Maple Magic Weekend - A Kawartha Lakes Signature Experience

Immerse yourself in a full weekend DIY maple making experience at The Roost Farm. Stay two nights in our newly built off-grid cabin. We like to call it "bunkie-chic". Suitable for a couple's getaway or a family of four, the cabin has a luxurious Queen size bed and small fold out couch for children. There is a separate washroom facility just steps away from the main cabin. You will find all of the amenities you require for a comfortable stay here, including easy to control propane heating, compostable toilet, a solar fridge and freezer, propane cookstove, outdoor BBQ and firepit. Drinking water is also provided, as well as ample water for washing (running water is not available during the cold season).  You are responsible for your own meals during your stay, but will find a welcome package of fresh eggs, pancake batter and maple syrup awaiting you in your cabin. Farm raised meat can be purchased onsite. Please discuss with your host at booking for product availability.

Please note that dates available for booking are flexible and should be confirmed with a representative from The Roost Farm who will contact you immediately upon booking. Should you wish to discuss availability prior to booking, please contact Shannon at The Roost Farm 705-345-9177 or shannon@roostfarm.ca. 

Tour description:

Day 1: Arrive at the farm after 3:00 pm on Friday. Your belongings will be loaded and sent ahead to the site while your group enjoys a guided walk to your cabin (transportation is available also). During your walk/ride you will be introduced to The Roost Farm grounds and receive an overview of the housekeeping, farm and health and safety policies. Your host will also provide an overview of the weekend activities. Once settled in, you are invited to explore the outdoor surroundings, gather round an outdoor fire, or cozy up inside by the fireplace. Relax and enjoy the evening. 

Day 2: Your host will arrive at a 9:00 am to start your fire and introduce you to the art of maple syrup making. You will enjoy a guided tour through our sugar bush and visit two maple making sites to see different size operations for syrup production. As you walk, your guide will describe the science and evolution of sap gathering and syrup making from Indigenous processes to modern day techniques. You will gather sap to return to your site and begin the cooking process. Throughout the day, your host will periodically check in to monitor your progress. Once the boiling process is complete, your host will assist to remove the syrup from the fire where you will begin the filtering, cleaning and finishing process. These steps are assisted by your hosts as they require explanation, knowledge and technique to complete. Once your syrup is perfected, you can bottle it up to take home and enjoy. 

Day 3: Enjoy the final day of your stay here on The Roost Farm. Walk the trails, visit the barn, or just enjoy a coffee by the fire. Check out is at 2:00 pm. 

Please note: This is an outdoor experience and sap boiling is a process--ever watched a pot boil?? This experience offers guests the opportunity to learn, relax, and enjoy the outdoors. Guests should come prepared with adequate clothing for cool or wet temperatures. Children will require extra clothes and footwear (soakers are a rite of passage of Canadian maple syrup making), and all guests should wear waterproof boots. Meals are not provided but guests will have full access to a BBQ, propane stovetop and an open fire at the site.