Waterloo Region serving sticky-sweet maple syrup on new trail attraction

It’s back, but this time with a sticky and sweet twist: Explore Waterloo Region launched a new trail attraction this month.

From March 1 to April 15, people can enjoy their sweet tooth in the region and explore the Taste of Maple Trail, a culinary journey bringing visitors along the municipality’s most creative maple-infused food and drinks.

The idea is based on the region’s popular (and award-winning) Mistletoe Trail, which features magical holiday moments around the municipality.

“There’s no sweeter place to be this spring than Waterloo Region,” says Ashley Lansink, Director of Marketing at Explore Waterloo Region. “Across the region, chefs, bakers, and beverage makers transform locally produced maple syrup into inventive bites and beverages worth planning a getaway around. The Taste of Maple Trail brings more than 20 inspired culinary creations together in one delicious, self-guided experience.”

People can explore restaurants, cafes and other businesses while using an online tool to plan their own “maple-filled outing.”

Explore Waterloo Region is asking people to cast votes along the way for the Top Taste Award, which will be crowned at the end of the season. Tours at local sugar bushes, maple finds at St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market or the Elmira Maple Syrup Festival, are some top destinations.

“This trail is all about exploration and celebration,” Lansink said.

Above-average syrup yields as of late

Kevin Snyder is the President of the Waterloo Wellington chapter of the Ontario Maple Syrup Producers Association. He said they’re hoping for another solid season, but that will depend on the weather.

He said the yields have been average to above average for the past few years, so they’re hoping for more of the same. He was asked if climate change has had an impact on yields over the years. Snyder said, that’s hard to say.

“I do know more and more producers are adding more taps to their operation. Overall, the yield seems to be increasing due to management practices and how we’re collecting the sap. So, it’s hard to tell.”

Canada is the number one supplier of maple syrup, pumping out around 75 per cent of the syrup sold worldwide. And, while the majority of that comes from Quebec, but Ontario is also a major player.

Waterloo Region is a significant contributor to the province’s portion.

With files from CityNews Kitchener’s Matt Hutcheson.