Covid-19 has changed a lot this past year, but one tradition is still the same — starting spring with a maple breakfast in the woods, and taffy on the snow.
There’s nothing more iconic of our Canadian spring than friends and family finally getting outside, and tasting some delicious maple treats at the same time.
A lot of our maple shacks still aren’t able to operate at full capacity, but some are finding ways to make our annual maple experience still possible.
There are a few brunch restaurants open in the province, but there are all sorts of other great reasons to get outside and support your local producers.
Keep these points in mind when planning your visit:
- Be sure to call ahead. Before visiting your nearest maple shack, check if you need a reservation for breakfasts, or tours. Some are operating at reduced hours too.
- Stick to your family bubble. While it may be tempting to call up old friends, keep your visit limited to your bubble.
- And of course, bring a mask!
Here are five surgeries that can accommodate guests this year:
( And one last thing to remember — be sure to take pictures! Tag @mapleliciousNB and use the #mapleliciousNB hashtag for a chance to be featured on our channels!)
Sucrerie Chiasson, Paquetville
Location: 244 Rue des Érables
Phone: 506 764-3277
Website: https://sucreriechiasson.com/
Facebook: Sucrerie Chiasson
Sucrerie Chiasson in Paquetville is open, but only at their location at 244 Rue des Érables, and only at limited capacity.
Not much has changed for visitors. There’s a server instead of their usual buffet style breakfast, and someone has to roll your taffy on the snow, but otherwise, you can enjoy an authentic maple breakfast with your bubble.
Trites Maples, Stilesville
Location: 1270 Gorge Rd, Stilesville
Phone: (506) 383-5190
Website: http://tritesmaples.ca/
Facebook: Trites Maples
Trites Maple in Stilesville, just outside of Moncton, has decided to do things a little differently this year. Instead of their usual breakfast, they turned their pancake house into their “sales center.”
A maximum of 8 guests at a time can buy an assortment of maple products, including pre-made taffy in a tub, which can be heated, and poured on the snow at home.
“People are appreciating the walk through the woods, and can keep some normalcy to their spring-time routine,” said Joyce Trites.
Dumfries Maples, Dumfries
Location: 7520 Route 102, NB
Phone: (506) 575-8277
Website: https://dumfriesmaples.ca/
Facebook: Dumfries Maples
Dumfries Maples is continuing to hold their maple breakfasts, but at a reduced capacity. Be sure to call ahead and book your time. This weekend is already fully booked.
But you can still come and get some taffy on the snow, which they don’t require reservations for.
“[You’re] more than welcome to come and get some fresh air and take a walk, and get some taffy,” said Jane Scott.
Little Mactaquac Maple, Scotch Settlement
Location: 75 Scotch Lake Rd Scotch Settlement (follow the signs)
Phone: (506) 363-2504 or 260-1867
Facebook: Little Mactaquac Maple
Little Mactaquac Maple doesn’t offer breakfast, but they do have tours that are going on pretty much like normal. With a little social distancing, and mandatory masks inside, they are able to offer their $5 tours, without a reservation. Just park your car and walk the 200 m to the sugar camp.
City of Moncton Sugar Camp, Coverdale
Location: 6 Dewey Rd, Coverdale Parish
Phone: 506.383.6700
Website: City of Moncton Sugar Camphttps://www.moncton.ca/things-do/moncton-maple-sugar-camp-book-tour
The City of Moncton’s Maple Sugar camp is focused on educating, and they’re still able to do that. Call ahead to book a tour and let Heather Fraser explain the importance of the maple industry, while demonstrating how sap comes from the trees to your table. And get a taste of taffy on the snow while you’re at it.
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