Parc école Olier Payette
- Parc école Olier Payette: An Oasis in Laval
- History and Origins
- Unique Features
- Educational Programs
- Recreational Activities
- The Sugar Shack
- The Arboretum
- The Pond and Wetlands
- Special Events
- Getting There
- Admission and Fees
- Hours of Operation
- Accessibility
- Insider Tip
Parc école Olier Payette: An Oasis in Laval
Parc école Olier Payette is a unique and beautiful green space located in the heart of Laval, Quebec. The park is home to a variety of natural and historical attractions, making it a popular destination for visitors of all ages.
Historical Significance: The park was once part of the Payette family estate, which was established in the late 1800s. The Payette family was instrumental in the development of Laval, and their former estate is now a reminder of the city's rich history.
Natural Beauty: The park is renowned for its natural beauty, with rolling hills, mature trees, and a sparkling pond. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, squirrels, and rabbits.
Educational Opportunities: The park offers a variety of educational opportunities for visitors of all ages. The park's outdoor classroom is a popular destination for school field trips, and the park also offers a variety of workshops and events throughout the year.
Recreational Activities: The park is also a great place to enjoy a variety of recreational activities. Visitors can hike or bike on the park's many trails, go cross-country skiing or snowshoeing in the winter, or simply relax and enjoy a picnic in the park's many green spaces.
History and Origins
The Parc école Olier Payette has a rich and fascinating history, dating back to the late 18th century. The land on which the park is situated was originally part of the seigneury of Mille-Îles, granted to Jean-Baptiste Payette in 178The Payette family would go on to play a significant role in the development of Laval, and their legacy is still visible in the city today.
In 1852, the Payette family donated a portion of their land to the Catholic Church for the establishment of a school. The school, named Collège Laval, opened its doors in 1855 and quickly became a leading educational institution in the region. Over the years, the school expanded and grew, eventually becoming a major center for teaching and research.
In 1973, the school closed its doors due to declining enrollment. The buildings were sold to the City of Laval, which converted the property into a public park. The park was renamed Parc école Olier Payette in honor of the Payette family's contributions to the city.
In 2002, the park was designated as a heritage site by the City of Laval. This designation recognizes the park's historical significance and ensures that it will be preserved for future generations.
Unique Features
The Parc école Olier Payette is home to several unique features that make it stand out from other parks in the Laval area.
The sugar shack is a fully functional sugar shack that produces maple syrup in the traditional way. Visitors can learn about the history of maple syrup production in Quebec and watch the process of sap collection and boiling. They can also sample fresh maple taffy on snow and enjoy a traditional sugar shack meal.
The arboretum is a collection of over 1,000 trees and shrubs from all over the world. The arboretum is a great place to learn about different tree species and their importance to the environment. Educational signage is provided throughout the arboretum, and guided tours are available.
The outdoor classroom is a natural learning environment where students can learn about the environment through hands-on activities and field studies. The outdoor classroom is equipped with a variety of educational tools, including microscopes, magnifying glasses, and field guides.
The pond and wetlands are home to a variety of wildlife, including ducks, geese, frogs, and turtles. The pond and wetlands are a great place for bird watching, fishing, and canoeing or kayaking.
Educational Programs
The Parc école Olier Payette offers a wide range of educational programs, making it a valuable resource for schools, families, and community groups.
School field trips: The park is a popular destination for school field trips, providing students with an opportunity to learn about the natural world, history, and culture. Guided tours, hands-on activities, and field studies are available to complement the curriculum.
Summer camps: During the summer months, the park offers a variety of themed summer camps for children of all ages. These camps focus on outdoor activities, environmental education, and creative expression, allowing children to learn and grow in a fun and engaging environment.
Workshops and events: Throughout the year, the park hosts workshops and events for adults and children alike. These events cover a wide range of topics, including nature crafts, gardening, cooking, and more.
Volunteer opportunities: The park also offers volunteer opportunities for individuals and groups who are interested in getting involved in the community and making a difference. Volunteers can assist with a variety of tasks, such as leading guided tours, planting trees, and maintaining the park's grounds.
Recreational Activities
The Parc école Olier Payette offers a variety of recreational activities for visitors of all ages. The park's well-maintained hiking trails wind through the forest, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. In the winter, the trails are groomed for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The park also has a pond where visitors can go fishing, canoeing, and kayaking in the summer months.
Picnicking is a popular activity at the Parc école Olier Payette. There are several picnic tables located throughout the park, as well as a designated picnic area with a large gazebo. Visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks, or they can purchase snacks and beverages from the park's canteen. The canteen also rents out barbecue grills.
The Sugar Shack
The sugar shack at Parc école Olier Payette is a testament to the long and rich history of sugar production in Quebec. The province is the world's largest producer of maple syrup, and the sugar shack tradition is a beloved part of Quebec culture.
The sugar shack at Parc école Olier Payette is a fully functioning sugar shack, complete with a sugar bush, a sugar house, and all the necessary equipment to produce maple syrup. Visitors can learn about the history of maple syrup production in Quebec, see how maple syrup is made, and even taste the delicious results.
The sugar shack offers a traditional sugar shack experience, complete with a hearty meal of pea soup, ham, pork, oreilles de crisse and maple taffy on snow. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of maple products, including maple syrup, maple butter, and maple candy.
The sugar shack is open to the public from March to April, during the maple syrup season. Visitors are encouraged to book a reservation in advance, as the sugar shack is a popular destination.
The Arboretum
The arboretum at Parc école Olier Payette is a beautiful and educational space that showcases a diverse collection of trees and shrubs. The arboretum is divided into several sections, each with a different theme. One section features trees and shrubs that are native to Quebec, while another section features trees and shrubs from around the world. There is also a section dedicated to fruit trees, and a section that features trees that are known for their beautiful fall foliage.
The arboretum is a great place to learn about trees and shrubs. There are educational signs throughout the arboretum that provide information about the different species of trees and shrubs, as well as their ecological importance. There are also guided tours of the arboretum available, which are led by knowledgeable staff who can answer any questions you may have.
The arboretum is a beautiful place to visit in any season. In the spring, the trees and shrubs are in bloom, and the air is filled with the scent of flowers. In the summer, the arboretum is a shady oasis, and the pond is a popular spot for swimming and fishing. In the fall, the leaves of the trees turn brilliant colors, and the arboretum is a popular spot for leaf-peeping. In the winter, the arboretum is a beautiful place to go for a walk or a cross-country ski.
The Pond and Wetlands
The pond and wetlands at Parc école Olier Payette are a haven for wildlife and a popular spot for bird watching. The pond is home to a variety of waterfowl, including ducks, geese, and swans. The wetlands are a rich habitat for amphibians, reptiles, and insects. Visitors can often spot frogs, turtles, snakes, and dragonflies in the wetlands.
The pond and wetlands are also a great place to fish. The pond is stocked with trout and bass, and the wetlands are home to a variety of other fish species. Visitors can fish from the shore or from a boat.
For those who prefer a more leisurely activity, canoeing and kayaking are also popular options on the pond. Visitors can rent canoes and kayaks from the park's boathouse.
Whether you're a nature lover, a bird watcher, a fisherman, or just looking for a place to relax and enjoy the outdoors, the pond and wetlands at Parc école Olier Payette are a must-visit.
Special Events
Parc école Olier Payette comes alive with a variety of special events throughout the year, offering visitors unique and memorable experiences. The Maple Sugar Festival, held in the spring, celebrates the long tradition of maple syrup production in Quebec. Visitors can learn about the history and process of making maple syrup, sample delicious maple taffy on snow, and enjoy live music and entertainment. The Earth Day celebration in April promotes environmental awareness and sustainability, with activities such as tree planting, nature walks, and educational workshops. The Summer solstice celebration in June welcomes the longest day of the year with bonfires, live music, and outdoor games. During the holiday season, the park hosts a Christmas tree lighting ceremony, complete with festive decorations and caroling. These special events provide a wonderful opportunity for visitors to connect with the park's natural and cultural heritage, and to create lasting memories with family and friends.
Getting There
Location and directions:
The Parc école Olier Payette is conveniently located in the heart of Laval, Quebec, at 1801 Boulevard Sainte-Rose. It is easily accessible by car, public transportation, or bicycle.
To get to the park by car, take Highway 15 North and exit at Sainte-Rose Boulevard. Head west on Sainte-Rose Boulevard for approximately 2 kilometers, and the park will be on your left.
Public transportation options:
If you prefer to take public transportation, you can take the Metro Orange Line to the Montmorency station. From there, take the 30 bus to the Sainte-Rose Boulevard stop. The park is a short walk from the bus stop.
Parking availability:
There is ample free parking available at the park. The parking lot is located on the west side of the park, off Sainte-Rose Boulevard.
Admission and Fees
Admission to Parc école Olier Payette is free for all visitors. However, there are fees for some special events and activities, such as the Maple Sugar Festival and summer camps.
For school field trips, there is a flat rate of $5 per student. Workshops and events typically have a fee of $10-$20 per person.
Group rates are available for groups of 10 or more people. Please contact the park office for more information.
It's important to note that the sugar shack is a private business and charges a fee for its traditional sugar shack experience, which includes a meal and maple taffy on snow.
Hours of Operation
The Parc école Olier Payette has seasonal hours of operation, with varying schedules depending on the time of year. During the summer months, the park is typically open from 9 am to 9 pm, offering visitors ample time to explore its many attractions. In the spring and fall, the hours are slightly shorter, with the park closing at 6 pm. During the winter months, the park is still open, but the hours are reduced to 9 am to 5 pm, as the park closes earlier due to the shorter daylight hours.
On weekdays, the park is typically less crowded, providing a more tranquil experience for visitors. On weekends, the park is busiest, especially during the summer months, as families and visitors flock to enjoy the park's many offerings. However, the park's vast size ensures that even on busy days, there is plenty of space to roam and find a quiet spot to relax.
During holidays, the park may have special hours of operation or be closed altogether. It is always advisable to check the park's website or call ahead to confirm the hours of operation before planning a visit.
Accessibility
The Parc école Olier Payette is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible environment for all visitors. The park features a number of accessibility features, including: * Wheelchair-accessible trails: A network of paved trails winds through the park, providing access to all of the park's main attractions. * Accessible washrooms: Accessible washrooms are located in the main building and near the sugar shack. * Limited accessible parking: A limited number of accessible parking spaces are available in the park's main parking lot. While the park is generally accessible, there are a few areas that may be difficult for visitors with mobility impairments to navigate. These areas include: * The arboretum: The arboretum is located on a hillside, and the trails are not paved. * The pond and wetlands: The pond and wetlands are surrounded by natural terrain, which may be uneven or slippery. If you have any questions or concerns about accessibility at the Parc école Olier Payette, please feel free to contact the park staff.
Insider Tip
Visit the Parc école Olier Payette during the week to avoid crowds. The park is a popular destination for school field trips and family outings, so it can get quite busy on weekends and holidays. If you're looking for a more peaceful experience, plan your visit for a weekday.
Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy in the park's many green spaces. The park has several picnic tables and benches scattered throughout the grounds, so you can easily find a spot to sit down and enjoy a meal. There are also a few restaurants and cafes nearby if you prefer to eat out.
Check the park's website for upcoming events and activities. The park hosts a variety of special events and activities throughout the year, such as the Maple Sugar Festival, Earth Day celebration, Summer solstice celebration, and Christmas tree lighting. These events are a great way to experience the park in a different way and learn more about its history and culture.
