The Cabane à Sucre Les Chalet des Érables opened in 1948. For over 70 years the family secrets and recipes have been passed down from generation to generation to ensure an amazing experience for everyone. Located just under an hour from downtown Montreal, Chalet des Érables, is the perfect place for families and large groups to enjoy the Quebec tradition of ‘sugaring off’.
Like all Cabane à Sucre’s Chalet des Érables is open during the season which begins in late February and runs until end of April or sometimes running to the middle of May. Since ‘sugaring off’ is based on natures temperature for when the maple sap runs, the timeframe when the Sugar Shack is in operation depends on the weather and will open and close on Mother Nature’s schedule, rather than people’s demand. This Sugar Shack is also available year-round for weddings and corporate events.
Almost every Sugar Shack has the traditional food and most importantly, it’s all smothered in maple syrup! It’s more than just food, it’s taking the time to get together with family and friends, enjoy some music and have a leisurely meal, that can sometimes last hours. But who am I kidding, there is a LOT of food.
Most Sugar Shacks start with a bowl of pea soup flavored with ham hock. Of course, this is made better with a generous dollop of maple syrup. Next is usually a variety of dishes all served family style in large platters in the center of the table. These include baked ham, omelets, sausages, Quebec’s famous meat pie (tourtière), baked beans, cretons (a pork based pâté) and ‘oreilles de crisse’. I have to explain oreilles de crises. It literally translates into ‘Christ’s ears’ and it deep-fried pork rinds. These were always thought of as something odd, but with the latest keto craze they are probably most popular. It goes without saying that all of these foods are either cooked with or drowned in maple syrup.
Of course no food at a Cabane à Sucre is complete with the traditional maple taffy!
The food at Chalet des Érables is traditional Quebec food, but caters to modern needs. They offer homemade meals without trace of peanut and nuts, as well as vegetarian and pork-free menus. Having a vegetarian daughter, this was a huge benefit.
According to their facebook page, during COVID-19 they are still offering a reduced amount of seating that respects the social distancing.
Activities:
On top of the amazing food, dancing and singers, the Chalet des Érables has the most amazing activities. Included in your visit is access to the maple interpretation center, general store, educational trail, the animals in the farm, rest area and of course maple taffy! The educations centre is a good visit for kids where you can learn all about how maple syrup is made.
The other activities include a ferris wheel, carousel, mechanical bull, scrambler, bumper cars, giant slides, pony rides and more! All the rides take one or two tokens, which means they cost $2 to $4 dollars. If you are a group larger than 40 you may want to book as a group, which would give you the meal and access to all activities for $18 to $22. Or if you are planning on doing a lot of the activities, it may be worthwhile to buy an activities pass, which gives you access to the site and 3 activities.
Prices:
Prices vary depending on the time and day of the week you attend. Adult prices range from $17 to $26 and children 6 -12 are $11 and kids 2 to 5 years old are 8. Taxes and tip aren’t included and the servers there work hard, so make sure you tip.
You will want to always check out the prices page of Chalet des Érables website because they usually have coupons when kids can do all the activities for free instead of the coupons, or you can get $4.00 off on brunch.
Address:
384, Montée Gagnon (Route 335)
Sainte-Anne-des-Plaines (Québec) J0N 1H0
Have you been to cabane à sucre Les Chalet des Érables? Let us know in the comments below.
