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sugar shack

Get the maple syrup and popsicle sticks out. It's March, which means cabane à sucre season is officially here.

If you haven't experienced it yet, sugar shacks are a Quebec tradition where the magic of sugar maple sap turns into the golden syrup we all crave. But it's not just about syrup. The food is a feast on its own, with classic dishes like pea soup, baked beans, tourtière, omelets, and crispy pork rinds, all generously drenched in fresh maple syrup.

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Spring in Quebec signals the start of something sweet: sugar shack season. Cabanes à sucres are institutions where the sap of the sugar maple gets its moment of glory, transformed into the syrup we all know and crave. If you're imagining a kitchen in the middle of the woods, the air thick with the scent of boiling sap, you'd be getting warm.

At these shacks, the menu reads like a celebration of all things maple. Everything is hearty, indulgent, and drenched in syrup. From the soup starter to the meat-heavy main courses, everything gets a touch of the sweet stuff. And don't forget about the pièce de résistance: tire sur la neige. The maple taffy pulled on snow is the kind of DIY dessert that has kids and adults alike lining up for a second helping.

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Ah, Montreal — the weekend is nearly here and if you've been looking for some fun activities in Montreal that won't break the bank, then we've totally got you covered.

These free things to do in Montreal this weekend will let you enjoy your days off without completely blowing through your budget. And who doesn't love a fun and free event?

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Montreal's maple sugar season is the glimmer of hope we all need right now. It's still freezing outside but the arrival of maple syrup stalls is proof spring is around the corner. Plus, it's time to indulge in unlimited sweetness guilt-free because, well, everyone does it.

From March 17 to 19, Montreal's Esplanade Tranquille is hosting a sugar-shack-themed weekend with free activities and tastings so all Montrealers can embrace this special time of the year without breaking the bank.

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Weekend...is that you? Back again so soon? We'll never complain about it, though. While this weekend is expected to be a rainy one in Montreal, that doesn't mean you still can't have some fun.

The city is home to countless spots that'll shelter you from the rainy forecast, all while adding a little much-needed pizzazz to your weekend festivities.

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It's that time of year again — springtime in Montreal! Now that winter is (sorta) behind us, there's no better time to take advantage of the new season than with some of these must-try weekend activities.

Whether you're looking to get some rest and relaxation, try out a new restaurant, or explore a new part of this gorgeous city, then we've got you covered.

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Montreal's Cabane Panache is back this weekend with maple taffy on ice, live music, and other sugar shack activities to engage your senses!

Wear some buffalo plaid to fit the lumberjack theme and explore the art installations on Promenade Wellington celebrating québécois culinary traditions.

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It's no big secret that the COVID-19 pandemic has totally sucked. Between lockdowns, curfews, contagion scares and loss, it can be hard to find anyone who wasn't negatively impacted by the last two years. That's why it's so refreshing to find at least one industry that was completely rejuvenated because of the pandemic: Quebec's sugar shacks.

In 2020, sugar shacks were faced with the same issue as restaurants and retailers: between restrictions and social distancing guidelines, nobody was able to enjoy going to sugar shacks for outdoor fun and sweet treats.

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Between enjoying yummy food, sitting outside in nature (after being stuck inside all winter) and spending time with loved ones, it's no surprise why picnics have become a summer staple in Montreal. This has been especially true during the pandemic.

I've had some pretty cool picnics in my day, but my favourite — by far — is the picnic at La Cabane d'à Côté from the team at Au Pied de Cochon.

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