There’s plenty of reasons to add the beautiful Saguenay region of Quebec to the Bucket List, and here’s one more. Ferme 5 Etoiles is a four season agricultural farm and animal refuge, offering guests (and especially families) the opportunity to truly engage with nature. Spending time with rescued fox, lynx, wolves and moose is fun. Exploring the region by snowmobile, sea kayak, ATV or foot is better still. Stay in a variety of accommodation, and let the kids run wild in this unique family-friendly, and family owned resort.
Length of Trip : 1- 4 days
Cost : Click here to learn more about the various packages.
Best time to go : Open year round. In winter, dogsledding and snowmobiling excursions are offered. In summer, there’s hiking, whale watching and sea kayaking.
Wheelchair friendly : Call ahead to make arrangements
Family friendly : Yes
Where to eat : Meals (like delicious bison stew) are served in the on-site restaurant. If you’re doing a day trip to Tadoussac, pop into La Galouine Inn and Restaurant for some fabulously fresh seafood.
Official Site : Check out packages, accommodation options and seasonal excursions at Ferme 5 Etoiles
Where to Stay : There’s a wide range of accommodation to choose from scattered throughout the property and along the fjord, including self catering chalets, yurts, suites and cabins.
Getting There : If you’re flying in, you can connect via Montreal to Bagotville Airport in Saguenay, rent a car, and take a scenic 1hr 25 min drive along the fjord to Ferme 5 Etoiles. Alternatively, it’s a 3hr 30 minute drive from Quebec City.
Note from Robin : Ticking this one off with the family makes it all the more richer. My toddler went nuts for the rescued and farmyard animals, exploring the area by ATV, and running about the farm. There’s also an excellent spa on-site to relieve some of the stress (from say, having a toddler running about). Every morning at 8:30am, you can join the keeper to feed the farmyard animals, an activity that is included for all guests.