Appalachian Winter Escape

Quebec Canada: (GRPQ03)
URL: http://www.hiddentrails.com/tour/pq_appalachian_winter.aspx

Introduction
Quebec Canada

Get away to a spectacular winter wonderland and enjoy a few romantic and cozy days in the Appalachian region of Quebec. A charming country inn, the "Auberge" awaits you with its most comfortable and quaint accommodations, excellent regional cuisine, jacuzzi hot tub and highly personal service. Your pallets will be surprisingly pleased with the delicious meals served, all prepared with great love and care and which consist of homegrown vegetables, homemade "Duck Foie Gras", Buffalo steaks, venison and poultry. A year round operation, the winter activities include horseback riding, sleigh rides, harness/driving instructions, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and even the excitement of dog sledding is nearby. A string of well managed, responsive and fit horses of all levels are at your disposal for daily 2-3 hour rides into the beautiful countryside within the renowned Maple forests of the Canadian Appalachians. Additionally ride across the local farmlands, travel down quiet country lanes and over wide open meadows with breath taking vistas. Our winter sleigh/carriage  instructor is available for extended instruction or for romantic sleigh rides through this special winter destination.

If you are interested in learning more about the French/Quebecoise cuisine, you can add a package of 3 cooking classes during your stay at extra cost.

Accomodation

Winner of the Eastern Township Grand Prix in Eco Adventure TourismThe 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.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding

Western & English Tack (English saddles are currently limited, so please request ahead of time if you wish to guarantee).

Moderate with trots and canters, max 3 hours daily
in the winter season.

Horses are of various breeds, but recently the growing number of the Black Canadian Horses in Gina's barn is something worth noting!  These horses are reliable, safe, strong and beautiful with long and flowing black manes and tales.  If you wish to read up on the uniquely Canadian breed, check out: http://www.canadianhorsebreeders.com/Canadian_Horses/Breed_History.html


Itinerary


Each day is a new adventure dependent on the winter weather and your wishes. A couple of hours of horseback riding can be combined with cross-country skiing, skating, snow-shoeing, sleigh rides, dog-sledding (with prior notice) and cooking classes (at extra cost).

HORSE HARNESS & DRIVING:

You can choose to sit back and enjoy a 1 hour sleigh ride ($50 - subject to change) or if you have ever wanted to learn to drive one yourself, here is your opportunity as we offer harness and driving instruction with a professional instructor (please inquire for rates).

DOG SLEDDING:

The dog sledding venue is about 1 hour from the inn and you will require a car for transportation there.  The cost is approx $75 per person (rates subject to change) for 1h 15 minutes of instruction.  Let us know in advance if you would like to book this option!!

COOKING:

If you are interested in learning more about the delicious French/Quebecoise cuisine you will be indulging in, you can add a package of 3 cooking classes during your stay for $200 (minimum of 2 participants please).

When you return to the cozy inn after your daily outings, a warm pot of tea or hot chocolate will always await you and a professional relaxing massage session (Swedish or Stone massage) can easily be arranged at extra cost or for a free muscle relaxer just climb into the jacuzzi hot tub with a great big glass of wine!



Rates and Dates for Appalachian Winter Escape

Rates include:

Accommodations and fine cuisine meals, 2-3 hrs of riding when weather permits, snowshoeing

Packages and Options



Gratuity:


There is a 10% gratuity to be paid locally - thank you!

Please note Gina only accepts VISA or cash, not Mastercard. There is a bank located close by if you need.

% (Tip paid Locally)

GST (VAT): 6% (12% for Canadian Resident)
Gratuity: 10 % (to be paid locally)
    GST (VAT) 6% (12% for Canadian Resident)

Transfer and Other Options:



 DescriptionCan$~US$
2012 Transfer from Quebec City Airport or Sherbrooke station (up to 4 people) return
This is a "Group Rate" - to be paid locally
$ 145 $145

Season Seasons  CapacityReserve
A 2012 01/01 - 04/14 7d / 6n 7 day trip, AP 12 Reserve
A 2012 12/01 - 12/31 7d / 6n 7 day trip, AP 12 Reserve

Dates Note: arrival can be any day of the week

Rates do not include:

No Riding on arrival day. Dogsleighing, cross country skiing equipment. Alcoholic beverages - bring your own.

Other Info
Meeting: Eastern Township of Quebec
Airport: Quebec, Montreal
Transfer: Quebec City Airport or Montreal Airport

Climate:


In the winter here, the temperature normally fluctuates from 0 C to negative 15 C in the winter months. Be prepared for snow!

What To Bring:
Please remember, it will be very cold outside in Quebec during the winter!! Please make sure to pack all the appropriate gear for the outdoors if you plan on engaging in outside activities!


Wi Fi internet available - bring your lap top and connect from the privacy of your own room or the common room.


WINTER TIP: Buy some of those little heated pads you can wear in your shoes, gloves, on the body for while you are outside! Great for keeping fingers and toes warm while riding out there!

This list is only a guideline for you

 

Travel Documents and Travel Voucher
Flight tickets
Passport

 

RIDING GEAR
Riding pants, Jodhpurs or Jeans w/out heavily stitched seams
Riding boots (We recommend wearing paddock boots & half or "mini" chaps)
Long-sleeved shirts - lightweight for winter layering
Riding helmet (recommended!) - there area  few helmets available, however it is best if you bring your own for comfort!
Warm riding gloves for winter riding!
Lightweight rain wear - not too baggy or bright so we don't spook anyone!

 

PERSONAL CLOTHING
Jacket or sweater for cool evenings - casual
Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts
Jeans
Socks
Underwear
Pyjamas
Winter/Snow Boots
Comfortable shoes/sneakers, perhaps even slippers for around the auberge!
Swimsuit - we have a jacuzzi hot tub!
 
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING
Personal Toiletries
Insect protection - not required in winter
Personal medications
Sore cream (for an emergency)
Sewing kit
Handkerchiefs
Camera
Bring your own water bottle
Sun glasses with strap
Sun tan lotion and lip balm - you can still burn in winter even!
Hairdryer can be supplied upon request or bring your own!
Laundry is available upon request