Call of the Wild
Mount Royal Edition

Ten years of green discoveries for the next generation on Mount Royal

September 30, 2025

There are anniversaries worth remembering, and this is certainly one of them: the Forest School of Les Amis de la montagne, in partnership with the City of Montréal, kicked off its tenth season on September 20. It’s often said that kids no longer know what a branch is—this is a perfect opportunity to prove otherwise, boots on and hats snug, as even the squirrels seem curious about the next generation at work.

It’s no surprise this program draws crowds: beyond simple fun, children learn to respect the environment, take responsibility, and develop observation skills.

The numbers speak for themselves: young people now spend more time in front of screens than among trees. Drawing inspiration from the renowned Forest School approach in Canada and Europe, the Forest School brings nature back to the heart of learning. Independence, creativity, risk management—all while keeping both feet firmly on the ground—are just some of the objectives for a generation that, rain or shine, discovers Mount Royal’s trails guided by environmental educators as passionate as a birder spotting a rare cardinal.

Little ones (ages 3 to 5) start exploring the park’s secrets through play: touching moss, sharing discoveries with adults who, themselves, often rediscover this “green lung.” Kids ages 5 to 8 tackle bigger challenges and deepen their knowledge of the forest’s fauna and flora, while those 8 to 12 become “junior ecosystem experts” for an afternoon.

It’s no surprise this program draws crowds: beyond simple fun, children learn to respect the environment, take responsibility, and develop observation skills—qualities many adults could stand to cultivate.

Dates and times

Saturdays, October 4 and 18, November 1 and 15, 2025
For ages 3–5: 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. (additional time slot may open, depending on demand)
For ages 5–8: 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. or 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
For ages 8–12: 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

To register or for more information: www.lemontroyal.qc.ca

Featured image d’entête : courtesy of Les amis de la montagne

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