Sweet Beginnings: A Maple Adventure in Cumberland County

Spring in Cumberland County isn’t just a season—it’s a celebration. As the snow recedes and the days grow longer, a magical transformation takes place in our forests. The sap starts to run, and the sugar woods come alive with the annual ritual of maple syrup production. If you’re looking for an authentic and delicious taste of Nova Scotia, there’s no better way than visiting our local maple producers, strolling through the sugar woods, and bringing home a bottle (or two) of liquid gold.

The Magic of Maple

Cumberland County is home to some of the best maple syrup in Atlantic Canada, thanks to our perfect mix of crisp nights and sunny days in early spring. This temperature swing encourages the sap to flow, which skilled producers then collect, boil, and refine into the rich, amber-hued syrup we all love. But there’s more to maple than just syrup—think maple butter, maple candy, and even maple-infused spirits for those looking for a sweet twist on their evening drink.

Step Into the Sugar Woods

Visiting a sugar camp is like stepping into another world—one filled with the sweet scent of boiling sap, the rhythmic tap of dripping spiles, and the warm hospitality of local producers eager to share their craft. Whether you prefer the old-fashioned charm of wood-fired evaporators or the high-tech efficiency of modern operations, Cumberland County has a maple experience to suit every taste.

You can find 10 different maple sugar camps to visit in our Maple Trail brochure, each with unique experiences that you and your taste buds will love!

Bringing Home the Taste of Spring

No visit to a sugar camp is complete without stocking up on maple delights. A bottle of locally produced maple syrup is more than a sweet treat—it’s a memory in a jar, a reminder of crisp spring air and the warmth of our welcoming community. Beyond pancakes and waffles, try drizzling it over roasted vegetables, stirring it into coffee, or using it as a glaze for grilled salmon. If you’re feeling adventurous, whip up a batch of maple taffy on fresh snow—a classic Canadian indulgence!

French Toast Fest in Amherst

If you’re a true maple lover, you won’t want to miss French Toast Fest in Amherst! This annual celebration showcases the best of maple syrup in the most delicious way possible—piled high on golden, fluffy French toast. Local restaurants and cafés go all out with creative twists on this breakfast favorite, featuring everything from stuffed French toast with maple cream cheese to decadent maple bacon toppings. It’s a community-wide event that brings together food lovers, families, and local businesses in a sweet salute to the season. You can watch the award-winning promo video at the end of this post.

Plan Your Maple Getaway

Spring in Cumberland County is the perfect time for a sweet escape. Pair your sugar camp visit with a scenic hike, a cozy stay in a countryside B&B, or a drive along the Fundy or Northumberland shores to make the most of your adventure. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a lifelong maple enthusiast, there’s nothing quite like experiencing the maple season firsthand.

So grab your boots, bring your sweet tooth, and come taste the essence of spring in Cumberland County. Your pancakes will thank you later!

French Toast Fest Video: What do you do when you have an egg factory, a bread factory, and you’re surrounded by maple sugar woods? Have a French Toast Festival, because some things are just better together.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/9w37vSTa-l0?si=8anvafFFDy39bk7P

Maple Producers of Cumberland Video: This film was created to inspire you to get out and explore this incredible industry for yourself, and to support the amazing local families that have enriched our community for generations.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/r9vWm2oiDas?si=e8AZxAUc_ggqZZFM