How to Celebrate Maple Syrup Season in Muskoka This Year

March is upon us, which means that maple syrup season has descended upon Ontario.

And just in time, if we do say so ourselves. After all, this year -- perhaps more than any other year -- we could all certainly use a touch of sweetness in our lives.

While business is not-as-usual for many local purveyors due to COVID-19 restrictions, there are still plenty of opportunities to savour this sweet season across cottage country.

Namely, by stocking up on maple syrup from Muskoka's very own makers!

READ: 10 Takeout Joints to Support in Muskoka Region Right Now

From bottles of the classic treat to funky fresh takes on a traditional Canadian delight, these purveyors are doing maple syrup season right.

Without further adieu, here are five spots to get your sweet, sticky fix this Maple Syrup season in Muskoka region:

Sugarbush Hill Maple Farm

Operating via "porch pick-up only," you can call ahead to retrieve your goods from Sugarbush Hill Maple Farm seven days a week. In advance of your visit, check out their product online and call to place your order; when you arrive, a team-member will bring your treats out to the porch.

This purveyor is accepting payment via e-transfer (info@sugarbushhill.com) or exact cash in an envelope. Debit and credit with "tap" are also accepted.

Address: 2389 Muskoka Rd. #10, Huntsville

Phone: 705-787-9787

Website

Sweet Water

While you won't be able to grab off-the-griddle pancakes at Sweetwater Maple Syrup Supplies & Sugarbush this season, you can still stop by to retrieve the (arguably more important) condiment that goes atop them.

This family-run business boasts about 2,000 taps through syrup season, and their goods are produced via traditional pails and a vacuum pipeline from tree-to-tree. Call ahead to check their opening hours and stop by their shop on Peterson Road in Bracebridge to grab a bottle (or several) of nature's sweet nectar!

Address: 1447 Peterson Road, Bracebridge

Phone: 705-205-1050

Website

Maple Bluff Farm

Maple Bluff Farm's 45-acre maple bush has been in operation for over 17 years, and you can count on high-quality sweet treats flowing from the bush's trees to your pancakes.

In addition to big bottles and mini bottles of the good stuff, you can also stock up on maple butter and maple jelly at this sweet spot. Your treats can be retrieved from the farm's shop in Huntsville, or via delivery straight to your door.

Address: 398 Williamsport Road, Huntsville

Phone: 705-787-1536

Website

Hubbert's Maple

Hubbert's Maple has been producing maple syrup for over 159 years. Of course, at this generational family business, you can stock up on classic bottles of nature's nectar, but this place also offers an extra special treat: whisky-barrel aged maple syrup.

After being used to age Copperheads Canadian Whisky, a reclaimed oak wine barrel was passed down to the team at Hubbert's to be filled with premium amber maple syrup. The result? An irresistible blend of the two flavours.

Address: 199 Maple Valley Rd, Sundridge, Strong, ON

Phone: 705-384-7847

Website

Mark's Muskoka Maple

Maple syrup, maple cinnamon sugar, and maple... mustard? You heard it here first: Mark's Muskoka Maple has got the goods you never knew you needed. With options ranging from sweet to savoury, you could use this purveyor's maple products to dress your meals all day long, from breakfast through to dinnertime. And, now, these eats can be ordered straight to your door.

Take note, as maple candy and maple butter are packaged in glass jars and are sensitive to heat, these items aren't being shipped. But, you can contact Mark's Maple to arrange a curbside pickup, if these are the snacks your sweet tooth has a hankering for.

Address: 20 Lynx Lake Rd, Huntsville, ON P1H 2J3

Phone: 705-789-8569 or 705-380-1515

Website