Please enter your email and we'll send you a new password request code Please complete your profile to unlock commenting and other important features A view of someone overlooking Mont King in Val-David As the hues of autumn begin to paint the landscapes of Quebec with rich shades of red, orange, and gold, there's no better time to explore the province's natural wonders than to embark on a hike and catch the harvest magic up close For those who are eager to catch the fall foliage in Quebec, the province is home to many must-see spots and one hiking destination, in particular, offers views of the changing colours and a heart-shaped lake Located less than 90 minutes from Montreal is Mont King — a popular 6.9-kilometre hiking trail in Val-David The hike is considered to be a moderately challenging route that can take anywhere from two to two and a half hours to complete it's worth it for what awaits at the very top which stands at a max altitude of 473 metres you can bask in the glory of the surrounding lush forests showcasing the changing colours of the leaves as well as a heart-shaped lake below that comes from Lac Amigo enjoying some much-needed solitude during the quieter times of the day The trail is open year-round and is worth visiting anytime seasoned hikers recommended climbing up Mont King during the autumn season Fellow climbers on AllTrails noted how the hike is not marked too well and that there are many side paths that can lead you astray if you aren't paying attention. Therefore, it's recommended to use the online map to help navigate Mont King The hike begins at the parking site by chemin du Condor not to mention dogs can also participate but must be on a leash Parc Regional de Val-David et Val-Morin website This article has been updated since it was originally published in November 2023 writer and video producer for MTL Blog & Narcity You might recognize him from bylines in Men's Health Mike's work has also appeared on the 'Real Housewives' and 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' When Mike isn't typing away listening to one of Mariah Carey's 19 number-one hits or creating content @mikechaar Your free account has now been created. 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Resend email verification from Millla let's take a deeper dive into 8 of these places that could certainly be described as quirky Baie-Saint-Paul is one of Quebec’s quirkiest towns and is celebrated mainly for its gorgeous location at the mouth of the St As the original home of the renowned Cirque du Soleil Baie-Saint-Paul is famous as a place that has fostered creativity for many decades at this point This town of around 7,000 residents is also known for its colorful houses making it an excellent getaway for those who love the arts Visitors should check out said local galleries like Iris Art Gallery and Galerie d'art Beauchamp or explore the artistic history of the town more in-depth at the Baie-Saint-Paul Museum of Contemporary Art Baie-Saint-Paul also hosts the annual Rêves d’Automne Festival where art and culture intertwine in a celebration featuring vendors and fun activities for the whole family Surrounded by mountainous landscapes and hiking trails as well the town appeals to outdoor enthusiasts as much as it does to art lovers as Gouffre Park is just steps north of downtown along the Gouffre River and contains several trails that are perfect for a leisurely walk in the countryside Located on the shores of Lake Memphremagog Magog is renowned for its extensive waterfront which features a scenic boardwalk lined with cafes visitors can rent kayaks or launch their own boats off of one of many docks or embark on a cycling trip along the surrounding network of trails Magog is also home to the picturesque Parc de la Baie The nearby Mont Orford National Park is a short drive north of town and contains lengthier trails that lead to a number of lakes The town’s history can be learned about at destinations such as the Maison Merry or get a taste of the local art scene at the Musee International D'Art Naif Val-David, a village in the Laurentian Mountains north of Montreal is an absolute gem known for its offbeat vibe this town of around 5,200 residents is the place to go for an unconventional experience in the wild of Quebec Celebrations like the annual 1001 Pots festival where over a thousand unique ceramic works are displayed across a large outdoor space are a must-see Val-David is also known for its health retreats and wellness centers in case you were looking to destress with something a little more potent than just art The Auberge et Spa Beaux Rêves and the Hôtel Spa Watel are just two of the great places nearby to see for a relaxing getaway To explore the wilds of the Laurentian region there are several parks close by to check out which provides you with scenic hiking trails and places to go rock-climbing The Gaspé Peninsula is an enchanting area of Quebec, best known for the iconic Percé Rock a massive limestone formation rising dramatically from the Gulf of St This natural wonder is one of Quebec’s most photographed landmarks and can be admired from various vantage points along the shoreline Visitors can also take boat tours to get up close to the rock and explore nearby Bonaventure Island a birdwatcher’s paradise known for its colony of northern gannets Perce is one of the closest towns to stay in a night or two in this oceanside town is often warranted for anyone visiting the region For those looking to explore more of the surrounding nature Percé is the gateway to a number of excellent hiking trails including those in Parc national de l’Île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé where visitors can observe wildlife and enjoy panoramic ocean views at the very tip of the Gaspé Peninsula This town near the city of Laval is a popular destination for both summer and winter activities Saint-Sauveur is famous for its top-notch ski resorts most notably the Ski Mont Habitant which skirts the edge of town The vibrant après-ski scene that can be found here features numerous restaurants and shops giving you a way to warm up before or after a day on the slopes the scenic trails located within the same ski hills mean that hiking and mountain biking take over as the most popular activities in and around Saint-Sauveur the nearby Lac Saint-Sauveur provides a place for swimming and boating too Saint-Sauveur also hosts several festivals throughout the year including the popular Saint-Sauveur International Film Festival and a robust celebration of Christmas in which an intricate Christmas village is constructed dowtown that is open for the whole family to explore Sutton is a charming town in southeastern Quebec near the Vermont border This community of around 4,500 residents is nestled in the foothills of the Green Mountains making it an ideal place to stay for a ski trip in the winter or a kickoff point for an adventure in the surrounding woods during the warmer months Dowtown Sutton is a cozy place to be and features all the amenities one could want during a visit to this somewhat remote area like hotels and several delicious restaurants and cafes along the central Principale Nord Street The Museum of Communications and History is another place to visit in town that showcases artifacts from the area and hosts a rotation of exhibitions A must-see annual event in Sutton is “Fête des Neiges,” a winter festival that celebrates all things snowy with ice sculptures located within the town of Brome Lake in the Eastern Townships is a quaint village with some interesting historical locales and is surrounded by natural beauty Lac Brome is clearly a huge draw to the town while the Lac-Brome Museum is housed in a heritage building that has been preserved since the 1800s and now houses several interesting exhibits the Réserve Naturelle Quilliams-Durrull is a wonderful wilderness preserve on the northern shore of the lake Knowlton hosts several community events throughout the year, including the annual Knowlton Midnight Madness, which adds a touch of Christmas spirit to the regular farmer's markets that are held weekly in town you can sample wines from any of the tasting booths set up by local wineries and browse through the dozens of other vendors Be sure to learn more at the Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre where you can take a deep look into the region’s marine life and ecosystems The town's historical significance is notable, with its roots as one of Canada’s earliest European settlements is the oldest wooden church in Canada and a must-see for history enthusiasts For a nice hiker in this wild and wonderful region of Quebec the nearby Saguenay Fjord National Park contains several striking cliffside trails and scenic vistas over the massive fjord located at the confluence of the Éternité River and the Saguenay River about a 2-hour drive north of Tadoussac From Montreal to the mouth of the Saint Lawrence River on the Atlantic coast there is no shortage of whimsical places to visit in Quebec Whether you are looking for whales around Tadoussac or walking amongst the outdoor murals of Baie-Saint-Paul you can truly embark on a memorable trip in La Belle Province How many of these quirky towns have you heard of? Which ones do you think could spice up a road trip through Canad'as biggest French-speaking province? All maps, graphics, flags, photos and original descriptions © 2025 worldatlas.com This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. The action you just performed triggered the security solution. There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data. You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page. You will also start receiving the Star's free morning newsletter, First Up, soon. In Val-David in the Laurentians, the former lakefront hotel, La Sapinière, now stands by the field of tall grass that has replaced the lake. PHOTO ALAIN ROBERGE, LA PRESSE Val-David’s decision to block a resort project in favour of building a school had cascading consequences for the village in the Laurentians: a nearly century-old lake dried up and millions of dollars are pending in lawsuits. Val-David’s decision to block a resort project in favour of building a school had cascading consequences for the village in the Laurentians: a nearly century-old lake dried up and millions of dollars are pending in lawsuits. Lac La Sapinière and the hotel of the same name, which stands on its shores, have been part of the landscape of the village of Val-David, in the Laurentians, for almost 100 years. La Presse was interested to learn, through a letter from a local resident, that the lake had dried up because the dam holding the water was not being fixed. Whose fault was it? Who should renovate the dam? How can the lake be restored? These are all questions subject to bitter debate in Val-David, La Presse learned. But the fate of the lake is only one consequence of a much deeper debate dividing the village of 5,400 inhabitants: after having approved a plan to reopen the hotel La Sapinière, the municipality chose to block the project to balance economic development and the needs of the community. On May 11, 2018, Quebec announced a $4.25 million grant for a tourism development project at the La Sapinière hotel site, acquired four years earlier by Diane Beaudry, near the Val-David – Val-Morin regional park nature reserve. “It is to preserve the historical heritage of La Sapinière that the municipality supports the developers in shaping this project, which will help energize and promote our beautiful village,” Kathy Poulin, Val-David’s mayor, said at the time, accompanied by Beaudry and Julie Boulet, then minister of tourism. After four years of planning, La Sapinière hotel, closed in 2013, would be reborn as a health and wellness resort, including spa treatments, yoga, meditation, hiking, cross-country skiing and a thorough gastronomic experience. An investment of $16 million that would create 70 jobs. Beaudry, who paid $1.6 million for the estate in 2014, next planned to build 72 small chalets. “They left us two small parks, the lake and the dam. I was in shock,“ Beaudry said, from her home in Sainte-Agathe. ”I had no warning.“ What happened between May 11, 2018, and Jan. 21, 2020? Beaudry, a chartered accountant actively involved on several boards of directors, said she had done her part. She obtained $4 million in funding from Investissement Québec, in addition to a grant of $1.7 million from the Ministry of Tourism, a financing offer of $1.5 million from the Development Bank of Canada and a loan of $750,000 from Canada Economic Development. Meanwhile, a school project had gained momentum in Val-David. Initially planned for 18 classes, the future primary school increased to 24 classes and grew to a regional dimension. The municipality chose the land around La Sapinière, near the heart of the village, as the ideal location. “It was the only land that perfectly met the requirements of the Ministry of Education,” Poulin said. “This is what we believe. I don’t have any documents to prove it. But it is what came out of our discussions at the time.” “In an ideal world, we could have discussed and moved forward with the tests and come to an agreement in advance. But we have to protect the municipality. At the time, it was not at all certain that the $30-million school project was going to come to Val-David,” she added. It is not the first time a municipality had to choose between an economic project and fulfilling community needs. Val-David, like many small villages, is fighting to attract young families. But their approach raises some questions: a land reserve imposed without notice, followed eight months later by an expropriation notice for some of the land. Finally, a special planning program (SPP) for the La Sapinière region, with public consultations on the use of the land that still belongs to Beaudry. The SPP will divide the area into several zones, determine the activities permitted in each zone and define the type of buildings to be built, the natural environments to be preserved and the architectural elements to be respected. “I never thought, at the start, that we could put a reserve on private land and, after that, ask citizens what they want to do with that land,” Beaudry said. “Come on! The project was approved.” The prospect of a new school right next door is jeopardizing her plans: the noise and traffic interferes with being a place dedicated to calm and relaxation, and the reduced land deprives the project of the space it needs for future expansion. The municipality, however, believes that the new school will be far enough from the old hotel to avoid interfering with Beaudry’s plans. “From the start, we invited her to collaborate with us, to make arrangements so that the two projects are compatible, that the development project is compatible with the school project,” Poulin said. But the planning program’s documents, designed over the past year on land almost entirely owned by Beaudry, say the opposite. They even mention the demolition of the old hotel, a heritage gem, and its replacement by a simple symbolic reminder. They also outline further expropriation to build a seniors’ home, a community centre or affordable housing. A study could be required to investigate the current condition of the hotel building, which has not been heated since the spring of 2020, and to assess the costs of its restoration or partial or complete destruction by the owner. In this context, Beaudry fails to see how she could carry out her project. “It won’t happen,” she said. “Not in Val-David.” The case is now before the courts. Beaudry argued that the town cannot expropriate part of the land and leave her with a portion whose development is compromised. On July 12, she filed a request for expropriation of the entire estate, also claiming $5.4 million in damages, to compensate the funding involved and the loss of income. “They tell me: ‘We are putting a reserve on your house and your land.’ Then, after that, they say: ‘You know what, your house, we don’t want it because it’s too expensive to fix it, we’ll just take your courtyard. But don’t worry, your courtyard, we love it. It will become a municipal swimming pool,’” Beaudry said. “And then come the people who say: ‘I want to go there and play in your swimming pool.’” The expropriation of the land around La Sapinière could cost Val-David dearly. “We are in the process of having the land evaluated,” Beaudry said. The exact sum is not yet known, but it would be much more than the $129,000 the municipality offered for the 47,000-square-metre area expropriated for the school, to which is added $1,000 in compensation. It is difficult to assess the quality of this assessment, made by an appraiser hired by the municipality – the land value of properties in Val-David is often three, four or five times higher than the $2.74 per square metre offered in this case. In addition, the amount paid for an expropriation must consider the sums invested by the owner, the inconvenience suffered and the potential loss of income. A settlement that tilts in the complainant’s favour could place a heavy burden on a village with a 2021 budget of just $10.5 million. Recently, in another expropriation case, the court ordered the government of Quebec to expropriate an entire shopping centre for the extension of Montreal’s blue line metro, even though it only wanted a third of the land. The final cost, $115 million, was four times higher than expected. “Ms. Beaudry’s situation is special given the history of the case,” said Pierre Goudreau, president of the Quebec’s Order of Chartered Appraisers, who is assisting Beaudry in the case. “Her project was not secret, it was known to everyone, including the council.“ Goudreau added that municipalities do not always realize the impact of their decisions on the expropriated. “Did they really analyse all other possibilities for a school? Across the region, it is almost impossible that there is no another land available that would not affect a project like Ms. Beaudry’s,” he said. Will this affair be at the heart of the municipal election campaign? If so, Poulin will not be there to discuss it: she decided not to seek another term in office, citing a social climate that is too tense. “It’s a disaster. Every time I see the vegetation growing, I think to myself: what is going to happen?” Isabelle Boudreau lived by the artificial La Sapinière lake, created in 1933 by Léonidas Dufresne, the founder of the La Sapinière hotel, for three years. But the lake dried last summer for the first time in its history. Now, the pool of mud from in the spring has given way to fields – to the point where visitors are surprised to see lounge chairs and docks on the edge of a vacant lot through which the Doncaster stream flows. It is unclear if the lake will be restored. Until this year, her partner Normand Therrien installed the dam to fill the lake after the snow melted. He also emptied the lake as winter approached, to prevent spring flooding due to the strong flow of the stream. “The Ministry of the Environment sent us a letter saying, ‘Do not put water in the lake until an engineer has come to see it.’ I listened. I didn’t let water in, that’s all,” Therrien said. The municipality, however, has been procrastinating for months. “The lake, it’s such a shame,” said Poulin. “Those who are going to buy this are going to have to maintain it,” she added, referring to the dam. In early summer, lakefront property owners circulated a petition asking the municipality to acquire the aging infrastructure. Even the owner, Diane Beaudry, signed. But, Poulin said, it’s not that simple. “You have to determine which expenses can be paid for by the general population and which can be paid for by the people who benefit from the dam,” she said. “There is a large part of the cost that must be paid by those who benefit from the infrastructure, the lakeside property owners. Do they agree to take charge of this? There are only 16 or 17 of them. We are gathering information.” In the meantime, is the empty lake a disaster for the village? “It depends on who you talk to,” Poulin said. “Certainly, for the waterfront property owners it is a disaster because they lost a lake.” “But Val-David being Val-David, with people who have fairly advanced environmental thinking, we are starting to hear that people want it to stay natural,” she added. “It’s an issue because the lake is part of the heritage of the village and of the landscape. There are several things to consider. There are people, too, with houses that were on the edge of a lake until not long ago.” The documents for the special planning program (SPP) for the La Sapinière region, which is in the process of being adopted, raise the question of offering access to the private lake through the development of a public beach or a boat ramp. There is no mention of leaving the lake as a stream. “We didn’t think about it because the SPP was developed when there was water in the lake. If we ever have to ask ourselves whether or not we fill the lake, we will have to have a debate,“ Poulin said. Boudreau, for her part, refuses to believe that the lake could disappear. “If they did not put water in the lake, they would have to change all the maps,” she said. Her neighbour, Claude Savard, also misses the lake. “It’s as if the landscape was undone,” he said. “We’ve been here for years and years, and we don’t understand what’s going on.” Your browser is out of date and potentially vulnerable to security risks.We recommend switching to one of the following browsers: Account processing issue - the email address may already exist Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in. Invalid password or account does not exist Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password. An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the email address listed on your account. ‘I spent the most bizarre five months of my entire life with Val Kilmer,’ the ‘Harry Potter’ star said I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice David Thewlis has recalled the “spectacularly bleak and awful” five months he spent with the ‘extraordinary” Val Kilmer, who has died aged 65 The Harry Potter star, whose credits include Mike Leigh’s Naked and the Fargo TV series, paid tribute to Kilmer, whose death from pneumonia was announced on Wednesday (2 April). Thewlis starred alongside Kilmer and Marlon Brando in the 1996 HG Wells adaptation of The Island of Dr Moreau, whose production was famously troubled. Director John Frankenheimer was brought on board a week into filming after the original director was let go and Brando refused to come to set on multiple occasions, leaving the crew in limbo. It’s been reported that Kilmer spent his time on set bullying cast and crew, later attributing his behaviour to being served divorce papers by his ex Joanne Whalley, with whom he had two children. Frankenheimer reportedly said: “There are two things I will never ever do in my whole life. The first is that I will never climb Mount Everest. The second is that I will never work with Val Kilmer ever again.” Thewlis addressed his time working on the film in his tribute, writing: “I spent the most bizarre five months of my entire life with Val Kilmer, out in the Australian rainforest, on the ill fated Island of Dr Moreau.” He continued: “It was so spectacularly bleak and awful it was almost wonderful. Look it up sometime.” The actor suggested he remained in touch with Kilmer long after the film was released, with the Top Gun and Batman Forever star writing in his “final mail” to Thewlis: “What an incredible story we lived, you and I. One of the greatest.” New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled. ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. In an odd twist of fate, Kilmer’s death occurred while Thewilis was back Down Under. “Bittersweet to be back here in Australia and hear the heartbreaking news. He was one of the most extraordinary people I have ever met. Proud to have called him a friend and co-conspirator.” Kilmer’s death comes after several health struggles, which were documented in the 2021 film Val. He was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2015 and lost his voice after undergoing a tracheotomy. The actor initially kept the diagnosis private, but came forward with his story to spread awareness of the disease. News of his death from pneumonia was announced by daughter, Mercedes. Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Yann Gauthier recently dusted off a five-pitch route in Val-David called Ambiance, which was first climbed in the 1980s but mostly forgotten over the years. It follows solid granite up traverses, short vertical walls and exposed climbing at the top of Mont King. The 15-minute film includes an interview with Quebec legend Benoit Dubé. A post shared by Yg (@grimpepartout) Get the digital edition of Gripped for your chosen platform: Want to enjoy what Montreal's surroundings have to offer in winter Here are some villages within 2 hours of the city to satisfy your roadtrip cravings A post shared by Tremblant (@monttremblant) Mont Tremblant is more than just a renowned ski destination It’s a lively tableau where the cobbled streets of the village invite you to take a delightful stroll enjoying an exquisite meal in a cozy restaurant or taking a moment to relax at the Fairmont Tremblant spa Mont Tremblant is a continuous Be our guest A post shared by Parc Val-David Val-Morin (@parcvdvm) Val David is a delight for creative souls and nature lovers alike is the scene of an exquisite artistic and outdoor life Imagine yourself paddling the Rivière du Nord in summer or hurtling down snow-covered slopes in winter where every street corner tells the story of a love affair with nature A post shared by Fabien Esnault (@tifabeno) Saint Donat is a natural haven where winter reveals all its splendor or perhaps plunging into the cool waters of a frozen lake It’s a peaceful village where nature reigns supreme and where cosy chalets invite you to get together with friends A post shared by Parc Val-David Val-Morin (@parcvdvm) Val Morin offers a haven in the heart of winter Imagine yourself wrapped in a blanket in front of a crackling fire after a day’s skiing or snowshoeing Val Morin is the ideal haven where every activity becomes an ode to serenity A post shared by Ville de Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts (@ville_sadm) Sainte Agathe des Monts reveals its charm between Lac des Sables and the imposing Laurentians Imagine yourself gliding down the track on the P’tit Train du Nord or enjoying a tasty meal in a cosy restaurant Sainte Agathe is the perfect marriage of leisure A post shared by Cornwall Tourism (@cornwalltourism) Cornwall offers an unexpected urban experience Imagine strolling through trendy boutiques or venturing along picturesque waterfront paths Cornwall is an encounter between the urban and the natural where every street corner hides a surprise Best in Travel is here! Discover 2025’s destinations The 30 best countries, cities and regions to visit in 2025 Plan your trip with Elsewhere, by Lonely Planet See where a Lonely Planet Membership takes you Subscribe to our weekly newsletters to get the latest travel news, expert advice, and insider recommendations Explore the world with our detailed, insightful guidebooks Stay ahead of the curve with our guidebooks Uncover exciting new ways to explore iconic destinations Every month, we release new books into the wild Search Search Close search menu Explore Best in Travel 2024 Africa Close menu Countries Antarctica Antarctica Close menu Regions Asia Asia Close menu Countries Australia & the Pacific Australia & the Pacific Close menu Countries The Caribbean The Caribbean Close menu Countries Central America Central America Close menu Countries Europe Europe Close menu Countries Middle East Middle East Close menu Countries North America North America Close menu Countries South America South America Close menu Countries Tear yourself away from the charms of Montréal and explore the stunning landscapes of Québec on a day trip Montréal may be packed with urban delights like a thriving culture and nightlife scene, but it also boasts beautiful city parks and bracing hikes up local favorite, Mont-Royal But even with all these green spaces amidst the chic and bustling streets sometimes it's fun to head beyond the city limits on a day trip Trains and buses will get you to a few places but a rental car will give you freedom and flexibility as you explore lush forests and pockets of Québec culture If you get a little peckish along the way make like a true local and stop for poutine (French fries squeaky cheese curds and flavorful gravy) from a casse-croûte (fry shack) Tear yourself away for just a few hours on our favorite day trips from Montréal Québec might not be known for its wine (yet) but Les Cantons de l’Est (Eastern Townships) region is doing its best to change that dotted with cute cottages similar to what you’ll find in New England is home to a number of wineries pushing the boundaries of what we can expect from Canadian wine One particularly notable spot is Clos Saragnat, whose owner invented ice cider – similar to ice wine – and offers tastings. Other great wineries to do tastings at include Vignoble du Ruisseau and Vignoble de l’Orpailleur The Eastern Townships is also home to great microbreweries like Brasserie Dunham and gourmet food producers such as Le Musée du Chocolat in Bromont. Further east, meet monks at the Trappist monastery Abbaye de Saint-Benoît-du-Lac and taste their delicious cheeses How to get to the Eastern Townships from Montréal: Drive southeast over the Samuel de Champlain Bridge and on Hwy 10 to the Townships Some villages worth visiting include Sutton The park also has canoes and stand-up paddleboards for rent as well as cross-country skiing trails in winter How to get to Parc National du Mont-St-Bruno from Montréal: Drive over the Samuel de Champlain Bridge and take Ave de l’Acier take a bus from Terminus Radisson Sud and change at Terminus Sainte-Julie The sap is collected and cooked down into Québec’s liquid gold – maple syrup Québécois celebrate syrup season (late February through April) by feasting on traditional food bathed in the sweet stuff at a cabane à sucre (sugar shack) tourtière (meat pie) with homemade ketchup oreilles de crisse (literally meaning Christ’s ears but referring to fried pork rinds) all with plenty of maple syrup to drizzle on top of everything It’s also fun to roll the syrup in snow and lick it like a popsicle. You can find sugar shacks on the outskirts of Montréal and across southern Québec, but a dependable option close to the city is Sucrerie de la Montagne in Rigaud How to get to Sucrerie de la Montagne from Montréal: Drive west on Hwy 40 and turn off the exit to Riguad shop-filled town that’s also a gateway for adventure sports For a family-friendly experience, À l’Abordage rents out kayaks to meander down the river before setting you up with a cruiser bike to tackle the rails-to-trails Le P’tit Train du Nord bike path back to Val-David There are other places to rent kayaks and bikes as well if you plan to stay out longer or do something more adventurous On the edge of town, Parc Régional de Val-David - Val-Morin is a go-to for rock climbers with hundreds of traditional and bouldering routes How to get to Val-David from Montréal: Take Hwy 15 north or make it an adventure and cycle Le P’tit Train du Nord In summer, Mont-Tremblant transforms into a playground for hiking, mountain biking, kayaking and golfing. Visit nearby Parc National du Mont-Tremblant for an escape to the wilderness – it’s a lot of fun to explore by canoe How to get to Mont-Tremblant from Montréal: Drive north on Hwy 15 until you get to the resort town. There are a few buses from the town of Saint-Jérôme Canada’s vast wilderness is graced with the presence of caribou, moose, elk, bears and many more majestic species, but the chances of running into them in the wild are slim. That’s where Parc Oméga comes in. The reserve protects hundreds of species of Canadian mammals while holding a careful equilibrium that protects the animals, the natural habitat and the humans who visit. Drive your car slowly through the entrance, and you’ll soon be greeted by dozens of gigantic elk. Buy a big bag of carrots to bring with you and stick one out the window – don’t worry, the beautiful beasts are gentle. The tour continues past caribou, ibex, wolves, cinnamon bears and more, and there’s a farm where you can get out and walk around with deer. How to get to Parc Oméga from Montréal: It’s located north of Montebello, roughly halfway between Montréal and Ottawa on the Québec side. You’ll need your own vehicle to do the tour. The 'Dr Moreau' shoot was notoriously full of problems including Kilmer's on-set clashes with co-star Marlon Brando and director John Frankenheimer David Thewlis has shared his tribute to his The Island of Dr Moreau co-star Val Kilmer, who died earlier this week aged 65 The Batman Forever actor passed away on Tuesday (April 1) after a battle with pneumonia, as confirmed by his daughter Mercedes. Kilmer had been diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014 Amongst his filmography is the 1996 film The Island of Dr Moreau which saw Kilmer and Thewlis star alongside Marlon Brando in one of his final film roles Its production was notoriously rife with problems not least Kilmer’s frequent clashes with Brando and director John Frankenheimer Reflecting on his time spent with Kilmer, Thewlis shared an Instagram post in tribute to his fallen friend. “I spent the most bizarre 5 months of my entire life with Val Kilmer, out in the Australian rainforest, on the ill fated Island of Dr Moreau,” he wrote. Fairuza Balk and David Thewlis in a scene from ‘The Island Of Dr. Moreau’. CREDIT: New Line/Getty Images “It was so spectacularly bleak and awful it was almost wonderful. Look it up sometime. As Val wrote in his final mail to me: ‘What an incredible story we lived, you and I. One of the greatest.'” Thewlis added that he learned of Kilmer’s death while back in Australia: “He was one of the most extraordinary people I have ever met. Proud to have called him a friend and co-conspirator.” A post shared by David Thewlis (@officialdavidthewlis) Per Deadline television writer Matt Corman – who previously worked as Kilmer’s personal assistant and researcher – recently shared that the stories about the Dr Moreau shoot is true and that “it was bonkers” his time spent with Kilmer there revealed “how funny Val was” recalling a moment in his Australia home when Kilmer eased tensions between the two by performing a mimed routine with flattened cigarettes “Was Val performing this display because he felt bad about yelling at me or because the bent cigarette was just too great a prop to pass up?” Corman wrote an entire production put on for my amusement alone it was over much faster than I would have liked.” On Tuesday, tributes poured in from Kilmer’s Hollywood contemporaries and friends. In a statement to The Hollywood Reporter “While working with Val on Heat I always marvelled at the range the brilliant variability within the powerful current of Val’s possessing and expressing character After so many years of Val battling disease and maintaining his spirit Tributes also came in from actor Josh Brolin Stranger Things actor Matthew Modine said “If it wasn’t for our chance encounter at the Source in 1985 I may never have been cast in FULL METAL JACKET Oscar nominee Ralph Fiennes shared an image from their 1998 animated film The Prince Of Egypt along with a tribute The world’s defining voice in music and pop culture: breaking what’s new and what’s next since 1952 La Table des Gourmets first opened in 2014 in Val David and is now offering its excellent cuisine to the booming gourmet scene in Quebec City The story behind choosing this name goes back to France: “When we were in Vannes we had a restaurant called La Table des Gourmets we spent some time searching for the right name which brings back so many wonderful memories’?” And the owners even brought their Vannes menus to their Val David restaurant “When we decided to close La Porte in Montreal we really didn’t know where to go next in the city so we were unsure of what neighbourhood to choose we would be coming to the markets in Val David so for us it was a natural progression.” and it’s easy to feel at home with the couple The interior is the inspiration and creation of Bruno Brown the interior designer who also designed La Porte La Table des Gourmets offers market cuisine defined by additional gastronomic touches “We don’t work with big producers we also include elements reflecting our own identities We have created a menu that we ourselves love a menu we believe our customers will also love thanks to Pascale who is behind the selection and these will please the palates of anyone looking for some good wine-meal pairings “This is our place, our home, our family history. We are a family restaurant, we work together with our son who plays an integral part in the restaurant. It’s a good feeling and it reflects who we are!”  Absolutely. Coming here is like dropping in on a friend who can cook extremely well, and who has mastered the art of hosting guests. Tastet wishes La Table des Gourmets much success in Val David Joe Beef’s famous lobster spaghetti is one of the most iconic dishes in Montreal Pizzaiolo Mirko D’Agata from No.900 pizzerias took 1st place at the International Pizza Challenge in Las Vegas Le critique culinaire de renom a 30+ ans d'expertise et est l'inspiration derrière Tastet co-chef and co-owner of Mon Lapin and Rôtisserie La Lune — meet one of the most exciting chefs to discover Janice Tiefenbach is the head chef at Elena named the third best new restaurant in Canada by En Route magazine We’ve put together a list of all good spots where you can find it to enjoy at home or in a restaurant Below are five fun trad routes up to 5.10 to add to your tick-list this fall A three-pitch 5.4 up the most obvious wall on Mont Césaire right off the trail The belays are bolted and there are a number of variations Start up a left-facing corner and head up fun climbing to the final crack This is one of the most old-school feeling routes in Val-David found on Mont King It’s a three-pitch route that gives you an airy vibe when traversing out onto the main face You head up a long slab first-pitch to a ledge following the curving wall and crack to a ledge One of the most obvious cracks found at a popular section of Mont King The one-pitch 5.9 climbs a splitter crack with small features on the edges and face that make the climbing less intimidating You can continue up and left into The Crown a pumpy 5.9 that takes you to the top of the crag You can rappel in from the top or link it with Sceptre but this is one of the most exposed pitches at Val-David at the grade It follows a steep and crooked crack up the featured headwall to the top of Mont King The final moves before the lip are some of the best jams you’ll get this high above the forest in the area this 5.9 is one of the most stout and classic in the park This stiff-for-the-grade route follows a nice line for about 30 metres up the Staircase Wall You get great jams and awkward face moves throughout L’Épicurieux is a charming spot in Val-David that offers creative cuisine while highlighting the freshness of Quebec products Originally from the Laurentian region, l’Épicurieux’s three owners Fanny Ducharme (formerly Cabane à sucre Au pied de cochon) Maxime Laverdure and Dominic Tougas wanted to open an establishment where they could celebrate the art of good food and drink With the desire to share the joys of savouring fresh and local ingredients the team joined forces to open l’Épicurieux in June 2016 L’Épicurieux can be found in a discreet location in front of the Rivière-du-Nord and the friendly atmosphere make for a comforting ambience; this tangible comfort makes you feel welcomed as a guest into the owners’ home Fanny puts her creativity to work to create fresh dishes designed to be shared Inspired by traditional comfort food recipes the chef brilliantly manages to serve audacious yet humble dishes there are over a dozen delicate and extremely tasty dishes and tender piglet from Gaspor Farms served with cauliflower Each one of Fanny’s dishes are intelligently designed and beautifully presented; they also put the spotlight on local vegetables l’Épicurieux offers an elaborate wine list on which you will find several beautiful The place also puts forward some original signature cocktails and other classics L’Épicurieux is a fantastic choice in Val-David to discover delicious local and creative cuisine Val-David is one of Canada’s most historical and popular crags with dozens of classic trad and sport routes at all grades A new 5.12+ has been added to the right side of La Bleue wall It starts off a ledge and follows bolts up and left into an old aid route Watch Gauthier send L’Offusqué des Temps Modernes below Some Val-David History: One of the earliest routes done at Val-David was by Swiss climber John Brett an engineer living in Montreal in the late 1920s he visited the trails around Val-David in 1928 and found the walls had a lot of climbing potential he climbed the first recorded rock climb in Quebec and called it La Valse including Fatman’s Misery and Valse Normale German American climber Fritz Wiessner heard about the potential at Val-David and visited John Brett in 1949 Wiessner had attempted K2 and opened some of the hardest free routes in the U.S.A. Wiessner set a new standard at Val-David when he made the first ascent of L’Imperiale Dick Willmott climbed a direct variation at 5.10a “I can confirm that Wiessner’s route L’Imperiale s a very hard and serious route Al Long and I seemed to be climbing pretty well during a visit to the Val-David climbing areas but were stopped cold by L’Imperiale though had little trouble with the supposedly harder ‘direct’ put up by Turner or one of his compatriots a decade or so later Though Canadian John Brett was apparantly the first to climb on the Val David crags it was Wiessner’s subsequent visits that really began the development of the area and of rock climbing in general in Quebec.” Le Toit de Ben at Val-David is one of Canada’s most famous roof cracks It was first climbed by aid in 1958 by Bernard Poisson and Erwin Hogson The first free ascent of the 10-metre horizontal crack was in 1987 by Quebec climber Francois Roy Canadian Nathalie Malo ticked the first female ascent of the burly climb Some of the first rock climbs done in Canada were in Quebec over 80 years ago. As we head into 2020, climbers now have everything from V13 boulders to project, WI6 ice lines to climb and A4 big walls to epic on. However, it was near the town of Val-David that rock climbing in the province was born. Over the years, many historical moments have played out on the walls and boulders at the famous climbing area and below are only a few of the many noteworthy climbs. A post shared by Gripped Magazine (@grippedmagazine) Swiss climber John Brett was an engineer living in Montreal in the late 1920s he visited the trails around Val-David in 1928 and found the many granite walls including Fatman’s Misery and Valse Normale the Montreal section of the Alpine Club of Canada was formed and the first meeting took place at John Brett’s home More climbs were opened over the next few years in Val-David a Mexican climber attending McGill University The Montreal Section became the must-join club if you wanted to be a climber and it grew by the dozens over the next few decades Wiessner set a new standard at Val-David when he made the first ascent of L’Imperiale “I can confirm that Wiessner’s route L’Imperiale s a very hard and serious route Al Long and I seemed to be climbing pretty well during a visit to the Val-David climbing areas but were stopped cold by L’Imperiale though had little trouble with the supposedly harder ‘direct’ put up by Turner or one of his compatriots a decade or so later “Though Canadian John Brett was apparantly the first to climb on the Val David crags it was Wiessner’s subsequent visits that really began the development of the area and of rock climbing in general in Quebec.” Le Toit de Ben is one of Canada’s most famous roof cracks It’s been repeated by many top climbers La Zébrée is a steep crack climb on Mont King which is one of Canada’s hardest trad routes at 5.14a Crack master Jean-Pierre Ouellet made the first redpoint He climbed it with a pre-placed first piece and then Sylvain Masse freed it while placing all of the gear on lead, including the first piece. Read the full story about La Zébrée here Yves Gravelle has made the first ascent of Le Chevalet V13 in Val-David it’s the first of the grade in the historic area “Just sent my longest standing project in Val David… six years of hard work Gravelle has ticked a number of hard problems in the past including the first ascent of Certified Gangsta V13 in Edelweiss Valley Watch Gravelle on his new hard looking new Val-David climb below The owner says that her identity as a transgender woman also may have made her a target The owner of a vegan restaurant in the Laurentian town of Val-David says she was driven out of business after being bombarded with threats and transphobic remarks Sophia Banks opened La Cantine Vegan with her partner in the mountain village over the summer She says that her business was regularly vandalized almost as soon as it opened but the problems got worse after people found out that she was opposed to Quebec’s bill 21 a controversial law that bans any government employees (including teachers and bus drivers) from wearing any religious symbols there was vandalism — this could be random teens but [people] just came in and flipped over all the patio furniture just pissing all over the [exterior] walls,” Banks tells Eater Banks says that dead birds were left at the café’s front door on two occasions and that the restaurant was broken into just two weeks after opening She adds that broken glass was left in the restaurant’s driveway and benches from its terrasse were torn out of the wall and smashed Banks says that the anonymous vandals left no clear reason as to why they damaged her establishment but there were indications she was targeted because she’s a trans woman and people aren’t going to your restaurant because it’s trans owned’ I don’t have [pride] flags in the window and things like that but I don’t feel that I have to hide my identity.” She also notes that she did not know of any other businesses in Val-David facing similar problems “It’s a little village of 5,000 people,” adds Banks and I’m pretty sure [other restaurants] are not having dead birds left at their front door and being trashed every week.” Banks says there were some other small signs she and her partner weren’t welcome in the town She recalls one incident when a neighbour came onto the restaurant’s property to yell at Banks She also says that when Vegan Cantine was preparing to open she contacted every bakery in the area to find a supplier for the restaurant Banks says alt-right groups made the connection and a campaign of online hate started against the restaurant “They started hounding me intensely on Twitter and there was this barrage of fake [Facebook] reviews being left about the business a lot of people saying I’m racist towards Québécois people,” says Banks Some of those reviews were anonymous, using fake names such as “Jeffrey Epstein” (referencing American businessman, a convicted child sex offender), “Ontario Strong” (a right-wing group in Ontario) or “Rodrigo Duterte” (the President of the Philippines) Some made false comments about the restaurant while others targeted Banks directly with comments like “Say no to gender ideology” or calling her a “racist Quebecophobic” and telling her to “go home” “We’re on the radar of [far-right group] Soldiers of Odin and I don’t feel safe,” Banks says people know exactly when to find me and where to find me Banks says she opted not to get the police involved in part because her family has experienced police violence in the past and the fact that Val-David uses the provincial police also made Banks concerned that calling them wouldn’t help “Having police drop by once a week isn’t going to make me feel safer.” Speaking to the Montreal Gazette Val-David mayor Kathy Poulin said the situation was “deplorable” and highlighted problems with online radicalization adding that Val-David is “very accepting of diversity” Banks says while some Val-David residents were very supportive she decided that with the vandalism and threats It’s the kind of people where they’re accepting of gay people in the sense of ‘oh Banks says she sunk around $50,000 into the restaurant — her and her partner are hoping to recoup a small portion of those costs via a crowdfunding campaign Banks says she’s staying in the food business but not in Quebec: her and her partner are preparing to move to British Columbia where they’ll focus on selling at farmers’ markets Chimère Assis V6 and Master Commander Variation V8 in Val David There are nearly 60 fun problems at the popular area The boulders are in the Parc Regional de Val David Val Morin and there is a daily fee of $10 per person Au Petit Poucet is a true institution in the Laurentians that serves traditional Québécois breakfasts Burdairon after falling in love with this region of Quebec it is Carole Nadon who owns and runs the establishment with a focus on carrying on the tradition The restaurant’s mission is to serve traditional Québécois cuisine in a warm and typical Laurentian decor The decor is in the image of what we eat at Au Petit Poucet: delicious, generous and comforting dishes. Prepared by chef Simon Miron Villeneuve, the dishes served here are true classics of the place; they honour the same homemade recipes as when the restaurant opened in 1945! In keeping with a Québécois culinary tradition, Au Petit Poucet serves delicious breakfasts and other classic dishes; from pea soup and tourtière, to delicious pouding chômeur and tarte au sucre. Among the restaurant’s specialties is the maple wood smoked ham glazed with local sugar, which is cooked and smoked on site using traditional methods. The place is also known for its hearty homemade breakfasts, its famous sugar shack meal, and its year-round maple taffy! Carole’s greatest pleasure at Au Petit Poucet is the unique and rustic atmosphere in which her team serves delicious dishes with dynamism and attention. Au Petit Poucet is an address to try in all seasons to savour a delicious traditional Quebecois meal in a warm and comforting atmosphere! On the menu for over twenty years, Joe Beef’s famous lobster spaghetti is one of the most iconic dishes in Montreal. Here’s the recipe! Connaissez-vous Jean-Philippe Tastet ?! Le critique culinaire de renom a 30+ ans d'expertise et est l'inspiration derrière Tastet. Jessica Noël, co-chef and co-owner of Mon Lapin and Rôtisserie La Lune — meet one of the most exciting chefs to discover! Janice Tiefenbach is the head chef at Elena, named the third best new restaurant in Canada by En Route magazine. Snow crab season is here! We’ve put together a list of all good spots where you can find it to enjoy at home or in a restaurant. Did you know we have a weekly digest? We send it to your inbox every Saturday! In 2020, Emilie Pellerin climbed La Zébrée at Mont King in Val-David. It was the fifth known ascent of the steep finger crack, which is one of Canada’s hardest trad routes. Pellerin’s send is captured in the below film called Em, which was directed by Alexa Fay and produced by Sophie Claivaz-Loranger. A post shared by Emilie Pellerin (@emclimber) Last year saw Gatineau’s Yves Gravelle tear through Quebec’s remaining open projects. Since March of last year, Gravelle has established over four V12 or V13 boulder problems in and around Morin-Heights. A post shared by Yves Gravelle (@yvesgravelle) Popularized on social media for his incredible feats of strength, Gravelle has taken a hardline approach to training that prioritizes power and finger strength. Between his most recent videos with Andrew MacFarlane and his ascent of the Gas Station project, Gravelle has shown that progression can come out of lockdown. He began these last 12 months with the first ascent of Finnish Stylz, a thin V13 at the Crown. The high-tension, small-grip test-piece climbs granite edges and moves right of the area classic: Crucifix. In the same area, Gravelle would establish the more powerful La-Relève Low, a beautiful compression project that stood for years awaiting its first ascent. A post shared by Yves Gravelle (@yvesgravelle) While the Crown still offers a couple of opportunities for difficult FAs, Gravelle spent the end of the summer in Kanata-Tremblant working the lower start to his incredibly challenging V14: Miall’s Ahead. This full line has potential to be Canada’s most difficult boulder problem as it adds a V12-V13 into the V14. On August 26, Gravelle would join Samuel Tiukuvarra to work on a legendary Laurentides’ problem dubbed The Gas Station Project. Famous for its history as an old Chris Sharma project, this unclimbed mega effectively breaks down into two hand moves from the stand. On that day, they could not reach the top. A post shared by Yves Gravelle (@yvesgravelle) Furthering his train of ascents, Gravelle would pull through Le Purgeur, a problem he would mention as one of the last infamous four-star projects in the park region of Val David. He would also establish the sit start to this project in this same year. These boulders would join a seemingly endless first ascent tick-list in which Zatoichi V13, a thin-gripped test-piece, would fall to Gravelle’s impregnable fingers. Two weeks later, Gravelle would also establish the first ascents of Mariposa V12/13 and Maximum Overdrive V12. A post shared by Yves Gravelle (@yvesgravelle) After taking a little time off for the holidays, Gravelle would refocus and join UK-based, Ontario bred, Macfarlane for a small youtube series that profiled the illustrious boulderer. After hitting a significant number of his benchmarks in these videos, he would return the famous Sharma and Daisuke project in the Laurentides. At over 45-degrees overhanging, this boulder stands as one of the area’s most inspiring and challenging problems. Unlike the granite of the Crown, the almost slick grips of this board climbing masterpiece make it one of Canada’s most aesthetic establish problems. Rated at V13, the stand alone makes an impressive accomplishment; however, Gravelle says that he is falling at the lip on the sit and has confidence for the oncoming season. A post shared by Yves Gravelle (@yvesgravelle) Featured Image of Gravelle’s low-start to Miall’s Ahead 20 Concordia Fine Arts students will get a chance to create art on a truly grandiose scale using a steamroller to create large woodcut prints The Steamroller Project is taking place on Saturday to mark the 40th anniversary of the cooperative print studio Atelier de l’île “This anniversary makes Atelier de l'île the oldest and most important artist centre in the Laurentians,” says Marcel Achard “Since 1975 hundreds of artists have come to print and enjoy the good air and beautiful scenery around Val-David.” The event itself is the culmination of a nine-month-long collaboration between the students and twenty artists from the atelier and is part of a larger anniversary celebration featuring a live band and poetry reading “It’s a really wonderful thing where students are working with professional artists and working in the community,” says Bonnie Baxter a professor in Print Media at Concordia and one of the original members of the Atelier As members of the planning committee for the 40th anniversary Baxter and Achard had the idea to recreate the printmaking party — as a commemoration of the Atelier’s steamroller print performance in 1983 at the Musée d'art contemporain de Montréal.  with a larger group of printmakers in 2015 — young artists from Concordia and members from the Atelier de l'île sharing the same passion for printmaking,” says Achard When Baxter brought the idea back to her students she was overwhelmed by the enthusiastic response jumped at the chance to not only work with the medium but to do so alongside professional artists “This offers a great opportunity for mentoring and learning from diverse experiences,” says Parker we are all creating works of the same format and technique which brings forward how aspects of the teaching and sharing can go both ways The students are working with a half-inch of Baltic birch wood and are using black ink to create their images The pieces themselves will have a connection to the anniversary of the studio and will be based around the theme Faire Impression — which means to make a print as well as to make a good impression “I'm most excited for the moment when we reveal the first print made by the steamroller,” says Parker “There has been much anticipation and a lot of hours contributed by so many individuals to make this project possible and I know we'll all be holding our breath to see how the first print turns out and to see if the blocks survive the huge pressure of being rolled over!” the students and artists are also creating paper prints of their pieces for the Atelier de L’îles archives Concordia’s archives and for the Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec they’ve taken the challenge and I’m flabbergasted at the work I’m seeing there will be a soft exhibition at the Atelier de l’île after which the woodblocks will be mounted on the outside of the Centre de exposition gallery in Val-David That exhibition will be on display until September Led by part-time instructor Bonnie Baxter this interdisciplinary project will be on display April 20 and April 21 It features advanced screen-printing students Together they worked alongside the residents of Maison Emmanuel a therapeutic community dedicated to adults with developmental disabilities Baxter explains that the collaboration with Maison Emmanuel and Maggie Roddan stemmed from a mutual desire to organize an exhibition like the one they held at the community centre in Val-David in 2017 “I still hear from students saying that it was not only their most memorable experience at Concordia but also in Montreal Maggie and I wanted to recreate the richness of this learning experience,” Baxter says Through mediums ranging from printmaking to ceramics to weaving and embroidery each of the students will offer a unique perspective on the theme of artificial intelligence and neurodiversity “Maggie and I were thinking about the difference between machines and us and of empathy as being what defines us as humans we also questioned the perception that individuals with autism are often believed to lack empathy.  We felt that intersection of AI and neurological diversity was a fertile ground to explore,” Baxter explains Assumptions are built into machines as to what is the accepted and expected way to be Neurodiversity opens the door to the possibility of different experiences and visions within the rich spectrum of human experience and what it means to be human," she adds Among the highlights of the exhibition is a life-sized robot, equipped with AI that can respond to questions from the public, developed through an internship between Maltais and local sculptor Michel Beaudry and with the support of intermedia professor Bill Vorn This interactive installation serves as a focal point for visitors inviting them to contemplate the evolving role of technology in our lives “The collaboration between an analogue artist and a digital artist brings many surprises and like other projects within this exhibition brings much learning,” Baxter notes Maison Emmanuel's residents have contributed through their ceramic expertise Additionally, the exhibition will include nine-foot expressionist robots on Japanese paper crafted by students in a workshop led by Toronto artist Ed Pien, and a weaving from Maison Emmanuel weaving studios led by Sarah Kring. These were electronically embroidered at Concordia’s Milieux Institute’s Textile and Materiality Cluster with the participation of student Shanen Louis Baxter mentions that this embroidery features the lyrics of the Tin Man’s song “If I Only Had a Heart,” from the Wizard of Oz It echoes how the creations together form a tapestry of feelings and perspectives that challenge traditional notions of art and humanity Concordia students mark National Indigenous Languages Day with a guest lecture from Canada’s Governor General Concordia theatre prof receives close to $200K in SSHRC funding Concordia’s Volt-Age drives transformative electrification research with new Impact funding Emilie Pellerin has quietly been climbing though the ranks in Quebec to being one of the best all-round rock climbers in the province she is one of the few that went from outdoors to indoors and now competes on the world stage We touched base with Pellerin mid-World Cup season How long have you been climbing and where did you start I started rock climbing a little over eight years ago in Val David I was instantly hooked and then spent over six years travelling fulltime for climbing Montgrony! #blocshop #climbtech #climbers #girlclimbing, photo credit: @kalamontse A post shared by Emilie Pellerin (@emclimber) on Nov 9 I decided to compete this year for the first time I ended up doing the full comp season with team Bloc Shop I know it is really weird for an outdoor climber to decide to switch to plastic I felt like I had a lot to learn about different kinds of movement where you’d rather fall on a mat than two crash pads and a spotter life somehow brought me back to school at University of Montreal Comps are very compatible with a student life I believe there is no other way to training for onsighting than actually doing it as often as possible I give my 100 per cent and believe I can do it I love onsighting because it makes me feel free it’s all about how quickly and well you adapt to a new situation that is right in front of you and not about how you remember precise sequences and execute them perfectly Did you feel you were at your strongest or was it the right route at the right time but they either got down-graded or are on closed land I’ve also done routes with a lower grade that felt quite a bit harder Grades are weird measurements used to see more-or-less how hard a climb should feel I think they’re relative and not very precise especially when you’re not the standard size I don’t think I was at my absolute strongest that day The 5.13ds I did in Quebec last summer are harder than Tom et Je Ris which is not considered to be an easy one neither Tom et je ris, 8b+ A post shared by Emilie Pellerin (@emclimber) on Nov 2 I had a Belgium beer in a camperized sprinter van with good company but it took a lot of work for it to come together It took a number of trips between heavy rain storms I often had to convince my friend Max to come and belay me because the line is there by itself Then we had to walk an hour and head down the 60-metre overhanging rappel I rappelled down to find the tufa and face dripping wet A few days after climbing in Verdon and my skin was wrecked We went back the next day and it was still dripping but not quite as bad as the day before and I got it first go I didn’t have to fight very much even though water was dripping from my elbows on some of the rests Onsight burn, trying to somehow recover on falconeti at montsant… Somehow! ? photo by @jan_novak_photography #climbtech #girlclimbing #climbers #blocshop #climb #climber #climbing A post shared by Emilie Pellerin (@emclimber) on Dec 6 I think first time I gave a boulder more than 10 tries was this year physical moves through a roof followed by a mantle but I didn’t care very much about bouldering at that point I sort of had the impression pretty much everyone could climb that grade when you mention say its French equivalent 7c+ It sounds much more impressive as a double-digit V-grade You’ve sent 5.13 cracks and taken some big whippers first one was Ruby’s Café in Indian Creek I got a bit frustrated about that one because I onsighted it on top-rope and then lead it where it’s almost incredible I didn’t get hurt What are three of your favourite places to climb This is a question I often get and it’s still hard to answer so now that I haven’t trad climbed in a while I’d say Indian Creek or Yosemite The best spots to sport climb are in Catalunya It’s amazing how much climbing has been developed in that area Beautiful day yesterday at Stanage on the Peak District’s gritstone! There must have been an easier way to warm up… – – – #neverstopexploring A post shared by Emilie Pellerin (@emclimber) on Sep 25 To do my best in future climbing competitions I was to give the famous Quebec Crack La Zébrée 5.14a a solid try For me it’s the most inspiring trad climb in the area I’d love to either sail the Mediterranean and climb on the coasts or travel or maybe head to Australia What is one route in Canada you hope to climb some day I’d love to try University Wall 5.12 in Squamish And maybe one day give Cobra Crack 5.14 a go Watch Pellerin take a whipper on Les Grands Galets 5.12d at Cap Trinité in Quebec Girl looking over a blue lake and vibrant fall colours from a hike lookout There is a stunning mountain lookout about 2.5 hours from Ottawa that is what autumn dreams are made of Two hiking trails can lead you to Mount King in Val David where you'll gaze out to a bright blue lake surrounded by vibrant coloured trees The Great Mont King Loop is a 6.7-kilometre path with uneven sections and multiple viewpoints You'll start this trail from the Far Hills chalet in the Val-Morin sector of the park and find the stunning lookout peak around the mid-point of the trail You can also access this picturesque scene by taking the Condor King course that leaves from Chalet Anne Piché in the Dufresne sector This 6.9-kilometre hiking loop has climbing walls and seven different viewpoints The Val-David – Val-Morin Regional Park has over 60 kilometres of trails and that loop through forests and over mountains There are two other lookout peaks in addition to Mount King This quaint Quebec town makes for a beautiful fall road trip where you can hike to new heights. If you're looking for more stunning lookout hikes around Ottawa, Oiseau Rock Trail has multiple lookout points and is about two hours from the city Why You Need To Go: This gorgeous fall lookout is a colourful scene worthy of a road trip Website Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed Password reset email has been sent to {email} You are missing important information on your profile in order to access commenting features You need to create a custom avatar in order to comment Nous avons préparé une visite de bienvenue que nous vous recommandons fortement Votre compte gratuit a maintenant été créé. Vous pouvez modifier vos paramètres de notification à tout moment ici Si tu t'es inscrit(e) en utilisant ton adresse e-mail tu devras vérifier ton e-mail avant de pouvoir lire notre contenu Un e-mail de réinitialisation du mot de passe a été envoyé à {email} Veuillez vérifier ta boîte de réception pour le code de réinitialisation et le remplir ici : Il vous manque des informations importantes sur votre profil pour acc\u00E9der aux fonctionnalit\u00E9s de commentaire Votre soutien est ce qui nous permet de continuer Vous pouvez gérer votre abonnement à tout moment en vous rendant dans les paramètres de votre compte Merci d'avoir confirmé votre adresse courriel Tu dois créer un avatar personnalisé pour pouvoir commenter Please select what you would like included for printing: Copy the text below and then paste that into your favorite email application It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Frank Skiba on October 9  He will be forever missed by his wife Valerie of 52 years He was predeceased by his son-in-law David in 2017 Frank retired from CNR in 1996 and later delivered the Winnipeg Free Press to many country subscribers The family would like to thank all the staff at Eastgate Lodge for their care and compassion while he was there A private family celebration will take place at a later date donations in Frank’s memory may be made to Eastgate Lodge Beausejour MB R0E 0C0 or to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba MB R3C 4G2 or online at Alzheimer Society of Manitoba-Dementia Care & Brain Health www.soberingfuneralchapel.com Offer Condolence for the family of Frank Skiba This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors If you're looking for a getaway close to Montreal these beautiful villages will be delighted to welcome you Here are the 10 most romantic villages to explore on your romantic getaway A post shared by Vaness B Coul (@van.en.balade) the peaceful Laurentian village is transformed into a tableau of enchanting colors Surrounded by majestic mountains and sparkling winter forests it’s the perfect retreat for nature lovers adds a touch of serenity to this winter landscape while the artworks in the Jardins du Précambrien offer a unique artistic experience in the heart of nature A post shared by Tremblant (@monttremblant) famous for its magnificent scenery and picturesque village Whether you’re a fan of outdoor sports or try your luck at the Casino de Mont Tremblant for unforgettable experiences A post shared by KICKIN UP DUST | PHOTOGRAPHY MAGAZINE (@kickin_up_dust) Hudson lights up with dazzling winter colors Streets lined with century-old trees take on warm hues creating a magical atmosphere for a romantic stroll explore art galleries and stroll along the shores of the Ottawa River to enjoy magnificent winter sunsets A post shared by Jean-Pierre Lachance (@johnnylash) Saint-Sauveur is a must-see winter destination The surrounding forests are transformed into a living tableau of flamboyant colors Hiking trails offer total immersion in winter nature while quaint boutiques and local restaurants add a touch of charm to your visit A post shared by Vivre Ici (@vivreici.co) Knowlton is a village with timeless charm in winter Its cobbled streets invite you to take a leisurely stroll admire the period houses and explore the antique stores creates a romantic setting ideal for kayaking or relaxing by the water A post shared by Gizmo47 (@iloveroses56) creating a striking contrast with the castle’s red wooden facade then explore the surrounding area in a horse-drawn carriage Don’t forget to sample seasonal dishes in local restaurants A post shared by Helene Shumko (@hshumko) Oka is the place where nature and culture harmoniously meet in winter Oka National Park offers picturesque hiking trails through scarlet-hued woods visit a local cheese factory to taste the famous Oka cheese and explore the village to discover its heritage A post shared by Mont Rigaud (@mont_rigaud) this village is an oasis of calm in winter Hiking trails take you through colorful woodlands offering breathtaking views of the surrounding region Visit local orchards to sample fresh seasonal produce A post shared by Ville de Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue (@sainteannedebellevue) this riverside village is particularly enchanting The Lachine Canal is lined with golden-leaved trees reflected in the calm water or relax in an open-air café and admire the view A post shared by NATHAN JERMY – UK Photographer (@nathan_jermy) Local orchards let you pick fresh apples and taste artisanal ciders while country roads are lined with colorful trees Stroll through this charming village and soak up the tranquility of the season This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page MontrealNewsClimate change challenges will be 'immense': Quebec mayors demand change from provinceBy Luca Caruso-MoroOpens in new windowPublished: September 09, 2021 at 8:09AM EDT Twitter feed ©2025 BellMedia All Rights Reserved Weekends spent up north may primarily revolve around barbecues in the summer and home-cooked dinners holed up by a fire in the winter but there’s plenty the mountains north of Montreal have to offer by way of restaurants You can’t throw a stone without hitting a crêperie — Crêperie Au Tournesol is arguably best but Mont-Tremblant’s Crêperie Catherine or Saint-Sauveur’s Crêperie Bretonne are just as beloved — and excellent greasy spoon breakfast options like Au Petit Poucet abound bistros like La Table des Gourmets or Estérel Resort’s Bistro à Champlain fit the bill and on the complete other end of the spectrum casse-croûtes like 100% Boeuf dot most main roads and highways It’s a wide expanse and each little town has its own gems Amidst a sea of made-for-tourist restaurants in Mont-Tremblant Village fresh food that makes the most of local ingredients Any casse-croûte worth the salt on its fries needs a no-frills name — and this place delivers this roadside Saint-Faustin snack bar does exactly what it promises Estérel Resort’s swish new restaurant boasts one of the most beautiful lake views around and an impressive wine cellar packed with over 5,000 bottles The menu changes seasonally and includes a $100 per person six-course tasting option Most city people don’t head north in search of fine dining but La Table des Gourmets in Val-David is a special case Opened by two ex-pats of the Montreal restaurant world (specifically this much-loved fine dining destination turns out beautiful French dishes showcasing the best seasonal and local ingredients available This relative newcomer has dazzled critics last year with inventive French-leaning dishes with influences from all over the map all showcasing Quebec produce and products from season to season Val-David’s Au Petit Poucet is a destination in and of itself for Montrealers bacon and Québécois fixings — house-made cretons maple-smoked ham — and stay for the not-so-Québécois French onion soup This pizza place has been around since the sixties dishing out (and boxing up) pizza of the thicker cheese-heavy variety and subs for the local crowd Crepes are a major theme in the Laurentian dining scene Grab a front-row seat for a mesmerizing display of crepe-making at this Val-David favourite A post shared by Ariel Schor (@donlardo) on Sep 3 Fondue in the country just makes good sense Head to this Val-Morin institution for cheesy belly-warming goodness in a Swiss-style setting that hasn’t changed since they first opened in 1963 meat is the star of this casual Saint-Adèle restaurant-slash-butcher shop The menu covers the classics with barbecue ribs and burgers but also offers some higher-brow options like boudin noir this Mediterranean eatery in Saint-Sauveur serves up all the same Greek favourites as its sister restaurant in the city: dolmades With the same rustic charm as its Old Montreal counterpart, Gibbys is the area’s top (possibly only) spot for a fancied-up steakhouse dinner Nestled in the heart of Saint-Sauveur Village accompanied by all the classic sides — and an old-school trou normand that comes standard with any meal it also offers a mean ultra-buttery chicken Kiev 20 of Montreal’s Best Steakhouses for Surf and Turf bread or brunch anywhere in the Laurentians and this café-bakery gives Montreal pastry chefs a run for their money Owners Johanne Martineau and Albert Elbilia make everything with love Quebec cross country racer Cindy Montambault has announced her retirement after over a decade of national and international competition Que.-based racer has a long list of accomplishments to her name including podiums in XCO national championships and numerous Canada Cup events across more than a decade of racing Montambault found success in the XC Eliminator format while it was part of the World Cup calendar She won a national title in XCE in 2015 in St That followed a 2014 World Cup Eliminator bronze where Montambault shared the podium with future Olympic gold medallist At the start of 2023, Montambault joined the new Canadian race program, Project Dialed-In. A post shared by ★ ᑕĮⓝđＹ 𝐦๏𝓃т𝔸𝐦𝐁𝔸𝔲𝔩ⓣ🚴‍♀️ (@cindymontambault) It’s not an easy moment when your whole person has been a pro athlete since 2009 It’s a change of identity and even a bereavement I went through a range of emotions during the season but I consider myself extra lucky to have people around me and also to have a job at @asdrcanada since last March which is helping me enormously in my transition THANK YOU a million times to all the people who have crossed my path but I also have time to do massage therapy at home and in Val-d’Or I’m also about to finish my dev/comp coach level (level 3) so if you’re looking for a private coach or to travel with teams (woman presence) I’ll share a bit more about my process Ciao ciao and I look forward to seeing you on my bike or elsewhere Get the digital edition of Canadian Cycling Magazine Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" Sendage is a website where climbers can keep track of their routes and the number of ascents for each route is recorded It’s a great place to record your information if you’re not already doing so. You can visit the site here Here are the top 10 most climbed routes in Quebec according to Sendage You’ll notice that most of these are either boulder problems in Val-David or pumpy sport routes at Kamouraska Located in Val-David’s Les Dames area in the Louise secotr it climbs sharp holds and has a spicy top out this technical problem has a drive-by crimp crux this steep climb features a lot of big jugs with one crimpy crux this eight-bolt route from 2005 is on the Prestation Aérienne wall and is very pumpy The sixth most-climbed route is this slopey line This Val-David problem sports a hard start and finish with nice climbing between this amazing problem has big moves on big holds and is very gymnastic One of the best climbs of the grade in the province this Kamouraska line has big holds and fun moves this nice V3 is found at Stonebleau’s Secteur de droite With iffy weather and travel restrictions in place the middle of spring hasn’t seen the same boom of hard sends as a month ago In Canada, Ben Harnden made the first ascent of Dark Matter in Squamish, which he suggested 5.14d/15a for. If the grade stands, it will be the hardest route in B.C. Read more here Dan Beland climbed Happy Hour and Senja Palonen sent Shameless 5.12c at Echo Beach Jennifer Slater got a tick of Codgery 5.12a Stu Smith made the first ascent of Travis Foster 5.14 Named after a highly accomplished West Coast climber who is no longer with us “The process and send of Travis Foster on the Malamute An old undone project that I put a bunch of days into of the span of a month Named after my soul mate and brother Travis Foster.” Watch the FA below veteran van-lifer and climber Francois Bergeron made the first ascent of Jangelophobia 5.12b in Skaha at Behemoth “That climb was partially bolted and cleaned by Jon Jones but I decided to finish bolting it to make it more accessible You can add Jangelophobia to the list of bolted cracks in Skaha Bernie Mac unlocked the sequence to make it go from too hard to 5.12b Skaha and Back of the Lake in Alberta are two crags with gneiss or quartzite that have had bolted traditional routes since the 1980s While the cracks sometimes get all-gear ascents the communities have agreed that they’re far safer with fixed hardware Also in B.C. Brennan Doyle made another first ascent on Vancouver Island with Lecentious Cyborg V11 at the Duncan Boulders. And in the world of bouldering, Matt Lucas repeated some hard problems lately in Alberta with Cognitive Dissonance V10 at Frank Slide and Jabba V12 at Big Rock south of Calgary. Watch here the closure date of Yamnuska was moved from May 21 to June 7 but Ha Ling is now closed until the summer but some routes are getting a lot of action a four-pitch bolted 5.11b in The Sanctuary on Grotto Mountain James Bull put down Sphinx 5.13c and Masson Tessier climbed Pass the Dog 5.13b and Less is More 5.12c Evan Peplinski repeated Return of the Degnoid 5.12a trad “Awesome tiered roof crack line with a fun crux section and some good varied climbing throughout mega kneebar – this thing has it all Took some heavy cleaning back in the winter but it cleaned up pretty good TR’d a few times wet in the spring and then sent first lead go It’s too bad this thing is hidden in the middle of the woods would be a classic at any Escarpment crag.” In northern Ontario, details of a new six-pitch 5.10b near Sudbury were published. The Devil’s Work climbs at Riverside Wall in Algoma. The Sudbury area has been booming over the past year as climbers from southern Ontario look to escape the crowds. Read more here. In Quebec, David Rae climbed Le Chevalet V13 at Val-David, and Will Baron sent Moby Dick 5.11b at Kamouraska, one of the most famous sport climbs in the province. And Kim Polisois from Montreal ticked Narcisse 5.12d at Sérénité. A post shared by Kim Polisois (@kimkong_climb_and_set) Internationally, Canadian Bronwyn Hodgins freed the 36-pitch Golden Gate 5.13 on El Cap. Read and exclusive interview here. In Mexico, Sasha DiGiulian freed Logical Progression, a 28-pitch 5.13b, read the story here. In the U.K. Eliot Stephens made the FA of The Origin Sit V15. And Steve McClure flashed Impact Day E8 6c on Pavey Ark in the Lake District. Watch below. Mona Kellner repeated the classic Battle Cat 5.14b in Frankenjura. And Matteo Soule, 14, climbed his fifth 5.14c called Nadesjda in Joncas, and said, “It took four sessions to do it. It’s a really beautiful line. My father had already done it before.” At 13, he made the FA of Dieu Merci in Gorges du Tarn, which is said to go at 5.14c/14d. At Valle dell’Orco, Italy, Jacopo Larcher and Babsi Zangerl made the second ascent of the multi-pitch Angels and Demons on the Caporal, a six-pitch 5.13R. The first ascent was by Federica Mingolla in 2020, the route was established by Ezio Marlier and Massimo Farina in 2005, but was abandoned. Larcher then made the second ascent of Grenzenlos, graded as a 5.13/14R trad or V12/13 highball. In Arco, Austrian climber Eva Hammelmüller and Brazilian climber Cesar Grosso sent Underground, the famous 5.14d sport climb established in 1998 by Manfred Stuffer. A post shared by steve mcclure (@ste_mcclure) A post shared by Jacopo Larcher (@jacopolarcher) A post shared by Eva Hammelmüller (@eva_hammelmueller) A post shared by Gripped Magazine (@grippedmagazine) Climbing in Canada rocks and we all celebrate it for different reasons world-class stone and unique-to-Canada climbing we need to acknowledge that Canada exists because of colonialism and that we have a long way to go to understand how climbing fits into this great land all of us at Gripped have come to recognize that climbing is not immune to the systemic racism that is present in every sphere of life It is time we do our part and address our own role in fighting racism and bigotry wherever it is found We pledge to work with the rest of the community to make climbing more inclusive and to represent our sport in its fullness and diversity We are committed to improving our coverage of Black LGBTQ and other historically marginalized voices in the climbing community we encourage and welcome suggestions of story ideas of BIPOC and LGBTQ voices and experiences from experiences of racism in the world of climbing to overlooked stories that should be celebrated If you would like to share your ideas or feedback please contact the Editor via brandon at gripped.com Secondly, we need to address that colonialist and racist route and mountain names in Canada have to change, which you can read more about here Here is my editorial from Gripped August/September 2013 which was a note on Canadian climbing that I wrote when I started as editor of Gripped Its glossy format and Canadian content has been a good match for the rhythms and movements of Canadian climbers David Chaundy-Smart and Sam Cohen started the publication in 1999 Searching for a name they considered Canadian Climber my life would be different if I was the editor of The Vertical Beaver My first time rock climbing was at Of Rock and Chalk in Newmarket Climbing in Canada is about many things: trips to Skaha ice climbing in Quebec,waiting for the Smoke Bluffs to dry off after rain bouldering on the south shore of Nova Scotia café mornings watching the sun melt the snow off the peaks I have been lucky to have climbed with legends such as Jim Elzinga When I climbed with Trotter and Tommy Caldwell I understood why they are two of North America’s best climbers; their strength on the rock is reflected by their respect for each other and the route he yelled “Hell Yeah!,” and I discovered how Canada’s best ice climber succeeds When I climb new alpine routes in the Rockies with old friends like Will Meinen I am reminded why I began climbing in the first place When I took my mother climbing for her first time and saw her overcome her fear of heights I realized the power climbing has on the psyche Against a number of life obstacles Patola has remained humble and positive “If they are calling for 80 per cent chance of showers; that is still 20 per cent chance of sunshine!” I hope as editor of Gripped I meet others who share similar goals to Patola: to have fun and enjoy life by simple means in the pursuit of memorable ascents and rewarding experiences I am thrilled and excited about being the editor of Canada’s climbing magazine and hope you enjoy the experience and it is our job at Gripped to share those stories with you dispatched many of the hardest crack lines in the States This past summer he headed north of the border to Val David in Quebec with Canadian crack maestro JP Ouellet for a tour of the area’s best and hardest cracks Andrew Burr was along for the ride and captured Earle bagging some buildering FAs in Montreal one of Canada’s most classic roof cracks BD athlete Mason Earle flashing Le Toit de Ben (5.13), Val David, Canada from Black Diamond Equipment on Vimeo Strong Quebec climber Yves Gravelle has sent a hard new problem at Kanata-Tremblant in Quebec and he’s suggesting V14 for the grade “Finishing off this project was a dream come true and felt unbelievable “I called this problem Thessalhydra and proposing V14 for the grade!” A post shared by Yves Gravelle (@yvesgravelle) on Sep 9 his first V14 was back in 2012 with a tick of Daniel Woods’ Echale in Clear Creek Canyon he made the first ascent of The Oracle V13 in Val-David He wrote on 8a.nu after his newest V14 “This is the sit start to High Tension The boulder starts with a left side-pull and a right under-cling “The first three moves are very hard and require strong fingers I fell like the sit adds a V13 section to the stand.” Three stars for the Laurentians restaurant Lesley Chesterman was always a prominent booster of the bygone La Porte on the Main The soigné spot from French couple Pascale and Thierry Rouyé earned a near-perfect rave from The Gazette critic in 2010 Alas, circumstances obliged the Brittany natives to shutter La Porte in 2013 and start fresh in Val-David, where they had been a presence at the town's summer market. In her most recent review (behind the paywall) Chesterman writes that the couple's new restaurant in part because of how they have made the area's purveyors such a vital part of the experience No doubt [the market] is where they met many of the best local suppliers like the Morgan Farm renowned for its delectable guinea hen and Gaspor famous for its suckling pig These two names and 17 others are listed on the menu of their new restaurant La Table des Gourmets parking and competitive woes of the big city Chesterman calls the cool and country vibe of La Table des Gourmets "a welcome change from all the noisy dark and designy eateries opening up in Montreal of late." Service is skillful and the food is expertly prepared This article was published more than 7 years ago A two-hour yoga class follows – this is before breakfast classes are typically held outside at this forested retreat with everyone greeting the sun as it rises over the Laurentian Mountains The camp was founded by Swami Vishnudevananda in 1963 and also serves as the headquarters of the 60 or so International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres – a kind of McDonald's of enlightenment Noontime lectures or yoga tutorials are available to help you perfect your headstand so you have the day to explore the neighbouring village of Val-David or stay in the camp and visit the tuck shop for ashram-approved sweets and cool comic-book histories of Hindu deities such as Krishna or Shiva but if you begin to crave a moment or meal that isn't imbued with enlightenment there's a delicious greasy spoon called Cal's Pizza just a five-minute drive from the ashram (Don't let the swamis know I told you this although rumour has it they like the odd slice themselves.) The Sivananda Ashram Yoga Camp offers a shuttle from its centre in Montreal every Friday at 7 p.m. There are also buses from the Montreal Central Bus Terminal to Val-Morin Take Route 15 north of Montreal to Val-Morin and follow the signs to the ashram There is plenty of free parking at the camp Porter Airlines offers daily flights to the Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport PEI: Go on a seafood safari (starring the world's best lobster roll) B.C.: Embark on an outdoor adventure in Whistler Manitoba: Eat your way around the world in Winnipeg Ontario: Take to skies in a floatplane above Rice Lake © Copyright 2025 The Globe and Mail Inc. All rights reserved. \nAt Sivananda Ashram Yoga Camp, guests can escape the hustle of everyday life to engage in some much-needed mindfulness.\n \nInternational Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres\n \nThe camp is located about an hour north of Montreal.\n Handout/VEGAN CANTEENThe Vegan Canteen in Val-David closed about two weeks ago.MONTREAL — A transgender woman closed her vegan café in Val-David after acts of vandalism and online harassment which she says were provoked by her gender identity and political views on Bill 21 The vandalism started not long after the Vegan Canteen opened in June I am going to come out and say that I feel really uncomfortable living in Quebec since #bill21 passed That so many of my neighbours think a woman wearing a hijab is unfit to teach their children That they supported a law banning them from teaching their children Banks said she received a ton of transphobic and resentful messages, as well as false evaluations on her restaurant Facebook page VEGAN CANTEEN/FACEBOOKHere is a screenshot with examples of the messages Sophia Banks received on her restaurant’s Facebook page.After that Banks said she no longer felt safe in her café “The address and the opening hours were on our Facebook page people knew where to find us … All this anxiety was mentally and emotionally exhausting,” she said Handout/Sophia BanksSophia Banks decided to close The Vegan Canteen in Val-David I thought it could be bored teenagers … But it kept going Val-David’s mayor finds this situation absolutely appalling She says the Vegan Canteen was an excellent restaurant “It’s a big loss for us,” Kathy Poulin told HuffPost Québec Nobody should feel his security threatened.” Mayor Poulin would have liked the police to investigate “Nothing proves that vandalism was against her gender identity or veganism,” added Poulin She says vandalism is a rare but recurrent problematic in the village and they are often teenagers at a loose end Banks didn’t want to file a report with the Sûreté du Québec “Nothing in our experience leads us to feel safe around the police or that they will protect us this has been triggering and without getting into detail some of us have experienced the reality of police violence and brutality and live with the trauma daily,” she wrote on her Gofundme page “We are a village where artists and creators choose to live We are known for welcoming the differences She also thinks the cyber attacks against Sophia Banks were not made by Val-David residents Banks also said she does not want people to think “Val-David is is some awful bigoted town.” We all need to make sure we speak up and address bigotry Banks probably won’t open another café in B.C But she will continue to make her own vegan cheese which she’ll try to sell in farmers markets our first thought is often the white granite of Squamish sharp shapes certainly represent some of the country’s best climbing but across the country in Quebec’s Morin-Heights another burgeoning bouldering area is emerging onto the scene it represents some of Canada’s greatest potential Emile Baril and Mathieu Elie represent two of many climbers and developers working in the Laurentides an hour north of Montreal. The two friends have each been bouldering for years, and, together, explore and develop one of Canada’s newest and most secret bouldering areas. Baril began climbing in 2012 following the passion of his sister Corinne Baril. Today, Corinne is a routesetter at Bloc Shop, while Baril spends most of his time bouldering outside. Elie has been around Quebec bouldering for quite a bit longer than Baril. He began bouldering over 12 years ago in the forests around Montreal. When these two began climbing, it was a very different experience from what new climbers might experience today. Baril said, “Back when I started climbing, when Matt started climbing, you would go to the gym just to be able to go boulder outside. The crew I climbed with at Horizon Rock were all outdoor boulderers. It was just nonsense to only climb in the gym. Those guys brought me out and showed me the lay of the land.” Elie continued, “The year after I went to the gym, we went to Val David. We didn’t have crash pads so we brought some mats and put them in garbage bags. It was sketchy but it was fun. I went back a few times, and it didn’t take long until we realized that there was probably more rock around here.” Upon this realization Elie would begin another passion, one that worked well with outdoor bouldering. He would begin his history of development. “My first first-ascent was 2011. I knew some of the guys that were doing some of the earlier development in the area. I was trying to talk to them, but it was not that easy. They didn’t really want to share information, so I went to find the boulders myself. It wasn’t super easy at first, people were not psyched that there were new climbers going to their areas and stealing their potential first ascents.” This hesitance to share route information with the new-generation is not new in rock climbing. In some ways, it is understandable. In areas that exist exclusively on private property, climbers live in fear of area closures or trespassing fines. In addition, route development takes a lot of work. When you spend days, or perhaps even weeks searching for a new area, it can be difficult to relinquish that area’s coordinates if you are wanting to establish the crag by yourself. Elie continued, “I got pretty psyched on finding boulders. When you put effort into it, time into brushing, and are finally able to climb the lines, it becomes pretty addictive. You want to do it again and again.” This psych for route development is crucial for the creation of an area. Though bouldering does exist all over the province, we spoke with Elie and Baril about the Morin-Heights bouldering area. To begin, the rock is sick. Baril said, “It’s a sharper, older granite than Squamish. It’s cool and it’s diverse.” Elie built off of Baril, saying that, “When you find the really good lines in the Laurentides you find unique features that you wouldn’t find in other places. You learn to love granite and get used to it. It is probably my favourite type of rock and I don’t think I would have said that many years ago. You learn to appreciate the technical climbing it provides.” After years of effort, Elie and the many other developers that are essential to bouldering in the Laurentides and Morin-Heights and have built an extensive list of first ascents. Of those problems, Elie has begun to build a guidebook that can help describe the Morin-Heights area. Why haven’t we seen it? Well, there are just a couple access issues to roll out. Though much of the park is easy to access, there are areas that take more effort to access. The greatest issue is the parking. Fortunately, Elie is not alone in his battle to attain access. The Fédération québécoise de la montagne et de l’escalade (FQME) exists, in part, to support climbers in exactly this manner. Elie said, “I was talking to the FQME to see if they can help, and they were more than willing. It is nice to have an organization that can help with those kinds of things.” Though opening areas takes a lot of work from a lot of people, it offers climbers the opportunity to experience some exceptional blocs. Though Elie is but one of a large number of dedicated developers, the potential in the Morin-Heights area, among other areas, for further development is extensive. Though Elie and the other developers are undoubtedly strong by conventional standards, in terms of high-end route-developing, professionally-strong climbers are required to develop the more challenging boulder problems. “That is another type of development: strong climbers, going back to boulders that were found years ago but have not yet been developed because the level was not there. These guys haven’t been to all of the areas yet, but I am sure once the guidebook comes out, there is going to be more opportunity for them to check out lines and find the hard stuff.” Does that mean that only V13 and up remains to be discovered? Actually, it is quite the opposite. As developers focus on the boulders that most excite them, and these climbers tend to be rather strong even if they do not climb V13, there is plenty of potential for lower-end development as well. Elie and Baril mentioned that people should not feel intimidated to reach out.  Baril continued, “More and more people are commenting or messaging, ‘Dude, where is this?’, and it is not a problem to tell people where the boulders are. You can get to the boulders and climb some megas. If it’s not in someone’s backyard where you would get kicked out, then sure, go climb it.” “It is always my pleasure to tell people where the boulders are if the want to go! Just don’t steal my project,” Elie laughed. “If you find some inspiring stuff that you want to clean. Just bring a wire brush and clean it and climb it. Send me the info and I’ll put it in the guidebook. It would be my pleasure to do that. I wish there were more people that would participate in this.” Though it is always scary to talk to strong climbers, it is also important to remember that they too began as participants that were new to the sport. As far as the publication date for the guidebook is concerned, Elie said, “I have been talking to the FQME and they are supposed to reach out to Morin-Heights City and see what we can do about parking. If we can make it official, if we can settle that problem and find a solution, I am going to publish it.” In the meantime, the winter training season is beginning in and around Montreal. Elie, and the other developers will spend the winter months training to become stronger, all while searching for Spring’s newest mega lines. What will the future hold? A post shared by Mathieu Elie (@eliemath) Featured image of Noah Napier on Le Shérif But there's so much more than Tremblant to discover in the region If you want to explore the region before summer ends then you're in luck because it's right at Montrealers' doorsteps Why You Need To Go: Less than an hour from Montreal Saint-Eustache is perfect for a day trip or a weekend away thanks to its wineries Website Why You Need To Go: Another beautiful town in the Laurentians Mont-Laurier is located on the banks of the Rivière du Lièvre and is perfect for anyone looking to get in tune with nature but Quebec's cheese capital makes for an awesome getaway Website Distance From Montreal: 1 hour and 15 minutes Why You Need To Go: With so many gorgeous parks and spots to explore Val-David needs to be on your Laurentians bucket list if it's not already Website Why You Need To Go: This is one of the more popular spots for a country house because it's close to the city but still gives you the feeling of being on a getaway Website Distance From Montreal: 1 hour and 20 minutes Why You Need To Go: Great in the winter, great in the summer, this town is downright fantastic at any time of the year. It's also home to the fabulous Estérel Resort which will truly make you feel like you're travelling abroad Website Why You Need To Go: Filled with horseback riding trails this idyllic town is perfect for a day trip or night (or two) away Website Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed Password reset email has been sent to ${C} We built a Welcome tour we highly recommend.