Best Cabane a Sucre Experiences in the Montreal Area
What Makes Snow & Slush Bearable? Maple Syrup!
Embrace the holiday season
Right now, with the holiday season in full swing, the snowy weather feels festive and cozy. We’re all snuggling up with our hot chocolate in front of a crackling fire (even if it’s “Fireplace For Your Home” on Netflix), keeping our toes warm in fluffy socks and rediscovering our favourite chunky sweaters. Generally getting our hygge on!
But this is Montreal. And come January 2nd, we will all have had enough of the snow, ice and slush. And spring in Montreal? Well that’s just more slush and cold and nothing good.
Q/A : When does the sugar shack season start?
The sugar shack season starts in the end of February.
Sugaring off season is when the maple trees are tapped and syrup production begins! It’s a huge deal in Quebec where nearly ¾ of all the maple syrup in North America is produced.
The season lasts anywhere from the end of February to early May, making a visit to a cabane a sucre (or “sugar shack”, if you aren’t up on your franglais) the perfect way to get through those final, and very long, months of snow. Because let’s face it. What’s cozier than pancakes, bacon, ham, baked beans, tourtière, pudding chomeur and tiny hot dogs in maple syrup, enjoyed in a classic cabane a sucre in the woods?
But many of them book up fast and it’s a good idea to book your reservations sooner than later.
(Disclaimer for non-Quebecers: ‘Sugaring off’ is a real thing. We promise, we didn’t just shout weird obscenities at you. Please keep reading!)
So get ready to sugar off! … Here are our top 5 picks for the best cabane a sucres near Montreal.
1. Vergers & Cidrerie Denis Charbonneau
Vergers Denis Charbonneau is actually an apple orchard and crêperie where the crêperie serves exclusively cabane a sucre fare from March to April.
They do almost no advertising. In fact, you’ll only find a small mention of it on their website. But that’s probably because they don’t need to advertise. The food and location are just so amazing that word of mouth alone seems to be enough to keep people coming.
Located in scenic Mont-Saint-Grégoire, Charbonneau also features a mini farm, walking trails, play areas for children and horse drawn rides. While you’re there, you can also book yourself a tasting at the onsite cider brewery or check out the store for a variety of local and homemade goodies.
When it isn’t sugaring off season, you can also visit Charbonneau for fall apple and pumpkin picking, to enjoy traditional Breton crepes, or to book your next large group event.
Moreover, the Vergers Denis Charbonneau cabane a sucre is one of the few that accepts reservations for large groups, so if you and your family are looking for an option to get together and take over a whole section of tables, this might be the place. It’s perfect for anniversaries, corporate events, and family gatherings. It is located at 575 Rang de la Montagne, Mont-Saint-Grégoire, QC J0J 1K0, Canada.
Read our detailed article on Vergers & Cidrerie Denis Charbonneau
2. Lalande
Lalande is a stunning, family run cabane a sucre, located in the breathtakingly scenic rural area of St Eustache.
Their menu is classic cabane a sucre fare, done to perfection. For groups of 8-10 people, you can also opt for the 2 hour, all you can eat option (reservations are a must!), and larger groups can be accommodated as well.
In addition to enjoying some amazing comfort food, there’s also a mini-farm to check out, gorgeous walking paths, a syrup production tour, horse rides and music and dancing on Saturday nights!
They have multiple sittings through the week and weekdays, but reservations are a good idea.
Lalande’s event halls can be reserved during the off season for corporate events, weddings and other large group events. Check out their website for some of the beautiful and truly unique weddings they’ve hosted!
Furthermore, they also have a terrace where you can sip on some sugar shack drinks or enjoy a hot drink after your meal. You can even take home a jar or two of their award-winning maple syrup! This is definitely a must-visit for sugar shack enthusiasts. It is located at 862 Montée Laurin, St-Eustache, QC J7R 0J2.
3. Cabane a Sucre Au Pied de Cochon
Oh yes. Montreal’s beloved Au Pied de Cochon, the restaurant everybody comes rolling out of after eating sooooo well, also has a cabane a sucre! And it is definitely something to be experienced.
Their menu is only released at the beginning of the season, but typically focuses on traditional dishes with that unique Au Pied de Cochon flair. Foie gras is obviously featured, as is traditional tourtiere, sausage, maple glazed duck, cassoulet, champvallon, homemade pies and so much more.
Though many sugar shacks offer extras like treks through the woods or hayrides, this one is. All. About. The. Food.
The cabane offers two dinner seatings per evening from Thursday to Sunday, as well as lunch seatings on the weekends. Located in St-Benoît de Mirabel, they are open during sugar season and harvest season, and you can also reserve the space for large groups and events during the off season.
Further, Au Pied de Cochon is one of the few cabanes a sucre that offers an all-inclusive package, which includes a meal, soft drinks and coffee, desserts, and more. This is a great option for those who don’t want to worry about budgeting for the whole experience. Whether you’re a sugar shack enthusiast or just looking for an amazing culinary experience, Cabane à Sucre Au Pied de Cochon is the place to be! It is located at 11382 Rang de la Fresnière, Mirabel, QC J7N 2R9.
Be sure to check out the store for decadent goodies to bring home!
4. Constantin
Located in St Eustache, Constantin opens its doors every year on Valentine’s Day. This family run business began in 1941 as a small sugar shack that could serve just 20 meals at a time. Today, this expansive venue is serving far more than that and is all about fun for the whole family.
A visit to Constantin is so much more than a meal. In addition to classic tire érable and a delectably traditional menu, they also feature sleigh rides, inflatable play structures, walking trails, a puppet theatre, mini farm with exotic animals, a 4-wheeler mini circuit, line dancing and more!
With an onsite chapel, gorgeous landscape and multiple reception halls, it’s also the perfect spot for a truly Pinterest-worthy wedding.
This wonderful location offers several options for groups of all sizes, including an all-you-can-eat package. Be sure to book your reservation in advance, as they often sell out! Overall, Constantin is a must-visit for anyone looking for an unforgettable experience. Spend the day with your family, enjoying all the sights and tastes this place has to offer! It is located at 1054 Bd Arthur-Sauvé, Saint-Eustache, QC J7R 4K3, Canada.
5. Auberge Handfield
Auberge Handfield has been in business for more than 85 years, but has definitely kept up with the times. It is one of the few that offers, upon request, gluten free and vegetarian cabane a sucre fare for everyone to enjoy. And the food does not disappoint!
And like many others, the experience only begins with the food. Auberge Handfield is also… an auberge! You can actually stay in this gorgeous St-Marc-Sur-Richelieu setting, which is good because they also have an incredibly relaxing and restorative spa that offers massage therapy, hydrotherapy services and body treatments.
All that and maple syrup? Yes, please!
Auberge Handfield is also available for weddings, conventions, meetings and other large groups and events.
Also, be sure to check out their special events throughout the season. You won’t want to miss their famous cabane a sucre feast, maple syrup-making classes, and more! No matter what time of year you visit, Auberge Handfield is sure to provide an unforgettable experience. It is located at 555 Rue Richelieu, Saint-Marc-sur-Richelieu, QC J0L 2E0, Canada.
BONUS: Scena
A classic cabane a sucre experience can really only be found outside the city since that’s where the maple farms are. However, there are a few businesses right in the city that offer a taste of that experience. Scena is one of them and it’s right in the Old Port!
Located in Pavillon Jacques-Cartier, Scena’s renowned chef Laurent Godbout has been presenting a truly tempting “traditional-chic” cabane a sucre menu through March and April for the past four years. So if you don’t feel like making the trek out to the sticks, but need to satisfy your maple-glazed-everything craving, check out Scena!
Moreover, Scena is proud to be an accessible and inclusive establishment that meets the needs of all its guests. So if you or anyone in your party has any dietary restrictions, let them know ahead of time, and they will be sure to accommodate you in the best way possible. Enjoy your urban cabane a sucre experience!
These cabane a sucre venues are all must-visit destinations to enjoy the best of Montreal’s traditional maple culture. Make sure you plan so you don’t miss out on all the delicious food, exciting activities, and beautiful scenery each one offers.
Make sure that you are well dressed for the Cabane a Sucre:
When Should I Go to Cabane a Sucre?
The best time to visit a cabane à sucre is during the winter months of February and March. While many people think springtime is the ideal season for maple syrup, the taste of maple syrup produced in late winter when temperatures begin to drop is said to be especially sweet.
During this period, visitors can witness the entire process, from retrieving the sap from local trees to cooking it into delicious syrup. Going to a cabane a sucre in these months also ensures that you’ll be able to partake in traditional activities such as snowshoeing, ice skating, and horse-drawn sleigh rides, adding more fun and variety to your experience!
Bottom Line
Try one of these unique cabane a sucre experiences near Montreal for an unforgettable, sugar-filled treat this winter! With so many great options, you’ll be sure to find the perfect spot for your group. From classic cabanes with all the traditional fixings to those with a twist, like private outdoor bonfires and themed menus, there’s something for everyone. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your next sweet escape today!
FAQs
What is cabane a sucre?
Cabane à Sucre, also known as “sugar shack,” is a traditional Canadian wintertime activity. It involves going to a sugaring-off location, usually on a farm or in the country, where one can enjoy a variety of maple-syrup-based foods and activities.
What types of food are served at cabane a sucre?
The traditional cabane à sucre menu typically includes dishes like pea soup, pancakes with syrup, tourtière, and pork rinds. Some cabanes may offer more creative dishes, such as maple-glazed donuts or even ice cream!
What types of activities can I do at cabane a sucre?
At some cabanes, you can watch the maple syrup-making process, take part in maple taffy on the snow, or even sample and purchase some of the seasonal syrup. Other cabanes may offer activities such as horse-drawn sleigh rides, outdoor bonfires, and more.
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[…] Let’s start with a classic! There are many cabane a sucre (or sugar shack) options around Montreal to choose from, including one right in the Old Port. Check out our favourites. […]
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