Sugar shacks are charming establishments that offer a sweet glimpse into the traditional maple syrup-making process, along with hearty, syrup-laden meals and a cozy, rustic atmosphere that’s hard to beat. As the snow begins to melt and the sap starts flowing, let’s embark on a tour of some of the top sugar shacks across this beautiful country, from Quebec, the world’s largest producer of maple syrup, to the scenic landscapes of Ontario and beyond.

1. Cabane à sucre Chez Dany – Trois-Rivières, Quebec

Nestled in the heart of maple country, Chez Dany in Trois-Rivières is renowned for its authentic Quebecois experience. Visitors can enjoy traditional sugar shack meals like pea soup, baked beans, and tire sur la neige (maple taffy on snow), all in a cozy, rustic setting. Chez Dany also offers horse-drawn sleigh rides and tours of the maple syrup production process, making it a quintessential stop in Quebec.

2. Sucrerie de la Montagne – Rigaud, Quebec

Declared an official “Site du Patrimoine Québécois” (Quebec Heritage Site), Sucrerie de la Montagne is an authentic “sugar bush” located atop Mont Rigaud. Open year-round, this sugar shack offers a traditional experience that includes log cabin dining, live folk music, and maple syrup production tours. Visitors can enjoy hearty meals by the fireside and even stay overnight in one of the rustic cabins on the property.

3. Stanley’s Olde Maple Lane Farm – Edwards, Ontario

Stanley’s Olde Maple Lane Farm offers a sugar shack experience with a focus on family-friendly activities. From wagon rides through the maple forest to a petting zoo and a playground, there’s something for everyone. The farm’s restaurant serves traditional sugar shack meals with a modern twist, and the on-site store offers a wide range of maple products, from syrup to candies and even maple-infused coffee.

4. Wheelers Maple Products – Lanark Highlands, Ontario

Located in Lanark County, the Maple Syrup Capital of Ontario, Wheelers Maple Products offers an immersive sugar shack experience. With a museum dedicated to maple syrup production and a vast network of tapping trees, visitors can dive deep into the history and current practices of syrup making. Their restaurant serves traditional dishes, making it a comprehensive stop for maple enthusiasts.

5. Sugar Moon Farm – Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia

Sugar Moon Farm in Earltown offers a unique take on the sugar shack experience, focusing on maple syrup production in Nova Scotia. The Weekend Brunch features local ingredients and maple in every dish, offering a gourmet twist on traditional sugar shack cuisine. With guided tours and educational programs, Sugar Moon Farm is a culinary and educational destination for those interested in the maple syrup process.

6. La Cabane à Pierre – Manitoba

While Manitoba might not be the first place you think of for sugar shacks, La Cabane à Pierre offers a one-of-a-kind prairie experience of the tradition. Focused on local syrup sources and indigenous methods, this sugar shack introduces visitors to the rich history of syrup production in the province. With a spotlight on education and cultural preservation, it’s a fascinating look at how maple syrup traditions adapt across Canada.

Whether you’re interested in the historical aspects, the culinary delights, or simply the joy of spending a day in the great outdoors, a visit to a sugar shack is a quintessentially Canadian experience that shouldn’t be missed.