Spring Tonic

Saturday, April 6 and Sunday, April 7 2024

The Spring Tonic Maple Syrup Festival kicks off our fundraising year at the Tiffin Centre. Hosted in partnership with the Rotary Club of Barrie and the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority (NVCA), the Spring Tonic Maple Syrup Festival at the Tiffin Conservation Area is a tradition spanning more than three decades. Sample this natural sweetness on pancakes with sausage, as well as shop for maple candy, syrup and souvenirs. Kids’ can have their faces painted, make some crafts, build a birdhouse, enjoy a tractor drawn wagon ride and maybe get a hug from a boa constrictor. Plus, check out a Red Barn dog show with canines speeding through an obstacle course while you’re here!

Visitors will take a trip back in time to explore how maple syrup was made in the past. After that, they will return to current times and see how maple syrup is made today! Prices for most activities are included in the admission fees. Tiffin’s own maple syrup will be available for sale on-site. All proceeds go towards the Rotary’s community initiatives and the maintenance of NVCA’s conservation areas.

Don't forget to pick up some Tiffin Maple Syrup to take home with you! There's something for everyone

Enjoy a delicious pancake and sausage breakfast with fresh maple syrup
Learn about exotic animals at the Zoo to You animal show. You can pet them too!
Watch dog agility demonstrations from Red Barn Events
Take a tractor-wagon ride through our forest.
Dance to live music performed by local musicians
Create buttons and crafts in the Education Centre.
Say hello to local firefighters, paramedics and Ontario Conservation Officers.
Polish your outdoor skills with cadets
Stock up on maple syrup products (maple syrup made at Tiffin is available in limited quantities).
Hike through Tiffin Conservation Area’s scenic trails.
Learn how to tap a tree with Tiffin’s Environmental Educators.
And more!

Who is It For?

All ages

How Much?

Tickets :

$65 for a family of 4
$20 for adults (13+)
$15 for kids (3-12)
Free for children under 3 years old (or 2 and under)

Please note that there are no refunds for tickets purchased.

Admission includes all activities listed above, except for bird box building.

$10 Build Your Own Pine Bird Box
$30 Pre-Built Premium Cedar Bird Box

Funds raised at Spring Tonic help support Rotary programs as well as education and conservation programs at the Tiffin Centre.

When & Where?

Date: Saturday, April 6 and Sunday, April 7, 2024
Time: from 9 am to 3 pm. Breakfast is served until 2 pm.
Venue & Address: Tiffin Conservation Area, 8195 8th Line, Utopia ON L0M 1T0, Wheelchair accessible
Phone: 705-424-1479
GPS: X-595757, Y-4907785
Directions: From the City of Barrie or Highway 400, drive west on County Rd. 90 (Dunlop St. towards Angus) to the 8th Line of Essa. Turn left (south) and travel for 4 km to the entranceway on your left
Buses: Due to limited parking, buses may not be able to be accommodated at the site. All buses must be pre-registered. Contact mbacon@nvca.on.ca to coordinate parking or drop off.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I get tickets for Spring Tonic?
Tickets can be bought online or by cash at the gate.

How much do activities cost?
Your admission price includes your breakfast and most activities. Some activities may include a material fee (e.g. bird house building). You may also want to bring some money to purchase maple syrup to take home. Please note that there are no refunds for tickets.

Are there any dietary accommodations for the pancake breakfast?
Yes. There will be some premade egg free/gluten free/ and vegan pancakes, as well as gluten free/vegan sausages available. Quantities will be limited and available on a first come, first served basis.

Do I need to accompany my children to this event?
Yes, young children will require supervision.

Will there be any food for purchase at the Tiffin Centre?
A pancake and sausage breakfast, complete with maple syrup, juice and coffee, is included in your admission price. There will be no other food for sale at the event, but you are welcome to pack a snack to bring with you.

Where can I eat?
Seating will be available in the picnic pavilion with both indoor and outdoor options. Water fountains are available at the Jose Centre to fill your reusable water bottles. Please note that the fountains are intended for refills only. Please do not drink directly from the fountains.

Are there washrooms available?
Yes, there are several outdoor washrooms throughout the conservation area, and indoor washrooms will be available in the Jose Environmental Education Centre and the Hix Administration Building.

What if it snows or rains?
The Spring Tonic Maple Syrup Festival runs rain or shine, and anything in between. Please come dressed for the outdoors and prepared for the weather.

Can I bring my dog to this event?
Well behaved dogs are welcome to attend the event, but must be leashed at all times. Please note that only service animals may go inside our buildings.