There’s nothing more authentically Québécois than sugar shacking! This traditional activity takes place during maple season in the early spring when people across the province head to sugar shacks with their loved ones to enjoy a traditional sugar shack meal along with maple taffy on the snow. Like the rest of the province, the maritime regions of Québec offer plenty of places to visit at this time of year. Here are 6 sugar shacks that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth!

Domaine Valga

Renowned in Bas-Saint-Laurent as a four-season holiday site as well as a snowmobile clubhouse in the winter, Domaine Valga, in Saint-Gabriel-de-Rimouski, has offered sugar shack activities since 2020. A visit to this site is therefore an opportunity to discover maple syrup production through the ages. Don’t leave empty-handed: a variety of maple products including maple syrup and maple butter are available for purchase on site.

Domaine Vallier Robert

Located in the heart of the Témiscouata area in Bas-Saint-Laurent, this sugar bush was previously known as Domaine Acer (Acer saccharum is the Latin name for sugar maple). A maple syrup producer since 1992, Domaine Vallier Robert specializes in maple wines and spirits, also known as acers. A visit to this site, which is also the only maple syrup economuseum in our regions, also offers the opportunity to taste the alcoholic beverages and other maple products made on site.

Ma Cabane en Gaspésie

Ma Cabane en Gaspésie is a mouth-watering spot that will delight visitors of all ages! With a well-established reputation on the north shore of the Gaspé Peninsula, this sugar shack offers a wide variety of maple products in its boutique in Mont-Joli, including popcorn, cotton candy, pastries and spices… something for everyone!

Mytik Shack-Sucré

Located inland in the La Matanie sector in Gaspésie, this family-run business operates a sugar bush that produces organic maple products. You can also enjoy a tasting session on site. In addition, this holiday site offers cottages for rent year-round in an enchanting site at the heart of the maple grove.

Sigewigus

The first to harvest maple sap and turn it into syrup in Québec, Indigenous peoples have thousands of years of expertise in this area. Located in Gespeg (Gaspé), Sigewigus has transformed ancestral Mi’gmaq methods for making maple products into modern processing techniques. The sweet delights they produce, which are sold on site and also available in numerous points of sale throughout Gaspésie, are registered with First Nations Identification, a label that certifies their authenticity.

5 Étoiles holiday resort

Just a stone’s throw from the Saguenay Fjord in Côte-Nord, the Ferme 5 Étoiles holiday resort welcomes visitors to its sugar shack every spring. In March and April, you can enjoy a meal with traditional music followed by taffy on the snow. Depending on when you visit, the farm offers various other activities, including sleigh rides, opportunities to meet the animals in the wildlife refuge and snowshoe treks through the sugar bush, for a truly authentic experience!

The return of spring is always a good reason to celebrate in Québec, so treat yourself to a tasty getaway combining local flavours and traditions! Whether with family or friends, a visit to a sugar shack is a memorable experience you’re sure to enjoy!