I enjoy inviting my international students at Conestoga College to take part in community activities and feel connected to their new home.

This week in class, I’ve shared information about the Elmira Maple Syrup Festival is on Saturday, April 6, 2024.  It starts at 7 a.m. and runs through the day.

Upwards of 70,000 people are expected for the one-day event.

It’s been years since I’ve been to the festival in Elmira. I tell students it celebrates Maple Syrup, which is made from sap harvested from maple trees in the spring in the rural areas of Waterloo Region.  

It’s held in the town of Elmira, north of Waterloo. Usually, I wouldn’t share an event that’s outside the urban area of Cambridge, Waterloo or Kitchener, because students don’t usually have a car.

Rural bus service in Waterloo Region is limited, compared to urban areas. But Grand River Transit has a regular bus route to Elmira – and has added extra buses for the festival.

The Elmira festival is run by volunteers, to raise money for community events. 

I tell students to expect to pay for food and activities, but I remember also having fun just walking around and seeing the displays a sunny early morning in spring.  

I tell students to expect to be able to buy pancake breakfasts and other food.