Why This Spot Stands Out
Experience Ottawa’s Only Urban Sugar Shack: Vanier Sugar Shack
If you’re looking for an authentic sugar shack experience without venturing far from the city, the Vanier Sugar Shack is the perfect destination. Located less than 5km from downtown Ottawa, this hidden gem is the only operating urban sugar shack in Canada. Nestled within the 17.5-acre Vanier Museopark, it continues a rich tradition of maple syrup production dating back to the 1940s, when the White Fathers first introduced it to the area.
When to Visit
The Vanier Sugar Shack welcomes visitors for the 2025 season from February 16th to April 16th. Operating hours are:
Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays: 9 AM – 2 PM (first-come, first-served, no reservations required)
Wednesdays to Fridays: 9 AM – 2 PM (reservations for groups of 15 or more)
Closed: Mondays and Tuesdays, as well as March 24th and 30th for the Sugar Festival
For large group reservations, you can contact the sugar shack at cabane@museoparc.ca or call 613-842-9871 ext. 1.
A Community-Run Experience
The Vanier Sugar Shack is proudly operated by volunteers during the sugaring season, keeping the spirit of tradition alive. This year, Chef Julien Fournier is bringing a reimagined menu to enhance the sugar shack experience.
Meals: $25 for adults, $12 for children 10 years and under.
How to Get There
You’ll find the sugar shack in Richelieu Park, just behind the Vanier Branch of the Ottawa Public Library.
Driving? Free parking is available at the Richelieu-Vanier Centre. From there, take the pathway near the library to reach the sugar shack. If you have reduced mobility, you can drive directly to the site.
Taking the bus? OC Transpo Bus Line 20 stops right in front of the Richelieu-Vanier Community Centre, just a short 2-minute walk away.
Learn More
To dive deeper into the history and operations of the Vanier Sugar Shack, check out their website: Museoparc Vanier Sugar Shack.
Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind urban sugar shack experience—a perfect blend of tradition, community, and delicious maple treats!
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