Maple tapping season set to begin in Waterloo-Wellington region

A tube system runs out of a tapped maple tree

Maple producers in the Waterloo-Wellington region are preparing to tap trees as the 2026 maple syrup season gets underway.

The Waterloo Wellington Subcommittee of the Ontario Maple Syrup Producers Association says the traditional kickoff ceremony will take place Friday at Maple Tap Farm in New Dundee.

“Traditionally the last Friday in February is set aside for a ceremony when producers, local dignitaries and members of the media get together to kick off the maple season and includes a ceremonial tree tapping,” said Kevin Snyder, president of the Waterloo Wellington Maple Producers.

“Traditionally the last Friday in February is set aside for a ceremony when producers, local dignitaries and members of the media get together to kick off the maple season and includes a ceremonial tree tapping,” said Kevin Snyder, president of the Waterloo Wellington Maple Producers in a media release.

Snyder said producers have been busy preparing woodlots and sugarhouses in anticipation of sap flow, which typically begins when daytime temperatures rise to about 5 degrees Celsius and nighttime temperatures drop below freezing.

“We are always closely watching the weather,” he said. “This winter has seen more than average snowfall and cold temperatures...you never know what kind of a season we will get, we just have to wait and see!”

The annual ceremony marks the first agricultural crop of the year and will also include the announcement of the Elmira Maple Syrup Festival’s Producer of the Year.

Organizers say the event offers an opportunity for the public to meet local producers and learn more about the maple industry. Discussions, photo opportunities and a tour of Maple Tap Farm will follow the ceremonial first tapping, scheduled for 11:30 a.m., with guests asked to arrive at 11 a.m.

Snyder is encouraging maple syrup enthusiasts to look for locally made products at grocery stores or arrange pickup directly from producers. A directory of local producers is available through the Ontario Maple Syrup Producers Association website.

The ceremony will be held at Maple Tap Farm, located at 1654 Queen St. in New Dundee.