Maple syrup flowing into a glass bottle from a metal tap.

The Northwest VT Maple Open House Weekend Tour

The Northwest Vermont Region

Rolling hills and dairy farms define much of Vermont’s northwest corner, a sparsely settled land of open vistas that hugs the Canadian border. Spreading west toward Lake Champlain, it reaches from the Green Mountain foothills to the streets of a vibrant small city, St. Albans. On one side of Northwest Vermont, you’ll find a treasure trove of historic covered bridges; on the other side are pristine waters and wetlands where herons hunt and sturgeon spawn. Winding through pastures and villages in between is the Missisquoi River, which ends at Lake Champlain in a lovely bay belonging to both Vermont and Quebec.

Find more ways to explore this area of Vermont

Rows of amber glass bottles with white caps on shelves.
Stop 1

The Maple Fix Farm, Fairfax

Tours, Demonstrations & Samples with Donuts

Open 10am to 2pm, Saturday & Sunday, 3/21 & 3/22

75 Highbridge Rd, Fairfax VT 05454

https://www.themaplefix.com/

Follow posted signs for parking and sugarhouse entrance.

Join us for maple sugarhouse tours, come watch us make some sweet syrup, and learn how maple syrup is made! We will have FREE hot syrup samples with a homemade donut hole and FREE maple cream samples! 
 

Three cans of maple cream ale with winter scene artwork.
Stop 2

14th Star Brewing Company, St. Albans

Maple Breakfast Stout & Maple Creemee Ale

Open 11am to 10pm, Saturday, 3/21 & 11am to 8pm, Sunday, 3/22

133 North Main Street, St. Albans, VT 05478

(802) 782-8547

https://www.14thstarbrewing.com/

Here at 14th Star Brewery, our beer is all about balance. We are passionate and committed to crafting world-class beer that honors traditional styles while imparting unexpected twists and creative new directions. Our brewers respect the techniques of the past while finding new and innovative ways to brew. This balance of history, innovation, and flavors can be found in every batch of 14th Star beer.

Veteran Built. Vermont Brewed.

Children in winter clothes sledding through a snowy forest.
Stop 3

Hard’ack Recreation Area, St. Albans

Rope Tow & Sledding Hill

264 Hard'ack, St Albans City VT 05478

Website with more information

A devoted fan base and hard-working volunteers have made Hard’ack a cherished winter playground for local families and visitors alike. Founded in the 1960s, it’s now a nonprofit that runs on donations and fundraisers. And while Hard’ack may seem small-scale, with its rope tow climbing a hill just 100 feet tall, there’s a lot on offer here: night skiing, a terrain park, a sledding hill, and miles of trails for snowshoeing, Nordic skiing, and fat biking. You’ll hardly ever wait in line, and if you forgot to bring a sled or snowshoes, they’re free to borrow. Add in the fun-filled St. Albans Winter Carnival in February, and it’s clear why Hard’ack is the beating heart of its community all winter long.

Red-roofed building with steam rising from chimneys, trees in the background.
Stop 4

Gagne Maple/Maple City Candy - Swanton

Tours, Samples & Maple Creemees

Open Saturday & Sunday, 3/21 & 3/22, 10AM - 3 PM 

45 Sugarhouse Lane, Swanton, VT 05488

https://www.gagnemaple.com/ 

(802) 868-5400

Enjoy tours of the sugarhouse and free samples of maple syrup, maple cream, maple candy, and maple popcorn. Maple creemees will be available, and the team is always happy to talk maple.

Directions: Located at 45 Sugarhouse Lane, just off St. Armand Road in Highgate.