Sugarbush Season

The Mountsberg sugarbush has been producing maple magic for more than 150 years and educating the public for over 40 years. The park will tap about 300 sugar maples this spring and the crystal-clear sap will be magically transformed into sweet maple syrup in the Sugar Shanty. This year will be different than in previous years, but we are pleased to have worked with Hamilton Public Health to provide a safe, and cherished Canadian tradition. Welcome to Sugarbush Season!

The sugar bush will offer park visitors passive exploration throughout the park during their visit to Mountsberg. Please note that masks will be mandatory for all guests and staff both indoors and outdoors at the park. Children age 2 and under, and those with medical exemptions excepted.

Maple Maze: How maple savvy are you? Find out as you travel through our maple maze! Get the answers right and find your way out, get them wrong, and start again!
Maple Trivia Trail: Enjoy a stroll through the 150-year-old sugar bush and learn a little maple trivia along the way. Take a moment to look up and imagine how many people have stood under these same trees each year to enjoy this amazing spring ritual!
Historical Sites: Maple sugaring is a time-honoured tradition for Indigenous Nations around the Great Lakes, a tradition that they shared with Settlers. Visit this area to learn how the technique of maple syrup and sugar making has changed over time.
Birds of Prey: Eagles, Owls, and Hawks, oh my! Visit the Wildlife Walkway to view the incredible Raptors that call Mountsberg home and learn their heartwarming stories.
Natural Playground: The Play Barn may be closed due to COVID-19 but our new outdoor Natural Playground is open for running, jumping, and playing! Remember to give other families lots of space while you explore Mother Nature’s jungle gym.
Fireside Lounges: There is nothing like relaxing by a crackling outdoor fire (Limit 4 guests per fire pit at one time)
Purchase maple products: Visit the retail takeout window for all things maple. Only debit and credit are accepted at this time.

Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Holidays 9am-5pm (Park reservations at Mountsberg required, you can do so here)
Your reserved visit is 2hrs.

Pricing:
Members: Free
Non- Members: $10/Adult, $8/Senior, $7/Child 5-14, Children 4 & Under: Free

Click here to book your reservation today!

FAQ’s

Schedule, Fees & Location

Schedule

Sugarbush Season runs from March 6th until April 11th, 2021. General park reservations are required.

Hours & Days

Friday, Saturday, Sunday & Holidays
9am-6pm

Location

Sugarbush Season takes place at Mountsberg Conservation Area.
2259 Milburough Line
Campbellville, ON
L0P 1B0

Reservation Questions, Changes, & Cancellation

How do I reserve my visit?

Click here  and then simply reserve your visit, just as you would reserve your hike time for any of our parks. You will receive a record of your reservation via email, please bring this email with you for check in. We will also be able to retrieve your reservation via your license plate number.

Can I change my booking date or time?

You will be able to edit or cancel (for full refund) your own reservation up to 4 hours prior to your visit time using the link provided in your confirmation email.

Can I book multiple vehicles/families under the same reservation?

No, please book only one vehicle/household per reservation. License plate numbers are used to grant access to the park. We encourage all guests to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 by staying within their households when visiting the parks.

Can I add extra people?

If space is available during your selected time slot you will be able to edit your own reservation and add additional guests. Due to COVID-19 restrictions we do not have flexibility to add any additional spaces beyond those already offered. People who arrive without a reserved spot will not be able to enter the park.

Do I need to bring a receipt with me to Mountsberg?

Yes, please bring your reservation email with you on your phone. There is no need to bring a printed copy. Your reservation will be validated at check-in.

Do I have to arrive at the start of my reservation time?

Your reservation start time will be stated on your e-ticket. It is important to arrive on time for your reservation to ensure that we stay within COVID-19 guidelines and that you are able to take part in all activities. Please allow sufficient travel time for any unforeseen traffic, weather conditions, etc.

Can I just show up without a reservation?

No, as with all our parks, reservations are required to ensure we can provide a safe experience for all our guests.

Will Conservation Halton ever cancel Sugarbush Season?

Sometimes cancellations occur due to extreme weather and we may experience closures due to changes in COVID-19 protocols. We will email guests as soon as possible if they will be impacted by a closure. We will also keep our social media platforms updated. Follow Conservation Halton on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

Why are you no longer offering guided tours of the Sugarbush?

Effective March 29, 2021, Hamilton entered the Grey Lockdown Zone due to COVID-19. As Mountsberg is located in Hamilton, we are no longer able to offer guided tours under these new restrictions. Any guests who had tours booked have already been contacted, and we have cancelled the tour on their behalf for the remainder of the season.

Logistics—Parking, Check in, Start Times & Clothing

Parking

Parking is included in your reservation fee. Parking is located in the main parking lot outside of the Discovery Centre. Please check in with a Visitor Services Representative inside the Gift Shop of the Discovery Centre upon arrival.

Check in & start times

Please arrive at the start of your reservation time to avoid disappointment or overcrowding.

Clothing

Please dress appropriately for the weather, Sugarbush Season is entirely outdoors. Warm, waterproof, sturdy footwear is strongly recommended.

Can I bring my dog?

Dogs on a leash are welcome during the passive daytime experience at Sugarbush Season.

Accessibility

Strollers & Wheelchairs

The Sugarbush Trail and Wildlife Walkway are wide and hard packed. Both trails are unpaved with some uneven sections and slight incline/declines. Access to the Sugarbush Trail takes guests across a train crossing that has some uneven sections. Although the trails will be plowed, fresh snow or ice, and mud all impact trail conditions and may make travel difficult for strollers or people with mobility challenges. Please contact us for more information about accessibility - we are happy to help – visitorservices@hrca.on.ca.

Washrooms

Indoor washrooms including an accessible/family washroom are currently available in the Discovery Centre. Washrooms, including wheelchair accessible stalls and change tables are also available in the Sugarbush. Some locations may have lips at doorways that require assistance.

Individuals with Special Needs

We want all our patrons to experience the magic of maple season! If you or a group member requires an accommodation to be able to participate please contact us at visitorservices@hrca.on.ca to discuss options available.

COVID-19 Safety Measures

2021 Food Offerings

Effective April 3, we will no longer be offering outdoor dining due to the announcement of the provincial lockdown. The Pancake House will not be open in 2021, and pancakes will not be available for purchase.

Retail

Effective April 9 2021, due to the new provincial guidelines we can offer maple products for purchase through our takeout window only. Only debit and credit can be accepted at this time.

Face Coverings/Masks

To protect staff and public, staff and park guests will be required to wear face coverings both indoors and outdoors. Children age 2 and under and those with medical exemptions excepted.

Physical Distancing

For the protection of all guests and employees, we ask all visitors to maintain a 2-meter distance (6 feet) at all times and in all areas of the park. Reservation numbers are being controlled to allow for distancing. With this in mind, we kindly ask all guests to arrive dressed for the weather and ready to spend their entire visit outdoors.

COVID-19 Pledge

All guests will complete a COVID-19 pledge when they book their ticket on behalf of all their group members. This will help remind guests who are feeling ill to stay home. To keep our guests safe, all employees will be required to undergo health screenings prior to each scheduled shift.

Cleaning and Sanitation

Increased cleaning and sanitation are being performed in all areas of operation, especially high touch point areas.

Tours

Effective March 29, 2021, Hamilton entered the Grey Lockdown Zone due to COVID-19. As Mountsberg is located in Hamilton, we are no longer able to offer guided tours under these new restrictions.