If you’ve ever poured golden maple syrup over pancakes or stirred it into your morning oatmeal, you’ve probably wondered how such a delicious, all-natural product makes its way from the forest to your breakfast table. At Elliott Tree Farm in Hillsburgh, Ontario, we invite you to discover exactly how pure maple syrup is made—right where it happens.
Just over an hour from Toronto, Elliott Tree Farm offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to experience this iconic Canadian tradition up close. From February to April, our sugarbush comes alive with the sights, smells, and tastes of maple season. But did you know you can still explore the sweet magic in the off-season?
Read on to learn how pure maple syrup is made and why a visit to our Maple Syrup Museum and our off-season Maple Sugarbush Tour & Tasting is the perfect day trip from the city—any time of year.
The Sweet Science of Maple Syrup Production
Canada is the world’s leading producer of maple syrup, and Ontario is home to some of the most respected maple farms in the country. At Elliott Tree Farm, the process begins in our carefully stewarded sugarbush, where majestic sugar maples grow in abundance.
So, how is pure maple syrup made?
It starts with tapping. In early spring, when temperatures rise above freezing during the day and drop below zero at night, sap begins to flow within the trees. We tap each maple tree with care, inserting spiles that allow sap to drip into collection lines or buckets.
Next comes the boil. It takes approximately 40 litres of sap to produce just 1 litre of maple syrup. That’s because sap is mostly water and must be boiled down to concentrate the sugars. Our wood-fired evaporator turns the clear, watery sap into golden syrup through a time-honoured process you can witness during our tours.
The final step? Filtering, grading, and bottling. Once the syrup reaches the right density, it’s filtered to remove impurities, graded for colour and flavour, and bottled on-site.
This entire journey—how pure maple syrup is made—can be explored firsthand when you visit Elliott Tree Farm.
Maple Syrup Museum of Ontario
Located right here on the farm, the Maple Syrup Museum of Ontario is a fascinating stop for visitors of all ages. This heritage attraction showcases antique tools, historical exhibits, and hands-on learning displays that bring the story of maple syrup production to life.
Whether you’re a history buff or simply curious, our museum answers every question about how pure maple syrup is made—from Indigenous traditions to modern-day techniques.
Maple Sugarbush Tour & Tasting (Now Booking Year-Round!)
You don’t have to wait until spring to experience the magic. Our off-season Maple Sugarbush Tour & Tasting is now open on weekends until October. It includes a guided walk through the sugarbush trail, a visit to our sugar shack, and a tasting session featuring our pure maple syrup, maple candy, and maple butter.
It’s the perfect way to get a taste of the process (and the product) while enjoying the fresh air and scenic beauty of rural Ontario.
Bring the Experience Home – Shop Online
Couldn’t make it out to the farm? No problem! You can bring a taste of Elliott Tree Farm to your table with our full line of maple products available online at shop.elliotttreefarm.ca. From traditional maple syrup to gift boxes and pantry favourites, everything is harvested and handcrafted right here on the farm.
When you taste our syrup, you’ll know exactly how pure maple syrup is made—with care, tradition, and the natural bounty of the Canadian forest.
Plan Your Sweet Escape from Toronto
If you’re looking for an authentic, educational, and delicious day trip, Elliott Tree Farm is the perfect getaway. Just 90 minutes from Toronto, our farm offers a rare chance to slow down, reconnect with nature, and learn how pure maple syrup is made—direct from the source.
Book your Maple Sugarbush Tour & Tasting today or visit us online to explore our products and plan your visit.
