For many of us, the month of March is sugaring off time! With its sugary sap, the maple creates its own springtime festival, bringing families and friends together for a day out at the sugar shack. The Laurentian region has any number of sugar shacks where fun and games are always on hand in the pure tradition of yesteryear. We invite you to come and sample maple time in the Laurentians:
This gastronomic sugar shack located in Saint-Faustin-Lac-Carré is named in homage to the first local pioneers and to celebrate a family-based gourmet experience, presented in the friendly atmosphere of a rustic decor. You must absolutely taste our famous maple-glazed donut with bacon! Hot, runny glazing over crusty pastry with crunchy bacon.
From February 26 to May 1, 2016: with reservations only, open from Thursday to Sunday.
We go to enjoy:
- The excellent fresh regional produce
- The originality of the menu
- The famous maple-glazed donut with bacon – yummy!
Founded in 1941, Cabane à sucre Constantin located in Saint-Eustache has always stood out thanks to the quality and diversity of its products. Quality, good service and a warm atmosphere are the hallmarks of the Constantin family. Several activities available: taffy on snow, dance floor, horse-drawn sleigh rides, mini-farm with exotic animals, inflatable games, doll museum, marionette theater, mini 4×4 circuit, walking trails, boutique-souvenirs and visit to the evaporators.
In addition, it is possible to obtain “Produits d’Antan” items at the boutique. You’ll find a selection of jams and marinades of all kinds: maple products, maple syrup, frozen meals and homemade meals ready to eat.
From mid-February to end of April 2016. Reservations required.
We go to enjoy:
- The excellent “poor man’s pudding”
- The numerous activities for children
- Items in the “Produits d’Antan” range to take home
Come and indulge your sweet tooth at Cabane à sucre d’Amours, located in Sainte-Anne-des-Plaines. Experience old-time sugaring-off fun in an atmosphere of Québec folklore in a sugar shack full of history and tradition. You’ll be delighted by our grandmothers’ maple recipes, prepared today by our chefs. Enjoy a sleigh ride through the maple grove drawn by two magnificent horses. Activities for children: a visit to the mini-farm, pony rides, haunted maple labyrinth, horseback rides and much more.
From February 27 to April 29, 2016. Reservations recommended.
We go to enjoy:
- Grandma’s crepes – yummy!
- The family atmosphere
- The maple kiosk inside the sugar shack
High up on the mountainside but very easy to get to, Cabane à sucre Arthur Raymond located in Piedmont is proud of its long tradition and the service it has been providing to its clientele for the past 61 years. Monsieur and Madame Raymond have handed the business over to several of their children, but still keep an eye on things and make sure the recipes retain their marvelous original taste. Just like the meals, the sugar shack built of old barn planks has kept its old-time structure and the folkloric music will help to keep you in a family atmosphere.
From February 27 to April 24, 2016. For groups of 15 or more persons, it is preferable to reserve…online, why not!
We go to enjoy:
- The traditional old-time meals
- The online reservations, it’s magical!
- The taffy on snow – yummy!
Plunge back into the atmosphere of the good old days! This old and rustic sugar shack with its antique tools displayed around the walls or on the grounds outside give the site the look of a small museum. The sleigh ride in the woods only adds to the feeling of going back to a more charmed time, when the natural world rhymed with simple living.
Come and relive the sugar shack tradition of yesteryear at La P’tite cabane d’la côte in Mirabel by savoring a copious meal centered on the sugar bush. A Québec folkloric show on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Don’t forget to bring your own wine or beer.
From February 27 to May 1, 2016, with reservations only.
We go to enjoy:
- Grands-pères (dumplings) in syrup – yummy!
- Folk music and dancing
- Seeing the maple sap collected
Since 1974, Cabane à sucre Nantel located in Saint-Hippolyte has been recognized for its warm atmosphere, rustic decor and especially, the exceptional quality of its meals. All meals are homemade. On the menu, old-style omelets, the famous oreilles de crisse (crispy bacon rind), the maple syrup upside-down cake and we mustn’t forget our genuine sugar pie that everyone so loves.
After that, to aid digestion, you have a choice of a nice walk in our woods, a visit to the mini-farm or, for those wanting to remain inside in the warmth, our dance floor with music and animation is yours to enjoy.
From February 27 to April 17, 2016. Reservations required on weekdays and for groups of 50 persons or more.
We go to enjoy:
- Grand-maman’s famous sugar pie – yummy!
- The delicious homemade pork cretons
- The evaporator room with explanations about the maple syrup process
Sucrerie la Marinière at Oka invites you to take some time out and enjoy a precious moment surrounded by those you love. From the appetizer to the dessert, you’ll be surprised by this traditional gourmet menu, all prepared with passion right here in the sugar shack. Vegetarian menu, without pork or without gluten available upon reservation.
Add to your visit by stopping off at the Boutique Gourmande, filled to the brim with pure maple syrup, other maple products and local sweets. Try our succulent nuts crystalized in maple syrup, they are simply delicious!
From February 27 to April 24, 2016, with reservations only.
We go to enjoy:
- The smoked ham from the Boucannerie Belle-Rivière – yummy!
- The French-Canadian pea soup – double yummy!
- La Boutique Gourmande
In the sugaring-off season, come and enjoy an excellent and traditional meal and delicious maple taffy at Sucrerie du Mont Bleu in Mirabel. Several activities offered on site: walking trails on the mountain, cart rides, educational games and visits to the facilities. You can bring your own wine and also the music of your choice. Four different rooms have been set up to welcome you. Meals with country fare for 30 persons and more.
From February 27 to May 1, 2016, it is preferable to reserve.
We go to enjoy:
- The maple gâteau mousse
- The personalized service
- Promenades in the forest on this enchanting site
Located only 3 km from exit 31 of Highway 15 in Mirabel, Sucrerie Bonaventure offers its traditional menu, which is sure to please the sweetest tooth! You can also obtain some of the various maple products all prepared on site. With the mini-farm, hockey nights, karaoke, folksinger and DJ, the outdoor fireplace and horseback rides, pleasure is guaranteed for young and old. And don’t forget to bring your own wine or beer.
From mid-February until the last weekend in April 2016, it is preferable to reserve.
We go to enjoy:
- The traditional sugar shack meal
- The atmosphere outdoors around our magnificent fireplace!
- The animation and karaoke
Cabane à sucre Bouvrette located in Saint-Jérôme celebrates the springtime by inviting you to enjoy a succulent repast at our traditional sugar shack. Thanks to its 1,400 tapped maples and the maple-processing facilities, the family Bouvrette produces a delicious maple syrup on site that you will take pleasure in sampling for the first or tenth time! You can also extend your enjoyment to your table at home by taking some of our maple products or hot takeaway dishes back with you.
From March 6 to April 24, 2016, it is preferable to reserve. Closed Mondays except on March 28, 2016 (Easter Monday).
We go to enjoy:
- Maple cornets – yummy!
- The train ride – too much fun with the kids!
- The festive atmosphere
Located at Sainte-Anne-des-Plaines in the Lower Laurentians, Cabane à sucre Gagnon is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. This traditional family sugar shack bears its name in homage to the founder who was ever ready to transmit his passion for the maple grove and its many products, in a convivial setting. Our energetic team will welcome you with warm smiles into an authentic decor with rustic touches. Come and see us and enjoy some homemade cuisine in a family atmosphere.
From March 5 to May 1, 2016, with reservations only.
We go to enjoy:
- The old-time traditional meal
- The family atmosphere
- Sausages in syrup – yummy!
By Mélanie Poirier
Tourisme Laurentides