Ottawa, March 9, 2026 – Museopark Vanier is excited to announce the 41st edition of the Vanier Sugar Festival, presented by Caisse Desjardins Ontario. This annual celebration highlights the traditions of sugar season and the unique artisanal expertise of the Cabane à sucre Vanier, the only urban sugar shack in Canada.
The Festival will take place from March 23 to 29 at Parc Richelieu, offering a rich and festive program. Yesterday, March 9, the Festival was officially launched with the 19th edition of Soup(e) Splash, and continue with family and community days on March 28 and 29.
“The Vanier Sugar Festival is first and foremost a celebration of our community and maple traditions. We are thrilled to offer everyone, young and old, a festive moment to come together, discover our know-how, and fully enjoy sugar season.”— Yves Turbide, Executive Director of Museopark Vanier
For this 41st edition, the Festival presents a festive, family-friendly, and musical program that will delight all ages. Here is an overview of the main activities:
Soup(e) Splash – 19th Edition
Monday, March 9 at 5:30 p.m., the 19th edition of the Soup(e) Splash took place, a gastronomic fundraising event held in support of Sugar Festival Vanier.
For the occasion, six restaurants from Vanier, Ottawa, and Gatineau showcased their creativity by presenting an original soup made with maple syrup. Participants had the opportunity to taste the different creations and vote for their favourite soup, while a jury composed of regional personalities also awarded its distinctions.
The Jury’s Favourite Award was presented to Le St-Estèphe Fin Traiteur, while the People’s Choice Award was awarded to Chef Phil Cameron
Participating restaurants: Anina’s Cafe | Beechwood Diner | Chef Phil Cameron | Le St-Estèphe Fin Traiteur | Dante Restaurant | Sussex & Co. Steakhouse
Jury Members: The jury of engaged local personalities evaluating the soups will include:
- Andrée-Anne Martel, Executive Director, Vanier Community Services Centre
- Chantal Sarkisian, local content creator highlighting Ottawa culture and places
- Madeleine Meilleur, former Ottawa-Vanier MPP and former Executive Director of Muséoparc Vanier
- François Carrier, General Director of Le Droit
- Janik Quintal, Chef and Director of Culinary Operations at Chartwells, University of Ottawa
Family and Community Days
On Saturday, March 28 and Sunday, March 29, from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM, the Vanier Sugar Festival will welcome the public for its family and community days. Guests of all ages can enjoy a wide variety of free activities, along with some paid activities on-site.
Program highlights:
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Sugar season meals and maple taffy: $15 – adults | $8 – children (includes coffee and hot chocolate provided by Starbucks) | $4 – maple taffy
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Makatew: Presentation of furs and various objects related to First Nations lifestyles
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Huskimo Adventure: Discover and observe sled dogs in action
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Maple harvesting demonstrations: Explanation of methods used by early settlers
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Axe throwing: Activities for both children and adults
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Lumberjack contest: Demonstrations and competitions
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Inflatable castles: Fun for children
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Face painting and kids’ activities
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Partner booths and activities: Presentations and workshops by CECCE, CÉPEO, Lufa Farms.
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Community initiative: Efforts to remove invasive species from local forests by the Vanier community association
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Traditional sugar shack breakfast
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Maple beer tasting
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Concerts: Performances by various local and francophone artists
New Highlights
Ojibwe Spirit Horses: Will showcase the spirit horses from the Mādahòkì Farm and explain some traditional methods of processing maple sap.
Festival Music Stage – Rhythms for Every Taste
For the fourth consecutive year, Muséoparc Vanier entrusts the musical programming of the Festival to the Ottawa Music Industry Coalition (CIMO). The music stage will feature free performances and highlight the richness of local artistic talent.
Participating artists this year: Essy Lindsay | Makhena RG | DJ MKWA | Brian St-Pierre | Celeste Lévis| Erica Brighthill | Jean-Marc Lalonde | Chanté Paquette | Sophie Ash | Akeem Oh
The music program for the 41th Sugar Festival, presented by Desjardins Ontario Credit Union, was made possible by an arts grant from the Ontario Arts Council, (Lucille Collard) a supporter of the arts in Ontario. Video
Support a Free Festival for All!
Festival-goers can now purchase a Vanier Sugar Festival toque, available online on the Muséoparc Vanier website or at the sugar shack and museum gift shops.
Two models are offered, with or without pompom, at $40 (taxes included). Proceeds from the sale support the free activities of the Festival, allowing everyone to fully enjoy the event.
Annual 5K Run
The community 5K run, organized by City Councillor Stéphanie Plante in support of Muséoparc Vanier, will take place this year on April 19.
More information will be shared in the next newsletter from Councillor Stéphanie Plante.
Get Involved with Muséoparc Vanier
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Donate: Support the organization in keeping the Festival free for all while contributing to the promotion and support of the Vanier community.
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Volunteer: Your participation is essential to the success of our activities.
Acknowledgments
The 2026 Vanier Sugar Festival, presented by Caisse Desjardins Ontario, is made possible thanks to the generous contributions of its funders, partners, and sponsors.
“Funding provided by the Ontario Trillium Foundation.”
About Muséoparc Vanier
Muséoparc Vanier is a non-profit organization located in the heart of Vanier, a vibrant neighborhood near downtown Ottawa. It celebrates the richness of the community’s heritage and history. Through its exhibitions, talks, workshops, school programs, and interpretive tours, Muséoparc Vanier allows curious minds of all ages and cultures to discover the customs and traditions of the local Francophone community.
It is the only Francophone museum in Ottawa and one of the few Canadian museums entirely dedicated to Francophone culture outside Quebec. Muséoparc Vanier also operates an authentic sugar shack within an urban maple grove, the only one of its kind in Canada.
The museum is also the host of the Vanier Sugar Festival, an annual event that showcases maple syrup culture, local artists, and offers a must-see family experience. Proud of its roots, Muséoparc Vanier has been deeply connected to the community since its founding in 2004. www.museoparc.ca
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For additional information, visuals, or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Soumis Hamitou
Communications and Marketing Manager, Museopark Vanier
communication@museoparc.ca