Visting the Cabane à Sucre : Ange Guardien

Amid politeness, moose, and Ryan Reynolds, Canadians are known for one thing more than anything- maple syrup. While this sugary sap is available in our grocery stores year-round, March-April is the season when it is extracted to accompany the most decadent of meals. This past March Break, I decided to indulge my cravings in the most Canadian way possible- by traveling to Gatineau and visiting the Sugar Shack at Domaine l’Ange Gardien.

We arrived at the wooden sugar shack and immediately saw many families walking in; this is after all a favorite family friendly weekend outing. Inside, there was a vibrant atmosphere of people young and old, live music, loads of good food and a positive mood. We made our way to our table.

As we walked through the dining area, I looked out the window and recognized the snow tubing slopes that I tried out a few years ago as a younger child. Domaine l’Ange Gardien offers this exciting experience in the months of winter, when there is more snow. Speaking from personal memory, I would highly recommend checking it out once the 2024-25 season begins in November. We then took a seat at our table. The tables are very long, perfect for large families to look like medieval royals at a banquet. Speaking of which, it was now time for the first round of food to show up.

The sugar shack works like a mobile buffet. After a bowl of warm chicken soup as an appetizer, the waiting staff brought us a delightful tray containing scrambled eggs, maple beans, ham, sausages, potatoes and pork rinds. With a ferocious appetite, most of this selection ended up being condemned to my plate. I had to hold back though, as the best part of the breakfast was on its way, delivered separately for maximum freshness- the pancakes.

Once the pancakes arrived, I grabbed some of Domain l’Ange Gardien’s very own maple syrup and devoured the complete breakfast. As I ate, I enjoyed the view outside and listened to the rendition of Sweet Caroline that got the whole room buh-buh-buh-ing. Once I had finished my meal, we had a dessert of tarte au sucre, known in English as sugar pie. Dessert for breakfast was (literally) the icing on the cake of this great morning munching.

If you want to eat good food and partake in Quebec’s most iconic springtime cultural experience, check out Domaine l’Ange Gardien. In addition to their awesome March Breakfast, Snow tubing will be available next winter. The shack also sells many maple syrup products, and is a venue for special events including weddings, corporate events and holiday parties.

Pricing ranges from about $11-40 depending on age (free for children under 11 months.)

For more information, click here.

David is a fifteen-year-old aspiring adventure and travel writer living in Ottawa.  Skydiving is on his bucket list. He received a complimentary ticket for this post, but all views are his own.