sugar shack tours quebec city

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5 best sugar shacks in Quebec

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Pure unadulterated sweet sticky maple syrup in a sugar shack in Quebec, it doesn’t get more Canadian than this. And seeing the price it fetches on the world market these days many insiders consider the naturally made product as the new liquid gold. At last count, a barrel can obtain $1,800 compared to $57 on average for a crude oil barrel.

Quebec’s sugar shacks are as Canadian as poutine, ice hockey and Celine Dion. Visiting a sugar shack in Quebec is one of the things to do in Canada not to be missed and sugaring off is a thriving Quebec tradition.  

Where to find sugar shacks in Quebec

Best time to visit sugar shacks in quebec, 1- the morgan arboretum, 2- sucrerie de la montagne, 3- érablière le chemin du roy, 4- sucrerie jean-louis massicotte et filles, 5- kinadapt, lanaudiere region, sugar shacks in quebec.

• Sugar Shack (Feb to May) Maple Syrup Private Day Tour – a classic tour with lunch from Montreal.
• Full Day Sugar Shack Maple Syrup Tour – sweet treats in Trois-Rivières.

Simply take a road trip and visit one of these sugar shacks in Canada’s largest maple syrup producing province of Quebec to see for yourself.

The province’s maple syrup watchdog, the Federation of Quebec Maple Syrup Producers, boasts over 7,000 producers scattered across Quebec.

To boot, a precious few cabanes a sucre (sugar shacks) are even older than Canada!

As blankets of snow cover the picturesque countryside across this French-speaking province (English is spoken in the bigger hubs like Montreal and Quebec City), sugar shacks are aiming their sights on milder days when the life cycle of the sugar maple tree resumes and the sap starts flowing.

Typically the prime time in these parts is March through April but with the frigid cold blast this winter it’s anyone’s guess on the start of the harvest season.

Yes, Mother Nature rules the sap flow.

But in the meanwhile, we can all prepare to smack our lips together on the upcoming sweet syrup that’ll hopefully soon flow.

Still, you’ll find some sugar shacks are open year-round, as many establishments stage old-timey shows celebrating the world of syrup.

Here’s where to enjoy the best sugar shacks in Quebec.

Sugar Shacks in Montreal ( Cabane a sucre Montreal)

One of the last bastions of maple groves on the island of Montreal, this 245-hectare forest reserve which is part of McGill University offers a two-hour guided tour with a detour to the sugar shack.

Whisk into the grove via a lively sleigh ride and head to the sugar shack to learn the traditions behind tapping the sap.

Sampling taffy on snow along with other fare at Morgan Arboretum is one of the fun things to do in Montreal . 

The Morgan Arboretum is at 150 Chemin des Pins, Quebec.

Sucrerie de la Montagne has been attracting crowds for over 30 years.

Call it a calling.

Former meeting planner Pierre Faucher decided to try his hand at building an attraction, planning events and enticing the masses.

He switched gears and left the corporate rat race.

He purchased land near his hometown and laboured for 12 years building wooden framed structures.

“I built it with my own hands,” he says humbly.

It’s the Sugar Shack of sugar shacks and has been lauded by publications like The New York Times and National Geographic Traveler.

Faucher makes around 400 gallons of the sweet sticky stuff annually.

His newest product is a maple syrup-infused cologne, which has the potential to compete with French perfumeries. 

And why not?

The idea occurred after an accidental meeting.

While visiting his establishment, a perfume maker from the French Riviera just happened to overhear Faucher describe the technique behind maple syrup production.

This technique involves lots of aromatic vapour seeping into the air.

A eureka moment occurred and Faucher went to Grasse in France to check out the perfume factory.

He found a new partner and if this latest venture is anything like his beloved sugar shack, these petites bouteilles could be another crowd pleaser.

Faucher plans to donate proceeds from the sales toward Alzheimer’s research.

Bon courage! 

Sucrerie de la Montagne is at 300, Chemin St Geroges, Rigaud, Quebec in the Monteregie region, which can be visited as a day trip from Montreal.   

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Sugar shacks in Quebec City area

In the heart of an ancient maple grove about 20 minutes’ drive west from Quebec City you have arrived at the fabled King’s Road country “Chemin du Roy” which holds its own lore and distinction.

The historic road on the north shore of the St. Lawrence River was once considered the longest road in existence when completed in 1787 (280 km).

Today curious maple syrup foragers who travel this country road can stop at the Erabliere le Chemin du Roy for a real treat.

During sugar maple production season you can watch the age-old technique.

However, off-season also has its perks.

The old cabane à sucre is open year-round for lunches and short 20-minute guided tours.

The menu is traditional rib-sticking fare smothered in maple syrup.

Enjoy traditional  Canadian foods , such as a steamy bowl of French Canadian pea soup and homemade bread.

Try the traditional Québécois meat pie drizzled with more maple syrup, and try the maple smoked ham and pancakes with maple syrup among other tasty delights.

Don’t let the petite size of the 300-year-old sugar grove fool you either.

This boutique place has 1,300 tappings and come maple syrup season there’s a sweet smell in the air.

Érablière le Chemin du Roy is at 237, Chemin du Lac, Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures, Quebec. 

An hour west from Quebec City along the ancient St. Lawrence River in the quaint Mauricie region lies a historic family-run establishment that predates Canada as a nation. 

The family-owned Sucrerie Jean-Louis Massicotte et filles has been in the sugar shack business since 1710.

Picture 10 generations incorporating traditional maple syrup methods used by their ancestors.

The current proprietors Gaétan Massicotte and Monique and their staff and volunteers dutifully collect the maple sap by horse-drawn carts or snowshoes and pour the gold nectar into aged oak barrels.

Arrive at this historic site with its quaint Quebecois red and white cabin in the woods and discover the early traditions which incidentally involves the renowned Quebecois hardy lunch prepared on a wood stove.

The setting is purely authentic, no electricity and guests are encouraged to bring along their own musical instruments.

Don’t have any?

Don’t worry.

There’s always the fun, quirky jigs you can master with a pair of musical spoons.

The family is crossing the fingers on this year’s yield and are anticipating opening its doors on March 15, the old Ides of March.

Sucrerie Jean-Louis Massicotte et filles is at 101, Route 159 Nord, P.R. St-Prosper (Champlain), Quebec. 

An old fashion Cabane à sucre

In the deep white north far from the streets of Montreal in the region of Lanaudière there’s a guy who’s combined his love of the outdoors and maple syrup in an out-of-the-box concept, the old-fashioned way.

Maple syrup foragers travel by sled dog with the help of draught horses for this traditional maple syrup production outing created by kinesiologist Peter Boutin of Kinadapt .

Folks head into the pretty snows cape deep into the sugar maple groves and when the guides feel the setting is right it’s time to step off the dog sled and resume the jaunt via snowshoes.

Amid a picturesque winter in Quebec scene, it’s time for the traditional maple sap collection led by your trusty guide.

This hands-on outing helps you identify and tap the maples as you learn the ins and outs of maple syrup production.

In between the sap-to-syrup steps expect samplings.

The finale happens at the end of a full day when you head back for a traditional sugar shack meal.

Travelling with a pack of sociable, tail-wagging Siberian and Alaskan huskies definitely helps create a memorable ambiance.

Kinadapt is at 1800, Chemin Laurin, Rawdon, Québec

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Cabanes à Sucre: A Guide to Quebec Sugar Shacks

• February 22, 2023
• 10 min read

Last Updated on April 15, 2024 by Pamela MacNaughtan

Quebec sugar shacks bring to mind red and white gingham tablecloths, wrought iron wood stoves, bearded men in red and black lumberjack plaid jackets, and lively folk music. The cabin is rustic, there’s likely snow outside, and the tables are laden with Québécois comfort foods doused with maple syrup.

Since snow is usually on the ground during the sugaring off season, I’m going to say that sugar shacks are one of the best things to do in Quebec in winter . It’s one of the best Québécois cultural experiences. Plus, it’s a celebration of all things maple, which is one of Quebec’s biggest exports. In fact, Quebec produces over 70% of the world’s maple syrup.

A little history…

While French colonizers may have been the ones to make maple syrup as we know it today, they would not have done so without skills they learned from First Nationals and Indigenous peoples. For thousands of years, the First Nations and Indigenous peoples have utilized maple sugar tree bark and sap, making crystalized sugar. Maple sap was considered to be energizing and nutritious. 

When Jacques Cartier showed up in the 16th century, he was introduced to maple sap by Indigenous leaders, and by the 1700s, maple sugar was all the rage in France. The French colonizers learned how to tap the maple trees from local Indigenous peoples, and eventually, the colonizers started using augers to drill holes into the trees.

In 1850, the first sugar shacks came into use and by 1868, Quebecers were having maple sugar parties to usher in the sugaring off-season each spring (usually in March). By the 20th century, there were crackling fires and music played on fiddles and with spoons, and maple syrup served with fluffy baked omelettes, baked beans, meat pies, and more.

Sucreries vs Cabanes

Sugar shacks come in different sizes. Typically, a sucrerie is quite large, often with multiple buildings. The dining halls are just that, grand halls with seating for hundreds of people. They are often frequented by tour groups and buses of school children on spring trips. Traditional French-Canadian music is often played, and dancing is generally encouraged.

Cabanes à sucre is usually small, often the size of a barn or cabin. Communal tables can be found here, too, but seating usually hovers around 50 to 150 people. Local musicians play French-Canadian folk music on fiddles, acoustic guitars, and wooden spoons, and there is usually an old wood stove nearby. They’re family-owned and operated, and the food is generally made with family recipes passed from one generation to the next.

Traditional foods in a Quebec sugar shack

There are a handful of traditional Québécois dishes on every sugar shack menu. Sometimes they are prepared the old-fashioned way, keeping in line with family traditions. Other times, these traditional dishes are given a gourmet touch. Here are the traditional Québécois foods you’ll find on sugar shack menus.

A French Canadian meat pie, tourtière is traditionally served on Christmas Eve. It’s a pie made with beef and pork mince, cubed or mashed potatoes, and spices like savoury, nutmeg, clove, and allspice. The dough is simple: flour, salt, cold lard, and water. When served, be sure to drizzle with maple syrup before digging in.

Tourtière du Lac-Saint-Jean is more hearty. These meat pies are more like meat pot pies topped with pastry. It’s a traditional wintertime dish in the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region of Quebec and is often prepared in a round dutch oven. Instead of mince, the filling is made with cubed beef or venison, veal, and pork. Sometimes, salted pork is added. Spices like thyme, savoury, and bay leaves are used, and cubed potatoes are an essential part, too. 

It’s unlikely to find Tourtière du Lac-Saint-Jean on sugar shack menus, but you can try making it yourself. I love the recipe in Made in Quebec by Julian Armstrong. While I covet my tourtière dish , traditional tourtière can be made in a large deep-dish pie plate.

Oreilles de crisse (Christ’s ears)  

This delightful sugar shack snack is made with salted pork fatback which is either pan-fried or deep-fried. They are believed to have originated at a lumber camp in the Mauricie region. As to the name, well, some say they look like a cauliflower ear once they’re fried, and a cook cracked a joke about Christ’s ears. I have to wonder if it’s partially due to swear words in Quebec, which have religious connotations. Maybe someone said, “Christ’s ears, these are delicious”. Okay, that is not likely the case, but it’s fun to imagine. 

Soupe aux pois  

French Canadian pea soup is love, in a bowl, especially on a crispy winter day! The soup is usually made with yellow peas, salted pork or a ham hock, finely diced onions and carrots, and seasoned with parsley, celery leaves, and savoury. Most families have their own recipes. The broth can be thick or thin, and some remove the salted pork or ham before serving. Personally, I love a thicker broth and a little pork or ham in my pea soup. It reminds me of my dad, who loved buying Habitant’s canned pea soup. Clearly, the pea soup served in a sugar shack is much better. If you want to try making it at home, Quebec chef, Ricardo, has this tasty recipe . 

Fèves au lard

Baked beans are another cabane à sucre tradition, and quite honestly, a delicious breakfast side dish throughout the year. Some believe that this traditional Québécois food was inspired by Boston baked beans. The beans are slow-cooked with either molasses or maple syrup. The maple syrup version is superior (ha!). The best ones have bits of salted pork, and drizzling them with maple syrup before eating is a must.

Omelettes served at a sugar shack are not the thin omelettes you eat at home. These traditional omelettes are large and fluffy, often cooked in a cast iron pot or a 9×13 pan and cut into squares before serving. It looks a lot like a soufflé and is made with flour, baking soda, eggs, and milk. This recipe is in French, but it’s simple and you can translate it using a translation app.

Another traditional breakfast dish in Quebec, cretons sometimes make an appearance on sugar shack menus. Basically, it’s a spread made with ground pork, onions, and spices. It often looks a bit fatty and similar to rillettes (which are basically meat, salt, and fat that’s slow-cooked). Spread onto toast with butter or a crouton. It’s also good as a side, sans bread. 

Tarte au sirop d’érable

Tarte au sucre (sugar pie) is a dessert from Northern France and Belgium made with brown sugar. The recipe probably travelled to Canada with settlers to New France, and as brown sugar had to be imported, it’s believed that maple sugar was used instead, giving birth to tarte au sirop d’érable. The maple sugar filling is thick and creamy, and sweet enough to offset all of the meat eaten during your meal. 

It’s pronounced t-err . Maple taffy is a wintertime treat that started at sugar shacks but is now a staple during winter festivals and events as well. Maple syrup is boiled, then poured in strips over snow, and rolled with a popsicle stick. It’s light and tasty, and the perfect treat to end your sugar shack experience.

Grand-Pères au Sirop d’Érable

In English, they are often called Maple Syrup Grandfathers. Prepared by French Canadians in logging camps, Grand-Pères are soft dumplings that are cooked in maple syrup. The dumplings are made with flour, baking powder, sugar, butter, and milk. Some think they’re named Grandfathers because the dumplings are soft and easy to eat, some claim it’s because old men were generally put in charge of moving maple around the boilers.

Either way, these dumplings are dense and filling and can be quite tasty. They are not on all sugar shack menus, so if you see them, try them! 

Some of the other foods you may find on a sugar shack menu are maple-glazed ham, sausages, red or green fruit ketchup (tomatoes, plums, onion, pear, etc.), pickled beets, and crêpes. 

sugar shack music

Music is an essential part of any Quebec cabane à sucre experience. I love a place that goes the old-fashioned route, with musicians playing traditional instruments like fiddles, wooden spoons , accordions, and harmonicas. The melodic sounds of rigodon, and French Canadian folk music, fill the room and seep into your soul. 

Making music with handmade violins was popular in settlements and communities, but rigodon, as we know it today, came about in the 1920s, and has French, English, and Irish influences. Popular rigodon artists include La Famille Soucy, Jean Carignan, De Temps Antan, La Bottine Souriante, and Yves Lambert. This playlist on Spotify is quite impressive and has 12 hours of rigodon music (it’s… a lot, but it’s fun).

Tapping your feet to the music is fun, but if you have a chance to join some of the square dancing, do it! It’s all part of the Quebec sugar shack culture.

tasty quebec sugar shacks

There are quite a few cabanes à sucre spread throughout the province of Quebec, from grand halls to small family barns and cabins. Here are some of the best Quebec sugar shacks to dive into – big and small.

Cabane à Sucre Au Pied de Cochon

More commonly known as CabanePDC , it is one of the most well-known and desired sugar shack experiences in Quebec. Chef Martin Picard is renowned for his rich over-the-top cuisine, and his restaurant in Montreal is almost always sold out. The same can be said of his cabane à sucre near Mirabel. In fact, the dining room is already sold out for the 2023 season. So, if you’re looking forward to 2024, make a note in your calendar to check their website regularly after November. If you’re in Quebec, it is possible to order a sugar shack box (94 CAD) for 2 people. They have drop points throughout Quebec.

Érablière Nathalie Lemieux

All of the cool people go to Kamarouska, or it feels that way. There is a good reason and Érablière Nathalie Lemieux is one of those reasons. The maple grove is open to the public in March and April, and the tire is available for 5 CAD. The menu includes cheddar maple sausages, tourtière, cretons, baked beans, crêpes, bacon, and herbed potatoes. Meals are 40 CAD.

La P’tite Cabane d’la Côte

This idyllic cabane à sucre in Mirabel has been owned and operated by the Bernard family since 1989. Dine inside a worn wooden barn with snowy maple grove views. The menu features smoked ham, mini pork and veal pies, buckwheat pancakes, pea soup, roasted potatoes, grands-pères au sirop d’érable, and more. There are sleigh rides on the weekends, and walking through the mini farm and maple grove is possible anytime. Saturday nights are the best time as they have various singers. 

Érablière le Chemin du Roy

In Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures, just west of Quebec City, Érablière le Chemin du Roy is a rustic sugar shack with homemade Québécois comfort food, traditional folk music, and plenty of maple syrup to go around. The sugar shack was built in 1925, and bought by Guy Lafleur in 1989 (yes, the hockey player!). It was sold two years later and its life as a public sugar shack began. Their sugaring off season is March 2nd to April 30th, and they’re open for lunch, and dinner. The menu has all of the traditional goodies: pea soup, maple ham, baked omelette, tourtière, etc. The cost is 39.14 CAD.

La Cabane à Tuque

La Cabane à Tuque is one of the more unique sugar shacks in Quebec, as it serves organic vegetarian and vegan food. It’s a small family-run sugar shack, and the food is made with organic ingredients from local producers. Their maple sap is harvested the old way, with spouts and wooden buckets, and it’s possible to strap on some snowshoes and help collect the sap. The menu has dishes like millet vegetable pie, pea soup, omelette style tempeh, sauerkraut, pouding chômeur, etc. The cost is around 60 CAD.

Domaine de l’artisan

The dining hall at Domaine de l’Artisan is large, with communal tables covered with green and white gingham tablecloths and comfy plastic chairs. It’s located in the Eastern Townships, near Brigham. While the sugar shack dining room is closed for 2023, they do have gourmet sugar shack boxes available for 34.95 CAD per person (min of 2 people), or you can create your own and order items individually. Sugar Shack meals are 26 CAD. 

Érablière au sucre d’or

In Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, Érablière au Sucre d’Or has been family-owned and operated since 1965. The sugar shack seats up to 175 people, and they serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner on the weekends in March and April. All of the traditional favourites are here and usually served in an all-you-can-eat style. 

Relais des Pins

On Île d’Orléans , not far from my favourite casse-croûte , is Relais des Pins , a sugar shack that has been serving up traditional maple-inspired food for three generations. The dining hall is large, with enough space for 300 people, and they offer an all-you-can-eat menu of classics like oreilles de crisse, tourtière, sausages, pancakes, baked beans, etc. Vegetarian meals are possible, but they need 24 hours notice. Lunch or dinner during the week is 45 CAD. On Saturdays and Sundays, it’s 50 CAD.

Érablière du Cap

This family-run sugar shack in Saint-Nicolas opened its doors in 1984. The dining hall is large, with red and white gingham adorned tables and industrial plywood school chairs. The menu has all of the classics covered above, and anything gluten-free is clearly marked. Vegetarian dishes are possible, with 48 hours’ notice. There is traditional music with every meal, however, the shows on Saturday nights are particularly good. There is a mini farm and walking trails outside, and they have an impressive maple boutique. Sugar shack meals are 36.75 CAD during the week and 41.75 CAD on Saturdays and Sundays.

La Sucrerie Blouin

Located on Île d’Orléans , a short drive from Quebec City, La Sucrerie Blouin ’s sugaring off-season is from March 2nd to April 29th. The dining hall is large with wood panel walls and big windows offering views of the Saint-Lawrence River, as well as the maple grove. The sugar shack menu includes pea soup, maple baked beans, tourtière, oreilles de crisse, meatball stew, cretons, and more. Visit during the week for 46 CAD or on weekends for 52 CAD.

an urban sugar shack experience

In Quebec City, it’s possible to have a sugar shack experience year-round at La Buche . The restaurant is n rue Saint-Louis in Old Quebec, a short walk from Château Frontenac and Hôtel Nomad . The restaurant has two dining rooms, one with picnic tables and the other with two and four tops. In summer, there is a terrace in the back.

The menu is filled with Quebec comfort foods, often with a gourmet twist. Breakfast is often served on metal canteen trays, and quite filling. Baskets of oreilles de crisse are always a good way to start your meal. Pouding Chômeur is a must, and if you’re not afraid of heart failure, order the one with bacon and foie gras – it’s insanely decadent.

get merry with maple

Sugaring off takes place in March and April, which is when Quebec sugar shacks are open for meals and music, but you can buy maple products year-round. Here are some of my favourites in and around Quebec City.

Maple Dulce de leche – This is a creation by Martin Picard of Au Pied de Cochon. You can find it at Le Grand Marche , and some épiceries in the city. Try La Place or Épicerie Européenne.

Sortilège – It’s maple whisky and quite good! Take a shot at a local pub ( L’Oncle Antoine usually has a pint and Sortilège special), or pick up a bottle from SAQ and take home as a souvenir.

Tarte au sucre – Comptoir boréal on Côte du Palais in Old Quebec makes. avery good tarte au sucre. I highly recommend buying one to eat immediately, and another for a late-night snack.

Black maple syrup – Confiturerie Tigidou on Île d’Orléans makes a fabulous black maple syrup. You can order it online or visit them on the island. They also have a stand inside Le Grand Marché.

La Petit Cabane à Sucre – This is a small maple boutique located in Petit-Champlain. You’ll find maple syrup, cornets, sugar, fudge, and more.

There is also maple yogurt by Liberté at the grocery stores, and maple cookies, too. Sometimes they have cornettes, which are tiny cones filled with maple sugar. While you can buy maple syrup in the grocery store, buy directly from the producers. Some sell their products online, while others have boutiques on-site that you can visit.

For funsies, here are a couple of maple-inspired books… Oh Canada, I Love Maple , The Maple Syrup Cookbook , and Quintessentially Quebec Recipes .

Pamela MacNaughtan

Hello, I'm Pamela! I'm a travel and food writer, chocolat chaud addict, an anglophone who prefers life in Quebec. When I'm not working on Urban Guide Quebec, I am writing about Quebec City, travelling, updating guidebooks, and writing freelance! There's a good chance I'm planning my next Quebec road trip, got tips?

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Getting sticky with it: the best Quebec sugar shacks

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• Quebec City
• Rivière-du-Loup
• Vieux-Québec
• Restaurants

Sugar Shacks first started popping up in Quebec around 1850, and eighteen years later, maple sugar parties started and a Québécois tradition was born. A way to gather and celebrate the sugaring off season each spring. 

The First Nations peoples harvested maple sap and bark long before they introduced maple sap to Jacques Cartier in the 16th-century. French colonizers used the skills they learned from Indigenous peoples to tap and make maple sugar. Over time, they figured out how to turn the sap into syrup, and today, Quebec produces around 70% of the world’s maple syrup.

Each spring, Quebecers flock to Cabanes à Sucre (Sugar Shacks) to enjoy traditional Québécois folk music, and foods that always taste better when drizzled or smothered with maple syrup. Sucking on maple taffy and taking horse-drawn sleigh rides through the trees are also highlights. Most of all, going to a Quebec sugar shack is a time to relax and enjoy the company of family and friends.

Here are some of the best Quebec sugar shacks to visit this spring:

Cabane à Sucre Jocy

Near Rivière-du-Loup, not far from the youth hostel , is Cabane à Jocy . While this sugar shack has been open since 2010, the family has been making maple syrup with a wood-fired boiler for over five generations. Sugar parties begin towards the end of March. You can also order some sugar shack meals to go, and create your own sugar party in the hostel with new friends.

Don’t forget to buy plenty of maple syrup, it goes on everything!

Vignoble du Ruisseau

In the Eastern Townships, Le Vignoble du Ruisseau has a sugar shack experience that will have foodies swooning. Sure, there are hints of tradition, and maple syrup is still the pop princess here, but the menu is definitely elevated – caramelized butternut squash soup, crispy pork rinds and candied sea buckthorn sauce (!).

It costs $54 CAD, and is worth every single dollar.

Urban Cabanes a sucre

In Montreal and Quebec City, it’s possible to have a sugar shack-esque experience without leaving the city.

Cabane Panache is a three-day event in Montreal’s Verdun neighbourhood, and easily accessible by metro. There’s music, local artists, and delicious food. You can go during the day, but the real fun happens after dark when it feels like you’re at an outdoor kitchen party.

In Old Quebec , La Buche is a restaurant with sugar shack décor and a menu filled with traditional Québécois foods. The pouding chômeur with foie gras is insanely good, and hearty breakfasts are served on metal cantine trays.

© Cabane Panache

Érablière du Lac-Beauport

This popular Quebec sugar shack is open year round, but March and April are the best time to visit. Érablière du Lac-Beauport offers an all-you-can-eat meal which includes tourtière, baked beans, sausages, fluffy baked omelette, and pea soup. They have live music, walking trails, maple demonstrations, and a playground, too.

It’s located 25 minutes from Auberge Internationale de Quebec , and costs $34.95 CAD during the week; $37.95 CAD on weekends.  

Sucrerie de la Montagne

An hour west of Saintlo Montreal , Sucrerie de la Montagne first opened its doors in 1978, and is a Site du Patrimoine Québécois (Quebec Heritage Site). It began with a single clapboard building, and today it’s one of the best sugar shacks in Quebec. They produce maple syrup the old-fashioned way, using spouts and metal pails to collect the sap. The menu here features pea soup, maple-smoked ham, baked beans, grilled salt pork, meat pies, and more.

February 20th to April 30th is the best time to visit. Cost is $44 CAD to $55 CAD.

L’Authentique cabane à sucre at Domaine à Liguori

In the small village of Petite-Rivière-Saint-François is Domaine à Liguori, which began with a single house in 1759. L’Authentique cabane à sucre sits on the property and offers a traditional sugar shack meal with or without entertainment. A meal with entertainment is, of course, the most memorable option. Arrive hungry and plan to take things slow.

Meals during the week start at $41.50 CAD, and increase to $46 CAD on weekends. Vegan options are available, but you must ask when you purchase your ticket.

Quebec sugar shacks are scattered throughout the province, and one of the best places for a peek into Québécois culture. Try as many dishes as you can, take a bite un seasoned, then put maple syrup on everything. In your coffee or tea, too. The best way to enjoy something sweet is to pair it with something savoury. C’est vraiment excellent!.

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• Érablière le Chemin du Roy

Sugar Shacks

Enjoy a hearty, all-you-can-eat sugar shack meal served in an enchanting setting. Traditional folk singers and live entertainment. Sleigh ride through the woods. Families and groups welcome (capacity 200). Guided tours available upon request. Menus of local specialities for family or corporate get-togethers. Open year-round. Maple products sold onsite.

Schedule : Monday: 10am - 5pm Tuesday: 10am - 5pm Wednesday: 10am - 5pm Thursday: 10am - 5pm Friday: 10am - 5pm Saturday: Closed Sunday: Closed

Parking : Free Outdoor on Site

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Sugar Shacks in Quebec

Just a Spoonful of Sugary Maple: Les cabanes à sucre of Quebec

While a trip to Québec might make you feel reminiscent of Old France, do not forget you are still in Canada, a country that brandishes a symbol of national pride candidly upon their national flag – the mighty maple leaf.

While October is not the typical season for maple goods, a trip to Canada does not seem complete unless you have tasted maple syrup from the source.

Generally, the maple season begins in mid March beginning when the days grow warmer yet the nights remain cold, causing the sap in the maple trees to rise. Harvesters then collect the maple water to boil it down to a syrup, sugar, butter or even taffy.

The quest of the modern tourist is one of authenticity, and there is no better way to discover an authentic taste of Québec than to sample its maple goodness from one of Québec’s many sugar shacks, or cabanes à sucre.

At Érablière le Chemin du Roy, visitors to Québec City will easily be able to include this sugar shack into their itineraries as it is located just 15 minutes away. L’Érablière le Chemin du Roy offers a typical Québec sap house meal, featuring a Québecois meat pie, with folk singers entertaining guests in the background adding to that country atmosphere. Let’s be honest – there is no better reprieve from the hustle and bustle of city life than some dancing sweetened by a hint of maple-y deliciousness to warm the belly and the spirits. The cavarne is open year-round and offering guided tours of the sugar shack and grove, horse sleigh rides, maple taffy on snow, forest hiking and cross-country skiing. Of course, most will probably not make it past the shop where maple products are sold on-site, and the maple caramel is not to be missed.

For a higher brow maple adventure, the Auberge des Gallants Restaurant and Spa gets creative in sprucing up the old country cabane with an urban flair. Situated in the Vaudreuil-Soulanges region, only 30 minutes from West Island, l’Auberge des Gallant offers many facilities for meetings and business sessions, equestrian competitions, ski, and golf in nearby areas. They also offer services on site to host the perfect wedding among the many beautiful gardens. But what is most intriguing about the auberge is the spa which is famous for its chocolate, wine and maple syrup treatments. During the 80 minute-long Maple Biscuit Body Treatment, a moisturizing maple butter-based scrub is applied to exfoliate the skin, leaving the skin hydrated, smoother, and revitalized with vital nutrients provided from nature’s bounty.

Even if you are touring the major cities, a sugar shack is never far off, so why not enhance your Québecois experience by dropping by one of the many sugar shacks? Feel Québec literally seep into your every pore and become a part of you, so that when you sadly depart, that lingering taste on your tongue will still remain to remind you of the time when you fell in love with Québec.

Contact Information:

Érablière le Chemin du Roy

237, chemin du Lac

Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures, QC

Phone: (418) 878-5085

www.erabliere-cheminduroy.qc.ca Auberge des Gallant

1171, ch. St-Henri

Ste-Marthe, Québec, Canada

Phone : (450) 459-4241

www.gallant.qc.ca

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Top 5 sugar shacks in Quebec

For us Canadians, the most traditional manifestation of the return of the beautiful weather is the tasting, in all of its forms, of maple products at the sugar shack .

The typical shack is usually built in the heart of the forest, in order to collect maple water in the spring and turn it into syrup.

From mid-March to mid-April , there are several maple groves that welcome visitors and locals to their tables for a traditional Quebec meal , obviously covered with maple syrup.

That said, as the majority of tourists arrive here once the snow has melted, some are open during the summer season , on reservation only, in order to introduce one of our oldest traditions to foreign visitors.

Here is the list of the 5 best sugar shacks in Quebec , ready to welcome you on your next Quebec road trip , even if you are visiting during the summer!  

Locating the 5 best sugar shacks in Quebec

#1. sucrerie de la montagne .

Recognized as a Quebec Heritage site , this sugar shack is located roughly an hour from Montreal   , at the heart of a forest of century-old maple trees.

The sugar shack, open since 1978, is absolutely magnificent and the decoration is very tasteful.

The founder, Pierre Faucher, and his son Stefan welcome guests for a real cultural experience. The harvesting of maple sap, as well as the transformation of maple sap into syrup, are carried out according to the traditional methods .

Pierre, affectionately known as " Santa Claus " - you can guess why - is part of the decor. He is a unique, colorful and very charismatic character .

In fact, don't hesitate to ask your hosts for a guided tour of the maple syrup facilities and the fieldstone bakery.

On the menu , and in an all-you-can-eat formula : pea soup, crusty french bread, maple-smoked ham, baked beans, omelet, country-style sausages, meatball stew, "oreilles de  crisse ", mashed potatoes, pie, ketchup with homemade fruits and marinades.

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#2. érablière du cap .

In business since 1984 and located about thirty minutes from Old Quebec   , the Érablière du Cap is run by the Tardif family for whom maple is no longer a secret.

For 11 generations , the family has passed on and has refined the basics of syrup making.

Year round, the owners are happy to share this Quebecois tradition with people from all over the world.

On the menu , once again in an all-you-can-eat formula : marinades, pea soup, hash browns, beans in maple syrup, "oreilles de  crisse ", sausages in maple syrup, meat pie, omelet and pancakes.

After the meal, your hosts will take you on a tour of the facilities , and will also use it as an opportunity to have you taste the famous maple taffy on snow .

#3. L’En-Tailleur 

Established for more than eight generations  on Île d'Orléans    (a real gem you need to discover during your Quebec travel ), l'Érablière l'En-Tailleur is run by the Tailleur family. 

Located in the heart of the parish of Saint-Pierre    in a truly enchanting natural setting, the sugar shack offers a typical traditional menu : marinades and homemade fruit ketchup, house bread, pea soup, maple ham, meat pie, baked beans, seasoned potatoes, "oreilles de  crisse ", scrambled eggs in syrup and pancakes.

After the meal, in summer as in winter, the true sugar fanatics will certainly want to taste the taffy on snow .

You will quickly be charmed by the warm welcome from the owners, who are extremely friendly. They will be more than happy to discuss with you and teach you as much as possible about our ancestral roots .

#4. Érablière du Lac-Beauport 

For over 150 years, the Lessard family has kept one of Quebec's greatest traditions alive. We can say that the sap flows through the veins of the family !

If you are spending a couple days in Quebec city , a short 20-minutes drive will get you to Érablière du Lac-Beauport offers tourists visiting us in the summer the chance to learn more about some of the oldest traditions of La Belle Province .

The site has two museums  : one on the evolution of maple syrup, from its Native American origins to the present day, as well as an interpretation center on Quebec's fauna.

The guided tour of the animal museum will allow you to demystify the different techniques used by Quebec trappers . Be prepared, as there are taxidermied animals. It is certainly not for everyone!

But above all, we still visit the sugar shack to eat, don't we?

So on the menu here, you will find : pea soup, hash browns, homemade ketchup, baked beans, "oreilles de  crisse ", sausages, meat pie, baked omelet, pancakes, sugar pie and of course, taffy on snow !

You will enjoy feasting to the sound of local folk music . Be prepared, as they might even want to teach you a few traditional dance moves .

#5. Chez Dany 

If you are visiting Montreal  and Quebec City, Chez Dany sugar shack  is halfway between the two cities! It is definitely one of the most frequented in the province .

That being said, despite its great popularity, it bears no resemblance to large commercial sugar bushes and is internationally recognized for its excellent service .

Guests are received by Dany and his team in a charming country setting, and in a warm, typically Quebecois atmosphere .

At the table, prepare to feast on : pea soup, baked beans, "oreilles de  crisse ", maple-smoked ham, marinated beets, meat pie, baked omelet, and pancakes with maple syrup. And yes, you can have more than one serving of each! 

Your meal will be accompanied by folk music, performed by traditional musicians .

On site, you will also find a guided tour on the interpretation of the maple syrup transformation process and taffy on snow tasting.

Bonus : Au Pied de Cochon 

Now, this one has nothing to do with traditional sugar shacks , and is open from mid-February to the beginning of May only .

If you are passing through Montreal (or the surrounding area) during this period, this is an unmissable high-end dining experience .

The Pied de Cochon sugar shack belongs to Martin Picard, Chef and owner of the renowned restaurant at Le Pied de Cochon .

Each year, Martin and his team reinvent the classics of the traditional sugar shack to impress epicurians , who will of course have reserved their place several months in advance .

Arrive there on an almost empty stomach . Above all, do not stuff yourself with the first dishes, because you will be satisfied too quickly and will not be able to taste everything.

The portions are so excessive that “ doggy bags ” to-go are available to guests in order to avoid waste .

One thing is certain, your taste buds will remember it for a long time!

Word of advice: this is not the best place for children .

That concludes our top 5 sugar shacks in Quebec . 

Have you ever visited a sugar shack? If so, what did you think of it?

Please feel free to leave us a comment below .

An enthusiast of both our vibrant cities & great oudoors, my life revolves around travel & adventure. It's a no brainer that I have to share the wonders & secrets of my neck of the woods with other travelling souls. Enjoy the journey!

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Maple Syrup & Sugar Shacks in Quebec

• May 4, 2023
• By Stefan Mercier

Quebec is renowned worldwide for its tradition of producing maple syrup, a sweet and delicious natural sweetener that is used in a variety of dishes and recipes. This tradition dates back centuries and is deeply rooted in the history and culture of the province. In this blog post, we will explore the tradition of sugar shacks and maple syrup production in Quebec.

History of Maple Syrup Production in Quebec

The history of maple syrup production in Quebec dates back to the indigenous peoples who inhabited the region long before the arrival of European settlers. These indigenous peoples were the first to discover that the sap of the sugar maple tree could be boiled down to create a sweet syrup. They would collect the sap in birch bark containers and boil it in hollowed-out logs using hot rocks. This technique was passed down from generation to generation and eventually adopted by the early French settlers who arrived in Quebec in the 17th century.

By the mid-19th century, maple syrup production had become a significant industry in Quebec, with small family farms producing the syrup for local consumption. The invention of the metal sap bucket in the late 1800s made maple syrup production more efficient, and the industry continued to grow.

The Tradition of the Sugar Shack

The sugar shack, or cabane à sucre, is an integral part of the maple syrup production tradition in Quebec. A sugar shack is a small wooden cabin located in a maple grove, where sap is collected from the trees and boiled down to create maple syrup. Traditionally, the sugar shack was a place where families and friends would gather during the springtime to help with the maple syrup production and to enjoy a hearty meal.

Today, sugar shacks are popular tourist destinations, where visitors can experience the traditional Quebecois culture and cuisine. Sugar shacks typically offer a range of maple syrup-based dishes, such as pancakes, sausages, and baked beans, all served with copious amounts of maple syrup.

Maple Syrup Production Process

The production of maple syrup begins in late winter or early spring when the sap begins to flow in the sugar maple trees. The sap is collected by drilling a small hole into the tree and inserting a spout, which allows the sap to flow into a bucket or tubing system. The sap is then transported to a sugar shack, where it is boiled in large evaporator pans over a wood-fired stove. As the sap boils, the water content evaporates, leaving behind the concentrated sugar that forms maple syrup.

It takes around 40 liters of sap to produce one liter of maple syrup, which explains why pure maple syrup can be expensive. Once the syrup has reached the desired consistency and flavor, it is filtered to remove any impurities and then bottled for sale.

Maple Syrup Grades

In Quebec, maple syrup is classified into four grades based on its color and flavor. The grades are as follows:

• Golden, Delicate Taste: This syrup is light in color and has a delicate, subtle flavor. It is often used as a topping for pancakes and waffles.
• Amber, Rich Taste: This syrup is slightly darker in color and has a richer, more pronounced flavor. It is often used in baking and as a glaze for meats.
• Dark, Robust Taste: This syrup is dark in color and has a strong, robust flavor. It is often used in cooking and baking to add a bold maple flavor.
• Very Dark, Strong Taste: This syrup is the darkest in color and has the strongest maple flavor. It is often used in recipes that require a strong maple flavor, such as barbecue sauces and marinades.

The tradition of sugar shacks and maple syrup production in Quebec is a significant part of the province’s history and culture. It has become an iconic symbol of Quebecois cuisine and is enjoyed by people

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From the sugar shack to your table, gift baskets, available for both la sucrerie and la bête sauvage, sugaring off time, experience an authentic sugar shack, halls and menus, an unforgettable experience in a genuinely traditional atmosphere, accommodations, an overnight stay in a traditional log cabin, country wedding, unique location to hold your wedding reception.

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SUCRERIE DE LA MONTAGNE

Sugar shack · since 1978, what is sucrerie de la montagne.

Sucrerie de la Montagne is an authentic “ sugar shack ” with a major difference – it is open year-round. Designated an official “Site du Patrimoine Québécois” (Québec Heritage site), the sugar shack, located in the midst of a 120-acre forest of century-old maples atop Mont Rigaud, west of Montréal, transports its visitors back in time, providing them with a momentary glimpse of life as it truly was for Québec and Canadian pioneers.

Sucrerie de la Montagne founder Pierre Faucher and his son Stefan are devoted to respecting the heritage of their forebears and perpetuating Québec traditions with authenticity. Sucrerie de la Montagne tailors its broad range of cultural and heritage activities to the profiles of its markets and its guests.

Long ago it was here, a single clapboard building nestled in the heart of a maple grove on Chemin St-Georges. Today it is still here, in all its splendour, but now part of what has become almost a village, featuring a group of buildings that seem to leap off a page from a Canadian history book. A door squeaks open. You have travelled back in time. Welcome into a world of Québec tradition lived through the timeless experience of “sugaring off.”

Maple Perfume

A WELCOME FROM PIERRE

La sucrerie de la montagne, authentic for over 40 ans.

Over the past more than three decades, thousands of visitors from around the world have come to enjoy Québec folkloric traditions in our authentic setting.

Open year-round, we are known as a place where Québec heritage is respected and relived through fun, traditional activities.

We wish you an enjoyable tour of our website and we hope this first “taste” of Sucrerie de la Montagne will entice you come to the top of Mont Rigaud to pay us a personal visit!

Owner, Sucrerie de la Montagne

Sugaring Off Season

February 19 to April 30, 2024

See rates under the sugaring off time tab at the bottom of the page.

Please call us for reservations.

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Seven Exceptional Sugar Shacks

Updated on Feb 27, 2024

There are some sugar shacks that really stand out because of their setting, the environment, the menu, the activities they offer… One thing is for sure, among the ones we’re proposing here, you’ll find the shack you’re looking for.

By Marie-Claude Masse

The "like at home" sugar shack

The dining room is small and warm, and welcome at most 28 persons. You will feel almost loike you were with family! Pea soup, pulled maple ham, grilled bacon, assortment of maple desserts, among others, will me offered at the Cabane à sucre et produits La Martine , in Saint-Romain. Meal boxes et many other delicious products are also available to take out.

The Traditional

You’ll find the Cabane du Pic-Bois sugar shack inside a most enchanting setting, on the Route des vins of Brome-Missisquoi, near Brigham. Here, maple sap is gathered with great regards to nature. Almost all the work is carried out in the traditional fashion for this small-scale production. Some 1100 taps are more than enough to transform sap into delicious syrup and other sweet treats. This spring, the Cabane will welcome you on the weekends, between 11:00 and 3:00 pm, for some crepes and maple syrup on snow. Guided tours are also offered to learn more about the manufacturing process of this sweet elixir. An experience you don't want to miss!

The Most Popular

Among the favourite sugar shacks in the Eastern Townships, without a doubt, you’ll find Érablière Gareau and Érablière Chalet Des Érables . The first, located in Canton de Hatley, has only been serving meals since 2006, but has received such high praise that its reputation is now well established. A traditional menu, a warm and friendly atmosphere, delicious maple products for sale and fun outdoor game modules are always well appreciated by visitors.

The second one, in Cookshire-Eaton, welcomes you on a more than enchanting site while offering you traditional meals as succulent as the ones your grandmothers used to prepare! It is in a warm atmosphere that you will savour dishes prepared with love for a completely tasty experience. Be sure to try their maple caramel popcorn... Pure happiness!

Pssst! Many other delicious maple products as well as boxed lunches are also available to take away.

The Tantalizing

The sugar shack menu offered by the Vignoble du Ruisseau in Dunham is definitely a mouth-watering one!! 18-month aged ham and hazelnut butter, farmhouse bread, homemade cretons and maple baseball mustard, mackerel rillette, rolled omelette with mortadella and cheddar cheese, pea soup, charcoal-grilled pork belly and maple foie gras snow, grilled sausage stuffed with cheese curds, aligot mashed potatoes, Bordelaise sauce and fried potato crumble, 24h braised pork cheek and black blood sausage, puff pastry, mascarpone, maple caramel and cherries, maple cotton candy, maple pie, pudding chômeur and the famous maple taffy... You must admit it makes you hungry! And the decor is simply magnificent. Definitely worth a visit this spring!

The Luxurious One

Saturday and Sunday, March 23 and 24 as well as April 6 and 7, the Tap Room of the Manoir Hovey will offer a sugar shack menu, with seasonal flavors and local ingredients. Alexandre Vachon, chef of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux establishment, will concoct dishes that will be, let's bet on it, anything but ordinary. Be quick and reserve your place now!

The accommodating

Because you're confy at home or because you want to host a sugar shack with friends, the solution: a sugar shack menu to go! Something possible at the Érablière du village in Compton or at the Érablière Bernard in Granby. Ham, sausage, maple taffy, omelet, etc. Traditional, local and delicious!

NB The familial walking path - the Trotteux - will be open at the Érablière Bernard, where you can bring their sugar shack lunch box!

The Family Shack

If you love rustic sugar shacks, you should take your family to Au Bec Sucré , in Valcourt! An absolutely delicious and traditional menu concocted by the sisters in-law, nieces and friends of the owning families, and all this in the best of atmospheres! Taffy on snow, cute sheep you can pet, visits to the syrup production site, traditional music, rallies through the maple grove, and much more awaits. And you have til April 21th to enjoy the experience!

For more inspiration, explore all of our sugar shacks here !

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Top Sugar Shacks to Visit in Quebec for Maple Season

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.

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