One hour of getting dirty is the deal here. You’ll ride guided quads in the Saguenay Fjord region, with safety training up front and short stops for real, wide-open views. I especially like how the small group format keeps things controlled, and how guides explain both rules and local fjord details. The main drawback: you’re not guaranteed nonstop fjord sightings, and the route can feel technical and physical.

If you’re coming with family or friends, this is built for a mix of comfort levels. The professional lead keeps the pace sensible, and the included driving training helps you settle in fast. Still, it’s hands-on riding on uneven terrain, so you’ll want long pants, closed-toe shoes, and the right mindset for getting bumped around a bit.

Key things that make this ATV tour work

• Safety briefing that actually prepares you: you get driving instruction before the trails.
• Forest trails plus uphill climbs: it’s not just a flat loop.
• Fjord viewpoint stops: you’ll get at least one moment with big water-and-cliff views.
• English and French guides: communication stays easy.
• Small group of up to 6: more attention, less waiting around.
• Fuel, quad, helmet, and guide included: the price covers the core equipment and leadership.

Why an ATV tour in the Saguenay Fjord region feels different

This ATV tour is all about getting outside in a practical way: you’re moving through the woods, then earning a viewpoint where the fjord shows up properly. The route is guided, so you’re not wrestling with directions while you’re busy learning how your quad behaves on hills and in tight forest sections.

The other big difference here is the tone. The experience is thrilling, but it’s not chaotic. The small-group cap of 6 means your guide can watch spacing and help with technique without turning it into a cattle-queue. And because this is run by Ferme 5 etoiles, the day feels like it has roots in the area, not just a quick grab-and-go ride.

Getting ready: what you need (and why it matters)

Before you even start the engine, you’ll do a briefing and driving training. That part matters because ATV riding is part coordination, part confidence. The tour asks you to bring a few basics so you’re not distracted once the ride starts:

• A driver’s license if you want to drive (you must be 18+ to drive)
• Long pants, clothes that can get dirty, and closed-toe shoes

You also should be ready for a real-day outdoors vibe. Think dust, mud, and the occasional scratch from branches. If you show up in shorts and sneakers, you’ll feel it in the first half hour, then spend the rest of the tour thinking about your outfit instead of the views.

Price and value: what you’re really paying for

At $56 per person for a 90-minute guided quad tour, the value comes from what’s included. You’re getting the quad, helmet, driving training, a live guide, and oil and gasoline. That’s a lot you’d usually pay extra for on your own.

You’re also paying for risk management and local know-how. A guided ride means the operator sets the pace, keeps groups together safely, and chooses the route. That’s not just convenience. It changes how the experience feels: less guesswork, more riding time doing something worthwhile.

One thing to note on the cost side: the tour requires a credit card pre-authorization of $2,000 per quad (or side-by-side) before you start. It’s not the final charge, but it does mean your bank needs to handle that temporary hold. The reversal is made upon return, and it can take 1 to 5 days depending on your bank. Plan accordingly if you’re budgeting tightly.

The 90-minute ride: what happens from check-in to the fjord stop

Your day starts at the meeting point: 465 Route 172 Nord, Sacré-Coeur. You need to arrive 1 hour before the start time. That early arrival isn’t just for paperwork. It gives you time to get suited up, handle the driver requirements, and get ready for the briefing without rushing.

1) Safety briefing and driving training

First comes the instruction session. This is where you learn the basics: how to control speed, how to position yourself, and how to handle turns and uneven ground while staying in formation behind the guide.

This is also where you’ll feel the difference between a beginner-friendly experience and a random ride. The goal here is to get you comfortable before the trail gets more interesting. In the reviews, guides come up as a standout part of the experience, especially for clear safety rules and a friendly vibe.

2) Into the forest: trails, hills, and tight terrain

Once you’re set, you follow the guide into the forest. Expect a mix of forest paths and more rugged segments, including hill climbs and sections through dense woods. This is the part that makes it feel like adventure, not a scenic drive.

One review note that comes up with this kind of terrain: the route can be more technical and physical than people expect. Translation: you might work a little harder with your body, and you may get jolted more than you would on a smooth road. If you’re comfortable with that, the ride is a blast.

3) Viewpoint time: when you actually see the Saguenay

You’ll have opportunities to stop and capture views over the Saguenay Fjord. Here’s the practical catch: the fjord may only show up once during the ride, depending on how the route plays out that day. One guest pointed out they saw it a single time.

So if fjord photos are your main goal, don’t assume you’ll be staring at the water every minute. Instead, treat the viewpoint stop like a mini reward: be ready to hop off, snap pictures, and take in the scale.

4) Return ride and wrap-up

The ride back is usually where you feel your own progress. The first 15 minutes teach you the basics; the last stretch lets you ride with more control. And because the guide remains with you, you don’t have to worry about what comes next.

At the end, you return and the credit card pre-authorization gets reversed as the process ends.

ATV vs side-by-side: how vehicle choices can affect your ride

Most people sign up expecting to ride a quad, and the activity includes the quad. But there’s an important detail: based on vehicle availability, a side-by-side can be supplied instead of an ATV without prior notice.

Why this matters:

• A side-by-side may feel more stable and can change how kids or mixed groups are seated.
• It can also affect the overall “quad vibe,” even if the route is similar.

So if your mental image is specifically a single rider quad experience, keep an open mind. The priority is still a guided ride through the fjord region’s trails, with training and safety rules.

Kids, groups, and seat rules you need to know

This can be a very family-friendly activity, but the seating rules are specific.

• Children under 3 are not suitable.
• If a child is riding behind a quad, they must be able to put their feet on the footrests. If they can’t, the child will need to ride in a side-by-side (with 4 or 6 passengers).
• If your group has an odd number of participants, the extra person may ride seated behind the guide, or the whole group may be placed in a buggy.

This is one of those situations where the operator has to match your group size to the vehicles on hand. To avoid stress, think ahead about your child’s size and whether they can comfortably reach the footrests.

What the guides do that turns a ride into a story

The guide isn’t just there to keep you safe. The better moments tend to come when the guide connects riding to place—what you’re seeing and what the Saguenay Fjord means in local terms.

Names show up in the reviews in a way that makes it feel real, not generic. Charles gets mentioned as a friendly guide, and Benjamin is also named as a guide and/or owner in multiple notes. One standout detail: Benjamin even switched drivers mid-ride so everyone could get the chance to drive, which is a smart way to keep families happy and make the experience feel fair.

You may also learn small local facts along the way. One guest said they learned new information about the fjord and even saw an orqual (a type of whale) during the day. You shouldn’t count on animal sightings for planning, but it’s a reminder that the region can surprise you.

The small-group format: more attention, less chaos

Limited to 6 participants, this tour avoids the big-tour energy. That helps you in three ways:

• You get steadier guidance during the training and early ride.
• You’re less likely to be separated too far from the group.
• Stops feel smoother because your guide isn’t managing a huge lineup.

If you’ve ever done outdoor activities where you spend half the time waiting, this format is a direct fix. You’ll be on the trail more often, and you’ll understand the rules before you’re already committed to the ride.

A note on timing and clothing: do this and you’ll enjoy it more

Arrive early, wear the right clothes, and don’t overthink the rest. ATV riding is one of those activities where your comfort level mostly comes from preparation.

I’d rather you plan for dirty clothes than plan for looking good in pictures. Bring whatever you’d wear for an active hike, then accept that you’re signing up for a few splashes of reality.

If you’re prone to getting cold, consider layering too. You’re outside for a full 90-minute ride plus the earlier check-in and training time, and fjord-area weather can shift.

Should you book it? My take

Book this ATV tour if you want:

• A guided way to ride ATVs through forests and hills without guessing the route
• Real time behind the controls, with instruction first
• A fjord viewpoint moment that breaks up the adventure
• A smaller-group feel with guides who take safety seriously

Skip it (or at least reconsider) if:

• You’re expecting constant fjord views the whole time. The tour may show the Saguenay only once.
• You or your group isn’t comfortable with technical, physical riding segments.
• Your kids don’t meet the footrest requirement for riding behind a quad.

If you’re flexible, dress for mess, and go in expecting a real adventure rather than a smooth guided drive, this is strong value. For many people, the combination of training, professional guidance, and fjord scenery hits the sweet spot for a day near Tadoussac.

FAQ

How long is the ATV tour?

The guided ATV tour runs for 90 minutes.

What’s included in the price?

The tour includes the quad, helmet, driving training, a guide, and oil and gasoline.

Do I need transportation to the meeting point?

Transportation to the meeting point is not included. The meeting point is at 465 Route 172 Nord, Sacré-Coeur, and you must arrive 1 hour before the activity start.

Can I drive if I’m 18 or older?

Yes, but you must be 18 years or older and have a valid driving license with you during the activity.

What’s the vehicle and seating policy for kids?

Children under 3 are not suitable. If a child is riding behind a quad, they must be able to put their feet on the footrests. Otherwise, they’ll need to ride in a side-by-side.

Is there a security deposit or card authorization?

Yes. A pre-authorization of $2,000 per quad or side-by-side is required before the start, using a credit card. The reversal happens upon return, and release can take 1 to 5 days depending on your bank.

What languages are the guides?

Guides are available in English and French.