Transfer and Other Options:

Sample Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in the late afternoon, check in and relax on the porch. A wonderful diner awaits your before you turn in for a good night sleep.

Day 2: Our first day of riding begins as we cross the sparkling Blueberry River where we stop to let the horses drink the fresh water. We continue on, venturing through natural raspberry land and staying close to the lush forest. Next we come through the spruce plantation which leads us out onto a comfortable green grass trail which we follow at a walking pace. We follow this trail up and down many little hills until arriving at Francoise Ranch. The horses wait under large mature spruce trees while we have lunch. After eating we head back to the ranch through open and green pastures. This large space exudes calmness and is perfect for easy conversation while getting to know our guide, Gina, and the surrounding area.

Day 3: Again we begin at 10 a.m. to visit a hidden trail, passing an old dirt road framed by maple trees. We continue to cross a small river and climb to see the mountains. We pass by old country farms with remarkable and interesting architecture. Upon arrival at the entrance of the forest we pass through dark and shaded areas, the scent of spruce wafting through the air. We know we are never too secluded though; a quick glance to the side allows us a comforting view of cows grazing in a nearby pasture. We continue riding through the woods until we arrive at an older lumber shack, where we will eat lunch. After lunch we return to the saddles of our well-rested horses, walking through naturally aromatic flower fields. Many people often see Canadian wildlife here, including falcons and deer. We return to the stable this evening with a new sense of freedom discovered in the wilderness.

Day 4: At 10 a.m. we head out for a majestic ride along a trail that runs along the Appalachian Mountains and we will follow this trail to the mountain of San Sebastien. We look out over the misty hills to a small village, evocative of fairy tales. We will be able to see a church whose architecture is reminiscent of a medieval castle. Once we arrive at the top of the hill, we give the horses a break. From here we have another magnificent view of the valley and the Appalachian Mountain range down below us. At this point in the ride, many people have noted they feel “so free". Here, we are surrounded by deep green wild forest and farms of all sizes, all of which combine to create an amazing ecological panorama. This stop provides many opportunities to take photos of the landscape, or of you and your horse.

Day 5: Today we visit a sumptuous land by crossing and walking along a river, which is rife with wildlife. As we explore the trail through this conservation area, the only other humans we meet are the local people from a traditional French village. The trail is specially designed for trail rides. Our first stop is at a nearby country style wood chalet on the side of a stream, and tranquility is all around us. The serene view instills a sense of calm; in this place it is easy to appreciate the peacefulness of nature. Don’t forget to look for butterflies! Resuming the ride, we travel along narrow trails surrounded by trees. We enjoy our ride back to the Auberge, trotting and cantering through the fields. The pure, fresh air is so invigorating. You will find the people of Québec are very concerned with ecology and protecting the environment. Your guide Gina will talk about the history of her nation and its conservation.

Day 6: We cross many pretty farms, and our surrounding view is a large panorama of Lake St. Francois. Simply from observing this landscape we are able to note the historic preservation. We continue through this beautiful area into a truly Canadian forest, that of “Maple Syrup”. We return continuously traipsing through equally breathtaking scenery. Upon arrival at the Auberge we sit down for our last meal together: maybe Buffalo steak and red wine sauce.

Day 7: Departure after breakfast.

     Subject to change

The average temperatures in April are 45 F (8 C) during the day, and 25 F (-1 C) at night.

During the summer months the daytime temperatures are generally in the upper 70s during the day (25 C), cooling down to the mid 50s (13 C) at night. In October the average daytime temperature is 52 F (11 C), dropping to 36F (2 C) at night.

Our season commences in June with the debut of tender soft greens of spring, which turn into a glorious abundance of wildflowers, and it extends throughout the warm vibrant days of summer, and comes to spectacular finale mid October, when the hardwood forests are ablaze with color, competing easily with other areas in the world, known for their beautiful fall foliage. The average fall foliage season is mid September through mid-October.

Bring along your favorite games, a deck of card or a good book for reading in the evenings as there is no television. If you play piano, there is one in the dining room!

*Please bring your bathing suit- there is a spa jacuzzi. Also, you need to bring your own water bottle for the ride.*

The inn is a cozy and simple B&B in the farming countryside of Quebec.
Guests dine together in the dining room (common room) or sit separate if they wish. The inn does not have a Liquor License, so bring your own - there is a small refrigerator where guests can store their alcoholic beverages.
There is a store en route from Sherbrooke or Quebec City, where we can stop with you to purchase some, although the selection is limited, so if you are particular you may want to bring some from home or buy at the duty free in the airports!
WIFI internet access is available, so bring your laptop if you wish to stay connected during your stay !
The inn has a big hot tub for warming up and and relaxing in after a ride out in the cool and crisp weather! There is an unheated outdoor pool for the summer guests!!
Rooms are decorated nicely with antique furnishings and have private bathroom facilities (except for 2 rooms that share one bath - high season only). Most rooms have one Queen size bed, except for the one larger unit that has 3 separate beds.
There are decks of cards, board games and some books available there. Big windows overlook the pastures. There is a nice patio, however, in winter it will be closed.

Meals:
Your pallet will delight in the gourmet meals that consist of homegrown vegetables, homemade "Duck Foie Gras", Buffalo steaks, Venison and poultry. Organic veggetables will be served whenever possible, meats from the farm, local cheeses.
Vegetarians can be catered to as well.
**Vegetarians can be catered to as well.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Tack:		Western, English
Horses:		Black Canadian, Appaloosa Quarter
Pace:		moderate with trots and canters, 4+ hours daily | Walk | Trot | Canter | Gallop |
Level:		(2.5 to 4 out of 5)    Low Intermediate+
Age:		Min 9	Max 78
Weight:		Max 250 lbs
Riders:		Min 2 riders	Max 12 riders (per riding group)	Max Capacity 12

English Tack is available if you prefer - but is limited in numbers so please request in advance.

Endurance Rides:
Experienced riders (Strong intermediate+ only) can opt for a more demanding riding program. Ride 5 hours per day in different areas of this beautiful countryside  Visiting wonderful ranches, riding along breathtaking lakes and into wild territory we ride up to 20 miles a day with long trots and canters, as well as some gallops.

Passports
Passport valid for at least one day beyond the intended departure date from Canada required by all nationals referred to in the chart except the following:
(a) 1. Canadian citizens holding a Canadian Certificate of Identity, Canadian birth certificate or a certificate of Canadian citizenship;
(b) permanent residents of Canada with proof of status, ie Permanent Resident Card, Record of Landing, Returning Resident Permit or a Refugee Travel Document issued by the government of Canada to refugees who have been resettled in Canada;
(c) 2. citizens of the USA holding proof of citizenship (eg US birth certificate or US naturalisation papers).
Note: As of 23 January 2007 all persons, including US citizens, travelling by air between the USA and Canada, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda are required to present a valid passport or other approved document when entering or re-entering the USA. Similar requirements for those travelling by land or sea will be introduced as early as 1 January 2008. For further details about the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, visit the website of the US Department of State: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html.
(d) persons entering from St Pierre & Miquelon or the USA who are legal permanent residents of the USA and hold a US alien registration card (Green Card);
(e) 3. citizens of France who are residents of and entering from St Pierre & Miquelon.
Note: (a) Children under 18 years must have information with them on the people responsible for their welfare, if travelling alone; this includes a letter of permission to travel from guardian(s), and also a letter from the custodian in Canada. (b) Depending on circumstance and nationality, certain applicants may need to undergo a medical examination in order to receive their visas; this must be carried out by a physician on Canada's list of Designated Medical Practitioners.
Passport Note
Visitors to Canada must satisfy an examining officer at the Port of Entry that they are genuine visitors, in good health, with no criminal convictions, and have sufficient funds to maintain themselves during their stay in Canada and to return to their country of origin, as well as evidence of confirmed onward reservations out of Canada. Persons under 18 years of age who are unaccompanied by an adult should bring with them a letter from a parent or guardian giving them permission to travel to Canada.

Identity/travel documents issued to non-national residents of the country of issue, refugees or stateless persons are recognized for travel to Canada.

Visas
Not required by all nationals referred to in chart above (visitor or transit) for stays of up to six months except the following:
(a) 4. holders of passports endorsed ‘British Subjects’ and ‘British Protected Persons’;
(b) 5. nationals of Bulgaria and Romania;
(c) those visiting Canada who, during that visit, also visit the USA or St Pierre & Miquelon (a French Overseas Territory) and return directly to Canada as visitors within the period authorised on their initial entry (or any extension thereto).

Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the high commission to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
Visa Note
The Government of Canada refuses admission to: (a) holders of passports issued by the UK Government entitled 'British Temporary Resident's Passport'.

(a) A single-entry visa is still valid if used to visit the USA. (b) Persons wishing to attend a course of six months duration or less, at any level, do not require a study permit. However, if there is the possibility that you will extend your period of study in Canada, or if you are a full time student and wish to work on campus, you may apply for a study permit.
Types of Visa and Cost
Visitor: C$75 (single-entry); C$150 (multiple-entry). Family: C$400 (for families of six or more persons). Transit: free. Transit visas are necessary for all nationals who require a visitor visa. Although transit visas are not required by British citizens, they may be required by foreign nationals with British passports; check with the embassy or high commission for details. For further information on payment methods, contact the high commission. Prices are subject to frequent change.
Validity
Up to six months depending on circumstances of individual applicant. The determination regarding length of stay in Canada can only be decided by the examining officer at the port of entry, but visas cannot exceed the validity of the passport and cannot be longer than five years. If no actual departure date is indicated within the visitor’s passport, then the visitor will be required to depart within three months from the date of entry. Visitors must effect their departure from Canada on or before the date authorised by the examining officer on arrival. If an extension of stay is desired, an application must be made in writing to the nearest Canada Immigration Centre at least three weeks before the expiry of the visitor visa. Multiple-entry visas cannot be valid longer than passport. Transit visas are only allocated if a national's flight/onward journey is continuing within 24 hours. Single-entry visas can be used multiple times by nationals of St Pierre & Miquelon and the USA.
Applications to:
Consulate (or consular section at embassy or high commission)
Working Days Required
10 days are required from receiving applications, but applications should be made at least one month prior to the intended date of departure. Certain nationals are subject to longer processing times. For urgent applications it is advised to apply in person. Same-day processing is available for applications made in person and 24-hour processing for those using the drop-in service.