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March 2025

Winter will soon give way to one of the sweetest seasons in Durham Region—the maple syrup harvest! Each year, as winter winds down, the longer days and rising temperatures welcome the start of the maple syrup harvest.

From March through May, there are plenty of opportunities to get a sweet taste of the maple season and fill your calendars with fresh, local maple syrup tastings and demonstrations, and delicious pancake breakfasts. 

Visit the sugar bush at Pefferlaw Creek Farms, savour maple syrup tastings at Purple Woods Maple Syrup Festival and Brooks Farms Maplefest, and enjoy street festivals in Sunderland and Bowmanville. To help you make the most of maple season in Durham Region, we’ve put together a list of upcoming festivals and events in 2025! 

When it comes to winter sports and outdoor fun, Durham Region boasts some of Ontario’s best skiing and snowboarding destinations.

With three amazing ski resorts that each offer something unique, there’s no shortage of unforgettable experiences. Whether you're perfecting your turns, catching air in the terrain parks, or tubing down the hills, there’s a winter experience waiting for all levels of skiers and snowboarders.  

Discover the ideal destination for your snowy getaway with our detailed guide to  Brimacombe, Dagmar and Lakeridge. Plus, get all the tips you need to maximize your winter adventure. 

Don’t miss the excitement of an Oshawa Generals OHL hockey game at Tribute Communities Centre in Oshawa! 

Start your night off at Market at 70 King’s Pregame Party and catch all the excitement of these high-energy, action-packed games. Since 1937, fans from near and far have travelled to Oshawa to watch and cheer on the Gens as they face off against tough opponents and win championships! 

Before you go, check out our insider’s guide for everything you need to know about visiting an Oshawa General’s game—tickets, food, things to do nearby, and more.

Need more inspiration to make the most of the winter weather? Check out our list of 10 outdoor activities to enjoy in Durham Region this season.

There’s ‘snow’ place like Durham Region to make the most of winter. Located less than an hour’s drive from Toronto, Durham has plenty of exciting sports, scenic trails and snow-filled fun to get you outdoors.

Try something new like snow tubing or cross-country skiing, enjoy the peace and tranquility of Durham trails by horseback, celebrate the season at an outdoor event, and so much more. 

Every season is patio season in Durham Region—as long as you’re up for the adventure! Don’t let the cold temperatures keep you indoors. Embrace the season with some of the coolest outdoor heated patio experiences in Durham Region.

Cozy up by the firepits at Banjo Cider and Two Blokes Cider, stay warm on the heated patios at The Brock House and PORT Restaurant, or warm your hands at Slabtown Cider Co.’s outdoor fire tables.

Whether you’re catching up with friends or having a romantic night out, these spots offer a great way to enjoy the fresh air without the chill. 

Chef Alex Page will be your guide to all things maple with a culinary demonstration and tasting at Pefferlaw Creek Farms on March 8 from 1 to 3 p.m.

Hosted by Durham Tourism and Durham Farm Fresh, you’ll watch Chef Alex prepare his maple parsnip orzotto with gremolata, then you’ll taste the delicious creation and bring home the recipe to impress your family and friends.  

The culinary demonstration and sampling are free, but you will have to pay admission to the Maple Syrup Festival. 

Looking for ways to keep the family entertained during March Break?

We've got you covered! 

You’ll feel like you’ve escaped to a sunny destination when you visit any of these tropical restaurants that will make you feel like you’re on vacation. Enjoy authentic cuisine and beautiful dining experiences without ever leaving Durham Region. 

Get your game face on with our gamer’s guide to Durham Region, or escape the cold and still stay warm with this list of indoor family attractions. From trivia to gaming cafés, to five-pin bowling and indoor archery, there's something for everyone to enjoy without having to spend any serious time outdoors.  

Thinking of escaping to Durham Region over the March Break? Explore Durham like a local! There are plenty of hidden treasures waiting to be enjoyed by those willing to venture off the beaten path. Check out our local’s guide to Durham Region to plan your adventure. 

Local Business Highlights

Purple Woods Conservation Area is celebrating a golden milestone—50 years of bringing families and friends together to enjoy the sweet tradition of maple syrup production. Don’t miss the chance to be a part of half a century of maple syrup magic. This year’s festival runs March 8 to 30 with activities taking place Saturdays and Sundays, as well as during March Break from March 12 to 14.

Get your tickets. 

This winter explore the Uxbridge Beer and Cider Trail. Enjoy small-batch traditional cider from

Banjo Cider, hand-crafted ale from the Second Wedge Brewing Co, and black currant, cherry, or authentic heritage apple cider from Slabtown Cider. Make it a full day or weekend adventure and spend some time on the trails. 

This March, the Downtown Whitby Business Improvement Area invites you to Shop Local, Support Local, and Win Big in Downtown Whitby. Every time you shop at a Downtown business, you are supporting the local economy and you can enter for a chance to win incredible weekly prizes and a Grand Prize. Get full contest details. 

In Case You Missed It

Whether you’re catching up with a friend, warming yourself up during a day of shopping, or wanting to find the perfect little coffee shop for a moment alone, there are plenty of amazing options to choose from in Durham Region’s downtowns. Check out our list of Instagrammable cafes and coffees that offer unique beverages and charming atmospheres perfect for capturing memorable moments. 

Port Perry has been named a must-visit for 2025 by readers of Narcity Canada. The lakeside town is loved for its charming streets and shops as well as its relaxing water views. Read the full article by Narcity Canada. 

There’s nothing more Canadian than embracing the cold winter weather with some fun winter activities! Check out this winter itinerary as Destination Ontario and York Durham Headwaters “giv’r” at Trail Hub, Two Blokes Cider and Old Flame Brewing Co. Watch the full segment by CHCH News. 

For unique trip ideas or to plan your perfect day, visit DurhamTourism.ca, or call 1-800-413-0017. If this information is required in an accessible format, contact Durham Tourism.