How to Take Advantage of Sugaring Season in the Eastern Townships

The temperature is rising in the Eastern Townships; a sure sign that sugaring season is about to get under way. Just as last year, the 2021 season could still be quite different than what we used to experience. However, it will still be possible to enjoy sugaring season in Brome-Missisquoi, and here’s an overview of what our local businesses have to offer you.

A Sugar Shack Meal at Home

The Domaine de l’Artisan, in Brigham, is offering meal boxes during the sugaring season to savour in the comfort of your home. Pea soup, baked beans, maple syrup ham, pork rinds, all the classics are there and much more. You can reserve online and pick up your meal at their Brigham sugar bush on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

In Brigham as well, the popular Cabane du Pic Bois proposes take-out sugar shack prepared meals (baked beans, pork rinds, pea soup, coleslaw, Maple syrup pie, etc.). Their boutique will be open every Saturday and Sunday in March and in April, from 11 :00 a.m. to 3 :00 p.m. You can also treat yourself to their crêpes and their maple taffy on snow offered outside.

Sugaring with a Donkey

Now here’s a very unique activity. This spring, Érablière Anecdote 107 sugar bush, located in Bolton-Ouest, proposes that you participate in gathering maple sap right from the buckets with the help of their donkeys. Indeed, donkeys are used here to transport the barrels of maple sap. At the end of the activity, they’ll invite you to enjoy a tasting of different types of taffy on snow (maple, birch, pembina and honey). Follow their Facebook page for more details.

Maple in All Shapes and Forms

Besides producing wine using geothermal energy, the Vignoble du Ruisseau, in Dunham, is also known for their maple products processed in countless ways. By going to their boutique, open every day, you can purchase “maple boxes” containing maple flavoured BBQ spices, organic maple butter, maple caramel and fleur-de-sel, organic maple syrup and many more products. Of course, they also offer maple-based alcohol beverages, among these, their famous Bulle d’érable (traditional method), the Fortifié d’érable and the “Forêt” series which are maple eaux-de-vie type spirits.

Keep an eye out for the following two activities that will unfold depending on the current government sanitary measures: the vineyard’s three- and six-course sugar shack meals, and a newly designed guided tour, La coulée, showcasing their organic maple syrup production. Stay informed by following them on their social networks.

Other Products to Discover

If you would like to discover more maple products produced in our region, I invite you to savour the famous maple syrup pie offered at Sucreries de l’Érable in Frelighsburg. You could also explore the impressive quantity of products you’ll find by going to Érable au Fil du temps’ online boutique. This Saint-Ignace-de-Stanbridge business even offers maple soaps and shampoos!

Have a great sugaring season!