Forest School on the Mountain

Inspired by the Forest School movement, this nature immersion program developed by Les Amis de la montagne is a fun and unique way for youngsters and parents to learn about Mount Royal’s forest and biodiversity through hands-on learning, creativity and play, while cultivating their love for and desire to protect our iconic mountain.

Please note that our Forest School program is offered in French.

Special note: We will not be offering the Forest School program in spring 2023, but we are currently planning our activities for the fall. Subscribe to our “Activities for kids” newsletter to stay informed about all our future Forest School activities!

The Groups

Les Amis de la montagne invites families with children aged 0 to 5 to reconnect with nature by sharing a fun and relaxing moment in Mount Royal and Tiohtià:ke Otsira'kéhne parks. Children participate in learning adventures inspired by the elements and seasons and designed to awaken their curiosity and motor skills.

These activities are geared to the whole family! Children must be accompanied by at least one adult member of their immediate family during the outing, but grandparents, aunts and uncles are also welcome!

Subscribe to our newsletter and stay informed about our children’s programs by checking the “Activities for kids” box.

The Forest School on the Mountain is designed to awaken children’s natural curiosity and sharpen their senses. Youngsters are encouraged to become masters of their own experience, develop their connection with nature and interact with plants and animals while learning how to protect them.

5-to-7-year-olds

Under the guidance of experienced educators, sometimes blindfolded and sometimes on their hands and knees, children explore Mount Royal’s various habitats and learn about the mountain’s diverse fauna and flora.. This program aims to sharpen children’s senses and awaken their natural instincts.

7-to-9-year-olds

Children explore the forests of Mount Royal and develop their community spirit. Under the guidance of experienced educators, youngsters are encouraged to become masters of their own experience, develop their connection with nature and interact with plants and animals while learning how to protect them.

9-to-12-year-olds

Under the guidance of experienced educators, children explore Mount Royal while developing their sense of independence and community spirit. Encouraged to be masters of their own experience, youngsters learn how to take an active role in protecting the mountain’s biodiversity and become ambassadors for Mount Royal’s conservation.

Subscribe to our newsletter and stay informed about our children’s programs by checking the “Activities for kids” box.

For families registered for Forest School with Les Amis de la montagne, the Parent Handbook includes a wealth of information such as the daily schedule, rules and tips on what to pack in your child’s bag.

DOWNLOAD THE PARENT HANDBOOK (Available soon)

Today’s children are spending less and less time in nature, with the resulting consequences on their health and well-being. National educational programs in countries such as Denmark, Sweden and the United Kingdom have shown that regular contact with nature improves children’s motivation, concentration, motor skills, health, self-confidence and social skills.

In Canada, the Forest School movement has taken root thanks to initiatives by parents and associations such as Child & Nature Alliance of Canada. This nature-inspired teaching method aims to provide an immersive experience allowing children to develop strong emotional ties to the local natural environment and a healthy lifestyle while fostering their overall development.

Forest School teaching explores such issues as:

  • Our affective link with nature

  • Introducing children to nature from a very early age

  • Exposing children in urban areas to nature

  • The importance of daily contact with local nature

  • The importance of having a chaperone to facilitate the experience and make links with the broader natural world

  • The role of families

  • Parents’ fear of leaving children alone in nature

  • The link between nature and health

Forest School on the Mountain with Les Amis de la montagne seeks to create links between children, nature and Mount Royal. Young members take their first step towards becoming the next generation of mountain custodians as they learn about the natural environment, the weather and the seasons through experience.

Depending on the age of your child, you can accompany them as they discover Mount Royal or leave them with our experienced instructors so that they can enjoy nature throughout the seasons and become familiar with the fauna and flora of the mountain.

Are activities adapted for children or families who do not speak French?

The activities are offered in French, but our educators will happily answer your questions in English.

I would like to register my two children in each age group (0 to 3 years and 3 to 5 years) for the weekend family activity. Can I benefit from the family discount?
Yes. To do so, simply register your two children in their respective age groups. You will then automatically obtain the discount.
Can I bring my stroller to the weekend family activity? 

Yes, but you might be limited in your movements with the group. We recommend you use a baby carrier, if possible.

Do you offer nature activities customized for organized youth groups?

Yes. For more information, consult our Children's Groups page for details.

Do you offer activities for school groups?

Yes. Les Amis de la montagne offers a wide variety of educational and recreational activities for school groups. For more information, consult our During the School Year page for details.

For more information:

Day Camp Lead
ecoledelaforet@lemontroyal.qc.ca

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