The Waterfront Is Getting Sweeter
On March 12 and 13, Canada’s Sugar Beach will be transformed into a traditional Sugar Shack – and you’re all invited.
Did you know that March marks the start of maple syrup season? It’s a tradition in Quebec and Ontario for families or groups to visit a Sugar Shack (or cabane à sucre) at this time of year. This year, we’re bringing a cabane à sucre to downtown Toronto, complete with maple syrup cooking demonstrations, maple taffy samples and traditional French Canadian music and food. And best of all, entry is free.
When
Saturday, March 12, 2016 - 12pm to 10pm
Sunday, March 13, 2016 - , 11am to 5pm
Where
Canada’s Sugar Beach – Jarvis and Queens Quay
Food
Food trucks will be serving Quebecois favourites like tourtière and poutine. Grab a hot chocolate and listen to the live music, or head over to the Sugar Shack on the beach for a sample of maple taffy. Follow the trail of free sugary treats along the Water’s Edge Promenade to local tavern Against the Grain, where the outdoor patio will be open for meals and drinks.
All day Saturday and Sunday, visit the Sugar Shack to watch as maple sap is transformed into maple syrup.
Entertainment and activities
Grab a seat in one of Sugar Beach’s Muskoka chairs or settle in on a candy-striped rock and watch live musical performances by French artists Stef Paquette, Amélie et les Singes Bleus, Cindy Doire and Mélanie Brulée. Other activities include ice carving demonstrations and French cooking demonstrations. Bring your skates and put your sugar-fueled energy to use at Sherbourne Common’s outdoor ice rink, just steps from Sugar Beach.
On Saturday night, join a few hundred of your closest friends for a sing-along led by Choir! Choir! Choir! On Sunday afternoon, local ensemble Mur du Son will lead the crowd in a traditional French Canadian folk dance.
Full schedule of performances and activities will soon be available.
Getting here
Public transit: Sugar Beach is eight minutes from Union Station on the 6 Bay bus. Use the TTC’s trip planner.
Cycling: Sugar Beach is accessible via the Martin Goodman Trail.
Parking: Parking will be available on site.
Ride the Sugar Shack Shuttle!
Ride the Sugar Shack Shuttle bus along with our travelling troupe of traditional French Canadian musicians. The shuttle will travel between Sugar Beach, the Distillery District and Union Station.