🍁 Vanier Sugar Festival
📅 March 28–29, 2026
📍 Ottawa (Vanier), Ontario
Vanier Sugar Festival 2026
Get your maple fix at Ottawa’s iconic urban sugar shack celebration! The Vanier Sugar Festival brings families and friends together for sweet springtime traditions—think maple taffy, music, and hands-on fun in Richelieu Park.
Bonus date: Soup(e) Splash fundraiser kicks off the season on Monday, March 9, 2026 (5:30 p.m.).
✨ Highlights
- 🍬 Maple taffy and classic sugar shack flavours (some items may be paid)
- 🎶 Free musical performances and festival energy throughout the day
- 🪓 Lumberjack-style skills and friendly competitions
- 🎨 Community art + family activities that make it easy to linger
- 🌳 Celebrate maple season at Canada’s only urban sugar shack
📌 Key Info
📅 Dates
March 28–29, 2026 (Family & Community Days)
Season kickoff: Soup(e) Splash — March 9, 2026 (evening).
⏰ Times
9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (Weekend festival hours)
Individual activities and lines can vary—arrive early for the smoothest visit.
📍 Location
Richelieu Park & Vanier Sugar Shack
300–320 des Pères-Blancs Ave.
Ottawa, ON K1L 7L5
300–320 des Pères-Blancs Ave.
Ottawa, ON K1L 7L5
🎟️ Admission
Free festival entry (Family & Community Days)
Food and select activities (e.g., treats/meals/attractions) may have a cost.
♿ Accessibility
Outdoor park setting with paths and event areas.
For the best info on routes, surfaces, and on-site access, check the official festival page before you go.
📞 Contact
Vanier Museopark
Phone: 613-842-9871
Phone: 613-842-9871
🚗 Getting There
Transit
Use OC Transpo routes serving Vanier and the Richelieu Park area. Weekend service can be busy—leave a little buffer time.
🅿️ Parking
Neighbourhood parking and nearby lots may be available, but spaces can fill fast during peak hours.
If you can, consider transit, walking, or carpooling.
📍 Nearby Landmarks
Close to Ottawa’s Vanier neighbourhood and green spaces around Richelieu Park—easy to pair with a spring walk.
💡 Tips for a Sweet Visit
🧥 Dress for early-spring weather (layers + waterproof boots are your best friends).
🍁 Bring cash or card for food, maple treats, and paid add-ons.
⏳ Arrive early if you want maple taffy or meals with shorter waits.
📸 Bring a camera—urban sugar shack vibes are extra photogenic in late March.
❓ FAQ
Is the Vanier Sugar Festival free?
Yes—festival entry for the Family & Community Days is typically free, but food and some activities may have a cost.
Where exactly does it take place?
Events run in Richelieu Park and at the Vanier Sugar Shack, around 300–320 des Pères-Blancs Ave., Ottawa (Vanier).
What are the 2026 weekend hours?
The main festival weekend runs 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on March 28 and March 29, 2026.
Is it good for kids?
Yes—this is a family-forward festival with activities designed for all ages in a park setting.
Do I need tickets?
For the free weekend festival days, you can usually just show up. Special events (like Soup(e) Splash) may be ticketed—check the official site for the latest details.
Disclaimer: Festival details may change. Please verify information on the official website before planning your visit.
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