Conservation area open seven days a week from sunrise to sunset.

Maple Syrup FAQ and Information

Maple Syrup 2023

Everything You Need To Know

Reservations now open!

Westfield Heritage Village is offering a special maple program on Sundays, March 5, 12, 19, 26, April 2 as well as Wednesday, March 15 and Thursday, March 16, and Good Friday, April 7.

Due to the popularity of events at Westfield Heritage Village, visitors must reserve a time slot for their visit. This mandatory reservation system allows visitors to travel with peace of mind knowing that their parking space is held for them and creates a safe and enjoyable visit for everyone attending. Each reservation is for a 2-hour time slot and are for six people maximum. One vehicle is permitted per reservation.

Reservations Contact:
Phone: 1-855-227-5267
Email: reserve@conservationhamilton.ca

Reservation Information

All visitors, including HCA Membership Pass holders, will be required to make a reservation prior to their visit or will be turned away. No walk-in pedestrian traffic permitted without a valid reservation on event days including Sundays in March, April 2 as well as on Wednesday, March 15 and Thursday March 16 and Good Friday, April 7.

Being an HCA Member does have benefits. You will receive a deep discount and only need to pay the $10.00 reservation fee.

The $10.00 reservation fee will be charged to passholders, similarly to how there is also a reservation fee for camping.  The reservation system will be in place for all special events at Westfield. On regular operating days, including those Sundays with some programming and interpretation taking place, it will be accessible as it usually would be, and your pass would give you entry as usual with no booking or additional fee required.

The purpose of implementing a reservation system for Westfield special events is to allow us to operate the event within the limitations of our parking areas and limit the number of visitors to what our area’s capacity can safely handle. Reserving a specific time to visit will spread visitation through the event times and allow visitors to safely enjoy the event as capacity limits will allow them to physically distance themselves from other visitors as they tour the demonstrations and interpretation sites.

Early on in the booking, it will show you a vehicle and reservation fee. Not to worry, near the end of your booking you will have the option to enter your pass information.

Click here for our Step by Step Reservation Guide.

Only one vehicle is permitted with your reservation. NO EXCEPTIONS. If you do not plan to carpool with the people on your reservation, you must make a separate reservation. Westfield has limited parking and additional vehicles will be turned away. There is no street parking at Westfield.

Yes. Changes and cancellations are allowed up to 48hrs in advance of event date you’ve selected and booked.

Changes to your reservation result in a $4.25+ HST fee.

Cancellations will results in a 50% refund of the purchase price as long as it’s cancelled 48hrs in advance of your reservation. The reservation fee is non-refundable.

If no cancellation is requested, then no refund will be processed.

No changes or cancellations less than 48hrs before the reservation.

Reservations are for a 2-hour period. This time will allow you time to see the 2 demonstration sites, try a maple syrup sample, check-out the maple panels, walk the Maple Trivia Trail, buy some pancakes in the Ironwood Hall and visit a selection of historical buildings. You may arrive up to 30 minutes after your reservation time begins, but you must still leave the area by the time stated on your reservation. You don’t want to miss a minute of your visit so plan to arrive on time.

Time slots start at 10:00 a.m. and run every 15-minutes. The last time slot is at 2:00 p.m.

On the reservation page, there are four tabs in the blue section. Click on ‘Maple Syrup Season’. From there, click on the left drop down box and select ‘Westfield Heritage Village Conservation Area’. 

Click here for our Step by Step Reservation Guide.

When you arrive, there will be a staff person who will see your reservation confirmation. They will also verify the number of people on your reservation and those in your vehicle. If you arrive with more people than on your reservation, you will be required to pay for the additional people when you arrive. Once your reservation is confirmed you will be directed where to park.

You only need to make a reservation for the Maple Syrup Season days that we are currently offering with enhanced special activities such as the demonstrations and selling pancakes. Those dates include Sundays, March 5, 12, 19, 26, April 2 and Wednesday, March 16 and Thursday, March 17, and Good Friday, April 7.

Everyone needs a reservation on the dates listed. We recommend that you plan to visit on another day for your hike or plan to come after the special program closes. The conservation area is open until sunset each day. You can come in for a walk or hike after 4:00 p.m. without a reservation.

About the Maple Syrup Program

Yes, a selection of historical buildings will be open for viewing. Our volunteer historical interpreters are looking forward to providing demonstrations in their buildings.

  • Modern sugar shack in operation
  • Three kettle method demonstration at the Lockhart House
  • Maple information panels
  • Maple trivia trail to walk
  • Maple Syrup sample tasting
  • Pancakes available to purchase in the Ironwood Hall
  • General Store and Gift Shop open to purchase maple treats
  • Two scavenger hunts to try
  • A selection of historical buildings open

The St. George Lions will be selling pancakes in the Ironwood Hall. There is limited seating available in the hall, you may enjoy your pancakes in the picnic area or plan to take them home with you. You are only able to purchase pancakes with a reservation.

Additional Information

  • Dress for the weather. Our historical buildings are heated using 19th century methods!
  • We recommend bringing a sled or wagon for your little ones instead of a stroller. We maintain our roads inside the village area, but not our maple trail to the sugar shack. A stroller can be tough going.
  • You are welcome to eat your pancakes in our picnic area. Keep in mind that it’s not a covered area.
  • We accept cash, debit and credit in our stores. The St. George Lions accept cash and debit.
  • We welcome all family members including the furry ones. Please keep your pet safe on a leash at all times and remember to pick-up after them. They also can’t go into any of our buildings. Our reservation dates can be busy and you may want to consider leaving your pet at home. They may thank you for it.

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