Goat Hiking, Beaver Dam Visit and picnic in Quebec forest

Imagine wandering through the lush forests just outside Quebec City, surrounded by vibrant wildlife, adorable goats, and the soothing sounds of nature. This tour offers a refreshing twist on traditional hiking — instead of just walking, you’ll be accompanied by friendly goats that love to cuddle and take selfies, all while exploring stunning landscapes and learning about the local ecosystem. Add in a visit to an impressive beaver dam and a charming picnic with homemade treats, and you’ve got a recipe for a memorable day.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the interaction with the goats adds a playful, almost zen-like quality to your adventure. Second, the knowledgeable guide ensures you learn about wildlife and forestry in an engaging way. That said, it’s not a high-intensity trek — so if you’re seeking a vigorous workout, this might lean more towards a leisurely nature walk.

This experience is perfect for those who love animals, enjoy discovering nature with a relaxed pace, and appreciate authentic, off-the-beaten-path adventures. Families, solo travelers, and couples alike find it appealing. If you’re after a fun, educational, and genuinely charming outing outside Quebec City, this tour warrants serious consideration.

Key Points

• Unique wildlife experience: Interact with friendly, well-behaved goats during your hike.
• Educational value: Learn about local flora, fauna, and animal tracking from a knowledgeable guide.
• Beautiful scenery: Marvel at a beaver dam, Quebec forests, and abundant wildlife.
• Authentic picnic: Enjoy homemade goat cheese, charcuterie, local beers, and fresh berries in the woods.
• Private tour: Only your group participates, offering a personalized experience.
• Great for animal lovers: The goats and Luna the dog are highlights and add a fun, approachable element.

A Closer Look at the Tour Experience

Meeting and Introduction

Your day begins at 1343 Rue Gaudar in Quebec City, where you meet François, the passionate guide and woodsman. His warmth and extensive knowledge about the forest quickly put everyone at ease. We loved the casual, friendly atmosphere — it’s clear François enjoys sharing his love for the land and animals.

The Goat-Hiking Adventure

The main highlight? Walking alongside super friendly goats — Theo, Buzz, and Raul — each with their own personality quirks. As you hike through the Quebec backcountry, you’ll see how these goats are trained to walk on leashes, occasionally nibbling on shrubs or posing for selfies. Multiple reviews emphasize how well-behaved and cuddly the goats are, with one noting, “The goats were the best! Friendly and so well behaved.”

This isn’t just about adorable farm animals; it’s an insightful experience. François explains how goats are used as pack animals and shares stories about their rescue and care. The goats’ curiosity and affectionate nature make this a surprisingly calming activity, even for those unfamiliar with farm animals. Reviewers often mention how the goats’ personalities added humor and warmth to the trek.

Discovering the Beaver Dam

After the goats, the group visits an impressive beaver dam. The sight of this natural engineering marvel sparks awe — you’ll see how beavers shape their environment and learn about their role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. The dam’s size and complexity impress even seasoned nature enthusiasts. As one reviewer puts it, “Watching the beaver dam on the lake was a highlight — it’s a testament to nature’s ingenuity.”

François shares insights into animal tracking, making this part educational and engaging. Expect to see signs of wildlife like footprints, nests, and perhaps some bird activity. The scenery here is stunning, with peaceful lakes, tall trees, and quiet spots perfect for reflection.

The Picnic and Wild Food

The tour wraps up with a delicious picnic in the woods. This isn’t just a snack — it’s an authentic, homemade feast featuring goat cheese, local charcuterie, and fresh berries picked right from the bushes. As one reviewer praised, “The food was delicious, and Francois’s full feast was more than enough, even for a picky eater.”

Complimented by local beers, the picnic offers a chance to relax, chat, and soak in the forest atmosphere. Many mention how the picnic elevates the experience, turning a walk into a genuinely immersive culinary experience.

Guided Wildlife and Nature Insights

Throughout the tour, François’s extensive knowledge shines. He explains about the forest’s flora and fauna, animal behaviors, and environmental conservation efforts. We loved the way he made complex ecological concepts accessible and interesting, often pointing out wild raspberries or birds along the trail.

Logistics and Overall Value

The tour lasts about 3 hours and 30 minutes, which is a generous length for a relaxed nature walk with plenty of stops. The price of $77.87 per person is very reasonable considering the personalized nature of the experience, the high-quality guide, and the included picnic. Many reviews highlight the excellent value, especially given the opportunity to interact with animals and learn about the environment.

The activity is private, meaning only your group participates, adding a comfortable, intimate vibe. The tour is suitable for most travelers, including families with children, as the goats are great with all ages. It’s also accessible since it’s near public transportation and has no strict physical demands.

The Guide and Atmosphere

Multiple reviews praise François’s warmth, knowledge, and relaxed demeanor. His passion for caring for the goats and sharing his knowledge makes the hike not just informative but truly enjoyable. His daughter helps with the picnic, adding a family-friendly touch.

Summing Up: Is This Tour Worth It?

This tour is a wonderful blend of outdoor adventure, animal interaction, and ecological education. Its charm lies in the authenticity: the friendly goats, the scenic landscapes, and the homemade picnic create a genuine, memorable experience. It’s ideally suited for animal lovers, families, or anyone seeking a laid-back but enriching day out just outside Quebec City.

The value for money is high, especially considering the personalized nature of the private tour, the quality of the guide, and the memorable encounters with both wildlife and farm animals. Reviewers consistently mention how much they loved the knowledgeable guide, the scenery, and the delicious local food.

For those wanting a peaceful, fun, and educational slice of Quebec’s natural world, this tour hits the spot. It’s not a strenuous hike but a relaxed walk with plenty of charming moments and interesting sights. It’s perfect for travelers who appreciate authentic experiences and want to escape the city’s hustle for a few hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children? Yes, many reviews mention that kids enjoy petting the goats and exploring wildlife, making it a family-friendly outing.

How long does the tour last? About 3 hours and 30 minutes, including the hike, beaver dam visit, and picnic.

What’s included in the picnic? The picnic features homemade goat cheese, charcuterie, fresh berries, and local beers, offering a tasty and authentic meal.

Is the tour private or group? It’s a private experience, so only your group participates, ensuring a personalized atmosphere.

Can service animals join? Yes, service animals are allowed.

Is transportation provided? No, but the meeting point is accessible via public transportation.

What is the price per person? $77.87, which offers good value given the unique experiences and food included.

How physically demanding is the hike? It’s a relaxed forest walk suitable for most travelers; it’s not overly strenuous.

What makes the goats special? They are well-behaved, affectionate, love to cuddle, and are often described as adorable and entertaining.

What’s the best time of year to do this tour? The tour is weather-dependent, but most reviews mention favorable weather, and wild raspberries are ripe in late summer.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for an experience that combines nature, animals, and local flavor in a relaxed, authentic setting, this Quebec tour offers a delightful escape into the wilderness. It’s a fantastic choice for animal lovers, families, or anyone eager to see a different side of Quebec’s forests. The friendly goats, insightful guide, and scenic beauty make it a day worth remembering — and at a price that’s very fair.

Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a peaceful, fun day in nature, this experience promises a mixture of education, entertainment, and genuine connection with the land and its creatures. Pack your curiosity, and prepare for a charming adventure in Quebec’s evergreen landscapes.