Tapping into Tradition at the Kemble Maple Tour

The Kemble Maple Tour is a cherished community event, bringing residents and visitors together to celebrate spring, the beautiful area, and of course all things maple. The event began in 2010 and has continued annually, with an exception during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

According to Bob Gray of Kemble Mountain Maple Products, chair of the organizing committee for the event, it was originally started as a fundraiser for the Kemble Pastoral Charge, at that time consisting of three small local rural United Churches. The tour is now a fundraiser for the Kemble-Sarawak United Church. As long-term members of the Ontario Maple Syrup Producers’ Association (OMSPA), Bob and wife Mary Beth have attended many summer tours across the province where OMSPA members have the chance to visit different maple farms and gain new ideas on how to improve their operations at home. This sparked the idea of bringing a maple tour to Kemble during the actual maple season. “We thought it would be fun and interesting for the public to visit some of our local operations to actually experience the sweet-smelling steam, hopefully taste fresh maple syrup coming off the evaporator, and learn from the various local producers all about maple,” said Bob. “It is a proud part of our Canadian heritage here in northeastern North America, where the sugar maple trees are found.” The Kemble area has a lot of sugar maples growing on the rocky lands of the Niagara Escarpment.

The organizing committee consists of four members, who are all passionate about community. The event is supported by local businesses, service organizations, local artisans, and the township of Georgian Bluffs. The Township is holding a Family Fun Fair again this year as part of the Kemble Maple Tour. The fun takes place at the Kemble Arena with face painting, balloon twisting, inflatable games, and a petting zoo. The Kemble Lions Club will be there serving up hamburgers and hotdogs. Just down the road at the church, a delicious maple themed meal is proudly served up by some of the very best cooks in the community. Passports for the meal are available on sale in advance or at the door the day of if still available. Each year several local maple producers generously volunteer their time to support the event. They open their properties to the public for the day, offering demonstrations and a chance to taste the delicious maple syrup. “The tour provides residents and visitors a chance to explore and learn about this part of Ontario, and to experience the local beauty. And to learn about our wonderful maple trees,” said Bob. The organizers of the Kemble Maple Tour hope people attending leave with fond memories of a day well spent, enjoy delicious food, and gain an appreciation for how real Canadian maple syrup is produced. And to realize why it is so important to protect our natural world for ourselves and future generations.

The Kemble Maple Tour is taking place on Saturday, April 12, 2025 at the Kemble-Sarawak United Church, Kemble Arena, and throughout the community. For more details on the tour stops, the arts and crafts sale, the famous maple-infused meal, and the Family Fun Fair visit www.kemblemaple.com. Meal passports are available at various locations throughout the area, including the Township of Georgian Bluffs Administration Office.