Transfer and Other Options:

Sample itinerary:

Day 1 - Afternoon arrival at Quebec City airport where your host from the ranch will be waiting to greet you. The French province of Quebec will immediately delight you with its quaint and traditional ways. Transfer to the inn is an easy 1½ hr drive in the countryside and through quiet villages. Settle into your cozy lodging, meet fellow riders and enjoy a delicious welcome dinner!

Day 2 - After a hearty breakfast, introduction to your English-speaking guide and the horses. Today, you’ll get to know your beautiful black Canadian, Appaloosa or Quarter horse and you’ll become more familiar with comfortable western gear. Your equestrian adventure begins with a spectacular day of trail riding through colorful maple groves that Canada is so well known for and picture-perfect views of rustic, authentic sugar shacks. Enjoy lively trots and canters before returning to the inn at the end of the afternoon.

Approx. 4-5 hrs riding

Day 3 - Depart on enchanting forest trails, winding through tall red maples and along the old railway bed that’s so perfect for cantering. Our sure-footed steeds ford a meandering stream and take you by a lovely Christmas tree plantation. With the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains in the distance and nature all around, we pause for a well-earned picnic break. In the afternoon, scenery changes from birch-lined pathway to smaller trails and then to agricultural land where we stop to admire a vista of typical farmhouses, barns and livestock. Finally, the trail takes us into a deep, wild forest and on to an area of Beauce where accommodation for the night awaits us. Local meat, wholesome organic vegetables and homemade bread are ingredients for a delicious evening meal.

Approx. 5-7 hrs riding

Day 4 - Today the ride moves us toward the Appalachian Mountains once home to nomadic Abenaki Indians. Following rural roads, originally built by the first French settlers, we ride through colorful forests of orange, red and gold to Granit Mountain that offers a splendid panoramic view of nearby lakes and mountain ranges. Picnic in the woods for lunch. During the afternoon, there will be additional fine views from the forested plateau before arriving at our overnight destination, a comfortable house with a charming fireplace. Tonight enjoy a good glass of wine with your sumptuous dinner, as you gather around a friendly table.

Approx. 5 hrs riding

Day 5 - Departure this morning to cross over a height of land of the Appalachians. From the summit you will enjoy an unsurpassed, wide-open view of mountains extending across the border into the United States! With colorful autumn foliage everywhere, we alternate between wide spaces and dense forest. Possibility of long canters in some locations! We have our picnic in an old sugar shack. Then we will ride rural roads through picturesque Quebec farmland, highlighted by passage over a historic covered bridge typical of the region. Arrival in mid-afternoon for relaxation. You might explore a little and stretch your legs during a late afternoon walk. Hearty dinner and evening fun!

Day 6 - Our last day of riding! We will discover more forest trails and secluded pathways through undergrowth and clearings, all beneath tall colorful trees that have come to be so familiar over the week. Our last lunch is in a maple grove. After so many days together, you and your horse are one. Finally, we will fit in some last exciting canters. At the inn in mid-afternoon, you’ll have time for a hot shower before tea is served. Then you might opt for a quick nap, a warm Jacuzzi or a leisurely walk by the horse pasture into the woods and on to the river. Last evening at the cozy inn. Wonderful French gastronomic table d’hôte and horse-lovers sharing great memories!

Approx. 5hrs riding

Day 7 - Morning departure for Quebec City. On your own, discover historic Quebec City perched above the St. Lawrence Seaway. Don’t miss the famous Chateau Frontenac, the Citadelle Fort and the waterfront, complete with artists and souvenir shops. Choose from numerous restaurants that offer a variety of menus catering to every taste, and every pocketbook. Time for a last adieu! Take a taxi from downtown to the airport, all depending on your scheduled flight time.

The rides during the winter period will have slightly different day to day itineraries ... but quite similar with a day of dog sledding option ($60 - weather permitting)

Please Note: This itinerary is given for your guidance only and it may be altered in accordance with the prevailing conditions by the organizing team.

The ride starts and ends at a cozy auberge/inn in the farming countryside of Quebec, owned and operated by Gina and Gilles. On the progressive riding trail you will stay at several simple and unique rural lodgings along the way: private guesthouses and chalets with showers and baths (some shared). Here you meet some original Quebecois families and their quaint 'way of life'.

Guests dine together each night - your pallet will delight in the typical Quebecois cuisine and gourmet meals that consist of homegrown vegetables, homemade "Duck Foie Gras", Buffalo steaks, Venison and poultry.
Organic vegetables will be served whenever possible, meats from the farm, local cheeses.
Vegetarians can be catered to as well.

The lodgings do not have a liquor license, so bring your own alcohol or we can organize it for you along the way from airport to inn.  Selection will be limited though, so best to bring your own if you are particular!

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

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.