A Guide to the Best Sugar Shacks in Quebec: From Ultra-Gourmet Cuisine to Family-Friendly Fun
Spring is in the air, and for Quebecers, which can only mean one thing: maple season is here! For many, maple syrup is more than just a topping for pancakes; it’s a cherished tradition that brings families and friends together. Quebec is known for having some of the best sugar shacks in the world, but with so many options to choose from, how do you know where to go? In this article, we’ll explore some of the best sugar shacks to visit in Quebec during this maple season.
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Cabane Panache
Have you ever longed for a maple-tasting getaway but needed more time or resources? Fear not; the vibrant Verdun neighborhood in Southwest Montreal have you covered. Each year, they host a “lumberjack party” called Cabane Panache, which is packed with festivities like square dancing, woodcutting contests, and mouth-watering maple syrup treats. With lively music and traditional food, this festival is the perfect way to celebrate the bounty of the lumberjack season without leaving town. So grab your favorite flannel and head to Cabane Panache in late March for a unique urban maple experience.
Cabane à sucre Au Pied de Cochon
Located in St-Benoit-de-Mirabel, the Cabane à sucre Au Pied de Cochon is a sugar shack like no other. It’s the brainchild of Martin Picard, the mastermind behind the famous Au Pied de Cochon restaurant. Its ultra-gourmet take on traditional sugar shack cuisine sets this sugar shack apart. The menu features dishes like pea soup with foie gras, mackerel omelet, and pancakes fried in duck fat and smothered in the cabin’s maple syrup. The desserts are equally innovative, including maple cotton candy, maple whip cookies, and yogurt gelatin with maple jelly cubes inside. If you want to experience this unique sugar shack, be sure to make reservations in advance.
Érablière Charbonneau
If you’re looking for a family-friendly candy store that offers something for everyone, Érablière Charbonneau is an excellent choice. Located in Mont-Saint-Grégoire, this sugar shack has been around since 2004 and has received countless positive reviews. Here you can enjoy maple taffy demonstrations, live music every Saturday night, and a petting zoo. The menu features traditional sugar shack favorites, including homemade meat pies, cretons (pork jerky), buckwheat pancakes, pea soup, baked beans, and plenty of the best maple syrup. Charbonneau also offers sleigh rides, snowshoeing, and pony rides in the maple forest for those who want to take in the serene beauty of nature.
Cabane à sucre Bouvrette
Bouvrette has been producing maple syrup since 1947, and its sugar shack is the perfect place to get the authentic Quebec maple experience. This family-owned business has welcomed many visitors over the years and has made several upgrades to improve the experience. Customers can explore the forest and glimpse the maple trees by horse-drawn sleigh or train for just $3 per person. Kids and adults alike will love the petting zoo, and there’s even a dance floor if you’re there on a Friday or Saturday night. As for food, Bouvrette serves some of the best traditional Quebec sugar shack fare, including baked beans, pea soup, homemade pickles, and pork rinds.
Érablière au Sous-Bois
After learning about the history of Canadian maple syrup and seeing how maple syrup and maple butter are made, it’s time to eat. If you’re looking for a sugar shack with a twist, look no further than Érablière au Sous-Bois. This sugar shack offers a unique take on classic Quebec sugar shack fare in St-Esprit. At the buffet, you’ll find staples like grand-père au sirop d’érable (a dumpling-like treat cooked in maple syrup), and pouding chômeur, a cake made with hot maple syrup or caramel poured over the batter before baking. The buffet also includes beet salad, rice salad, crepes soufflé, sausage and eggs, and more.
Domaine Labranche
Nestled in the quaint town of Saint-Isidore-de-Laprairie, the charming Domaine Labranche sugar shack is just a short drive south of Montreal. The Desgroseilliers family has run this farm for over eight generations, and their commitment to quality shines through in everything they do. Not content with maple production alone, the family has diversified their offerings and now runs a winery and apple orchard in addition to their traditional sugar shack. This unique blend of agricultural production makes Domaine Labranche an ideal destination for those wishing to broaden their understanding of Quebec agriculture.
