If you’re looking for an adventurous kind of experience for your next vacation, I wholeheartedly recommend visiting the maritime area of Quebec. Embrace the rugged terrain, epic places to camp out, hike, kayak, and don’t forget the fjords.
Didn’t know Quebec had a maritime? Yeah, me neither! Who knew?
The answer is Europeans. Apparently the tourist demographic for this area of the Quebec region is 80+% Europe, largely from France.
I can’t wait to go back out north-east with Jay as soon as possible! Living in the city that invented the Humidex (a measurement of humidity), going to an area of Canada that doesn’t experience humid airs during their hot season is all kinds of enticing.
Also, the fjords. They’re all kinds of majestic.
The Ferme 5 Etoiles (5 Star Farm), overlooks one of the longest fjords in the world, the 100km-long Saguenay fjord.
This working farm is a fantastic place to become reacquainted with nature and all of its marvels.
Meet Luna the Arctic Wolf at Ferme 5 Etoiles, Côte-Nord Quebec
Trying to put into words the kind of eagerness, wonder, awe, and the massive amount of respect you feel towards an apex predator that will roll over and allow you to rub its belly.
This is the gorgeous Arctic Wolf Luna, who wanted my DSLR camera and right boot for chew toys.
I happened to be attached to both at the time.
Luna was particularly fond of my boot laces. Having a super close view of her teeth doing their best to rip apart their new toy, my boot, with my foot still embedded within, was all kinds of fascinating, and ultimately thrilling.
She actually tore through the tongue of my boot, but the laces held strong without any of the threads getting loose, so kudos to the makers of my cheap pair of hikers for their hardcore craftmanship.
It wasn’t until Luna was noticeably digging deeper, aiming for the literal meat of her new toy that I had to call a timeout, and her handler came to my rescue.
I felt bad taking my foot away though. I could have happily stood there all day under that brightly shining sun, keeping her well entertained, if she wasn’t so gung-ho on finding the gooey centre of this tootsie-pop!
Meet Jacob, the Grey Wolf
As active as Luna was, Jacob was a totally laid back dude, who was all down for a good back rub.
Could have spent ALL DAY with these pretty beasties. The sunstroke would have been worth it.
Walking into their homes, you knew right away that these powerfully beautiful animals weren’t there for our entertainment. We were there for theirs.
The Ferme 5 Etoiles is both a wildlife refuge and observation centre.
As part of the farm’s studies, 8-year-old Jacob and 5-year-old Luna are part of a project to demystify the fear that humans have for wolves.
Long told stories of blood-thirsty wolves, largely with mythical power and spirit have developed a bias to fear these animals.
I’m not saying that they’re as harmless as a hamster, but they’re not as ruthless as Liam Neeson might want you to believe.
More Residents of Ferme 5 Etoiles to “Awwwh!” Over
This silver fox was such a sweetheart. *heart eyes all over the place*
This is Zoe the moose who was chilling in the shade when we walked by. Fun fact, there is a sign introducing Zoe to those visiting Ferme 5 Etoiles. I kept reading “Zoe the Original”, and for the longest time, I couldn’t figure out what she was the “Original” of. Was she the first resident of the farm? I didn’t think so, but whew knew?
Turns out, I was adding an “i” where I totally shouldn’t have. “Orignal” is “Moose” en francais.
.
.
Doh.
I wanted to offer this Highland Cow my hair-brush. The tangles are real, yo.
We weren’t sure if any of the ducks were laying eggs, but you did not want to get on the wrong side of that gander. He meant bizniz, making sure everyone was accounted for at all times.
Friendly golden retrievers and malamute pups. Ferme 5 Etoiles is also home to a large dog sled team! With our tight schedule, I didn’t get a chance to hang out in the dog house with the sled team, but I did get a couple of minutes to feed a few! Their large bowls are filled all the way to the top with a wet mix that includes kibble and big slabs of bacon.
Check out this adorable malamute pup who lives at the @Ferme5etoiles. He's coming home with me, just watch! ???????????????? #RoadTripQM #QuebecRegion #QuebecByTheSea ad Thanks @inkscrblr for the awesome pic! ???? pic.twitter.com/CE8nIw16FT
— Aeryn Lynne ????∞???????? (@AerynLynne) May 8, 2018
The Ferme 5 Etoiles is also a great place to stay for a few nights too!
Enjoy all the amenities you’d expect from an apartment, including WIFI.
Just be sure to bring your own shower toiletries, such as shampoo, conditioner, and soap.
Living area of a four-double-bed cabin.
Fully functioning kitchen.
Sparse, but comfortable, bedrooms.
And the neighbours were awesome! We didn’t hear a single peep from next door during our stay.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Biflwxygm8L/
When’s the last time you visited a farm for a vacation? Ferme 5 Etoiles is all about becoming one with nature during a relaxing stay.
Pin me for later!
Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Quebec Maritime in a partnership with Geek Life to provide you the most up to date facts, helping you make better-informed decisions. All opinions in this article are my own.
One Response
I had no idea Luna really did that much damage to your shoe. That’s something. Anyways loved it there and would return in a heartbeat. You got a fantastic photo of the pups. LOVE it. Adding a link to my post so people can read both of them.