The 38th annual Warkworth Maple Syrup Festival kicked off on Saturday, March 14, 2026, with its traditional highlight — a visit to the Sandy Flats Sugar Bush.
Festivalgoers were bused from downtown Warkworth to the sugar bush, where they could enjoy a classic pancake breakfast along with entertainment, wagon rides, taffy in the snow, and demonstrations showing how maple syrup is made. Visitors could also try their hand at log sawing, adding to the family-friendly experience.
Festival committee chair Zackery Scott said nearly 100 volunteers helped make the event a success, welcoming visitors from across the region and even beyond Ontario.
“It’s a great day to come out to the Warkworth Maple Syrup Festival,” said Scott.
“It brings people from all over the province and even Quebec.”
In previous years, the popular pancake breakfast has served around 80,000 pancakes to hungry festival visitors.
The Sandy Flats Sugar Bush, formerly operated by the Potter family, has been producing maple syrup since 1977 and spans 160 acres of mature maple forest.
Scott noted the festival continues to bring generations together.
“I’m 26 and I’ve been doing this for 18 years, and now I’m bringing my little one,” he said.
Back in the village of Warkworth, visitors can also explore local shops and attend the artisan show and sale held at the Warkworth Town Hall.
The festival committee also extended special thanks to Gerow Propane in Brighton for donating the propane used to cook the pancake breakfast.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
