One of the world's largest butter tart festivals is coming to Ontario

One of Canada's most celebrated confections is about to be honoured in a big way with the return of the annual Oakville Butter Tart Festival.

Basketball, pacemakers, walkie-talkies, peanut butter; all Canadian inventions that have, inarguably changed the world for the better.

There's one Canadian creation, though, that while having virtually no practical value or use, holds a particularly special place in the hearts of sweet-lovers the world over: the almighty butter tart.

The baked good, with its gooey centre (whether or not you take yours with raisins) and flaky, buttery crust just warms one's heart and, I would posit, actually does, in some small way, make the world a better place.

Have you ever seen someone angry or upset while eating a butter tart? I didn't think so.

It's no wonder, then, that festivals paying homage to the baked good take place all over Ontario and the rest of Canada all year long, so that you never have to miss a chance to celebrate your favourite sweet treat.

In fact, there's one right around the corner.

The Oakville Butter Tart Festival is gearing up to bring one of the largest collections of butter tarts and butter tart bakers in the world to the GTA for one especially sweet celebration.

Hosted by Gotta Luv Butter Tarts, an organization which hosts a grand total of four butter tart festivals in different Ontario towns every year, the festival is gearing up for its third annual installment, with 10,000 amped-up fans expected to attend.

At the festival, you'll not only be able to get your hands on more than 100 different butter tart variations from 35 vendors hailing from all over Ontario, but a variety of different baked goods and even other artisinal creations at the expansive marketplace.

Among this year's extensive list of vendors are Omi's Sweet n Treats, Butter Me Bitchy Gourmet Baked Goods and The King's Daughters, and that's just a small bite of inspiration to get your mouth watering.

In terms of flavours, the old standards are joined by more unique options like Maple Bacon, Whiskey, Chocolate Peanut Butter and Maple Bacon, as well as other varieties like keto, gluten free and vegan so that everyone can get a taste.

Whether you live in Toronto and are keen for an easy-breezy day trip or call Oakville home, the Oakville Butter Tart Festival makes for a seriously sweet way to spend a Saturday.

The festival is set to take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 8 at Oakville Place (240 Leighland Ave.)