December 17 might seem like an ordinary day, but it holds a special place in Canada. On this day, Canadians honor their iconic maple tree with Maple Syrup Day, celebrating a rich cultural tradition with a sweet twist.
The tradition of maple syrup dates back over 600 years. Indigenous peoples collected maple sap each winter, freezing and thawing repeatedly before boiling it down in early spring. This ancient process produced the golden syrup beloved by many today.
In recognition of maple syrup’s significance to Canadian heritage, the Canadian government designated December 17 as Maple Syrup Day. Canadians kick off this day with pancake or French toast breakfasts drizzled with syrup, sharing recipes and moments on social media that add a bit of warmth to the winter season.
Maple Syrup: Liquid Gold of Canada
In Canada, which produces about 75% of the world’s maple syrup, this cherished product is often called liquid gold. Quebec alone accounts for two-thirds of the global supply, making it an essential cultural and economic asset. Along with other producing regions like Ontario, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and parts of the U.S., these areas form what is known as the Maple Belt.
The primary maple varieties for syrup production include Sugar Maple, Red Maple, and Black Maple. In November 2023, news broke that the Canadian government released strategic maple syrup reserves to stabilize the market, surprising many Canadians unaware of the stockpiling or production declines.
Historically, the Canadian government has worked to stabilize the maple syrup market. During World War II, when sugar shortages were common, the Canadian Department of Agriculture even released wartime recipes featuring maple syrup for soldiers’ meals.
In the 2011-2012 season, a dramatic incident occurred when a Quebec supplier reported the theft of approximately 3,000 tons of maple sap, valued at around 18.7 million CAD. To learn more about the intriguing history of maple syrup, a visit to the Maple Syrup Museum of Ontario in St. Jacobs is a must.
Springtime Adventures at the Sugar Shack
Maple syrup signals the arrival of spring, and farmers in Eastern Canada become particularly busy as the season unfolds. Traditionally, maple sap is collected in buckets, transferred to tanks, and heated to evaporate the moisture, resulting in that sweet, sticky syrup we love.
Modern advances like reverse osmosis and high-performance evaporators have reduced production time, making the process more efficient.
The maple syrup season typically kicks off in March and lasts about four to six weeks. The best places to experience this season in Canada are the sugar shacks—small buildings nestled in maple forests dedicated to syrup production. There are over 110 sugar shacks easily accessible near Montreal and Quebec City.
Visiting a nearby sugar shack with children is a cherished springtime ritual for Canadians. Families say goodbye to winter and welcome spring by enjoying horse-drawn carriage rides or sledding through snow-covered maple forests, learning about the trees and syrup, and savoring traditional Quebec feasts.
Sweet Experiences Year-Round
While sugar shack season is in spring, many famous sugar shacks offer meals yearly. Their tables are filled with various dishes and drinks made with maple syrup, including maple sugar pie, maple donuts, pancakes, and maple taffy.
You can also experience sugar shack cuisine in the city. In downtown Quebec, La Bûche serves traditional Quebec dishes and offers year-round maple taffy, known as Quebec’s sweet treat.
In Montreal, the newly renovated Au Pied de Cochon Sugar Shack—known for its long lines—and Délices Erable & Cie, where you can find maple syrup lip gloss, lollipops, and vintage bottles of syrup, are popular destinations.
Sucrerie de la Montagne, located in the Rigaud region of Quebec, is designated as a Quebec Heritage Site. Visitors can enjoy a delightful maple-themed meal with lively music and dancing.
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