Monday, May 5, 2025
Brock's Only Independent Student Newspaper
One of the only worker-managed newspapers in Canada

A maple syrup lover’s paradise: Check out a local Niagara Region treasure, White Meadows Farm

|
|

Looking for something fun to do this spring? Check out White Meadows Farm.  

White Meadows Farm, located on the outskirts of St. Catharines, is a locally run farm that has belonged to the Bering family since 1937. However, it wasn’t until nearly 60 years after the family settled on the 200 acres of cropland that they found their farm’s claim to fame — maple syrup.  

Known locally for this sweet and sticky treat, White Meadows Farm sells maple syrup in stores all around the Niagara Region. The Maple Sweet Shop, located at 2519 Effingham St., is their main location and is situated on the farm itself. Their other two stores are located at 27 Queen St., Niagara-on-the-Lake, and 6380 Fallsview Blvd., Niagara Falls.  

While maple syrup is the farm’s main product, the business also benefits from guided tours held between March and October. The farm is open throughout most of the year, but due to their Sugar Bush Trek and Discover Maple Sugar Bush Tour, the Bering family and their staff welcome most of their visitors from the early days of spring until the late days of fall.  

The Sugar Bush Trek is a nearly two-hour-long excursion offered every weekend from March 1 to April 13. The trek starts aboard the “Sugar Shuttle,” which takes guests on a 10-minute drive through the meadows and cropland of the farm. After this, visitors are guided on a 45-minute walking tour that educates them on the sugar maple tree and the history of making maple syrup. At the end of the tour, visitors can participate in a rite of passage for children born in Canada: eating maple taffy on snow. 

The Discover Maple Sugar Bush Tour is a little longer at nearly two-and-a-half hours long. Offered on weekends from May 17 to Oct. 26 and daily from June 30 to Aug. 29, this tour follows a similar itinerary to the Sugar Bush Trek, but ends with a tasting of four flavours of maple syrup: golden, amber, dark and very dark.  

While the Sugar Bush Trek and the Discover Maple Sugar Bush Tour are geared toward young children and families, White Meadows Farm also offers tasting boards for an older audience. From May 17 to Aug. 29, visitors can enjoy either a classic or deluxe maple-inspired charcuterie board paired with a glass of maple iced tea.  

Enjoyed by generations of Niagara Region locals, the White Meadows Farm experience is a great way to spend a cold spring morning or a sunny summer afternoon.  

More by this author

RELATED ARTICLES

Palestinian support group suspended at McMaster for claims of antisemitism 

McMaster University suspended the school’s Solidarity for Palestinian Human Rights organization pending an investigation into the club, and the founder of the Brock club has spoken up in response. 

An overview of the federal election campaigns so far 

As the federal election draws nearer, parties are making their stances on vital issues clear. 

Brock Model United Nations offers what it’s actually like to be in the UN 

Brock Model United Nations engages in simulations of international affairs and diplomatic engagement. The Brock Press talked with the club to find out what it’s all about. 

Editorial: Farewell and thank you 

Contributing to The Brock Press for the past four years has been the most rewarding professional experience of my life, making my now imminent farewell that much harder.  

How to vote in the federal election  

As the April election approaches, it’s important to know that the voting process is more than just showing up to the polls on election day. 

What you missed at BUSU’s Annual General Meeting 

BUSU’s latest Annual General Meeting featured a low turnout in an attendance of 16 people total, speakers included. Here’s what you missed. 

Magnitude 7.7 earthquake hits Myanmar 

A magnitude 7.7 earthquake in Myanmar has left a rising death toll of at least 3,000. 

Ouellette, Hood named The Brock Press’ Rookies of the Year 

Rémi Ouellette (men’s track and field) and Sydney Hood (women’s hockey) have been selected as The Brock Press’ Rookies of the Year for the 2024-25 season.