Sugaring off in and around Montréal

Urban sugar shacks have become more popular in Montreal in the past few years. That’s geat news for all maple loves who are looking for a taste of the traditional spring treat without having to drive out to the country. Below is a list of some of our favourite cabanes in Montréal.

Un chef à l’érable with Laurent Godbout (March 10 to April 16)

Chef Laurent Godbout returns for the fourth installment of “Un chef à l’érable” at the Scena in the heart of the Old Port. Get ready for a sugar shack experience set in a modern space with a flamboyant rustic chic décor that changes every year. For $65 plus taxes ($25 + taxes for children), you will be treated to a five-course dinner service (or Sunday brunch) with inventive dishes inspired by le temps des sucres such as sweetbread vol-au-vent, beef
and maple jerky or turkey and ricotta meatballs.

Spring brunch at La Bête à pain (Weekends of March and April)

La Bête à pain restaurant and adjacent bakery on Fleury serve one of the best brunches in Montréal and their maple-inspired spring brunch is no exception. For $22, enjoy a 5-course spread of maple-doused crêpes, smoked salmon with crème fraîche, fèves au lard, maple sausages and a maple éclair to end the feast.

Sirop: cabane urbaine (March 18 to April 30)

Sustainable development company Terra Perma is setting up a sugar shack experience in St-Henri. Proponents of the local and slow food movements, all menu items are housemade, smoked with maple wood in their country location or cooked with maple syrup on site. Street artist Haor Kor will be bringing the forest to the city by way of paintings on the side of buildings. Cabane Urbaine will be open for brunch every Saturday and Sunday March 18^th to April 30^th, from 10am to 5pm.

Le Richmond (3 last weekends of March)

After the success of the past three years, Griffintown eatery Le Richmond is bringing back their highly anticipated maple brunches the last three weekends of March. The menu consists of some cabane à sucre classics as well as more creative dishes laden with maple syrup, of course.  There will be farm animals present every Sunday.

Promenade Wellington’s Cabane Panache et Bois Rond (March 23 to 26)

Maple churros, maple glazed ham on poutine and a maple and chocolate brownie are just a few of the delectable items from local restaurants you’ll be able to enjoy during the 7^th edition of Wellington Street’s urban sugar shack celebrations. A few bars, live music and activities for the whole family are also on the schedule.

Une publication partagée par Landry Filles (@landryetfilles) le 4 Mars 2017 à 12h27 PST

Maple Brunches at Landry Filles (Sundays in March)

Combining every Montrealer’s three favourite things; Sundays, brunch and cabane à sucre, Landry Filles is serving a sugar shack themed brunch every Sunday in the month of March. For $38 a person, you can enjoy menu items such as maple-lacquered duck, cassoulet and foie gras ployes (a pancake-type dish from New Brunswick).

Une publication partagée par Marchés Publics De Montréal (@marchespublicsmtl) le 25 Févr. 2016 à 14h57 PST

Cabane à sucre urbaine – Jean Talon Market (March 23, from 5pm to 8pm) / Atwater Market (March 24 from 4pm to 7pm)

The popular public farmer’s markets Marché Jean-Talon and Marché Atwater transform into urban sugar shacks where everyone is invited! Purchase a “laissez-passer gourmand” for $5 and sample delicious maple-centric treats from local producers as well as a cocktail while wandering the markets. The traditional québécois duo La Belle et la Brette will entertain the crowd for what promises to be a fun time.

If you’re a fan of tire d’érable or maple taffy, the sweet treat is available at the Jean-Talon Market or the Atwater Market all season long. Maple stands abound at these locations starting in early March and until late April. While you’re there, stock up on your yearly supply of maple syrup, which you can purchase directly from the producers. If you still haven’t had enough maple, get a taste of these 5 maple treats, and make sure to stop by Maple Delights to take home a sweet maple souvenir from Montréal.

Une publication partagée par Marie-Reine Mattera (@mariereinemattera) le 8 Juin 2016 à 4h32 PDT

If you’re looking for the real sugar shack experience and the urban environment isn’t your thing, be sure to check out Sucrerie de la montagne. This sugar shack has been named a Québec heritage site and is open year-round. Situated in the midst of a 120-acre forest of century-old maple trees atop Mont Rigaud (an hour away from downtown Montréal) the Sucrerie de la Montagne invites you to be transported back in time to experience the authentic Quebecois tradition of “sugaring off.”

Up next: Candy shops for spoiling your inner child in Montréal