What is the minimum age for this horseback ride?

Participants must be at least 13 years old to join the guided ride.

Do I need prior horseback riding experience?

Basic riding skills are recommended, but beginners who are comfortable on horseback can participate.

How long is the actual ride?

The guided trail ride lasts approximately 1.5 hours covering about 4 kilometers.

What should I wear for the ride?

Dress warmly in layers with waterproof boots and gloves suitable for winter conditions.

Is there any instruction before the ride?

Yes, you will learn how to groom and communicate with your horse before starting the trek.

Can I book this adventure in other seasons?

This particular guided horseback ride is designed primarily for winter conditions to enjoy the snowy landscape.

Enchanting Winter Horseback Ride on Le Sentier du Père Noël in Québec | Guided Tour | Eco Tour

Venture into the heart of Québec’s winter wilderness with "Randonnée à cheval guidée - Le Sentier du Père Noël," a uniquely immersive horseback trek that transforms snowy landscapes into a peaceful playground. Located near Saint-Just-de-Bretenières, this 1.5-hour guided ride covers 4 kilometers of quiet forest trails, allowing visitors aged 13 and above to deeply connect with nature and their horses in a way that feels both personal and magical. The trail winds through thick stands of spruce and fir, dusted in fresh snow, revealing untouched scenery typical of this region’s boreal forests.

What sets this experience apart is its VIP, hands-on approach. Before setting off, you receive expert instruction not only on riding but also on the essential skills of horse grooming and communication. This rapport-building moment breaks down barriers between rider and animal, making the journey on the sentier – the “Santa Claus Trail” – not just a ride but a shared adventure with your powerful equine companion. The quiet of the forest is only interrupted by the rhythmic crunching of hooves on snow and the occasional whisper of wind through heavy branches.

Saint-Just-de-Bretenières itself is an intimate gateway to the wild countryside of the Chaudière-Appalaches region. The area is renowned for its pristine winter conditions and traditional rural culture, making it an ideal setting for this slow, deliberate escape. The trail’s name nods to local holiday lore, adding a layer of festive wonder to the experience.

This guided ride is accessible for moderately fit adventurers comfortable with basic horseback riding but offers enough challenge to feel rewarding. It’s perfect for those seeking a winter adventure away from crowded ski slopes or snowmobile trails. The sustainable practices emphasized by the guides ensure minimal environmental footprint while fostering respect for the fragile winter ecosystem.

Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a curious beginner, this winter equestrian tour provides a rare opportunity to slow down, engage with majestic animals, and absorb the serene beauty of Québec’s snowy forests. From grooming the horse to winding through twinkling, frost-covered trees, you’ll leave with vivid memories and new skills in hand. For a tranquil, authentic winter escape, "Le Sentier du Père Noël" offers an unmatched blend of nature, culture, and animal connection that stands out in the region’s outdoor offerings.

About Chalets Villégiature & Pourvoirie Daaquam

Chalets Villégiature & Pourvoirie Daaquam is a multi-activity chalets and outfitting operation located in Saint-Just-de-Bretenières, Québec. It offers year‑round outdoor experiences centered on the Appalachian wilderness and the Daaquam River. The property provides guided activities such as dog sledding, ATV and quad excursions, snowmobile tours, horseback rides, and fishing outings. Ice fishing is available on a pond located just 300 feet from the inn, with guided instruction and gear provided. Winter rentals include snowshoes, cross-country skis for a 5 km trail through boreal forest, fat bikes, and ice skates. Motorized rentals and guided expeditions include side-by-side quad rentals (3- and 6-place), snowmobile rentals (one hour, three hours, eight hours) and multi-day guided snowmobile raids. Dog-powered options feature guided sled trips ranging from initiation rides to 15–20 km guided treks and longer excursions, plus Cani‑Kart and Cani‑Randonnée with professional guides and access to a kennel visit. On‑site services list meals (dîner, déjeuner, souper) and short-stay options such as the 24-hour Refuge Boréal excursion. Hunting for small game is offered for Québec residents. Chalets Villégiature & Pourvoirie Daaquam combines equipment rentals, guided trips, seasonal expeditions, and lodging to provide access to remote trails, frozen lakes, and rivers. Its program includes family-friendly outings and multi-day adventures, emphasizing guided exploration of the Parc régional des Appalaches and surrounding Appalachian mountains. Guided quad tours use a CAN‑AM Defender on marked trails, with photo stops at the Daaquam River. Mont Bonnet and border-view routes offer extended guided days with meals included on select excursions. Guides share local history.