A Canadian favourite, maple treats

By Brandie Majeau
The long-awaited Family Day Long Weekend is fast approaching, and
communities across Canada and within local communities are gearing up as they
prepare for a variety of fun-filled festivities. These celebrations center around families
coming together, embracing the spirit of happiness and togetherness. If one takes a
moment to sift through the announcements for upcoming Family Day events, many
communities are emphasizing a return to Canadian roots and traditions. Among the
activities, maple candy, made, of course, on fresh snow, stands out, enticing locals and
visitors, appealing to that deep-seated appreciation for heritage that lies at the core of
every Canadian’s identity.
But what makes maple candy so unique, and why does it hold such a revered
place in Canadian culture? The history of maple syrup production in Canada is rich and
profound, dating back to the Indigenous peoples who first discovered the sweet, viscous
sap that flows from maple trees. These early Indigenous groups ingeniously tapped into
the trees by inserting wooden spouts, allowing the sap to flow freely. They would collect
it and boil it down into a syrupy elixir or a granulated sugar form, which was
incorporated into their diets. But the sap wasn’t just a sweet treat; it was also valued for
its medicinal properties, believed to promote healing and wellness. With a deep respect
for nature, the Indigenous peoples considered the maple tree sacred, woven intrinsically
into their cultural and social practices.
As time passed, the methods of collecting and processing sap evolved, yet the
passion surrounding maple syrup has remained firmly rooted in Canadian history.
Markedly, historical figures such as Jacques Cartier have even been linked to this
connection of syrupy treats; historians mention Cartier recounting how he drank the sap
from a felled walnut tree and likened it to fine wine.
The Family Day Long Weekend is just around the corner, and the spirit of
individual communities comes alive, inviting everyone to partake in their unique
celebrations. A moment’s pause reveals several activities beyond the usual winter
pastimes, like ice skating and cozy bonfires. The enticing offers of maple candy and
toffee twirl through the air, calling out to something deep within—a connection that
resonates at the very heart of a Canadian’s essence. These treats, with their sweet, rich
flavours, evoke cherished memories and celebrate the warmth of community in the crisp
winter air.
It has become a tradition emerging over time. After a fresh snowfall, especially as
the trees begin to wake from their winter slumber, sap is collected, boiled, and poured

into the snow (watch that it’s clean snow) and eaten as maple candy pieces or rolled
onto sticks and enjoyed as maple lollies. Watch carefully for upcoming events that may
feature this tasty Canadian heritage treat, or (at one’s own discretion) give it a try.