Waking up to wolves and bison and sled dogs is a bit surreal. But, you need not be a fictional character from a Canadian novel to make this wildlife experience happen. You can entertain your wild side and get spiritual too at a Saguenay Family Resort called Ferme 5 étoiles in Sacre-Couer-Saguenay, Cote Nord Region of Quebec.
This family friendly destination in Quebec Nord region is comfortable, unique and open all year long. Recently I stayed there with friends while on a press trip. From the moment we arrived to the second we left we were enamoured with the rescue animals and excited about the prospect of a wolf encounter.
Ferme 5 étoiles is a wonderful spot to take family for a relaxing vacation. Many of the rescue animals here have their stories right outside their enclosures to read. There are raccoons orphaned when their mother was run over by a vehicle and two moose that were also orphaned and wouldn’t have survived without help.
This family run Saguenay resort is pretty much heaven for a kid and it’s likely to bring out the kid in everyone. It’s a working farm, with indoor area for goats and sheep and all manner of birds, and hares. On arrival you might be greeted by the friendly resident farm dogs living here or the geese that roam freely on the property. You can ask to accompany staff on rounds to feed the animals in the morning too.
Camping takes place here in the summer months and there are numerous accommodation options from chalets, to condominiums and yurts. The Sageunay family resort and wildlife observation centre has many trails to walk and explore. Also, Ferme 5 étoiles has the only sugar shack in Saguenay. But of course the Sugar Shack and maple syrup season is extremely short.
The accommodations are large and clean. We stayed in a condominium that had a working kitchen, a TV and two bedrooms. One room had two beds and the other had three so you could easily accommodate a family of five at Ferme 5 étoiles.
This wonderful little Sageunay family adventure spot and wildlife observation/ sanctuary is just 15 minutes by car from Tadoussac. Take the day and go whale watching in Tadoussac while here, check out the Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre too then return for a restful night at Ferme 5 étoiles.
A highlight of the stay at Ferme 5 étoiles is the wolf encounter with Jacob. Such a great way to learn about wolves. Jacob is a grey wolf and Luna is an arctic wolf. The farm and animal observation centre has had the wolves for many years. Both are a huge draw for visitors from all over. Be warned though your children must be 12 and over to take part in the wolf encounter.
Together we did the wolf encounter as a group and had no idea what to expect. With equal parts excitement and apprehension we sat down together and were given the history and the rundown on what to do and not do when inside the wolf’s habitat. Backs towards the enclosure, in case they jump up on you. No sudden movements and cameras out only when the wolf handler indicates it’s safe.
Wolf Facts:
Did you know that wolves travel in packs? Okay, so maybe that’s a basic one.
- How about this: did you know wolves partner for life?
- The pack chooses one dominant male and one dominant female and only those two breed.
- They have 1-6 pups per year.
- When the female is ready to give birth she lactates and the rest of the females in the pack also lactate to feed the babies.
- 60 % of pups will not make it to the first year.
We entered Luna’s habitat first. The gorgeous white arctic wolf is a little intimidating to be honest. Entering an enclosed space with a wolf seems like it could be a once in a lifetime opportunity or a very bad idea. LOL.
Luckily Luna and Jacob are friendly and we each have a turn interacting with and petting the wolves. First Luna, who seems smitten with Aeryn Lynne’s shoelaces. Then Jacob. Being able to spend time with wolves in close quarters was something I never expected to be able to do. These animals have such history in Canada and in literature too it’s pretty incredible to be able to get face time with wolves.
Although I was honestly a bit worried at first, because wolves are formidable animals, the worries disappeared inside Jacob’s home. He was simply majestic and calm, allowing himself to be petted. I mean, I got to pet a grey wolf. Now, how many people can say that?
Other Details:
There is a spa on site so book a massage if you wish.
Small gift shop on site as well for souvenirs and things you might have forgotten.
Restaurant on site offers hearty meals and great service. Food that sticks to your ribs and gives you energy for a day exploring, biking, or whale watching. We had three course meals here both nights when we were visiting.
Read Aeryn Lynn’s Post about this visit to the Quebec working farm.
If you liked this post don’t forget to read my Tadoussac whale watching post too.
I was a guest of Saguenay Lac St Jean and Quebec Maritime while staying in Quebec and I received accommodations, food and activities while visiting in exchange for honest content shared here. This post contains affiliate links to help readers and I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you when a purchase is made. My opinion is all my own and it is also truthful.