The maple leaf is a proud emblem of Canada for a reason.

As I bit into my second helping of sugar pie drizzled with maple syrup, outside the crackling of a log burner and the falling of fiery red leaves from the trees, this became even more evident.

Old Quebec swathed in rich autumn coloursTaking in the autumnal colours during a relaxing cycle rideThere are trails at Mont Tremblant or the resort at Mont Orford in the Eastern Townships for different skill levels. Nestled in the heart of a maple forest, in the southernmost point of Quebec, the French-speaking province of Canada, I found myself snug and comfortable in a classic sugar shack. The Sucrerie de la Montagne is a rustic establishment that has been making maple syrup using traditional methods for 45 years. The sticky stuff is served with everything larger? Certainly. Espresso? Why not? Hash browns? According to Pierre Faucher, the owner of the shack, that’s a match made in heaven. Pierre’s homemade, traditional sugar shack meal, or what appears to be a twisted version of a classic Full English to-go, is piled high on the long wooden table in front of us.Mashed potatoes, homemade meat pie, jars of pickled beetroot, and, of course, a GIANT bottle of maple syrup were arranged alongside thick slices of ham, pork sausages, baked beans, and fluffy eggs. Although these sugar shacks are a Quebec institution, other locations are honoring Canada’s national symbol, the maple leaf. And autumn is the best time to go if you’re looking for maple leaves. Ask any local, and they’ll paint a picture of serene lakes reflecting their surroundings perfectly, or woodlands dotted with hues of burnt orange and golden yellow.