Sugaring off time!

When nature emerges from its slumber, maple farms gear up for a busy sugaring off season. This yearly tradition is all about sharing and caring—it’s an opportunity to get together with friends or family and enjoy each others’ company while savouring a hearty meal. 

From rustic to modern and traditional to vegan, there’s a sugar shack to suit any taste. Here are 10 great ones to check out!

Bring your own wine

À la Feuille d'Érable - Mont Saint-Grégoire

Located 40 minutes outside of Montreal, this sugar shack is celebrating its 60th birthday this year! If you’re looking for a nice traditional meal in a friendly setting, this is the place for you. They also have a little farm, a maple museum, and trails for exploring the mountain.

Val des Rosacées – Saint-Benoît in Mirabel

This humble little spot located in an enchanting setting offers three menu options: traditional, vegetarian and gluten-free. Just remember to mention the number of vegetarian or gluten-free diners in your party when making your reservation.

Erabilis - North Hatley

This sugar shack is unlike any other. Every year, new dishes are added to their delectable buffet menu, which includes their spin on traditional dishes as well as many mouth-watering vegetarian options, like whole wheat and buckwheat crepes, maple-glazed vegetables and General Tao tofu.

Érablière Mont Saint-Michel - Victoriaville

This family institution is proud to have produced the best maple syrup in the region for three generations now. This rustic and inviting sugar shack welcomes visitors from Friday to Sunday, plus Easter Monday. After eating your fill, you can take a little walk on the trails of the property.

La Cabane à tuque - Mont-Tremblant

Not only is this Laurentian sugar shack proudly 100% vegan, but everything is local and organic! The food is made by the two owners and served in their eco-friendly home. It’s the perfect place for those who prefer a late-spring sugar shack experience, as they’re open until mid-May 2024. Still, remember to make a reservation to be sure you get a table!

Sucrerie du terroir - Val-des-Monts

Just 10 minutes outside of Gatineau, this charmingly old-fashioned establishment offers a traditional all-you-can-eat menu—and on weekends, you can enjoy dinner and a live singer! Named one of the top 10 sugar shacks in Quebec, it has also won silver and bronze medals from the Commanderie de l’Érable du Québec for its maple syrup.

Cabane à sucre Côte-à-Joly - Saint-Jean-de-Matha

Get ready for accordions and rigadoons at this lively sugar shack—it’s fun for the whole family! Guests can savour an all-you-can-eat meal of tasty classic dishes at an affordable price. Large groups won’t have a problem finding a table in their giant dining hall, either. Guided tours and singing are just a few of the other activities available here.

Érablière du Cap - Lévis

Take advantage of the savoir-faire passed down from generation to generation at Érablière du Cap. Their charming team will welcome you to their delightful spot and regale you with music, singing and dancing as you feast on typical Québécois fare—and it’s all-you-can-eat! A meatless and gluten-free version of the traditional menu is also available. Plus, the sugar bush offers guided tours and an area specifically for sweet tooths to entertain the whole family. 

Cabane à sucre familiale - Sainte-Famille

How about a little getaway to Île d'Orléans? Located 20 minutes from Quebec City, this inviting sugar shack with a view of the St. Lawrence serves traditional or vegetarian (upon request, with 24 hours’ notice) meals from Tuesday to Sunday. Expect maple taffy on snow, hiking trails, folk music, and all kinds of fun. By reservation only.

Érablière Nathalie Lemieux - Saint-Pascal

This sugar shack in the wonderful county of Kamouraska uses the traditional technique of boiling their sap over a wood fire. This results in a delectable maple syrup that’s used in their traditional menu, maple taffy and a wide array of products available on site.  

How’s that for whetting your appetite? With so many options for sweet, maple-y goodness, all you need to do is pick a sugar shack (or two!) and make a reservation asap. Most of them have limited spots, so reservations are strongly recommended—sometimes even required.

Whether you’re looking for a wine to bring along with you or to pair with your take-home feast, it can be hard to make a choice. Luckily, there are many fantastic Quebec products in stores, so our terroir can take centre stage both on your plate and in your glass! 

Whites and reds with woody notes go beautifully with maple dishes. As you near the dessert course, consider switching to a semi-dry wine with a touch of sweetness. When shopping, we recommend you pick a white from the Aromatic and mellow or Fruity and sweet taste tag. But if you prefer reds, something from the Aromatic and supple taste tag will do quite nicely.

Before visiting maple country, check out sommelier Marie-Hélène Boisvert’s recommendations for sugar shack and wine pairings! 

See you soon!