Where to satisfy a sweet tooth in and around Trois-Rivières!

Ah, the sugaring season! We can practically smell the maple sap and picture the steam rising from sugarhouse chimneys. Excited? We are too! If you’re in the Trois-Rivières Trois-Rivières area, know that it’s a prime region for sugar shacks. Another thing: be sure to try the crêpes! There’s something special about the crêpes in Mauricie. They’re usually fried in oil, making them crunchy, full of flavour, and totally to die for! Just as good as those syrupy cocktail wieners often found in sugar shacks—a favourite among kids. You’re in for a treat! Here are some suggestions within 30 minutes or so of Trois-Rivières.

Du Bois-é Sugar Shack

Trois-Rivières

With its rustic decor and impressive stone fireplace, the Du Bois-é sugar shack, in the Saint-Louis-de-France sector of Trois-Rivières, offers guests a warm welcome. It’s a festive setting, perfect for tucking into a traditional meal of pea soup, baked beans, omelettes, crispy pork rinds, and so much more. Their homemade cretons (a type of pork pâté) deserve a special mention. Bring your snow shoes and hit the trail to burn off all that fat and sugar—weather and snow permitting, of course.

What we love: the homemade cretons and the snowshoe trail.

Chez Dany

Trois-Rivières

Chez Dany is something of an institution in Trois-Rivières. The sugar shack is open year round and welcomes visitors from all corners of the globe, who come to learn about maple syrup, how it’s made, and the traditions that surround it. Despite its success, Chez Dany is as humble and authentic as ever. The wood decor and traditional music add to the fun. Before or after your meal, take a guided tour of the facilities or have a quick look at the maple syrup exhibits.

What we love: the personal touch and warm welcome.

Domaine du Sucrier

Saint-Boniface

30 minutes from Trois-Rivières

If you want to experience a genuine family-run sugar shack, Domaine du Sucrier fits the bill. The 85-seat facility is managed by a mom, dad, and daughter who will make you feel right at home. This is traditional food at its finest. You’ll love the homemade sausages and unlimited toast from the wood-burning stove. The property sits on a 25-acre forest where you can walk off your meal (snow shoes optional) and see how the maple sap is collected. There’s also an observation centre adjacent to the sugarhouse where you can learn more about how this liquid gold is produced.

What we love: the desserts, the (fried!) crêpes, the maple syrup dumplings (sadly hard to find these days), and toast from the wood-burning stove.

Ferme Le Crépuscule

Yamachiche

30 minutes from Trois-Rivières

Ferme Le Crépuscule is an organic, family-run farm where sugar reigns supreme every spring. It’s the only organic sugar shack in the region! The traditional menu is made up entirely of certified organic products from Le Crépuscule itself and a few neighbouring farms, and your meal is cooked on a wood-burning stove while you watch. Not-so-traditional items sneak in here and there. Gluten-free or wheat crêpes, chicken bacon, or buckwheat pancakes with butter and cream, anyone? Foodies will be in heaven to find those oh-so-elusive eggs in syrup. Quality ingredients and big flavours make this a special place.

What we love: the cozy atmosphere and delicious food.

Érablière Prince

Saint-Wenceslas

Located 30 minutes away, on the south shore of Trois-Rivières, Érablière Prince has been in the maple syrup business for 40 years. Bring the family for a hearty traditional meal served with a smile and a memorable day in the sugar bush. Hike the walking trails, visit the petting farm, admire the red deer, explore the Settlers Museum, or take a sleigh ride. There’s enough here to keep you busy all afternoon as you come down from your sugar high!

What we love: the red deer, rabbits, trails in the woods, and the atmosphere.

There you have it. Enough to satisfy even the sweetest sweet tooth. While you’re there, remember to stock up on syrup and maple butter (yum!). And most importantly, make sure you call ahead or book online before you go. You’re not going to be the only one with a serious sugar craving this spring!