If you are planning a trip to Quebec City, you already know about the cobblestone streets of Old Quebec and the stunning views of the Château Frontenac. But if you want to experience some true French-Canadian culture, you need to cross the bridge over to Île d’Orléans and head straight to the cabane à sucre (sugar shack).

Just 15-20 minutes from downtown Quebec City, Le Relais des Pins offers a feast for your belly and your soul. Whether you are visiting during the peak spring sugaring season or exploring the island later in the year, it is the perfect day trip to add to your itinerary.

Why Île d’Orléans Makes the Perfect Day Trip

Île d’Orléans is a pastoral island right in the middle of the St. Lawrence River. Driving onto the island feels like stepping back in time—think historic stone homes, rolling farmland, and sweeping river views. It’s an easy drive from the city, making it an effortless escape into the countryside.

At the heart of the island’s charm is Le Relais des Pins, a family-friendly sugar shack that welcomes everyone from cozy couples to big groups.

A Feast Worth Skipping Breakfast For

Let’s talk about the main event: the food. A traditional sugar shack meal is an all-you-can-eat, family-style affair designed to celebrate the maple harvest. Relais des Pins serves up an absolute masterclass in traditional Quebecois comfort food during the months of March and April.

Here is what you can expect to hit your table:

• The Savory Classics: Hearty yellow pea soup, slow-baked beans, traditional meat pie (tourtière), maple-glazed ham, and crispy pork rinds (oreilles de crisse).
• The House Specialty: Eggs poached directly in maple syrup. It sounds wild if you’ve never tried it, but the sweet-and-savory balance is life-changing.
• The Sweet Finale: Fluffy pancakes, rich sugar pie, and the ultimate Canadian treat—tire sur la neige (warm maple taffy poured onto fresh snow and rolled up onto a stick).

Dietary Tip: Traditional sugar shacks are historically heavy on pork, but Relais des Pins is happy to accomodate, if needed. If you give them 24 hours notice, they can prepare a fantastic vegetarian menu featuring vegan chickpea pie, maple tofu, vegetarian pea soup, and baked beans!

Another thing to love? They operate with a fantastic sustainable development plan. The meals are unlimited, but portions are carefully calculated to prevent food waste, and leftovers are handled in an eco-responsible way.

Spring Magic

Visiting during the peak maple syrup season (March and April) adds an extra layer of magic! When you walk the grounds during early spring, you can actually see the sap running through countless plastic tubes that are connected from one maple tree to the next! It’s a whole network designed just to collect the highly-valued maple water. If the weather behaves, you can see the maple wood-fired kettles boiling down fresh sap into thick maple syrup!

During this time, the entire shack comes alive with a festive energy. An accordionist plays traditional French-Canadian folk music while you eat, and you cant help but stomp your feet and play with the set of musical spoons at your table between courses.

Fun Activities On-Site:

• For Everyone: A trivia/scavenger hunt game hidden around the shack to test your maple knowledge.
• For Families: A giant bean bag toss game to keep toddlers entertained, plus a video presentation that breaks down how syrup is made.
• On the Weekends: High-energy log-sawing competitions that invite guests to test their strength!
• Boutique: Their gift shop offers top quality maple products (Syrup, butter, sugar, candies), as well as a varied selection of souvenirs from Île d’Orléans, Quebec and Canada.

Explore the rest of the Ile

• Ste-Pétronille – Winery & Cidery: Walk through scenic northern vineyards and sample local white wines and ice ciders while enjoying views of Montmorency Falls.
• Chocolaterie de l’Ile d’Orleans: Indulge in handmade Belgian chocolates and thick, chocolate-dipped soft-serve ice cream inside a historic ancestral house.
• Cassis Monna & Filles: Try award-winning black currant liqueurs, grab a signature black currant soft-serve twist, and relax on a modern outdoor terrace.

Final Verdict: Don’t Leave Quebec Without Visiting

A visit to Le Relais des Pins is an immersive cultural experience that is a must on your next spring trip to Quebec City!

Tips for your visit:

• Reservations are a must, especially on spring weekends!
• If you need the vegetarian menu, remember to call 24 hours in advance.
• Bring your appetite and dress comfortably—you’re going to leave very full and very happy.

Safe travels,

Carina

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