Springtime in Québec wouldn't be the same without its most beloved tradition. Every March, Montreal and its surroundings come alive as sugar shacks prepare to welcome visitors eager for a taste of sugar season. As the weather warms, these iconic spots open their doors to keep a cherished tradition alive, attracting thousands of food lovers ready to enjoy a legendary sweet-and-savory feast.
Historically, sugar shacks were dedicated solely to maple production, where sap was transformed into sugar. Today, they have become gathering places, where families and friends come together around a hearty, all-you-can-eat meal. Just outside the city, many sugar shacks uphold this tradition by serving the ultimate maple feast: steaming pea soup, maple-smoked ham, slow-cooked baked beans, soufflé-style omelettes, and crispy roasted potatoes.
Each sugar shack offers a unique experience. Some favor a rustic, traditional setting, where maple is harvested using ancestral methods, while others create a festive atmosphere, complete with live music and outdoor play areas. No matter the setting, one thing is certain: the meal always ends on a sweet note with sugar pie, fluffy crêpes, and maple taffy on snow.
Many sugar shacks now adapt to modern tastes, offering vegetarian options, gluten-free meals, and contemporary twists on tradition. Some maintain a cozy, old-world charm, with meals served in log cabins heated by wood stoves, while others blend culinary innovation with entertainment. No matter the setting, sugar season remains a time for gathering and indulgence, evolving with each generation while preserving its essence.
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A few years ago, no one would have imagined experiencing sugar season from their own living room. Yet, that's exactly the idea behind Ma Cabane à la Maison, an initiative launched in 2021 to support Québec's sugar shacks and protect a cherished tradition. Today, nearly fifteen sugar shacks continue the adventure, allowing everyone to enjoy a sugar season feast without leaving home.
By entering your postal code on their website, you can browse the menus available from participating sugar shacks. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and pork-free boxes ensure that everyone finds something to enjoy. Once ordered, your gourmet box is ready for pickup at one of 196 Métro locations or can be delivered straight to your door.
And because sugar season is about more than just food, each order includes access to an online performance, bringing the festive atmosphere right to your home. From pea soup to maple taffy, every bite is a reminder of why this tradition deserves to be celebrated. A way to support sugar shacks, and a treat for those with a sweet tooth.
South-Shore & Montérégie
158 Des 60 Rang, Saint-Marc-sur-Richelieu, J0L 2E0
Maple syrup season dates: February 28th to April 27th
Distance from downtown Montreal: approx. 41 kilometers
At La Cabane du Coureur, maple syrup isn't just for drizzling over pancakes-it's at the heart of a cuisine that balances tradition with delicate flavors. Under the direction of Chef Jean-Sébastien Giguère, this sugar shack reimagines the maple season experience with a three-wave menu that evolves with culinary inspirations. Expect classic dishes with a twist, such as pea soup and blood pudding with apples, alongside more daring creations like okonomiyaki with shiitakes and togarashi, roasted sea bream with parsley maple sauce, and a braised cabbage with mushroom cream for the vegetarian option. Desserts bring a nostalgic touch: clafoutis with seasonal berries, crispy duck-fat-fried crêpe with maple butter, and, of course, the essential maple taffy on snow. Between refined plates and a rustic atmosphere, La Cabane du Coureur awakens both the taste buds and childhood memories.
45 Chemin du Sous-Bois, Mont-Saint-Grégoire, J0J 1K0
Maple syrup season dates: February 22nd to April 30th
Distance from downtown Montreal: about 50 kilometers
For nearly 20 years, Érablière Charbonneau has been synonymous with sugaring-off time and deep-rooted traditions. Every spring, the tables come to life around a feast featuring the recipes of yesteryear: generous pea soup, fragrant tourtière, carefully simmered meatball stew, fluffy omelette, crispy bacon and caramelized baked beans. The desserts, meanwhile, leave no one indifferent: golden sister farts, sugar pie and steaming pancakes, ready to be drowned under a cascade of maple syrup.
But beyond the meal, the experience continues outdoors. Between bites, visitors explore the hiking trails up the mountain and through the orchards, marvel at the evaporation room, where the syrup transforms before their very eyes, or settle down around the outdoor fireplace to warm up with a hot cinnamon apple juice. But the fun doesn't stop at the table. After a taste of the Sugar Time classics, the day continues outdoors. The tractor ride winds through maple groves and orchards, offering a breathtaking panorama of the region.
For thrill-seekers, uplå by Arbraska offers a challenge to match: a suspended course in the heart of the trees, where adrenalin and nature meet. Curious visitors can watch the syrup being transformed in the evaporation room, while families enjoy the play areas and mini-farm. Before leaving, a final visit to the boutique extends the experience with freshly harvested syrup and maple treats.
864 Rang Chartier, Mont-Saint-Grégoire, J0J 1K0
Maple syrup season dates: February 22nd to April 28th
Distance from downtown Montreal: approx. 49 kilometers
At Érablière Au Palais Sucré in Mont Saint-Grégoire, three generations have kept their love for maple syrup alive. Here, the sugar season is celebrated with a hearty feast featuring sausages glazed in maple syrup, smoky baked beans, and, of course, the must-have maple taffy on snow. A vegetarian menu is also available, with highlights like warm maple-glazed brie and caramelized tofu.
But the experience goes beyond the table. Tractor rides through the forest, friendly ponies at the farm, and outdoor play areas make for a fun-filled outing. Whether gathering for a traditional meal or a special event in the renovated reception hall, the joy of Quebec's sugaring season is undeniable. And to end on a sweet note? One last taste of maple taffy, soaking in the sun, before heading home with a jar of syrup as a souvenir.
190 des 60 Rang, Saint-Marc-sur-Richelieu, J0L 2E0
Maple syrup season dates: February 28th to April 27th
Distance from downtown Montreal: about 50 kilometers
With its barnwood dining rooms, crackling fireplaces, and lively folk music, La Cabane à sucre Handfield immerses visitors in an authentic Québec sugar shack experience. A popular gathering place, it welcomes families, friends, and colleagues for a hearty feast inspired by age-old traditions. The menu highlights classic sugar season favorites: steaming pea soup, fresh-baked bread, caramelized ham, fluffy omelettes, and crêpes drenched in maple syrup. Those with a sweet tooth will love the rich sugar pie, while guests with dietary restrictions can enjoy buckwheat pancakes, lentil cretons, and gluten-free bread.
But the experience goes far beyond the meal. After dining, visitors can explore the sugar bush, discover the traditional maple syrup-making process, and, of course, indulge in the timeless treat of maple taffy on snow. The festive atmosphere continues with folk music setting the tone for lively conversations and shared laughter. Before heading home, a stop at the cabane's boutique is a must to stock up on freshly harvested maple syrup, homemade treats, and delicious souvenirs. For those looking to extend their stay, the nearby inn offers a charming countryside retreat, perfect for relaxing after a sweet-filled day.
300 Chemin St-Georges, Rigaud/Sainte-Marthe, J0P 1P0
Maple syrup season dates: February 15th to May 4th
Distance from downtown Montreal: about 70 kilometers
Nestled on Mount Rigaud, Sucrerie de la Montagne offers an authentic glimpse into Québec's past, where traditions are cherished and passed down through generations. Spanning 120 acres of century-old maple forest, Pierre Faucher and his son Stefan uphold a time-honored craft. Maple sap is still collected by hand using traditional buckets before being transformed into syrup in a wood-fired evaporator, just as it was done in the past.
Inside the rustic log cabin, a bountiful feast awaits. Pea soup, Beauce-style meat pie, meatball stew, maple-smoked ham, and fluffy omelette are served by the glow of oil lamps, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. To finish on a sweet note, sugar pie, golden crêpes, and maple taffy on snow delight the taste buds.
But the experience goes beyond the meal. Live folk musicians set the mood, inviting guests to join in traditional songs. Outside, a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the snowy landscape adds to the charm, while the general store is stocked with maple products and handcrafted Québecois goods. For those looking to extend their stay, quaint heritage-style cottages provide a cozy retreat into the past. With its Québec Heritage Site designation, lively atmosphere, and historic lodgings, this sugar shack keeps history alive, celebrating spring the way it was meant to be.
325 Rang des 54, Richelieu, J3L 6R5
Maple syrup season dates: February 22nd to April 21st
Distance from downtown Montreal: approx. 39 kilometers
Since 1920, Érablière Meunier & fils has been keeping the sugar season tradition alive in Richelieu, where generations have helped shape this landmark destination. With a 4,000-maple forest and a charming, rustic sugar shack, the site blends artisanal expertise with the joy of maple season.
The meal, served at the table and all-you-can-eat, showcases maple in all its forms. Steaming pea soup, homemade cretons, crisp coleslaw, and fresh-baked rolls set the stage for the main event: country-style ham, syrup-glazed sausage, roasted potatoes, and slow-cooked baked beans. To end on a sweet note, sugar pie, pouding chômeur, and waffles drenched in maple syrup offer the perfect finish.
But the experience extends beyond the meal. Horse-drawn sleigh rides, scenic forest trails, and lively dances keep the festive spirit alive. While children explore the petting farm and outdoor play areas, thrill-seekers can take on the Fat Bike trails winding through the woods. Between music, tradition, and shared moments, every visit to the sugar shack turns into a cherished memory.
Erablière Bernard Mets cuisinés & Réceptions
1268 Rue Denison O, Granby, J2J 0L8
Maple syrup season dates: February 27th to April 21st
Distance from downtown Montreal: approx. 73 kilometers
In Granby, Érablière Bernard celebrates maple beyond just sugar season. For six generations, this family-owned business has been perfecting its recipes and sharing its love for Québec's terroir through hearty homemade cuisine and handcrafted maple products. While sugar season is a highlight of the year, the passion for maple continues long after, with a variety of ready-made dishes and artisanal products, available in over 70 retail locations.
Around large communal tables, the all-you-can-eat feast begins with comforting starters: "La Silencieuse" pea soup, "Pômal cochon" cretons, and warm rolls. The main course pays tribute to tradition, featuring crispy pork grillades, maple-pulled ham, glazed sausages, and oven-baked soufflé omelette. To top it all off, a dessert table brimming with treats awaits: doughnuts, waffles, maple cream, and pecan-apple pie. Érablière Bernard accommodates guests with dietary restrictions by offering several alternative options. Whether lactose-free, gluten-free, vegetarian, or pork-free, meals can be adapted upon reservation.
The experience extends to Le Sentier du Trotteux, an interactive trail where each step unveils the history and craft of maple syrup making. To complete the visit, guests enjoy unlimited "Funky" maple taffy on snow, a sweet final touch to the day. Blending family heritage with modern touches, Érablière Bernard turns every spring into a deliciously memorable celebration.
Lanaudière
405 Rang de l'Annonciation, Oka, J0N 1E0
Maple syrup season dates: February 29th to May 11th
Distance from downtown Montreal: about 60 kilometers
In Oka, Labonté de la Pomme reimagines sugar season by blending maple and apple in a setting where nature shapes the experience. Inspired by the farm's harvests, the dishes are generous, each bite paying tribute to Québec's rich terroir.
The festivities unfold through four unique experiences. Indoors, two menus showcase maple in different ways: one refines beloved classics, while the other takes a bolder, more innovative approach. Outdoors, the Bistro Counter and its winter picnic area invite guests to enjoy a relaxed meal or sip on house ciders. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Oka cheese fondue offers a cozy, fireside moment amid the snowy orchards. And for those who prefer to indulge at home, the take-home meal boxes bring sugar season straight to the table.
The estate becomes a playground for discovery, with each activity offering a new way to experience maple. Hikes through the sugar bush, maple sap collection, and open-fire grilling set the rhythm of the day. Maple taffy on snow, cider tastings, and bonfires complete the festive atmosphere. A flavorful escape where tradition and the changing seasons meet, bringing new life to sugar season with authenticity and creativity.
1054 Boulevard Arthur-Sauvé, Saint-Eustache, J7R 4K3
Maple syrup season dates: February 14th to April 27th
Distance from downtown Montreal: about 45 kilometers
Every year, Cabane à sucre Constantin welcomes back guests eager to celebrate sugar season, a long-awaited tradition. For over 80 years, this Saint-Eustache landmark has been the go-to spot for those looking to enjoy an all-you-can-eat feast in an atmosphere where indulgence and festivity go hand in hand.
From the moment you step inside, the scent of maple and simmering dishes sets the stage for an unforgettable meal. The feast begins with steaming pea soup, freshly baked Canadian bread, homemade cretons, and smoked pork jowls, followed by maple-glazed sausages, fluffy omelettes, smoked ham, and boiled potatoes. To satisfy a sweet tooth, sugar pie, maple-drenched crêpes, and maple taffy on snow make the perfect finish. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, lactose-free, egg-free, soy-free, and allergy-friendly options are also available upon request, ensuring everyone can enjoy the meal stress-free.
The celebration continues well beyond the table. Hiking trails, a petting farm, inflatable games, mini four-wheeler rides, and interactive puppet shows keep the day lively, while traditionalists take time to observe the syrup evaporator in action, warm up by the outdoor fire, or browse the local market for maple treats. As night falls, Saturday dance nights turn the sugar shack into a lively dance floor, where upbeat music keeps the festive spirit alive long after the meal.
Domaine Bonaventure - Sucrerie
15400 Rue Charles, Mirabel, J7J 0V9
Maple syrup season dates: February 27th to April 27th
Distance from downtown Montreal: about 50 kilometers
In Mirabel, Domaine Bonaventure offers a sugar season experience that blends authenticity, warmth, and environmental consciousness. Every detail is thoughtfully designed, from the house-made menu crafted with high-quality ingredients to the eco-friendly practices that guide the estate.
The all-you-can-eat feast highlights the best of Québec's springtime traditions with a refined touch. Creamy pea soup, crisp coleslaw, fluffy soufflé omelet, maple-glazed ham, and golden roasted potatoes set the stage for an indulgent selection of desserts. Light maple mousse, rich pouding chômeur, and maple taffy on snow bring the meal to a perfect close. To ensure that everyone can partake in the celebration, vegetarian, gluten-free, lactose-free, and pork-free options are also available.
Beyond the meal, the estate's welcoming atmosphere invites exploration. While little ones enjoy the outdoor play area and petting farm, adults browse the gourmet boutique, where more than 80 homemade products extend the sugar season experience beyond the table. Scenic nature walks and maple syrup-making demonstrations round out the day, bringing together tradition and indulgence. A place where sugar season is savored from the first bite to the last golden ray of sunshine over the maple grove.
12570 Rang de la Fresnière, Mirabel, J7N 2R9
Maple syrup season dates: March 1st to April 27th
Distance from downtown Montreal: about 50 kilometers
In Mirabel, Le Chalet du Ruisseau offers a relaxed sugar season experience where time slows down to savor every moment. In this family-run sugar shack, the all-you-can-eat meal is served without time limits, allowing guests to enjoy steaming pea soup, maple-glazed ham, crispy pork grillades, and golden lard-infused omelette at their own pace. The feast ends on a sweet note with maple syrup pudding, soft crêpes, and eggs simmered in maple, all in a lively and welcoming atmosphere.
After the meal, the day continues outdoors. A petting farm, bumper cars, mechanical bull, and tractor rides provide fun for all ages. A stop by the outdoor fire pit offers a moment to warm up before heading home with a bottle of maple syrup or a take-home meal box. Outdoor enthusiasts can strap on their snowshoes for a trek through forest trails, while others browse the maple product stand for one last sweet treat. Inflatable games and live music add to the festive atmosphere, ensuring that everyone finds their perfect rhythm throughout the day.
400 Rang Montcalm, Saint-Esprit, J0K 2L0
Maple syrup season dates: February 22nd to April 26th
Distance from downtown Montreal: approx. 70 kilometers
Over the decades, Cabane à sucre des Sportifs, in Saint-Esprit, has evolved while staying true to its roots. Every spring, long communal tables fill with comforting dishes, while outside, children race toward giant playground structures. Open to the public for over 70 years, this former family farm has become a sugar season favorite in Lanaudière, a place where generations come together for a hearty meal and lively activities.
At the table, generosity is the key ingredient. Steaming pea soup, golden omelet, maple-baked beans, and smoked ham are served alongside caramelized bacon, a weekend-exclusive specialty. To wrap up the meal, sugar pudding and maple-drenched crêpes bring a sweet finish. Guests bring their own alcohol, and plates are refilled freely, from lunch to dinner.
Beyond the meal, the outdoor attractions steal the show. A giant flying saucer and a life-sized rocket tower over the site, drawing thrill-seekers to high-speed slides. Between a maple treat and a fast descent, sugar season here takes on a playful and unforgettable twist.
The Laurentians
380 Chemin Paquette, Mont-Tremblant, J8E 2A7
Sugar season: every Saturday and Sunday in March and April, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Distance from downtown Montreal: about 130 kilometers... the drive is worth every moment, believe us!
At Maison de Soma, sugar season takes on a whole new meaning. Named Canada's 3rd Best New Table, this farm in the Laurentians transforms maple into a bold culinary experience, guided by the rhythms of the seasons.
Every Saturday and Sunday in March and April, a reimagined sugar shack set menu is served. Local flavors shine through with a refined approach. For dessert, yogurt cake is paired with maple syrup infused with gochujang and anise, accompanied by ginger and maple ice cream-a surprising balance of sweetness and spice. To bring the experience home, this maple and gochujang syrup will also be available for purchase at the farm.
In the evening, the seasonal dinner menu, available from Thursday to Sunday, also embraces the essence of sugar season. Throughout March, maple takes center stage, adding its woody, caramelized notes to dishes inspired by the harvest. Maison de Soma celebrates spring with an approach deeply rooted in the land, where every ingredient plays its part in harmony with nature's cycles.
5660 Montée Gagnon, Sainte-Anne-des-Plaines, J5N 1S8
Maple syrup season dates: February 22nd to April 27th
Distance from downtown Montreal: about 36 kilometers
It's impossible to get bored at Chalet des Érables! For 77 years, this sugar shack in Sainte-Anne-des-Plaines has been blending traditional feasts with family-friendly attractions, in a setting where maple takes center stage.
The all-you-can-eat meal features three distinct menus: traditional, vegetarian, and pork-free, ensuring something for everyone. Each plate starts with pea soup, homemade pickles, artisanal bread, and cretons (or a vegetarian alternative). The main dishes vary depending on the menu: fluffy soufflé omelette, maple-glazed ham, syrup-glazed sausages, and smoked pork jowls, or vegetarian tourtière and tofu sausages for those seeking a plant-based option. No matter the choice, dessert is a highlight, with crispy crêpes, creamy sugar pudding, sugar pie, and, of course, maple taffy on snow.
But the experience extends far beyond the meal. While children explore the petting farm, ride the mechanical bull, or test the bumper cars, adults enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride or a scenic train trip through the maple grove. On Saturday nights, the shack comes alive with a live musical duo, keeping the festive spirit going well into the evening. Between tradition and entertainment, this sugar shack continues to delight guests year after year.
290 Côte Jeanne, Saint-Lin-Laurentides, J5M 1X9
Maple syrup season dates: February 27th to April 27th
Distance from downtown Montreal: approx. 75 kilometers
Tucked away in the woods of Saint-Lin-Laurentides, Cabane aux Délices des Sucres brings guests back to a time when sugar season gatherings meant shared meals, laughter, and lively storytelling.
On the long wooden tables, the traditional feast unfolds like a celebration. Golden tourtière, crispy oreilles de crisse, slow-cooked beans, maple-smoked ham, and roasted potatoes fill the plates, accompanied by fresh bread and homemade pickles. To end on a sweet note, warm crêpes drenched in syrup and maple taffy on snow mark the grand finale. Guests are welcome to bring their own wine, making the experience even more personal.
But the day doesn't stop at the meal. A visit to the sugar bush offers a behind-the-scenes look at the 3,500 tapped maple trees and the pumping station where sap becomes syrup. The atmosphere stays lively with live music and traditional dance contests, adding to the charm of this seasonal celebration. Between tastings and shared moments, this place is a reminder of why sugar season is a tradition worth preserving.
Sugar shacks around Montreal offer a wide range of experiences, from rustic retreats in the woods to lively atmospheres or gourmet reinvented feasts. No matter which one you choose, every bite will immerse you in a beloved Quebec tradition.
