Maple Syrup - a Canadian Delicacy

maple syrup waffles Maple Syrup Waffles.

Maple syrup is the definitive Canadian delicacy, made from the sap of maple trees.

It is probably best known as a syrup for pancakes, waffles or french toast.

But that's just the beginning. There is much more to know about this organic all natural sweetener.


Learn More About How It's Made

a bucket is used to collect sap from a maple tree

The harvest begins at the end of winter.

The process begins by tapping the sugar maple (Acer saccharum) for its sweet sap.

The traditional method involved cutting a small hole in the tree and collecting the sap with a bucket.

Modern harvesting techniques have largely replaced the bucket.


Sugaring Off at the Sugar Shack

photo of a sugar shack

As much as we love winter, we still enjoy the arrival of spring. One of our favorite springtime activities is an afternoon at the sugar shack.

It is often referred to by several different names.

- sugar shack
- sugar bush
- sugar house, or simply sugaring.

Here in Quebec it's known as the "cabane a sucre". But whatever you call it, here is what one looks like.

a sugar shack in quebec during early spring

For us sugaring off includes maple taffy on a bed of fresh snow, sleigh rides, and a feast fit for a lumberjack - topped with tons of maple syrup!

a montage depicting the different activities at a sugar shack

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