As the vibrant hues of summer give way to the warm, earthy tones of autumn, there’s no better time to hit the open road and venture into the heart of the Niagara Region. This October, we invite you to embark on a journey that will leave you enchanted. Our destination? The Niagara Escarpment, a geological marvel, adorned in a breathtaking tapestry of reds, oranges, and yellows. But that’s not all; while you’re in town, be sure to plan a stop at White Meadows Farms in St. Catharines. Whether you have 20 minutes or an hour to spare, we’ll sweeten your afternoon with a taste of authentic Canada and more…
Check out these 10 ways to explore the farm this October!
🧀 Maple Inspired Charcuterie Boards (Until November 5th!)
If you want to indulge in the full maple flavoured experience at White Meadows Farms, be sure to order a Deluxe Tasting Board. This elegantly prepared board contains the 4 flavours of maple syrup with 6 mini buttermilk pancakes. It also includes our entire lineup of 10 gourmet maple products from sweet to savoury with favourites like Red Pepper Maple Jelly, Maple Mustard, Maple Blueberry Fruit Sauce and more. The Deluxe Board hosts 2 locally made cheeses, local summer sausage, 2 kinds of crackers, fresh fruit and a pickle. With indoor and outdoor seating options available, this can’t-miss maple snack is at the top of our list.
Tasting Board Hours: Available Daily from 12:30pm – 4:00pm
Reservations suggested but not required
🍁 Autumn Blaze Maple Trees
Perhaps the most eye-catching tree to look out for this season is the Autumn Blaze maple. The vibrant leaves are among the first to begin the Fall transformation with a brilliant red hue. You can spot these trees along the pond on our property and on the hills behind The Maple Sweet Shop. Whether you’re an ardent nature lover, a passionate photographer, or simply someone seeking the beauty of the season, the Autumn Blaze maple is a must-see spectacle.
The Sugar Shack
No visit to White Meadows Farms is complete without a visit to our Sugar Shack! The hub of maple production is a little quieter this time of year but no less important to the work we do. Be sure to stop by and ask our helpful staff to chat all about how we operate our wood-fired evaporator, the sap to syrup ratio and any other maple related questions you may have.
Stop by the Sugar Shack during opening hours of the Maple Sweet Shop
Our Bottling Line
Speaking of staff in the Sugar Shack – you may even get to see our bottling crew in action. Our precious maple syrup is boiled and stored in large drums after the harvest in April. In the off-season, we use the Sugar Shack as our bottling facility so we can keep our warehouse stocked with liquid gold for our stores. Be sure to ask our team all about how it works!
This time of year, we are usually bottling on Thursdays or Fridays but dates are subject to change.
The Colour Window
Every year, a small portion of our freshly boiled syrup is set aside daily, creating a mesmerizing display of the evolving spectrum of colours through the maple season. The bottles sparkle in the window of the Sugar Shack and demonstrate just how magical the production of maple syrup is. You must be wondering how this is even possible? We’d love to tell you all about it during your visit!
Can’t make it out to the farm this year? Read all about the colours of maple syrup here
The Maple Sweet Shop
It’s been nearly three decades since we first opened the doors to the Maple Sweet Shop, sharing our passion for maple syrup and delightful maple treats with wonderful friends like you! Be sure to pop in for a sweet treat or a bottle of our finest maple syrup to elevate your pantry. Don’t forget to explore our collection of charming antiques, trace the journey of our syrup on the world map display, and uncover a selection of exclusive treats that can only be found at our farm location.
Store Hours: Monday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm & Sundays from 11am to 5pm
🐄 Lady Di
Did You Know: White Meadows Farms has a unique history as a former dairy farm?! To pay tribute to the beloved cow that once roamed the pastures, we proudly showcase a replica of Lady Di along our farm’s driveway. She’s not just any cow; she’s the perfect photo companion for your visit 📸 (sometimes, we suspect our guests get more excited about Lady Di than the delightful 67% sugar they just tasted – but hey, to each their own!). There’s something undeniably charming about a cow statue at a maple syrup farm, guaranteed to bring a smile to your face.
Maple Butter Tarts
Experience the essence of Canada in every bite with our delectable butter tarts, lovingly crafted in our kitchen using 100% Pure Maple Syrup. A flaky crust filled with rich, buttery goodness, these ooey-gooey delights are a melt-in-your-mouth treat. Visit the Maple Sweet Shop and indulge in these irresistible farm favourites, available in packs of 2 or 6!
🎃 Fall Patio Makeover
As you approach the Maple Sweet Shop and the Sugar Shack, you’ll be greeted by a picturesque scene of our photo-worthy fall pumpkins in all their glory. Immerse yourself in the charming atmosphere of a “pumpkin patch”, surrounded by vibrant mums and snug straw bales. Indulge in a charcuterie board experience amid this rustic autumn setting, a perfect blend of flavors and fall aesthetics.
Maple Syrup Tasting
At the heart of our farm lies the quintessential experience – our maple syrup tasting. It’s a journey that takes just a minute or two but leaves a lasting impression. Step inside the Maple Sweet Shop, where your taste buds are in for a treat. Sample a drop of each flavor – from the lusciously Golden to the rich and bold Very Dark. Let your palate pick its favorite shade of maple perfection among Golden, Amber, Dark, and Very Dark.
There is no charge for a maple syrup tasting and no reservations required
⭐ BONUS – The Discover Maple Tour (until October 8th!) 🍂
If you can make it to Niagara by the weekend, we highly recommend experiencing our off-season Sugar Bush Tour – the Discover Maple Tour. It’s the number one suggested activity at White Meadows Farms, and for good reason. This tour offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the growing maple forest while learning about the art of maple syrup harvesting.
The Discover Maple Tour is a 90-minute journey that takes you from our Sugar Shack to the heart of our forest, with an expert guide leading every step of the way. But that’s not all – as an extra treat, you’ll get to savor the delightful experience of maple taffy on snow, adding a touch of sweetness to your educational adventure.
Join us this Saturday October 7th and Sunday October 8th at 10:30am, 1:00pm & 3:00pm
Purchase tickets online, there is no guarantee for walk-in availability
