Looking for what to do this summer near Toronto that feels relaxed, memorable, and truly Canadian?
Whether you live in the GTA or you are visiting the Toronto area and want to experience something uniquely Canadian, Elliott Tree Farm in Hillsburgh, Ontario is a sweet summer destination worth adding to your plans. Just about an hour from Toronto, the farm offers visitors a chance to slow down, explore the countryside, and learn about one of Canada’s most world-famous traditions: pure maple syrup.
While many people know Elliott Tree Farm as Toronto’s iconic Christmas tree and maple syrup farm, summer is one of the best times to visit. The Maple Syrup Farm Experience Tour & Tasting brings the story of maple syrup to life with a guided farm tour, maple syrup tasting, a visit to the sugarbush, access to the Maple Syrup Museum of Ontario, and a signature maple treat.
Surrounded by charming small towns, scenic drives, local food, art galleries, golf courses, trails, breweries, inns, cafés, and farm experiences, Elliott Tree Farm is the perfect starting point for a summer day trip or weekend getaway near Toronto.
Start With the Elliott Tree Farm Maple Syrup Farm Experience Tour & Tasting
The Elliott Tree Farm Maple Syrup Farm Experience Tour & Tasting is a guided summer farm experience that brings the story of maple syrup to life beyond the spring harvest season.
This relaxed, approximately 90-minute experience gives visitors a behind-the-scenes look at maple syrup production, Canadian maple history, and the natural beauty of the farm. Guests begin with a maple syrup tasting flight featuring Golden, Amber, and Dark maple syrup, along with a pure maple sugar leaf.
From there, climb aboard the Maple Trolley for a ride through the Christmas tree plantations and out to the maple sugar forest. You will explore the sugarbush, visit the Gathering of the Giants maple trees, walk the trails, and learn how maple syrup is made at the sugar shack.
After the tour, guests return to the Maple Syrup Museum of Ontario to enjoy a signature Elliott Tree Farm waffle and ice cream sandwich with award-winning maple syrup. The experience also includes maple taffy over ice, coffee or tea, free parking, museum access, and an official Maple Expert Certificate for guests who complete the tour.
The Maple Syrup Farm Experience runs Saturdays and Sundays from spring through early November, with tour times typically offered at 10:30 am and 12:30 pm. Tickets must be purchased online in advance.
Click to book the Maple Syrup Farm Experience Tour & Tasting
Make It a Full Summer Day Trip Near Toronto
One of the best parts of visiting Elliott Tree Farm is how easy it is to turn your maple experience into a full day of exploring.
The farm is located in the beautiful Headwaters region, close to Hillsburgh, Erin, Alton, Orangeville, Hockley Valley, Elora, and Fergus. That means you can pair your farm tour with small-town shopping, lunch, art galleries, golf, spa time, craft beer, hiking, or an overnight stay.
Here are a few suggested summer stops to help you plan your visit.
Stop 1: Downtown Orangeville
If your perfect summer day includes local restaurants, coffee, patios, shopping, and a walkable downtown, add Downtown Orangeville to your itinerary.
Downtown Orangeville is a great stop before or after your visit to Elliott Tree Farm, especially if you are coming from Toronto, Caledon, Brampton, Mississauga, or the surrounding GTA. Spend some time exploring the shops, public art, restaurants, and local businesses that make Orangeville such a vibrant small-town destination.
For visitors turning their day trip into a weekend getaway, The Nest Suites offers a beautiful place to stay in the heart of Downtown Orangeville. If you are planning a meal out, Bluebird Café & Grill is another great stop to include in your summer road trip.
A sample day could look like this:
Morning maple experience at Elliott Tree Farm
Lunch, shopping, or a walk through Downtown Orangeville
Dinner at Bluebird Café & Grill
An overnight stay at The Nest Suites
A relaxed drive home through the countryside the next day
It is an easy way to enjoy the best of both worlds: a hands-on farm experience and a charming downtown visit, all within a short drive of Toronto.
Stop 2: Alton
Alton is another beautiful stop to add to your summer day trip near Elliott Tree Farm. Known for its art, food, golf, and countryside charm, Alton is ideal for couples, friends, or visitors looking for a slower-paced day outside the city.
Visit the Alton Mill Arts Centre to explore galleries, studios, workshops, and creative spaces. It is a lovely stop for art lovers and anyone looking to bring home something unique from a local maker.
For a spa-inspired getaway or overnight stay, the Millcroft Inn & Spa offers a romantic and relaxing setting in the heart of Alton. If golf is on the agenda, TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley is nearby and makes a great addition to a summer escape.
GoodLot Farmstead Brewing Co. is another must-visit in the area. With an on-farm brewery, beer gardens, live music, walking trails, and a relaxed rural setting, it is a great way to end the day after your maple syrup tour.
Other Alton and area stops to consider include Ray’s Bakery, Gather Café, and Lynx and Hare Cycles.
Stop 3: Elora and Fergus
For visitors who want to stretch their day trip into a weekend, Elora and Fergus are always worth the drive.
Known for historic stone buildings, boutique shopping, beautiful scenery, restaurants, and small-town European charm, Elora and Fergus make a perfect pairing with a visit to Elliott Tree Farm.
After your Maple Syrup Farm Experience, head toward Fergus for lunch, dinner, or an overnight stay at the Breadalbane Inn. This historic inn offers dining and charming accommodations, making it a lovely choice for a weekend itinerary.
You can also explore Elora and Fergus, visit Elora Mill, enjoy local restaurants and shops, or stop at Elora Brewing Company for craft beer and a relaxed meal.
For anyone searching what to do this summer near Toronto, this is a beautiful way to experience rural Ontario without travelling too far from the city.
Stop 4: Hockley Valley
If you are planning a summer escape with spa time, golf, trails, or a resort stay, Hockley Valley is another excellent stop near Elliott Tree Farm.
Hockley Valley Resort is a year-round destination with guest rooms, a full-service spa, golf, dining, mountain biking trails, and more. Pairing a morning maple tour at Elliott Tree Farm with an afternoon or overnight at Hockley Valley Resort creates an easy summer getaway from Toronto.
This route is especially great for couples, families, or groups who want to combine a hands-on farm experience with resort amenities and scenic countryside views.
More Local Stops Near Elliott Tree Farm
There are so many local businesses, farms, shops, restaurants, and attractions near Elliott Tree Farm that you can build your own custom itinerary depending on your mood.
In Hillsburgh, stop at Jess For You Café for fresh sandwiches, coffee, and desserts. Hillsburgh Foodland is nearby for picnic supplies, while Butcher Furniture offers Canadian-made furniture. Outdoor lovers can explore the Cataract Trail or visit Calehill Farms, a farm-to-table chicken and beef farm just minutes from Elliott Tree Farm.
In Erin, consider visiting Judy’s Restaurant, The Busholme, The Main Street Shops, GoodLot Brewery, Amorettos, Hannah’s, Salon Nine, Tin Roof Café, Bailey’s Ice Cream, Rural Commons, or Erin Hill Acres for lavender fields and Highland cow experiences.
In Belfountain, pair your day with hiking or nature stops at Forks of the Credit Provincial Park or Belfountain Conservation Area. You can also visit Higher Ground Café or Heatherlea Farm Shoppe.
Within 20 to 25 minutes of the farm, you can also explore the Wellington County Museum and Archives, Museum of Dufferin, Heartwood Farm & Cidery, Hereward Farms Lavender Farm, Breadalbane Inn, Bluebird Café & Grill, Hockley Valley Resort, Elora, Fergus, and more.
These local stops make it easy to turn a simple farm visit into a full summer adventure.
Why Elliott Tree Farm Is a Perfect Summer Day Trip From Toronto
When people think of a maple syrup farm, they often think of spring. But summer is a beautiful time to visit Elliott Tree Farm.
The trails are green, the countryside is scenic, the towns are lively, and the Maple Syrup Farm Experience offers a fun and educational way to enjoy the story of Canadian maple syrup in every season.
It is also a great outing for:
- Families looking for a unique summer activity
- Couples planning a countryside date
- Friends looking for a day trip from Toronto
- Tourists wanting a Canadian farm experience
- Food lovers interested in local maple syrup
- Grandparents and kids looking for something memorable to do together
- Visitors exploring Headwaters, Erin, Orangeville, Caledon, Fergus, Elora, and Hockley Valley
Instead of another busy city day, plan something slower, sweeter, and more connected to the land.
