Maple is the most common hardwood in Ontario. Ash is disappearing due to the emerald ash borer. Any particular reason for not wanting to burn maple? The oak we have is quite "wiry" isn't the greatest to deal w/ even using a wood splitter. Birch is "light" & burns quickly. OK for camp fires, but not the most economical to heat w/.I like ash too revrnd. Never burned any birch to my knowledge and try not to burn maple. I split all my wood by hand so I try to get stuff with straight grain. Like I said...I like red oak the best but I will burn any hardwood. Locust and Osage orange is awesome too but it is so freaking hard sparks will fly from a chainsaw when you cut it. A chain is pretty much toast after tackling that stuff.