Sweet Treats and Sugar Shacks in Vancouver
We have so much to be grateful for living on the West Coast – mountains, ocean, lush forests, and more. However, one thing we don’t have are sugar shacks in Vancouver. Correction: we have very few. For those not in the know, sugar shacks are largely an East Coast tradition and are famous for maple taffy – made by boiling maple syrup and serving it on ice (aka. pouring it over snow). The snow hardens up the taffy and it’s then rolled onto a stick, ready to be enjoyed. What could be more Canadian?
Although we don’t have many(any) sugar shacks in Vancouver, we do fare pretty well on the confectionary front as a whole. Check out this roundup of some of Vancouver’s best spots to sample a sweet treat, or two, or three.
Sweet Treats & Sugar Shacks in Vancouver
Check out Maples’ Sugar Shack to get your maple taffy fix. Since 1999, this artisan sugar-maker has been serving up the sweet treat at local farmers’ markets and events around the Lower Mainland. Pretty Much the closest thing we’ve got to sugar shacks in Vancouver. Enjoy maple taffy or other delicious products made from their quality pure maple syrup. Follow them on Instagram or Facebook to find out where they’re headed next.
Olde World Confections
If you’re undecided as to which tasty treat to enjoy, make a visit to Olde World Confections at Lonsdale Quay in North Vancouver. From hand-made chocolates to caramel apples to saltwater taffy, there’s no shortage of sweets to splurge on. There’s also a range of seasonal items to try, as well as a selection of diabetic-friendly products. Kids will love watching the sweets being made right in front of their eyes, but be warned: you won’t be able to leave empty-handed!
Rocky Mtn Chocolate
With its first location in Whistler, Rocky Mtn Chocolate now has more than 45 locations across Canada. Their chocolate creations are sure to delight anyone with a sweet tooth but it’s some of their other treats that will have you returning to the store before you’ve even made it down the block – case in point, caramel apples. You can’t go wrong with a Classic Sprinkle Apple or a Famous Toffee Apple, or really any flavour at all. Your kids’ dentist will thank you.
The Sugar Shack
The Sugar Shack isn’t exactly in the Lower Mainland … it’s about a 4.5-hour drive. But if you’re planning a road trip that takes you through 70 Mile House, be sure to make this a stop along the way. The Sugar Shack is owned by Robert and Brenda – both originally from Quebec – and offers a variety of Quebec-inspired food (their poutine is a must). Of course, there’s also maple-themed products like syrup, toffee, beaver tails, and even cotton candy. The Sugar Shack opens for the season on March 15.
Trading Post at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
No trip to the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is complete without a sneaky stop at the Trading Post Gift Shop. There, you’ll find an impressive selection of locally made gifts as well as the Park’s legendary home-made fudge with more than 12 flavours to choose from – including maple, a pretty delightful alternative to satisfy that maple taffy craving. Snack, shop, stroll – perfection. Now you’ve got every excuse to make a visit to this stunning and historic attraction.
