There’s something special about introducing your kids to a place that already holds meaning for you. This March, we took our first international trip as a family - a weekend in Montreal, Canada - with one main goal: visiting an authentic Quebec maple sugar shack.
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| Plan a Montreal family getaway with kids - Old Montreal, Jean-Talon Market, Biodome, and a memorable maple sugar shack experience. |
For my husband Matt and me, this wasn’t new. We’ve visited Au Pied de Cochon Sugar Shack four times (see last years post here) . But this time felt entirely different because we were seeing it through our kids’ eyes.
Here's a breakdown of our family-friendly maple sugaring weekend in Montreal, Quebec:
Friday: Arrival + Old Montreal Charm
We arrived Friday and checked into Hotel Bonaparte in Old Montreal. I chose it for its charm and unbeatable location, and it delivered immediately.
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| At check in, we were given sparkling cider |
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| We loved the charm of Hotel Bonaparte and Old Montreal |
Cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and that distinctly European feel - Old Montreal is one of those places that makes you slow down.
Our first stop was Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal. There’s an admission fee, but it’s absolutely worth it. Walking into that soaring Gothic interior felt like stepping into another world. It was the perfect warm-up after being outside, and the kids had never experienced anything like it.
Back at the hotel, we were greeted with sparkling apple cider - a small but memorable touch.
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| Our hotel was next to this landmark |
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| The kids were in awe of the basilica - and so was I! |
Dinner at a Montreal Institution
That night, we headed to Au Pied de Cochon, the flagship restaurant behind the sugar shack. An Uber picked us up within a minute right outside the hotel - so easy.
This is not a restaurant for everyone (vegetarians beware) but if you’re open to rich, indulgent, unapologetically Quebecois cuisine, it’s unforgettable. Chef Martin Picard is a genius in this space.
Highlights for the kids:
Foie gras poutine (yes, really!)
Maple cake for dessert
We also ordered the stuffed pig’s foot—because when in Montreal…Matt and I have now been here three times, and it continues to impress.
Simple but indulgent menu - get reservations! 
Classic Montreal Poutine
Saturday: Bagels, Markets + The Main Event
We woke up to fresh scones and juice left outside our door. Overnight snow had transformed the city, and our view of the basilica looked like a winter postcard.
A Classic Montreal Morning
First stop: St-Viateur Bagel.
Widely considered some of the best bagels in Canada, they’re smaller, denser, and slightly sweet thanks to honey water. We arrived around 9 a.m. and walked right in. (Bring cash! They take USA currency too.)
Kids: toasted bagels with cream cheese
Us: bagel sandwiches
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| This was our second time to St. Viateur Bagels |
Next, we wandered through Jean-Talon Market - a favorite of ours in any season. Even in winter, it’s lively and full of local flavor.
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| The large market is a great place to grab a cappuccino and walk around |
The Sugar Shack Experience
Then it was time for the highlight of the trip: our noon reservation at the sugar shack in Mirabel.
This visit felt extra special - we had a private room with 10 of us, sharing the experience with family and friends.
If you’ve never been to a Quebec sugar shack, expect:
Course after course of rich, maple-forward dishes
A celebratory, communal atmosphere
A meal that feels like an event, not just lunch
Favorites at the table:
Pea soup
Pork pie
Maple honey ham
Every course brought “oohs” and “aahs.” It’s indulgent, it’s over-the-top, and a three hour event that is completely worth it. See my last years post for specifics on how to book and prepare.
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| 5 courses of rich food! |
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| We brought a lot of the leftover ham home |
Afternoon + Evening: Old Montreal & The Ferris Wheel
Back in Old Montreal, we spent the afternoon souvenir shopping before heading to the waterfront to ride La Grande Roue de Montréal.
I could only convince my son to join me, but it ended up being such a fun experience.
Inside the heated gondola:
Panoramic views of the snow-covered city
A 20-minute ride (3 - 4 rotations)
Bluetooth connection so you can play your own music
It’s touristy—but in the best way.
We finished the day wandering the streets again before settling in for the night.
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| The largest Ferris wheel in Canada! |
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| Rue Saint-Paul in Old Montreal |
Sunday: Biodome + The Road Home
Our final morning started with fresh croissants waiting at the hotel - another detail that made the stay feel special.
After checking out, we headed to Montreal Olympic Park to visit the Montreal Biodome.
This ended up being a huge hit with the kids.
The Biodome lets you walk through different ecosystems of the Americas, with real animals in each environment:
Capybaras
Sloths
Tropical birds
Penguins
It’s immersive, educational, and a perfect family-friendly stop.
From there, we packed up and made the five-hour drive back to Seacoast New Hampshire.
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| The architecture was so cool! |
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| The rainforest exhibit was my favorite! |
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| Taking photos of capybaras |
Final Thoughts: Is Montreal Worth It with Kids?
Absolutely.
Montreal strikes a rare balance:
European charm without the long-haul flight
Incredible food (for adventurous and picky eaters alike)
Cultural experiences that feel exciting - not overwhelming - for kids
And if you’re looking for something truly unique?
A traditional Quebec sugar shack - especially Au Pied de Cochon Sugar Shack - is an experience your family won’t forget.
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| Desserts were a hit! |
For similar adventurers, check out the links below - and follow me on instagram!
- A Pilgrimage to A Sugar Shack
- Florida 3 Night Vacation with Kids
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