults, $6 seniors & kids, Kids under 4 are FREE (pancakes not included - see optional costs below)
EVENT ORGANIZER: Charlii

GETTING THERE:
To get exact driving directions click this link , scroll to the bottom of the page and enter your starting address.

CAR POOLING:
Car pooling can be arranged in advance upon request. If you can offer a ride or you need a ride please indicate this with your RSVP and provide your cross streets. The event organizer will send out car pooling details several days prior to the event and drivers and passengers can make pick up arrangements. Passengers will contribute $10 to their drivers upon pick up for transportation costs.