Tom Lichtenheld once said that a “road trip is a way for the whole family to spend time together and annoy each other in interesting and new places.” You and your family can sweeten the experience by road tripping to one of the cabanes à sucre around Montreal where you can indulge in an old tradition while being part of the revitalization of the industry. According to CBC, Quebec’s cabane à sucre operators recently received the go-ahead to reopen their establishments for the first time since the start of the pandemic.
The Gas Issue
The pandemic hasn’t just affected cabane à sucre operators. Record-breaking prices for gas are a concern for road trippers. But these prices shouldn’t prevent your road trip with a purpose. A few small changes to the way you drive can make a money- and gas-saving difference. Driving instructor Pierro Hirsch told CTV News Montreal that keeping a constant speed while driving can save gas. Going needlessly fast and braking constantly use more gas than you might realize. Travelling at a constant speed and braking only when necessary, means you’ll have more gas in your tank at the end of your road trip. If you don’t use your vehicle all that often, make sure the gas in your car hasn’t expired – MotorBiscuit advises that conventional gas has a lifespan of three to five months, while diesel can last between six and 12 months.
A Revitalized Industry
According to the Montreal Gazette, president of the Association des cabanes à sucre du Québec, Stéphanie Laurin said there were more than 200 cabanes à sucre across the province. That number dropped to approximately 140 during the pandemic. However, over the last two years, the industry adapted its business model to usher in a new era of survival through sustainability. The industry also embraced eCommerce by preparing boxed meals for year-round online orders via the association’s Ma Cabane à la Maison digital platform. Rediscovering the sweet treats on offer undoubtedly has given Canadians renewed impetus to experience them in their traditional setting, the cabane à sucre.
Cabanes À Sucre Near Montreal
While there are noteworthy cabanes à sucre in Montreal, a short road trip lets you enjoy the experience in gorgeous settings. According to Tourisme Montréal, Sucrerie de la Montagne is in a 120-acre maple tree forest only an hour away from downtown, offering an authentic dining experience. A 45-minute drive out of the city takes you to Labonté de la Pomme, who put an apple-flavoured twist on the experience.
Montreall.com says that other road trip-worthy cabanes à sucre include Bouvrette in Saint-Jérôme, Érablière au Sous-Bois in Mont-Saint-Gregoire, and Haut Bois Normand in Mont-Orford, so there really is plenty of choice.
Other articles from mtltimes.ca – totimes.ca – otttimes.ca
Mtl Wine Gal bringing affordable high-end private imported wine to your table
