Sault Ste. Marie to Host North American Maple Syrup Conference

The city will welcome syrup producers and professionals from across North America for the 2026 event.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario has been selected to host the 2026 North American Maple Syrup Council Conference from October 20-24. The multi-day event will bring together maple syrup producers and professionals from across Ontario, Quebec, and the United States for regional tours, talks, and more. The conference is being organized in partnership with the Rural Agri-Innovation Network, Algoma Maple Syrup Producers' Association, and FedNor, which is providing $75,000 in funding.

Why it matters

As the first northern Ontario community to host the event, the conference will help put Sault Ste. Marie and the Algoma region's maple syrup producers on the national and international map. With hundreds of attendees expected, local politicians are hopeful the conference will provide a financial boost to the local tourism industry and further strengthen the region's maple syrup sector.

The details

The North American Maple Syrup Council Conference will feature regional tours, educational sessions, and networking opportunities for maple syrup producers and professionals. The event is being organized in partnership with several local organizations, including the Rural Agri-Innovation Network, Algoma Maple Syrup Producers' Association, and FedNor, which is providing $75,000 in funding.

  • The 2026 North American Maple Syrup Council Conference will take place from October 20-24.
  • The first maple tree of the season was tapped at the Art Gallery of Algoma on February 13, 2026 to announce the upcoming conference.

The players

Rural Agri-Innovation Network

A regional organization that is helping to organize the 2026 North American Maple Syrup Council Conference in Sault Ste. Marie.

Algoma Maple Syrup Producers' Association

A local association of maple syrup producers that is partnering to host the 2026 conference.

FedNor

The regional development agency for Northern Ontario that is providing $75,000 in funding to support the 2026 North American Maple Syrup Council Conference.

Kyle Gilbertson

A fourth-generation local syrup producer and chair of the Ontario Maple Syrup Producers' Association.

Terry Sheehan

The Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie-Algoma.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It'll help spotlight it more, to have people come and get to view the area and see what we have to offer.”

— Kyle Gilbertson, Chair, Ontario Maple Syrup Producers' Association (sootoday.com)

“This is going to be a real good shot in the arm for us, and we're looking at really expanding the tourism success that we have seen over the last couple of years.”

— Terry Sheehan, Member of Parliament, Sault Ste. Marie-Algoma (sootoday.com)

“It speaks to the strength of our local producers, many of whom are here today … and the important role that maple syrup plays in rural economic development.”

— Matthew Shoemaker, Mayor of Sault Ste. Marie (sootoday.com)

What’s next

The conference organizers will continue planning the event over the next several months, including finalizing the schedule of regional tours, talks, and other activities for the multi-day conference.

The takeaway

Hosting the North American Maple Syrup Council Conference is a major win for Sault Ste. Marie, showcasing the region's thriving maple syrup industry and providing a boost to local tourism. The event will connect maple syrup producers from across North America, helping to further establish Sault Ste. Marie and the Algoma region as a leading maple syrup destination.