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travel / adventure zone
| The Adventure Zone |
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| Photo © iStockphoto |
It’s Game On, Syrup Suckers!
In March, proud Canadians embrace their sweet tooth
By Tracy C. Read
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| Photo © iStockphoto |
Canadians took a bit of a pounding in the lead-up to the 2010 Vancouver Winter Games. Last fall, American political satirist Stephen Colbert famously called us “syrup suckers” and “cheats” and vowed to come to Vancouver in February to witness our Olympic undoing. And yes, when the Games finally opened, Cypress Mountain was melting and the rest of the world started making fun of us and we all got a little cranky. What’s not Canadian about that?
By the end, of course, even the staunchest Olympic refuseniks were glued to their TVs, celebrating as Canadian athletes earned an unprecedented number of gold medals. As the country comes down from its collective adrenalin-pumping February high, the month of March has its work cut out for it. Still, what’s a better antidote for withdrawal than a sugar fix? Cue “The Maple Leaf Forever,” perhaps even Michael Bublé’s closing-ceremony rendition. It’s the sweet season, and the sap is running.
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| Photo © iStockphoto |
The maple syrup harvest is an annual rite of spring that we enjoy thanks to First Nations people, who generously shared the secrets of sugaring off to European settlers centuries ago. Today, Quebec takes the gold in world maple syrup production, but British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario and the Maritime Provinces are able competitors. In hues that range from extra light, light and medium to amber, there’s a medal-winning maple syrup to suit your taste. Even better, procuring your favourite flavour can involve a family outing to a local festival, where old-fashioned entertainments include wagon and sleigh rides through the sugar bush, ice skating, wildlife viewing, nature trails and a delicious energy-restoring meal of pancakes and syrup.
There, doesn’t that feel better? Take a note, Stephen Colbert.
To find out about festivals in Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, visit www.gocanada.about.com/od/canadawithkids/ss/maple_syrup_2.htm
In British Columbia, visit www.buybcwild.com/sweet-winter-festival-west-coast-maple-syrup
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