Dumfries Maples Sugarbush

A Sweet Journey to Dumfries Maples Sugarbush Farm

Maple lovers, it’s almost time to make your annual pilgrimage to your local sugarbush farm. Visions of pancakes, pure golden maple syrup, and sweet maple taffy will soon be dancing in your head! Dumfries Maples is ready to deliver all this and more with a variety of maple products, sugarbush tours, and, of course, a hearty maple meal. Make sure to reserve your spot at their Pancake House for the sweetest day ever!

Fortunately for me, Dumfries Maples Sugarbush Farm and Pancake House is only a short 35-minute drive from my home in Fredericton, New Brunswick. My friend Lori, a fellow maple syrup aficionado, joined me on this adventure. Like me, she was craving a healthy dose of Dumfries’ pure maple syrup drizzled over pancakes.

Dumfries Maples: The Sweet Golden Treasure

Dumfries Maples typically opens from mid-March to mid-April, when weather conditions are perfect for sap to run. Stretches of warm days and chilly nights spell happiness for sugarbush farmers. Ideally, they like a range of -5 C to +5 C to begin their operations. It was that perfect time of year again, and as we pulled into Dumfries Maples, greeted by the sight of their charming cedar log Pancake House and a large black cauldron hanging over an open fire in front of it. Steam was rising above it, and I thought about what must be simmering inside and I could almost taste the sweet golden treasure we came for.

The Dumfries Sugarbush Experience

As we entered the cozy cedar lodge, we were warmly welcomed by co-owners, Jane and Nathan Scott. Dumfries Maples began as a small family-run sugarbush in 1998. Over the years, the farm expanded, growing both the sugarbush and their syrup production. In 2009, they constructed a new sugarhouse and a cedar log cabin - aka the Pancake House - thanks to the hard work of Nathan and his father Don Scott. It took over a year of effort, but the result is a warm, inviting space to begin the full sugarbush experience.

The Dumfries Pancake House Maple Feast

First things first, Lori and I were eager to dive into our maple meal. Lori had wisely reserved a spot at Dumfries Maples’ popular Pancake House, which, as Jane pointed out, is highly recommended. Many guests book their tables up to a month ahead, but don’t worry - Jane recommends just a few days’ notice will suffice, especially on weekends during the maple syrup season. Dumfries Pancake House opens March 1, 2025 - Call (506) 575-8277 to book your maple meal. Without a reservation, there’s no guarantee of a seat, but the staff will do their best to accommodate walk-ins. Dumfries Maples’ Pancake House is also open on weekends during the summer months, too. The Lodge is also a wedding, reception, and special event venue, and around the festive season, Jane and her cookhouse crew do Christmas Dinners. Everything is made in house - and this talented staff can make pancakes to turkey dinners. So I knew I was in for a treat!

Dumfries Golden Ordering Advice from a Regular

Lori, a seasoned visitor, shared her golden advice for navigating the Pancake House menu - and now, I’m passing it on to you:

1. Don’t miss the pancakes! You can have toast and eggs anywhere, but when you’re at the Pancake House, you’ve got to indulge in pancakes, especially with that pure maple syrup!

2. Order one pancake, not two. Trust me on this one! Even Lori’s husband Mike, a big eater, can’t finish two pancakes. The pancakes here are thick, fluffy, and practically the size of the plate - one is plenty!

3. Get the Buffalo sausage. It’s not only heart-healthy, but oh, so flavourful too!

4. Try the baked beans. According to Mike, they’re a must - the best around!

5. Put a teaspoon of Dumfries Maple Syrup in your coffee. Don’t knock it ‘til you try it! It’s a surprisingly delicious twist on your morning cup.

6. Order the biscuits with a side of maple butter to go. Thank me (and Lori) later when you are enjoying them back at home.

Follow this advice, and you’ll be savouring every bite.

A Sweet Adventure Awaits at Dumfries Maples

Fully satiated from the best pancake breakfast I’ve had in ages, Lori and I headed up the hill to the Sugary, to join Nathan. It was time to learn how pure maple syrup is made. Nathan explained that sugarbush farmers keep a close eye on the weather as their guide since it directly impacts sap flow. The sap moves up the maple tree from its roots when temperatures rise above freezing, but cooler nights (and even snow on the ground) slows down the sap’s rise, which is essential to extract the sap before it reaches the buds. A good sap run lasts from mid-March to Easter or longer but sugarbush farmers are at the mercy of the weather. Some years the sap runs for weeks, while in others, it may only last a couple of weeks. Several warm days in a row spells disaster and may cut the season to two weeks or even less, as the sap runs too quickly. It’s times like this that are challenging, and production is over before they have barely begun. Sugarbush farmers obviously always hope for longer runs, but the average is around 4 weeks.

A Rich History at Dumfries Maples

Sugarbush is the plantation of sugar maples, and sugaring refers to collecting sap from maple trees, and boiling it down into syrup or sugar, and this tradition has been in the Scott’s family for four generations now. The Scott family first began making maple syrup for themselves, friends and neighbours. I also learned that this family-owned property holds a fascinating history. In the late 1800’s, William Edward Scott operated a halfway house on the land, which served as a stop for stagecoaches and steamships travelling between Fredericton and Woodstock. People stopped to rest for the night, and rented a room in the large house on the property.

The railway replaced the stagecoach in 1915; and steamships continued coming until the 1930's. The 40’s & 50’s saw a return to a family farm, and woodlot on the property. Then the Scott farmhouse was expropriated for what was the new Highway102 in the 60’s, making way for the changes brought on by the Mactaquac Dam. The Scott's home and barns sat where the current road passes, and the river was less than half the width it is today. Like so many of their neighbours, the Scott family moved, and as a result their maple trees went untapped for almost for 30 years.

Dumfries Maples Label

In the late 90’s Nathan graduated from Forestry at the University of New Brunswick, and he began studying the art of making maple syrup. In1998 he began tapping the family trees once again. Jane, also a graduate from UNB, was working in the healthcare field at the time, and decided to join her brother. Then what started as a hobby turned into a successful commercial venture. By 2008, Dumfries Maples had 1,500 taps and began selling syrup at the Fredericton Farmers’ Market. Now they have 6,000 taps and sell out their syrup production every year in New Brunswick, with their products available at local markets and online. They carry a lovely maple sugar soap produced by a local woman in Fredericton, and a maple cream soda that is produced locally using Dumfries Maples syrup. Nathan and Jane do not plan to export their syrup, and they have no major expansions on the horizon, except to perhaps add more taps, and keep going the way they are - giving people the best possible product, and the best sugarbush experience they possibly can.

The Magic of Dumfries Maple Syrup

Making maple syrup is no small feat. It takes 40 litres of sap to make just one litre of syrup. In the beginning, Dumfries Maples collected all their sap with cans. Today, 3/4 of their production is serviced with pipeline. Dumfries Maples has streamlined its process with modern equipment, but the work remains intense. Nathan has a small crew that works the sugarbush, and Jane rolls up her sleeves when not in the cookhouse, and does whatever she can to help, and so does their dad. “He is out in the woods every single day, working side-by-side with them,” Jane shared. “He’s in his 80’s – and he just loves it. He’s the best worker out there by far - he is the first one out in the morning – and he is the last one to leave – he runs circles around the others, and is a great example to the younger workers.” When not occupied with maple syrup, the Scotts are busy working on their Christmas Tree business on another property in Stanley, so they are not an idle crew. Jane assured me their year is pretty much filled up with those two businesses.

Dumfries Sugarbush Tours: A Full Experience

In spring, Dumfries Maples offers guided tours, giving visitors a deeper understanding of maple syrup production. Tours begin in the sugarwoods, where Nathan shows guests how to tap a tree and explains the process. From there, you’ll head to the sugarhouse to see the evaporator in action. If you’re planning a group visit, be sure to book in advance.

Tap into Spring at Dumfries Maples

When you visit Dumfries Maples, enjoy the breathtaking views of the River Valley, or take a scenic walk or snowshoe along their sugarbush trails. Snowshoes are available to rent, and leashed dogs are welcome. It’s a 20-30 minute stroll through a tranquil setting. Enjoy seeing birds and other small forest creatures, and keep an eye out for deer and moose tracks. Come to Dumfries and tap into spring.

Dumfries Maple Taffy: The Sweetest Treat

No visit to Dumfries Maples is complete without indulging in their famous maple taffy. There’s something magical about watching warm syrup being poured onto ice or fresh snow, where it cools just enough to be rolled onto a stick, creating the most delightful, melt-in-your-mouth candy. The moment you take your first bite, the sweetness lingers and fills you with the taste of spring itself. The experience, though simple, feels like a little bit of childhood magic, but be warned - it can get a little sticky! I ran into some friends as they shared a moment of laughter over their sticky taffy and I couldn’t help but smile at the warmth that surrounded us.

Then, I met Hannah (9) and Henry (5), who were visiting with their parents. Henry, with wide eyes and a grin, proudly stated that he has been coming here his WHOLE LIFE! His dad nodded, with a nostalgic smile, then shared a baby photo of Henry and his big sister Hannah for proof and confirmed that this trip to Dumfries is indeed an annual family spring tradition. As we stood together, I watched Henry wait for the taffy to cool just enough for him to hold it on his stick - the longest 20 seconds of his life, no doubt! When he finally took that first bite, the joy was written all over his face! I was reminded of how these simple traditions, passed from one generation to the next, are so precious. From Nathan and Jane’s long standing family tradition of making maple syrup to Hannah and Henry’s annual family spring trip to Dumfries to enjoy it. It’s these moments shared with those you love, that truly make life sweeter.

For the Scott family, this tradition is more than just the syrup or the taffy - it’s about creating memories with the families who return every year, eager to be part of something timeless. It’s a testament to the power of family traditions and the beauty of spring’s sweetness.

Dumfries Maples: The Sweet Spot for Maple Lovers

As I wrapped up my visit, I met Simon Mitchell, a long-time friend of Nathan’s, who has been helping with syrup production for over a decade. They studied Forestry together at UNB, and he helps out every spring. I also had the pleasure of meeting Sylvain Pitre, who’s helping the farm launch its social media presence. As Nathan shared “I don’t know anything about that, and neither does Jane! They tell me, it’s time.” In the meanwhile, Nathan and Jane continue to focus on what they do well, and that is making maple syrup, and giving visitors the best possible sugarbush experience. During the maple run that means running the meals, taffy and tours, Saturdays and Sundays from 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m., and serving breakfast Fridays 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. During the week, they are in production, and also giving group and school tours. Jane and Nathan enjoy meeting the people that come to visit their sugarbush, and they both love seeing them soak up all of what they offer. A lot of people enjoy learning about the process – it is a new experience for many of them, and the taffy is the highlight for a lot of people, too – kids especially. And then there are the regulars, who make it their annual pilgrimage like Hannah and Henry’s family. That makes Jane and Nathan’s day!

Welcome Spring at Dumfries Maples

I did ask about that cauldron out front too, and discovered it is a throwback to how things were done years ago, and it is just filled with water - not sap. But it cetainly adds to the charm of this setting. Whether you’re here for the maple syrup, the taffy, or the full sugarbush experience, Dumfries Maples is the perfect place to welcome spring. Be sure to make a reservation at the Pancake House. And Tell Nathan and Jane, the Maritimes Maven sent you.

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