Appalachian Gourmet Ride

Introduction
Quebec Canada

Nestled in the Beauce Region that borders the Frontenac and Mt. Megantic National Parks, and  facing the majestic Appalachian Mountain chain, the country inn at Courcelles welcomes both young and old, whether experienced or novice riders, and their non-equestrian companions. The warm, family-oriented atmosphere is perfect for an exhilarating equestrian sojourn. Mounted on quarter horses, Appaloosas and Canadians, riders penetrate into nature that is still pristine and wild. Mountain ridges, wide lakes and rivers accentuate the forested landscape. This being the territory of the “Jarrets noirs” (black legs), today’s French Canadian resident is still deeply attached to early heritage. A largely agricultural area, here one finds Quebec’s “gold”, the maple groves and their sugar cabins.

Cross the Appalachian hills, visit  crystal clean freshwater lakes, visit maple syrup shacks and refineries - while being pampered at night. Each day will take you into a different area on horseback with lunch stops enroute. Ride across the farmlands and wide open spaces on your way up high into the Appalachian Mountains with its breathtaking vistas.
In the evenings a charming country inn awaits you with excellent cuisine, and personal service. Your pallets will be pleased with the meals that consist of homegrown vegetables,  homemade "Duck Foie Gras", Buffalo steaks, Venison and poultry.
Mid-week we will treat you to a Swedish massage.

Endurance Rides:
From April 15 to June 23 experienced riders can opt for a more demanding riding program. Ride 5 hours per day in different areas of this beautiful countryside (horses will be transported to different trailheads on most days). Visiting wonderful ranches, riding along breathtaking lakes and into wild territory we ride up to 20 miles a day with long trots and canters, as well as some gallops.

Special Features

• Warm country welcome for an authentic Quebec experience
• Delicious gastronomic country cuisine (home-grown produce)
• Novice equestrian instruction on request, great sensitivity to individual skill level
• Numerous activities and excursions available:
  Western or English equestrian instruction, cycling or walking tours, canoeing, kayaking, river fishing, discovery of national parks, swimming and relaxation on tree-lined lakeshores, experience Canadian wildlife, observe stars at the Mt. Megantic AstroLab and Observatory (largest in eastern America)
• For non-riders, possibility to join riders for each lunch or at other points on the trail
• Perfect relaxation in a beautiful Jacuzzi 

Accomodation

The inn is a cozy, simple B&B in the farm countryside of Quebec. Rooms (air conditioned) are decorated nicely with antique furnishings and have private bathroom facilities (except for 2 rooms that share one bath). Most rooms have one Queen size bed, except for one larger unit that has 3 separate beds.
Meals are taken in the dining room. Currently the inn is not licensed to sell alcohol, but you are welcome to bring your own wine etc for dinner.
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

English Tack is available if you prefer- dressage saddles, jumping saddles and trekking saddles. 

Endurance Rides:
From April 15 to June 23 experienced riders can opt for a more demanding riding program. Ride 5 hours per day in different areas of this beautiful countryside (horses will be transported to different trailheads on most days). Visiting wonderful ranches, riding along breathtaking lakes and into wild territory we ride up to 20 miles a day with long trots and canters, as well as some gallops.

Itinerary

Sample Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in the late afternoon, check in and relax on the porch. A wonderful diner awaits your before you turn in for a good night sleep.

Day 2: Our first day of riding begins as we cross the sparkling Blueberry River where we stop to let the horses drink the fresh water. We continue on, venturing through natural raspberry land and staying close to the lush forest. Next we come through the spruce plantation which leads us out onto a comfortable green grass trail which we follow at a walking pace. We follow this trail up and down many little hills until arriving at Francoise Ranch. The horses wait under large mature spruce trees while we have lunch. After eating we head back to the ranch through open and green pastures. This large space exudes calmness and is perfect for easy conversation while getting to know our guide, Gina, and the surrounding area.

Day 3: Again we begin at 10 a.m. to visit a hidden trail, passing an old dirt road framed by maple trees. We continue to cross a small river and climb to see the mountains. We pass by old country farms with remarkable and interesting architecture. Upon arrival at the entrance of the forest we pass through dark and shaded areas, the scent of spruce wafting through the air. We know we are never too secluded though; a quick glance to the side allows us a comforting view of cows grazing in a nearby pasture. We continue riding through the woods until we arrive at an older lumber shack, where we will eat lunch. After lunch we return to the saddles of our well-rested horses, walking through naturally aromatic flower fields. Many people often see Canadian wildlife here, including falcons and deer. We return to the stable this evening with a new sense of freedom discovered in the wilderness.

Day 4: At 10 a.m. we head out for a majestic ride along a trail that runs along the Appalachian Mountains and we will follow this trail to the mountain of San Sebastien. We look out over the misty hills to a small village, evocative of fairy tales. We will be able to see a church whose architecture is reminiscent of a medieval castle. Once we arrive at the top of the hill, we give the horses a break. From here we have another magnificent view of the valley and the Appalachian Mountain range down below us. At this point in the ride, many people have noted they feel “so free". Here, we are surrounded by deep green wild forest and farms of all sizes, all of which combine to create an amazing ecological panorama. This stop provides many opportunities to take photos of the landscape, or of you and your horse.

Day 5: Today we visit a sumptuous land by crossing and walking along a river, which is rife with wildlife. As we explore the trail through this conservation area, the only other humans we meet are the local people from a traditional French village. The trail is specially designed for trail rides. Our first stop is at a nearby country style wood chalet on the side of a stream, and tranquility is all around us. The serene view instills a sense of calm; in this place it is easy to appreciate the peacefulness of nature. Don’t forget to look for butterflies! Resuming the ride, we travel along narrow trails surrounded by trees. We enjoy our ride back to the Auberge, trotting and cantering through the fields. The pure, fresh air is so invigorating. You will find the people of Québec are very concerned with ecology and protecting the environment. Your guide Gina will talk about the history of her nation and its conservation.

Day 6: We cross many pretty farms, and our surrounding view is a large panorama of Lake St. Francois. Simply from observing this landscape we are able to note the historic preservation. We continue through this beautiful area into a truly Canadian forest, that of “Maple Syrup”. We return continuously traipsing through equally breathtaking scenery. Upon arrival at the Auberge we sit down for our last meal together: maybe Buffalo steak and red wine sauce.

Day 7: Departure after breakfast.

     Subject to change

Rates and Dates for Appalachian Gourmet Ride

Dates Note: Any time with a minimum of 2 riders from April to November.
August 11 to 15 is Sold Out

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

Climate:

The average temperatures in April are 45 F (8 C) during the day, and 25 F (-1 C) at night.

During the summer months the daytime temperatures are generally in the upper 70s during the day (25 C), cooling down to the mid 50s (13 C) at night. In October the average daytime temperature is 52 F (11 C), dropping to 36F (2 C) at night.

Our season commences in June with the debut of tender soft greens of spring, which turn into a glorious abundance of wildflowers, and it extends throughout the warm vibrant days of summer, and comes to spectacular finale mid October, when the hardwood forests are ablaze with colour, competing easily with other areas in the world, known for their beautiful fall foliage. The average fall foliage season is mid September through mid-October.

Bring along your favourite games, a deck of card or a good book for reading in the evenings as there is no television. If you play piano, there is one in the dining room!

*Please bring your bathing suit- there is a spa jacuzzi. Also, you need to bring your own water bottle for the ride.*