We stayed home this March Break and are taking advantage of all the fun things that are happening right here in Niagara. A trip to the sugar bush for some treats was a must!
Today we headed to White Meadows in St. Catharines. Even the drive there is exciting with all of the farms and animals we see along the way.
We went for pancakes first. I think you’re supposed to do that last but we just couldn’t wait. If you haven’t had pancakes at White Meadows you are seriously missing out. And once you’ve had them nothing compares. Of course, the maple syrup was amazing. My kids each ate two giant pancakes. We were so stuffed as we left for the tour and realized why everyone saves the pancakes for last.
We had a great time strolling through the forest learning all about how they make syrup, right from the beginning. The staff at the farm are truly the friendliest people and walk around the farm in period costumes offering authentic Canadian history. I have done this tour many times but it’s fun to see how cool my kids think it is that the syrup they put on their pancakes came from a tree! Although, mostly they are just interested in the treats along the way.
One of our favourite parts of visiting the farm is taking a walk through the petting farm. They have donkeys and goats and bunnies and sheep and at this time of year there are cute babies that you can feed.
And our trip wouldn’t be complete without heading to the Maple Sweet Shop to bring some delicious maple syrup home. They have lots of different locally made products and I always bring home a jar of syrup and a jar of honey. These are two things that I always buy locally – never from the grocery store. I feel good supporting our local farmers but really, it just tastes better!
White Meadows is a great farm to visit but there are others in the region as well offering tours and tastings and fun for the whole family.
White Meadows Farm
2519 Effingham St
St. Catharines (Pelham)
Open every weekend from Feb. 14 – Mar. 29, 2015.Including Family Day (Feb. 16) and all week long during March Break (Mar. 16-20). Hours: First Shuttle at 9:30 am, last shuttle at 3:30 pm.
2015 Prices: Adults (18+) $9.50 • Youth (13-17) $8.00 • Children (2-12) $6.00 • Adult Disc. (20+ persons) $8.00
Agape Valley Sugar Bush
392 Kilman Rd. R.R.#1 Ridgeville
This sugar bush is non-profit and all proceeds benefit the farm and a Christian summer camp.
Tours of the farm are free and pancake breakfast is also available between $5-$10
Richardson’s Farm and Market
131 River Road, RR4 Dunnville
A family owned farm for many years, the Richardson family offer fun tours, delicious breakfast, as well as an amazing corn maze. Don’t forget to wear your rubber boots!
Richardson’s also has a farmers market with everything from raspberries to corn, peas and pumpkins. Check in to see what is in season.
