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AlejandrinaS
I wanted to experience something special each birthday and decided dog sledding in Quebec since it is closer to home. Despite the very cold weather i had no regret and had a great time. My trainer who happened to be the owner , Bruno , was a very good teacher and he made the whole experience worth while. The dogs are well trained and beautiful . Our guide dog also happens to be the leader of the pack and was at times impatience but still behaved. The trail is so pretty with everything white and pristine. Could not asked for a more glorious day . . We visited the kennel and were able to pet with the other dogs which are just as behaved. This is an experience everyone should have especially those dog lovers
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972bethb
We visited Secrets Nordiques by chance this summer after reading we could visit the dogs. We knew the dogs would not be running but we didn't expect to be able to go right into the kennels and pet them (they're VERY friendly) along with some really sweet puppies. Thanks so much to owner Bruno, who introduced us to the dogs and shared lots of great information on dog-sledding. There was no charge for all the time Bruno spent with us, just a donation box. I would love to return and try sledding some day. This unplanned visit turned out to be a highlight of our trip!
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Kirsten34
We tried dog-sledding on New Year's Eve in the afternoon. It was just wonderful. We knew how cold the temperature was, so we were prepared. The guides were knowledgable and helpful. They communicated with us in English. The dogs were just incredible. I paid extra to have one of the guides with me because I was worried about whether my problematic foot could handle standing for so long. He was wonderful with my 9 year old, letting her stand with him on the sled so that she would try it. I would do it again in a heartbeat!
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Flfamilyfun
Omg! What a nightmare! This was the most horrible torturous nightmare that I have ever experienced. We are a family of four with two kids age 13 and 10. My kids were so excited to try the dogsledding and have been talking about it for weeks. We are from Florida so we are not very accustomed to the freezing cold weather but we put on the best gear we could find and headed out. They put both my kids together in one sled being driven by a guide and my husband and I on another sled where we could barely even see them. But that was not even a big deal we accepted it and we're excited to get started. The horrible part was the five that the dogs are very very moody and lazy. My poor husband had to push the sled 95% of the time. As soon as he would stop pushing the dogs would stop running. He was absolutely exhausted and huffing and puffing and he is actually in pretty good shape. The orientation which takes place before the actual run, was 15 to 20 minute talk about all the rules. It would have been better if they had done it inside the lodge which was very roomy but instead they have you outside in the balcony while you are freezing so by the time you actually go to your sled UR already feeling numbness on your fingers and toes. Obviously one expects the weather to be bitter cold which is fine however there's no need to keep you outside longer than necessary. The ride itself was so frustrating. Whenever the dogs finally decided they were ready to move a little bit they would move for like 8 seconds and the guide would make them stop and it was a stop and go stop and go stop and go never moving more than a minute at a time without stopping. Needless to say by the time we got to the end which didn't come fast enough, I hurried to the sled where my children were and they had the most miserable looks on their faces, And my children are very enthusiastic about everything! Besides being frozen they were very frustrated with the whole experience.At the end of the tour we were supposed to go to the kennel to see the dogs and I think even some puppies, however we were all so miserable we decided to leave. By the way if you are going to ignore my warnings and go anyways, then let me give you a piece of advice. Bring your own water as you will be very thirsty from being outside in the snow. I actually forgot my water and when I asked the gentleman at the desk for some water he said that I can take one of the cups and go inside the bathroom and help myself to the tap water from the sink. I obviously did not do that but that is your water option. There is coffee and hot chocolate and some banana bread available for after the tour.
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153allye
My husband and I planned a honeymoon in Quebec City for Dec 5th - 11th. Unfortunately, Les Secrets Nordiques doesn't open fully until Dec 15th. HOWEVER, thaks to Bruno (thank you!!), he set us up early with the dog sledding package! I cannot express enough how amazing this experience was! The staff is incredibly friendly, helpful, knowledgeable and professional! We felt liek we were in good hands the whole time! I actually was in the front sled with a guide ( I'm terrible because I can't remember her name but I believe it began with a "J" and she was fantastic!! ) and she drove first while I rode. My husband was behind us in another sled with Francis and then we even had another sled behind them with two guides (I believe both girls were named Marie). After about 10-15 minutes of riding, I got to drive -- I was nervous at first and definitely gripped the sled intensely but, I quickly became at ease and it was amazing!! The dogs are super friendly, obey the commands given (en francais!) and are beautiful to watch! The guides briefed us on safety, how to communicate with eachother, how to communicate with the dogs (mostly the lead dog) and what to do if the sled tipped over, the dogs got too close to eachother, etc..I can't wait to go back and do it again!Thanks again to Bruno and all the guides tfor accomadating us! It was an amazing experience!
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Yastillgotit
Great for first-timers. You actually drive the sled! Getting started can be a little tough. Once you get going though, as long as the dogs are into it, it's great. It had snowed quite a bit before we went and the hills were tough. Better if it was just packed powder. Pretty area - it's in the confines of Mont St. Anne. One addition I'd like to see is a short practice run before you start your tour. Simon was our guide but I'm sure they're all great. All are very helpful and have boots (for my wife) or other items (neck gator in my case) you'll need to be comfortable at no cost.
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MtlMuriel
We chose this option for dog sledding near Quebec City as the price was right and there was the possibility to drive the sleds. Which I did and it was a blast. I even fell, but I hung on like the training showed us, and it was fine, the dogs stopped and I got back on the sled. I definitely recommend it!Of course, when you have people trying dog sledding for the first time, it won't be the smoothest thing, but there are enough stretches where you can relax and admire the view;The driving itself is on trails carved through a golf course (covered in snow of course), and you are right next to a ski hill and a power line, so it isn't in the wild, but it was the right distance from where were staying, and they also had extra gear for those who weren't prepared!And there were treats and hot beverages when you finish! A nice touch!
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Lady_Travel_1969
We decided on the 2 hour dog sledding tour. The safety discussion and overview with Jordan was excellent. The tour started off great at a fun pace, however,difficulties developed with our lead guide and her dogs. As a result, we stopped excessively which took the enjoyment out of the experience. We were also advised that our 12 year old would be able to drive, however, after the tour began, she was not permitted. Also, communication was difficult as we couldn't hear instructions.Michelle at the main building was exceptional and she managed the paperwork and payment quickly. Having coffee/hot chocolate is a nice touch. Perhaps due to the number of participants and the unpredictability of the animals it can make it difficult to manage the tour (and we understand), however, we felt like it could have been a better experience.
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BostonTravelina
Went dog sledding with Secrets Nordiques in mid-February with my husband. I really wanted to go dog sledding during our trip to Quebec and we settled on this tour because we liked the options and they were the easiest to deal with in pre-booking. I really enjoyed the experience because I specifically wanted to try dog sledding (and learn how to drive the sled). However if you are just looking for a scenic ride you really aren't going to get it (my husband was bored). The dogs were so cute, but can be quite stubborn so it is a bit chaotic most of the time - i.e. don't expect an efficient experience.Couple of suggestions.... 1. Transportation options to the activity from Quebec City seemed very limited. We ended up renting a car - which I highly recommend. It took us about 40 minutes to get there without knowing the way. 2. If you drive - don't park at the main ski entrance if you aren't going to stay to ski - there is actually parking much closer; Secrets Nordiques is at the far end of the Ski area; about a 5 minute (but icey) walk from ski parking. If you have trouble finding it just ask at the Ski information center and they will give you a map 3. They allow you to borrow snow pants and/or jackets to put over your other attire; so don't worry about packing them for this tour specifically (yay). 4. Expect to spend more time there than you think. The tour got started late, and the sledding itself took awhile because you do have to stop a lot to get the dogs re-arranged (this may be more unique to the tour we specifically picked because we wanted to try driving).
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448pascalb
Nous regrettons que vous ayez eût une mauvaise expérience avec notre service de réception. C'est pour éviter des erreurs comme celle-ci que nous vous avions envoyé une confirmation. Nous aurions préféré que vous restiez avec avec un souvenir intense du contact avec nos chiens nordiques affectueux.
