The cute grace of the alpaca is hard to match. Shy, but curious, he is generally quick to greet you with a soft cry. This lament, which goes straight to the heart, is his way of telling you that a blade of grass would not be refused. It will graze this offering with the efficiency of a lawnmower, but more ecological and more charming, so you will have to resist the temptation to bring one home. You won’t do anything about it, obviously. Note that an individual needs a surface area of 1500 m2 to be comfortable and that they like living in a clan.
While he is chewing, you will take the opportunity to caress him and consolidate your bond of trust. Not on the head, though. Everyone has their own whims, that of the alpaca is to be well groomed, it seems… or rather to still have the reflex to fear predators who attack it from above, breeder Mélanie teaches us Butcher, from the Bel Alpaga farm. Against a condor, a coyote or a puma, this little herbivore has no defense other than spit. Without an unfortunate encounter, however, he can live up to 30 years.
Originally from Peru, it was domesticated around five millennia ago by the Incas. Its breeding has spread across the planet, especially for its wool which naturally comes in 22 different shades. By patting his back and neck – he loves it! –, you will notice that its fleece is as soft as that of a poodle (which cannot be knitted), and more silky than that of a sheep.
As a zootherapeutic souvenir of your charming encounter with this little camelid, a pair of socks to flatter this winter would not be amiss. The farms consulted sell, on site, artisanal items made from alpaca wool, which the Incas described as “the fiber of the gods”.
More resistant and lighter than that of sheep, the wool of this little companion also has greater thermal power. It keeps you warm, repels humidity and does not have the pungent side that sheep wool can be criticized for, nor its allergenic power. It is rather compared to merino wool, which it surpasses in terms of fineness, ranking second, after cashmere. At the time of shearing, which takes place once a year, each animal produces 2 to 3 kg of wool. The younger the animal, the softer its fleece.
Alpaca is eaten…um, what? Its meat, described as lean, is rich in iron and protein. As for its taste, it would be halfway between veal and lamb. We will trust this testimony offered at Alpagas Charlevoix while assuming our sensitivity: we cannot bite the animal we feed with our hand! However, you should know that alpaca is raised for its fleece, and not for its leather and meat. Offering it in the form of sausage or pâté is, on farms that offer these options (including Alpagas Charlevoix), a way of paying tribute to this animal and promoting it until the end of its life.
A walk on the farm will be an excuse to visit a bucolic countryside and the pretty village of Sutton. The farm is open Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through December. You can show up there without reservation. The cost of entry is $10 per adult and $5 for children ages 3-12. It includes access to four kilometers of easy-to-ride trails.
Located in Beloeil, near the old village and its attractions, the farm opens its doors to the public every Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Entrance is free and contributions are voluntary. Hay pellets to offer to the alpacas can be purchased on site. Private tours for small groups are also offered. The cost of the activity, lasting 60 to 75 minutes, is $60 for a group of less than 6 people, and $12 per additional visitor (by reservation).
At this Saint-Lazare farm, private tours are offered to groups of 15 people or less, upon reservation. Each participant receives a bucket of carrots and grains to better socialize with the residents ($10 per person). Alpaca yoga is another way to connect with them by working on postures in their environment ($20). Unless you prefer the picnic option – bring your own food and the farm will take care of the rest ($175).
One visit, two encounters, since the place is home to alpacas and ostriches. It is also an opportunity to visit a mini farm which houses chickens, rabbits, goats, turkeys and peacocks. Guided tours are offered year-round ($8 per child 2 to 12 years old and $12 per adult). The boutique is open every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and by reservation during the week.
Located in Saint-Alexis-de-Montcalm, in Lanaudière, the farm offers free tours, lasting one hour, upon reservation. A portion of the profits made from her store are donated to the non-profit Quechua Benefit, which helps underserved communities in the Andes.
