Our story

La Coulée Douce in Saint-Joachim-de-Courval

At La Coulée Douce, maple syrup is more than just a product: it's a family story.

Our roots are deeply embedded in Saint-Joachim-de-Courval, in Drummondville. Our forest has been cultivated and protected by our family for over 150 years. Acquired directly from the Crown by our ancestors who returned from the United States, this land has never ceased to be inhabited, maintained, protected, and respected.

The beginnings

The first sugar shack was built shortly after the land was acquired. Every spring, sugaring off took place there, as it did everywhere in Quebec. This shack also witnessed historical moments: it is said to have even housed members of the "grey caps" movement, young people opposed to conscription during the war.

The original shack was unfortunately destroyed by fire in the 1960s. Although no official archives specify the exact dates, its location remains known, and some artifacts from that era still lie in the ground.

The rebirth (1970)

In 1970, Edgar Lepage built a new small sugar shack, initially out of passion, after selling part of his land and his dairy herd.

In 1982, he sold the sugar bush to his daughter Louise and her husband Jean-Claude, who would turn it into a true maple syrup operation. Jean-Claude quickly developed a passion for maple sugaring and undertook to modernize the facilities.

Growth and modernization

• 1983–1984: Repair and improvement of the evaporator, expansion of equipment.

• 1990: Installation of the first 200 taps with gravity tubing.

• 1996–1998: Construction of a new sugar shack and complete modernization of the facilities.

The 1998 ice storm hit hard, but despite the damage, nearly 5,000 taps were exploited in the first season under the new roof. Two pumping stations were built — because here, the terrain is flat… and we dream of a slope!

• 2002: +2,000 taps

• 2010: +4,000 taps

A new generation

In 2000, their son Philippe became a shareholder.

In 2022, he became 100% owner, incorporated the company under the name La Coulée Douce 9455 7659 Québec Inc., and operated 11,000 taps.

In 2026, a major turning point: the sugar bush was granted the right to operate 15,000 taps. The future looks promising, and development continues with the creation of our website and new projects.

A lively sugar bush

Here, tradition is lived daily. Our three horses, Gaïla, our Canadian mare born in 1998, as well as Blue and Willow, born in 2018, will greet you with a whinny.

Our two Labradors, Kona and Jasper, faithfully accompany Philippe, while our three Dachshunds, Madmax, Furiosa, and Aspen, energetically watch over Mélanie.

And already, the next generation is taking shape: Maya and Zachary are gradually acquiring family knowledge and actively participating in the work. Who knows… perhaps the future owners?