Maple syrup festival returns for 2026

The 56th edition of the Belmore Maple Syrup Festival has been held in the national home of maple syrup, Canada.

No less than 5,000-6,000 visitors were projected when the event kicked off at the Belmore Arena in Belmore, Ontario on Thursday, April 9, the first day of festival. Around 72% of the global supply of maple syrup comes from Canada, and while the majority of that is produced in Quebec, the Ontario-based festival gave locals a chance to enjoy the sweet syrup too. Festivals are taking place around the country, including in Quebec during maple harvest season, which will last until mid-April.

Running until Saturday, April 11, the event is seen as a chance for attendees to enjoy all manner of culinary treats with 100% pure maple syrup, while also being an important community get-together, having brought together residents in the area since 1968.

The occasion has also attracted maple syrup lovers from further afield – one couple travelled all the way from the UK. Some 300 volunteers are the backbone of the event, one of whom, Deanne Dickson, told CTV News:

“I think for a lot of people, it’s like homecoming week. They see people they went to high school with, or played ball with, or lived next door to 50 years ago.”

It is estimated that over the course of the festival, around 150 gallons worth of maple syrup were consumed, over 2,000 eggs got cracked and a massive 600kg worth of flour was used.

This year’s Belmore Maple Syrup Festival served pancakes to the hungry hoards from 8am to 2pm each day it runs, with other entertainment including music from local performers, a maple syrup products booth, pork sausage booth, a craft show and various kids’ entertainment. There is also a competition for euchre, the trick-taking card game, on offer.