Ferme 5 Étoiles – Quebec Maritime

I woke up to a breathtaking sunrise, walked over to a herd of buffalo grazing outside our cabin and said bonjour to Jacob (an energetic grey wolf). Yup, just your average day at Ferme 5 Étoiles…

Um, is this place for real?! Oui oui. And it is majestic. Located 15 minutes from Tadoussac along the Saguenay Fjord, Ferme 5 Étoiles is a nature-lover’s and adventurer’s paradise. I’m talking spectacular landscapes, adrenaline-pumping activities and countless wild and domestic animal experiences onsite. In fact, I’m pretty sure I could spend a month exploring the family farm without getting bored. Whether or not they’d want me running around the property squealing with excitement is an entirely different question! One thing is for sure: I left the Quebec Maritime gem with a gazillion memories. Here are some of my favourite moments…

Bonding With Wolves – Where else can you snap a selfie with a wolf?! Yup, you can actually join Jacob (one of the many rescue animals on the property) inside his enclosure for some one-on-one time. Awww. And if you’re lucky, Derek (aka the animal whisperer), will be with you so you can see how much love the employees truly have for their furry friends…

Snowmobiling Alongside The Saguenay Fjord – I love snowmobiling because it allows me to cover a lot of ground in very little time. This is especially important when the landscape is as diverse and jaw-dropping as the area that hugs Ferme 5 Étoiles. There are so many routes to explore with your experienced guide! Fortunately, they’ll customize the length and difficulty of the tour according to your preferences (they’ll also help dig you out of snowbanks if you happen to drive into one…ahem). My favourite part of our journey was stopping at the ice-covered fjord. They could’ve left me there all day…

Making Maple Taffy – No trip to Quebec is complete without maple syrup. Lucky for us, Ferme 5 Étoiles has a sugar shack (with traditional sap boiling, maple products and sleigh rides — you can even spend the night at the sugar shack). My American travel buddies had a chance to make their very first batches of maple taffy on snow: one of my favourite treats!

Dogsledding Through The Woods – Five beautiful huskies, a trail blanketed with snow and an energetic mushing buddy — could a gal ask for more?! Although the terrain was a physical challenge at times (I was huffing and puffing up the hills with my team), it was worth every ounce of energy we all poured in. I personally loved the narrow, forested areas the most: made me feel like little red riding hood in the woods…

Visiting The Farm – There is a reason this place is called Ferme 5 Étoiles (ferme = farm in English) — the property is home to all kinds beautiful creatures, both domestic and wild. This means you’ll have plenty of opportunities to observe animals in their natural habitat (from whales to black bears) or at the enclosures around the compound (they have a special permit to provide refuge for wounded or abandoned animals). The best part? You and your friends/fam can help feed many of the animals!! The highlights for me? Holding a baby chick, hanging out with Zelda (the lynx) and feeding the deer.

Devouring Family Feasts – Lots of rich, delicious food was served up by the lovely kitchen staff during our stay. My favourite meal was the fondue: nothing like enjoying a leisurely dinner with friends — wine and fondue forks in hand…

Hanging Out With A Moose – Yup, this magical moment happened. While I’ve seen moose in the wild before, I’ve never been this close to one. Azur was adopted by Ferme 5 Étoiles when he was 10 days old after losing his mother. He’s now loved and well taken care of by the family and employees onsite. Make sure to stop by and say hello when you visit — it is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

The Sleepover – Love me a good bonding sesh after an adventure-filled day! That’s why I’m a fan of shared accomodations on group trips. Whether you’re travelling with a friend/partner or a large group, Ferme 5 Étoiles has a place you can call home during your stay — from condos to luxurious cabins. Rates range between $84 and $182/night on average and depend on the season and the type of accommodation you choose. We stayed in a cozy cabin which had three bedrooms, kitchen, living room (with fireplace) and one bathroom. Next time I’m trying the yurts overlooking the fjord or the luxury cabins by the deer enclosure!

I could go on and on about the magic that awaits you at Ferme 5 Étoiles, but I think I’ve shared enough to give you a sense of what to expect at the property. Do not be fooled by its name: this place is much more than a farm. It’s a family home — where all animals, staff and guests are loved and taken care of. The hospitality is genuine, the landscapes are stunning and the activities onsite will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime. Hope you guys get a chance to visit! I can’t wait to return and explore the Saguenay Fjord via sea kayak.