We are so happy that spring has finally arrived! The weather is warming up and the snow is finally melting. If you are visiting Ontario, Canada, this is the time of year to visit a sugar bush for a day filled with fun, maple syrup and pancakes.

Visiting a sugar bush and pancake house is a true Canadian experience and always so much fun.

If you are looking for a great place to visit and enjoy some authentic Canadian maple syrup than Gilbertson’s is the place to go! Gilbertson’s Maple Products is one of Ontario’s largest producers of maple syrup. It has been a family run business for 4 generations. The Pancake House is located on St. Joseph Island which is 40 minutes east of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.

Pancake House Restaurant

The Gilbertson’s Sugar Bush includes a Pancake House Restaurant that serves fresh pancakes with their original pure maple syrup. The food is amazing with a wide variety to choose from.  There is a kids menu, however our son went with a full serving of French toast and peameal bacon. He has always been a good eater but nothing gives you a better appetite than fresh spring air and the sweet smell of maple syrup! 

Our favorite item on the menu is hands-down the Norwegian Vafler with maple fruit compote. It is to die for! It is a Norwegian style waffle served with maple fruit compote, topped with crème fraiche and toasted nuts. If you like waffles you will love this! It is simply delicious.

The Maple Shoppe

There is a Maple Shoppe located in the Pancake House where you can buy some maple-inspired treats. Plus if you want to buy some pure and organic maple syrup to take home you can! The shop sells a variety of maple goodies from maple candy, fudge, decorations, candles and books. You are sure to leave with a sugar rush and a sweet smile on your face!

Fun things to do at Gilbertson’s

Gilbertson’s is a popular place in the springtime so if you’re planning to visit be prepared to wait. However, this is one restaurant where the wait is half of the fun. There are so many things you can do while at the Pancake House. For starters, you can explore the maple forest! You can enjoy a free wagon ride through the sugar bush while learning about the maple syrup operation. You will see both the old fashioned bucket system alongside the modern day pipelines.

You can also take a tour inside the Pancake House to see how the sap turns to syrup. There is an evaporator system, canning station and more! For more information about Gilbertson’s Maple Products, Pancake House and Sugar Bush click here.

Looking for other places to eat in Algoma? Check out our family restaurant review of Montana’s!

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