Stays and packages
Equestrian stay in Quebec /
Horses and whales
7 days full board at the Ranch
For intermediate to advanced riders
Price: CAD $2600 + tax per person
Welcome to our home! Our signature "Land of Horses and Whales" experience offers a unique Quebec vacation, combining ranch life, horseback riding along the banks of the Saguenay Fjord, and a whale-watching cruise on the St. Lawrence River.
HABITUAL PROGRAM (Days and itineraries are subject to change, depending on weather, horses, local events and riders).
Day 1 - Arrival in Sacré-Coeur
You can drive directly to the Ranch, or take the bus to Tadoussac, where we'll pick you up. Settle into your rooms and welcome. Meet the team and the horses, assign your mount and take a leisurely stroll to get your feet wet. Dinner and overnight at the Ranch.
Day 2 - Meet the pack and walk in the forest
Breakfast and snack preparation. Horse preparation. We ride to the kennel, home to around 50 sled dogs. Guided tour, cuddles and meal for the pack, approx. 1h30. We set off again on horseback through boreal forest and rocky peaks. Beautiful views. Picnic stop. Return to the ranch in the afternoon. Visit the "Ferme 5 étoiles" wildlife sanctuary. Dinner and overnight at the Ranch
Day 3 - Horseback ride to the fjord
Breakfast and preparation of lunchtime sandwiches.
Departure for a day of horseback riding to the majestic Saguenay Fjord. Trails through forests and fields. Lunch stop with view. Tide permitting, horseback ride down to the beach. Return to the Ranch at the end of the day, through fields of blueberries. Enjoy a pizza evening in an enchanting setting and spend the night at the Ranch.
Day 4 - On the whale trail
Today, you're off to meet the whales of the St. Lawrence. Included in your package: 2h30 whale watching cruise in a glass zodiac. You may be lucky enough to spot one of 13 species of marine mammals, including blue, humpback and beluga whales. We'll round off this wonderful experience with a visit to the marine mammal interpretation center and a short tour of the beautiful village of Tadoussac, before returning to the ranch. We'll take care of your transfers. At the end of the day, a horse-riding session to discover or develop your natural horsmanship. Dinner and overnight at the ranch.
Day 5 - Horseback riding and afternoon activities
Breakfast and off we go on horseback to discover the paths that criss-cross our little mountain. Beautiful forest trails. View of the ranch and surrounding area. In the afternoons and evenings, relax, or take advantage of the many outdoor activities available in the region: sea kayaking on the Fjord, black bear watching, sailing on the river, initiation to wild plant gathering and processing, hiking at the Tadoussac dunes, electric bike rental, etc... (Activities not included in the price). Evening and night at the Ranch.
Day 6 - Hiking on Cap Sainte-Marguerite
Breakfast and sandwich preparation in the morning. Departure for a beautiful mountain hike to discover magnificent views of the fjord. Steep, uneven terrain and possible wildlife. Return to the Ranch in the afternoon. In the evening, possibility of a spa evening (extra charge). Dinner at the Ranch and a final evening under the stars. Night at the Ranch
Day 7 - Horse work and departure
Last breakfast at the Ranch. Last working session with the horses before saying goodbye. After lunch, transfer to Tadoussac to catch the bus to Quebec City, or leave on your own.
DATES 2025:
June 22-28, 2025 - 1 spot left!
August 3 to 9, 2025 - 3 places remaining
August 24 to 30, 2025 - 2 places remaining
September 21 to 27, 2025
FOR WHOM?
LEVEL: Intermediate and advanced riders. Riders must be comfortable handling their horse at all three gaits on varied terrain and be physically capable of walking uphill and downhill.
Non-riding companions are welcome. Rate: CAD$1,800 + tax
GROUP SIZE: 1 to 4 riders + 2 possible places for non-riding companions sharing a rider's room.
MINIMUM AGE 13 years.
MAXIMUM WEIGHT 100kg (if heavier, contact us before booking)
Long pants and helmet required (we have some available to lend on site)
Horse Retirement
and mindfulness
A weekend to escape from everyday life and connect with the present moment thanks to the complementary contributions of Qigong and the connection with the horse.
Next date coming soon
With its charisma and immense sensitivity, the horse fascinates, excites, and impresses. It is a fabulous teacher for us humans. Contact, handling, and interaction with the horse encourage us to be present, to let go, and to be in tune with our energy.
Qigong is one of the five branches of Chinese medicine. Through visualizations, meditations, and gentle, accessible movements, qigong aims to restore energy flow to achieve fulfillment and alignment of body and mind.
During this retreat, we will alternate indoor qigong sessions to work on oneself and periods of exchange with the horse to meet the 'other'. The sessions with the horse are done exclusively on the ground, with the animal as a working partner, and are accessible to both riders and non-riders.
Qigong instruction is offered by Sylvie Mercier, trained at the Fragments Libres school and at the Laflamme Qigong center where she has been learning spiritual and therapeutic Qigong since 2010. The equestrian portion is offered by Laure Marandet, owner of Ranch Instinct Nomade and equestrian journalist.
Accommodation is included: comfortable apartments with shared bedrooms and communal spaces, on the natural site of the 5-star Ferme in Sacré-Cœur. Full board is included from Friday dinner to Sunday lunch. Detailed program to come.
