A Taste of Quebec: Sugar Shack “Dégustation”

Before beginning their new food unit, Form V students stepped into a cherished Quebec tradition: the cabane à sucre.

Recently, Catherine Gauthier, French Teacher at BCS, introduced her Form V Foreign Language French students to the Québec tradition that is the cabane à sucre, or sugar shack.

Discovering the Cabane à Sucre

To introduce the theme, students first explored the rich history of Quebec’s sugar shack tradition. They learned how maple sap is harvested and discovered the process behind making tire d’érable, the beloved maple taffy poured onto snow. This glimpse into the process of making maple syrup offered a meaningful cultural context, connecting language learning with lived traditions.

A Delicious Dégustation

The experience quickly became hands-on (and delicious!). Students sampled a variety of classic sugar shack treats and were encouraged to share their impressions in French, commenting on flavours, textures, and personal preferences before choosing their favourite treat.

To complete the experience, students listened to lively music from La Bottine Souriante, a renowned Quebec band known for its lively traditional music, blending fiddle, accordion and brass to celebrate French-Canadian culture and heritage. This addition helped bring the spirit of the sugar shack into the classroom.

Altogether, the activity offered students an authentic and engaging way to expand their French vocabulary. For many, it was their first time tasting these traditional treats or learning about this important part of Quebec culture.

« La cabane à sucre est une tradition très importante pour moi, l’une de mes préférées! J’aime ajouter des aspects culturels ou historiques à mes cours, car apprendre le français, c’est plus que de la grammaire! Et le faire avec un peu de tire d’érable, c’est encore mieux! » - Catherine Gauthier, French Teacher.