2025 Spring Tonic
Maple Syrup Festival
April 5 – 6, 2025
at the Tiffin Conservation Area
Hosted in partnership with the Rotary Club of Barrie, the Spring Tonic Maple Syrup Festival at the Tiffin Conservation Area is a tradition spanning more than three decades.
Visitors will journey back in time to discover how maple syrup was made in the past, then return to the present to see how it’s crafted today. Complete your tour with a delicious pancake and sausage breakfast topped with fresh maple syrup.
Most activities are included with admission, and Tiffin maple syrup will be available for purchase on-site. All proceeds support Rotary’s community initiatives and the maintenance of NVCA’s conservation areas.
Special thanks to Brad’s Tree Service for supporting this event at the Golden Syrup Sponsorship level!
Don’t forget to pick up some Tiffin Maple Syrup or other sweet treats to take home with you!
There’s something for everyone.
- Enjoy a delicious pancake and sausage breakfast with fresh maple syrup.
- Learn about exotic animals at the Zoo to You animal show. You can pet them too!
- Watch dog agility demonstrations from Red Barn Events.
- Take a tractor-wagon ride through our forest.
- Dance to live music performed by local musicians.
- Create buttons and crafts in the Education Centre.
- Say hello to local firefighters and Ontario Conservation Officers.
- Polish your outdoor skills with cadets.
- Build your own bird box to take home.
- Stock up on maple syrup products (maple syrup made at Tiffin is available in limited quantities).
- Hike through Tiffin Conservation Area’s scenic trails.
- Learn how to tap a tree with Tiffin's Environmental Educators.
- Walk through our sugar shack to learn how maple syrup is made.
- And more!
Price List
Funds raised at Spring Tonic help support Rotary programs as well as education and conservation programs at the Tiffin Centre.
Busses
Due to limited parking, busses may not be able to be accommodated at the site. All busses must be pre-registered. Contact mbacon@nvca.on.ca to coordinate parking or drop off.
Location
Tiffin Centre for Conservation
Address: 8195 8th Line of Essa, Utopia, ON
Directions: From the City of Barrie or Highway 400, drive west on County Rd. 90 (Dunlop St. towards Angus) to the 8th Line of Essa. Turn left (south) and travel for 4 km to the entranceway on your left.
Tickets can be bought online or by cash at the gate.
Your admission price includes your breakfast and most activities, including parking. Some activities may include a material fee (e.g. bird house building). You may also want to bring some money to purchase maple syrup to take home. Please note that there are no refunds for tickets and the event takes place rain or shine
Yes. There will be some premade egg free/gluten free/ and vegan pancakes, as well as gluten free/vegan sausages available. Quantities will be limited and available on a first come, first served basis.
Yes, young children will require supervision.
A pancake and sausage breakfast, complete with maple syrup, juice and coffee, is included in your admission price. Additional baked goods and sweet treats will be available for cash purchase.
Seating will be available in the picnic pavilion with both indoor and outdoor options. Water fountains are available at the Jose Centre to fill your reusable water bottles. Please note that the fountains are intended for refills only. Please do not drink directly from the fountains.
Yes, there are several outdoor washrooms throughout the conservation area, and indoor washrooms will be available in the Jose Centre and the Hix Administration Building.
The Spring Tonic Maple Syrup Festival runs rain or shine, and anything in between. Please come dressed for the outdoors and prepared for the weather.
Well behaved dogs are welcome to attend the event, but must be leashed at all times. Please note that only service animals may go inside our buildings.
Golden Syrup Sponsor
Maple Tree Sponsor
Partners
In-kind sponsors
