As the days grow longer and winter loosens its grip, excitement builds for one of our favourite traditions — maple syrup season. The past few weeks have been a whirlwind of activity as we prepare for the sweet flow of sap that marks the start of the season.
This winter’s snow has made working in the bush quite the cardio workout. Just a week ago, every step — even with snowshoes — meant sinking knee-deep into powder.
Each year, we head into the sugarbush to repair our collection system and change out spiles. Since the end of last season, fallen branches, curious wildlife, and heavy snow have taken their toll, so it’s important to inspect every inch of tubing to ensure there are no leaks or broken fittings. It’s a big job, but essential for a successful season.
Once the spiles have been changed and the lines are set, tapping begins. Each tree is carefully examined to find a suitable tapping location, ready to collect that precious sap as soon as it starts to run. There’s something truly special about this ritual — the quiet woods, the crisp air, and the anticipation of what’s to come make it a memorable part of our year.
Of course, preparation didn’t stop at tapping this year. We decided to add a new collection line, which presented a unique challenge: getting the sap across an access road. To solve this, we built a brand-new sap ladder! For those unfamiliar, a sap ladder is a clever piece of engineering that lifts sap up and over obstacles when standard gravity-fed flow won’t work.
With the trees tapped, lines repaired, and our new sap ladder in place, we’re ready for the first big thaw. There’s always a sense of hope and excitement at this stage, as we wonder what kind of yield the season will bring and imagine the golden syrup that will soon be bottled.
We’ll keep you updated as the sap starts to flow and the evaporator fires up. Here’s to a sweet and successful maple season ahead!
