Forest School on the Mountain

Let your kids play outside and enjoy nature! Our expert and dedicated team will make sure they have an unforgettable experience exploring the forest and developing a unique relationship with the mountain’s flora and fauna. This is a great opportunity for youngsters to develop their independence, motor skills and self-confidence, while learning about the importance of protecting their environment.

What’s more, health professionals everywhere are emphasizing the benefits of outdoor play on children’s mental health. So come get your fill of “green” vitamins on Mount Royal!

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

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The Groups

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!

Free Workshops Downtown

Workshop 1: How to dress for winter?

  • Date: Friday February 2, 2024
  • Time: 10 AM  to 12 PM
  • Meeting point: Innovation Youth - 2205 Rue Tupper
  • Available spots: 20

Workshop 2 (combined with Activity 1): How to get to Mount Royal?
*see information for Activity 1 below

Workshop 3: How to carry your child when hiking?

  • Date: Friday April 5, 2024
  • Time:  10 AM to 12 PM
  • Meeting point: CUSP - GN Swing Space - 1175 Rue St-Mathieu
  • Available spots: 20

Free Activities in Mount Royal Park

Activity 1 in Mount Royal Park (combined with Workshop 2)

  • Date: Thursday March 7, 2024
  • Time:  9 AM to 12 PM
  • Meeting point: CUSP - GN Swing Space - 1175 Rue St-Mathieu
    • *We will meet at CUSP at 9 a.m., and leave at 9:15 AM to catch the 165 bus to the Hillpark stop. We will walk up to the Beaver Lake Pavilion and start the activity at 10 a.m.
  • Available spots: 20

Activity 2 at Mount Royal Park

  • Date: Saturday April 13, 2024
  • Time: 9:30 AM  to 11:30 a.m.
  • Meeting point: Beaver Lake Pavilion - 2000 ch Remembrance 
  • Available spots: 20

Activity 3 at Mount Royal Park

  • Date: Saturday Mai 4, 2024
  • Time: 9:30 AM to 11:30 a.m.
  • Meeting point: Beaver Lake Pavilion - 2000 ch Remembrance
  • Available spots: 20

REGISTER HERE

Free Workshops in Outremont

Workshop 1: Carrying your child when hiking

  • Date: Sunday February 25, 2024
  • Time: 10 AM  to 12 PM
  • Meeting point: Robert Bourassa Library - 41 Av. Saint-Just
  • Available spots: 20

Workshop 2: Perineal health and returning to sport after childbirth

  • Date: Saturday April 13, 2024
  • Time: 4 PM to 5 PM
  • Meeting point: CCI d'Outremont - room 224 - 999 McEachran
  • Available spots: 20

Workshop 3: Tips and tricks for fitness sessions with children between 0 and 5 years old

  • Date: Saturday May 4, 2024
  • Time: 4 PM to 5 PM
  • Meeting point: CCI d'Outremont - room 224 - 999 McEachran
  • Available spots: 20

Free Activities in Tioktià:ke Otsira'kéhne Park

Activity 1 at Tioktià:ke Otsira'kéhne Park

Activity 2 at Tioktià:ke Otsira'kéhne Park

Activity 3 at Tioktià:ke Otsira'kéhne Park

REGISTER HERE

These activities are offered in partnership with the Table de quartier Peter-McGill, the Table Petite Enfance Outremont and Outremont en famille.

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.

RESERVATIONS OPEN ON FEBRUARY 29 AT 10AM! 

REGISTER YOUR KID HERE!

Ages 5 to 7

For children who are in kindergarten or Grade 1 during the 2023–2024 school year, and are 5 or 6 years old on September 30, 2023. No exceptions.

Saturday Morning Group

  • Date : Saturdays, March 23, April 13 and 27, May 11 and 25, 2024
  • Time: 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM
  • Meeting place for first session: Smith House, 1260 Remembrance Road
  • Places available: 12
  • Cost: $175

Saturday Afternoon Group

  • Dates: Saturdays, March 16, April 6 and 20, May 4 and 18, 2024
  • Time: 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM
  • Meeting place for first session: Smith House, 1260 Remembrance Road
  • Places available: 12
  • Cost: $175

Ages 7 to 9

For children who are in Grade 2 or 3 during the 2023–2024 school year, and are 7 or 8 years old on September 30, 2023.

Saturday Morning Group

  • Dates: Saturdays, March 16, April 6 and 20, May 4 and 18, 2024
  • Time: 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM
  • Meeting place for first session: Smith House, 1260 Remembrance Road
  • Places available: 14
  • Cost: $175

Saturday Afternoon Group

  • Date : Saturdays, March 23, April 13 and 27, May 11 and 25, 2024
  • Time: 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM
  • Meeting place for first session: Smith House, 1260 Remembrance Road
  • Places available: 14
  • Cost: $175

Ages 9 to 12

For children who are in Grade 4, 5 or 6 during the 2023–2024 school year, and are 9, 10 or 11 years old on September 30, 2023. 

Saturday Afternoon Group

  • Date : Saturdays, March 23, April 13 and 27, May 11 and 25, 2024
  • Time: 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM
  • Meeting place for first session: Smith House, 1260 Remembrance Road
  • Places available: 16
  • Cost: $175

How does registration work?

We use the registration system Amilia. If you already have an account, registration will be a breeze! 

After registration, to consult the details of your purchases and to modify them if needed, you must download the Amilia mobile application. For help, you can consult the How to use the Amilia app page.

I need help, are there any resources for me?
Is it too late to register my child? Are there spots available?

To check availability for the group you are interested in, please visit our reservation system, Amilia. It is always possible to sign up for a waiting list if the group you want is full.

How do I prepare my child for the activity?

The Parents’ Handbook contains a wealth of information about schedules and meeting points, as well as advice on what you should put in your child’s packsack for the day.

DOWNLOAD THE PARENTS' HANDBOOk 2024

What is the Forest School Movement?

Today’s children are spending less and less time outdoors and in nature, and are suffering the inevitable 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.

We also focus on the benefits of nature for young people in Canada; our health professionals launched parkprescriptions.ca to promote the health benefits of spending time in nature. 

The Forest School movement has taken root thanks to initiatives by parents and associations such as Child & Nature Alliance of Canada and Forest School Canada. Closer to home, daycare services have also adopted this approach by supporting the implementation of the Alex-éducation par la nature project. This teaching method AM to provide an immersive experience that allows children to develop strong emotional ties to their local natural environment and a healthy lifestyle, while fostering their overall development.

The many studies done on this approach highlight the importance of such issues as:

  • Creating an affective link with nature 
  • Exposing children in urban areas to nature
  • Introducing children to nature from a very early age
  • 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

Les Amis de la montagne’s Forest School on the Mountain 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 through the seasons and in all weather.

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

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

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

Can I bring my stroller to the weekend family activity?

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

Do you offer activities for organized children’s groups and schools?

Yes, visit our Activities for schools and children's groups page for details.

What is your Cancellation Policy?

To view the details of your registrations and to cancel them if needed, you must download the Amilia mobile application. For help, visit  the How to use the Amilia app page.

Note regarding cancellations: If you registered very recently, it may still be too early to cancel; you’ll need to wait until the transaction has been confirmed on your credit card  first. Therefore, we suggest you register your child for the desired camp week now (to guarantee a spot!), and then cancel the undesired reservation a few days later, as soon as it becomes possible in the system. Rest assured that you will be reimbursed for the amount paid without penalty.

The Consumer Protection Act applies.

  • Cancellation before camp begins: You must cancel your registration yourself using the Amilia mobile app. Since camp hasn’t started yet, you will receive a full refund.
    • Please note that it can take up to several days for the refund to appear on your credit card account. The amount will be automatically deposited in the same credit card account that was used for the initial registration.
  • Cancellation during camp: You must cancel your registration yourself using the Amilia mobile app.
    • A credit will be issued for the number of days of service already rendered, less 10% of the total price of the camp days you wish to cancel.
    • Please note that in the event of absence, no credit and no resumption of activity will be possible.

  • For general information about Forest School: Please email our Head of Forest School at ecoledelaforet@lemontroyal.qc.ca, or call us at 514-843-8240, ext 258. Please note that we answer emails first.
  • For questions about the reservation system or concerning a cancellation: Please email your question and phone number to reservations@lemontroyal.qc.ca, or call us at 514 843-8240, ext. 2.

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