Taste the sweet delight of maple at Kings Landing
Since 1984, Kings Landing has opened its doors in March to celebrate New Brunswick’s longstanding, delicious tradition of maple syrup making.
In addition to the traditional highlights of our maple celebration – the 19th-century sugaring demonstration, horse and wagon rides, encampment setups, beautiful scenery and a yummy pancake breakfast – historic buildings will open up for visitors to explore and participate in winter-related activities and demonstrations.
Here are six things to know when planning your visit to Kings Landing this March.
1. A timeless tradition
Maple, the First Taste of Spring celebrates New Brunswick’s maple history with a 19th-century sugaring demonstration, a winter encampment, horse and wagon rides, “long-licks” (a.k.a. maple candy on the snow), and more.
2. Candy on the snow
The sugaring demonstration is the highlight for many who attend this event. Guests can buy long-licks onsite for $2 each and enjoy a delicious treat.
3. Lots to see & do
All activities will take place on the west side of the Village, including the encampment and buildings such as the Welcome Centre, Joslin Farm, Gordon House and Hagerman House. Visitors will be able to enter these buildings to partake in workshops, see cooking demonstrations and learn how folks lived in the winter in the mid-1800s. Be sure to grab a map at the Welcome Centre or scan the QR code to get it on your phone so you don’t miss anything!
4. Breakfast
What better way to enjoy maple syrup than with pancakes? The Luxor Shriners of New Brunswick will be selling pancake breakfasts with eggs, meat, home fries and beverages. Proceeds will support the Shriners Bathurst outreach clinic for children and travel costs for patients. Breakfast tickets can be purchased from the Shriners. Sales end at 2 p.m., so make sure to enjoy this delicious opportunity to start the day!
5. Dress for the weather
There has been A LOT of snow this winter in the Fredericton region, but it’s difficult to know what March will bring. While you can certainly warm up and dry off in the open buildings, a lot of the activities are outdoors, so be sure to bundle up if it’s cold! Be sure to also have good footwear to walk safely along the roadways. If the snow is melting, kids would be best dressed in splash pants and rubber boots.
6. Tickets and goodies
This year, tickets are available onsite during the day of the event. Tickets can also be purchased on Eventbrite for faster entry (sales end at 5 p.m. the day prior). The Peddler’s Market will be open with maple products, handmade souvenirs, and other yummy treats for sale.
On March 11, 12, 18 & 19, 2023, from 10 am – 4 pm, experience Maple, the First Taste of Spring at Kings Landing. The museum will have traditional encampments set up in their 19th-century landscape. See large cauldrons set up over open fires boiling sap down to maple syrup and savour the “long-lick” (a.k.a. maple candy in the snow) for $2 each at the event. Wagon rides will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Select buildings will be open for winter-related activities.
Admission fees for this event cover entry to the site only. Tickets can be purchased onsite or in advance on Eventbrite.
Prices listed below include tax, but do not include Eventbrite processing fees:
- Family - $20.00
- Adult - $10.00
- Senior (65+) - $5.00
- Student (ID required - $5.00
- Youth (6-15 years) - $5.00
- Child (5 & under) - Free
- Military (ID required) - Free
2023 Season passholders will have free entry to Maple, the First Taste of Spring. These can be purchased at the event or requested on our website. Don’t hesitate to send Kings Landing a message on Facebook or Instagram if you have any questions!
For more information about this annual event, please visit our website.
