Les Amis de la montagne's Summer Activities are Back!  

Embrace nature and inspire change with us…

As spring draws to a close and the warm days of summer approach, Les Amis de la montagne is gearing up to offer a wide range of activities that celebrate and raise awareness about protecting our cherished Mount Royal. With a focus on environmental conservation and community engagement, our 2023 summer program offers an exciting lineup of activities for young and old. Here are a few examples:

 

Guided Nature Walks

Join the experienced guides from Les Amis de la montagne on immersive nature walks through Mount Royal Park. These guided excursions offer a unique opportunity to learn about the park's diverse ecosystems, native wildlife, and the importance of environmental preservation. Once all the trails are open again, discover the park's nooks and crannies, witness breathtaking vistas, and engage in insightful discussions about sustainable practices and the impact of climate change.

 

Environmental Stewardship Program and Conservation Activities

Participate in hands-on activities aimed at preserving the natural wealth of Mount Royal. This season’s ESP will include activities to manage invasive plant species, as well as citizen science programs and other habitat restoration projects. By actively participating in these initiatives, you will be contributing to the park's conservation efforts. Our Conservation team members will also be on site throughout the summer, answering questions from the public at the mobile Conservation Matters kiosk.

 

Art and Culture

Les Amis de la montagne recognizes the significance of art and culture in fostering a deeper connection with nature. Throughout the spring and summer, our education staff will be manning the Paroles de paysages kiosks. The kiosks, whose themes highlight the landscapes, history and culture of Mount Royal, will be set up in Tiohtià:ke Otsira’kéhne Park on the Outremont Summit when it reopens, and on Olmsted Path near the Chalet on Saturday afternoons.

 

Visitors are also welcome to visit our permanent photography exhibition at Smith House. The Thousand Faces of Mount Royal: Olmsted, the Visionary draws a clear parallel between the designer's vision for Mount Royal Park and the way the park's visitors and users see it. All the photographs clearly show Olmsted's intent, whether they were taken long ago by famed photographer William Notman or posted more recently on Instagram.

Last, but not least, on Sunday, June 25, sharpen your pencils and come sketch on Mount Royal. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned artist, have fun and hone your skills in this special workshop with Urban Sketchers Montréal. The activity is free.

 

For the younger crowd

On June 26, Les Amis' day camp counsellors will welcome the first youngsters aged 6 to 12. As in previous years, places have sold like hot cakes, but we can still accommodate a few day campers in certain groups. In addition, we are innovating this year with a volunteer activity for the “older" youngsters, our Junior Counsellor Program! We are currently seeking to recruit young people who have completed at least Secondary III at the end of the 2022–2023 school year Visit our website for details. 

 

Or just relaxing and having fun…

Perhaps you’ve just taken part in one of our activities or you’re just visiting the park. Why not spend some time paddling around Beaver Lake? And while you're there, why not play a game of Mölkky (Finnish bowling) or Spikeball? The rowboats and games are available for rental on weekends for now, weather permitting, but will be available for rental seven days a week all summer, starting June 22nd. If all of these activities whet your appetite, the Café des Amis is always ready to welcome you with a quick meal, a drink or a sweet treat! And if your day was memorable, bring home a souvenir from our gift shops. 

 

Mount Royal and Les Amis de la montagne: a natural fit!