Montreal, August 21, 2023 - Les Amis de la montagne is launching its fall program of activities designed to give Montrealers the opportunity to enjoy nature while raising their awareness of the issues affecting the green lung of the city: Mount Royal.
Combining new initiatives with the return of classics, the activities are geared to the general public, families, students and children's groups. The entire Montreal community is also invited to attend a day of celebration on Sunday, October 29, which will include the Prix du Mont-Royal award ceremony.
Public programming for curious Montrealers and tourists*
Several hikes are being offered this fall for those wishing to create or deepen their relationship with Mount Royal, whether as a family, alone or with friends. Four hikes for adults, offered several times throughout the season, will allow participants to explore different areas of the mountain, including the Piedmont and its remarkable trees, as well as experience the splendid sunsets at the summit of Mount Royal. A new, fun-filled hike will also enable families to discover the mountain's best-kept secrets.
Details and registration available here starting September 1
Group activities for the general public: francization groups, associations and corporate groups
A host of activities will be offered for adult groups in general, as well as for specific clienteles. Les Amis de la montagne is expanding its activities for newcomers enrolled in French-language classes. The De la Cité au Piedmont discovery walk, offered in partnership with the Musée des Hospitalières de l’Hôtel-Dieu de Montréal, tells the story of the park at a pace and with a vocabulary adapted to the group's language skills. With a rich historical component, the new activity is intended to mark the beginning of a long relationship between the mountain and new Montrealers.
Details and registration available here starting September 5
The Forest School: an unforgettable immersion experience
Every year since 2015 (except for a pause due to the pandemic), families with children aged 0 to 5 and/or kids aged 5 to 12 have spent several weekends of the season exploring nature and Mount Royal with the Forest School on the Mountain, a program created by Les Amis de la montagne. Inspired by the worldwide “Forest School” movement, the program stands out by the fact that it extends over a period of time and caters to the various interests and personalities of budding explorers.
Through a series of free or guided activities in small groups supervised by experienced educators, children not only forge lasting links with nature through the seasons, but also learn to love and want to protect it.
Almost all the groups filled up as soon as registration opened for the new season of the Forest School. There are still a few spots left in the 9- to 12-year-old group, so parents are urged to act fast!
Visit our website for details and to register
A host of activities for schools and children’s groups
A number of new activities for all age groups have been added to the already rich school program. Inspired by the Forest School, the discovery activity called The Wonders of Nature is designed for early childhood centres and daycares. Through immersion in nature, the activity draws on children's five senses and developmental points to encourage them to discover the natural elements around them.
In addition to a comprehensive program of activities geared to the first two cycles of primary school, Cycle 3 students will be able to participate in a new discovery walk called A Mountain that "Rocks". This geological hike is packed with team activities designed to teach kids about the development and geological history of the mountain. In keeping with the educational content of their cycle, youngsters will have fun learning about Mount Royal’s various rock types and formations.
Mount Royal, the Other Story is back after a break due to the pandemic, with reviewed content that encourages reflection on the role of the First Nations in our history and society. This activity is also available for Cycle 1 secondary students.
A new activity, the Orienteering Challenge, has also been added to the secondary school program. On this hike, participants use maps and compasses to observe their environment and find their way around, while learning about different areas of the mountain. This activity is offered to students in cycles 1 and 2.
Details and registration available here starting August 23
The entire fall program is available to non-educational youth groups, such as scouts.
The return of Seeds for the Future
After an absence of a few years, the Seeds for the Future initiative is making a comeback! Groups of students are monitored throughout the school year as they learn about and experience the complete life cycle of plants, through two outings on the mountain and classroom activities. This activity allows for more in-depth learning and is very popular with teachers. Offered exclusively to school groups. Places are limited.
Visit our website for details and to register
Cross-Country Ski School: more popular than ever
Last year, more than 225 young skiers aged 4 to 15 and 630 adults took advantage of our various courses on Mount Royal Park’s cross-country ski trails, and the Ski School promises to be just as popular again this year! Budding skiers are invited to keep an eye out for the opening date of registration in early October. Stay informed by subscribing to our newsletter and following us on social media.
Day of celebration on October 29
Lastly, Les Amis de la montagne is inviting members of the general public to celebrate Mount Royal and their commitment to it during a day rich in discovery and emotion. On October 29, Montrealers will be able to get their hands dirty by participating in environmental stewardship activities, be entertained and educated by attending a musical performance and a conference, and finally, attend the traditional Prix du Mont-Royal award ceremony, which is making a comeback on Mount Royal. Stay tuned for details!
For more information about Les Amis de la montagne’s fall program, please visit our website.
About Les Amis de la montagne
Founded in 1986, Les Amis de la montagne is a non-profit organization with the mission to protect and enhance Mount Royal through advocacy, community involvement, environmental education and stewardship. Through our actions, we aim to promote informed decision making in regard to Mount Royal’s continued sustainability and ensure that the protection of every aspect of the mountain is at the centre of discussions surrounding urban development in Montreal.
Mount Royal Park and Tiohtià:ke Otsira'kéhne Park
Mount Royal Park and Tiohtià:ke Otsira'kéhne Park are iconic areas encompassed within the Mount Royal Heritage Site. The activities and services provided there help raise the profile of the mountain’s natural and cultural heritage.
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Source:
Anaïs Légaré Morasse
Les Amis de la montagne
almorasse@lemontroyal.qc.ca
514 843-8240, ext. 241
*These activities are made possible with the support of the City of Montreal.
