Sign up for our newsletterThere’s always something going on in the West Island and Vaudreuil-Soulanges area, something fun to do. Local exhibits, events, workshops and festivals are listed here with activities that will interest everyone. Email us at: editor@westislandhomeandlife.com if you’re planning a public event that will interest our readers.
BEACONSFIELD
> Join a choir
* Sing with the Cantabile Chorale. All are welcome to join the first rehearsal of the 2023-24 season. The Cantabile Chorale is a well-established, mixed-voice choir in the West Island, under the direction of Peter Willsher.
When: Monday, September 11 — 7:30 p.m.
Where: Beaconsfield United Church, 202 Woodside Rd., Beaconsfield.
Good to know: Prior choir experience and the ability to sight-read music is an asset, but not necessary. For information: www.cantabilechorale.com or call 514-795-8507.
Photo courtesy of Cantabile Chorale
> Lakeshore Light Opera auditions for its 2024 production
* Lakeshore Light Opera, the West Island’s Gilbert and Sullivan company, will hold auditions for its 2024 production of The Grand Duke. Casting needs are required in each standard vocal range. Candidates auditioning for principal roles or for the chorus are asked to request an appointment by emailing: auditions@llo.org.
When: Friday, September 15 from 6 p.m.
Where: Briarwood Presbyterian Church, 70 Beaconsfield Blvd., Beaconsfield.
Good to know: Click here for more information.
Photo courtesty of Lakeshore Light Opera
DORVAL
> The annual Skatefest
* Get your skateboard ready for action. The Skatefest features skateboarding competitions (with prizes) and a free barbecue with hotdogs and drinks. Professional skaters will be on site to share tips and teach you new tricks or to help you improve your skills on the board. This is for experienced skateboarders, beginners and those who are just curious.
When: Saturday, September 2 — 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: The skatepark behind the Surrey Aquatic and Community Centre, 1945 Parkfield Ave., Dorval.
Good to know: In the event of rain, this event will be postponed to September 4.
> Book sale
* The annual book sale, presented by the Friends of the Dorval Library, offers opportunities to stock up on winter reading. You can also donate books to this event.
When: September 13 to 17 (Wednesday, September 13, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m./Thursday, September 14 and Friday, September 15, from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m./Saturday, September 16 and Sunday, September 17, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Where: Peter B. Yeomans Cultural Centre, 1401 Bord-du-Lac/Lakeshore Rd., Dorval.
Good to know: Take your own shopping bags. Payment by cash only. To donate books, drop them off at the Peter B. Yeomans Cultural Centre on September 9 and 10, between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
HUDSON
> Porchfest 2023
* Stroll around town to enjoy musical entertainment performed from verandas, porches, front stoops and front yards. The 2023 edition of Hudson Porchfest features the town’s musicians performing for you. This event raises money for charity and offers residents an opportunity to hang out with neighbours and friends while enjoying some great music.
When: Saturday, September 9 throughout the day — 10 am. to 8 p.m.
Where: Throughout the town. (Map below)
Good to know: Info here and map here.
KIRKLAND
> Community garage sale
* Sell your items by participating in Kirkland’s community garage sale.
When: Saturday, September 9 and Sunday, September 10
Where: Throughout the town.
Good to know: No permits required. Signs and posters advertising your garage sale must be taken down by Sunday evening. Register online here or by phone: 514-694-4100/ext. 3158. Participating addresses will be posted on this page in the late afternoon on September 8.
PIERREFONDS-ROXBORO
> Tomatoes
* Learn all about this beloved fruit, its history, the varieties available in Quebec, how they’re used in cooking, farming techniques, and environmental and social issues related to them.
When: Sunday, September 10 — noon to 4 p.m.
Where: The farm area, Cap St. Jacques Nature Park, 20099 Gouin Blvd., Pierrefonds.
Good to know: This activity is free and in French. However, there is a fee for parking.
> Peppers
* Are they fruits or vegetables? Are bees and other pollinators essential to the fertilization and production of peppers? Learn about their cultivation and origin and how to prepare and cook them.
When: Sunday, September 24 — noon to 4 p.m.
Where: The farm area, Cap St. Jacques Nature Park, 20099 Gouin Blvd., Pierrefonds.
Good to know: This activity is free and in French. However, there is a fee for parking.
> Forest bathing
* Shinrin-yoku is the Japanese name for a restorative activity, simply known in English as “forest bathing.” This free event will enable you to recharge your batteries and reclaim your vitality. Relax and connect with the elements of nature that surround you during a slow (and generally silent) three-kilometre walk in the Cap St. Jacques forest.
When: Sunday, September 10 — 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Cap St. Jacques Nature Park, 20099 Gouin Blvd., Pierrefonds.
Good to know: This event is free. However, there is a fee for parking. Reservation required through the box office.
POINTE-CLAIRE
> Line up, folks!
* Learn line dancing with Marc Mitchell. It’s a great opportunity to hang out with friends and neighbours and move.
When: Friday, September 1 — 10 a.m.
Where: Stewart Hall park outdoor stage, 176 Lakeshore Rd., Pointe-Claire.
Good to know: For all levels. Free but registration required — 514-630-1220. This activity will be cancelled in the event of rain.
> Jazzy Beatles
* The Guillaume Martineau Trio (Guillaume Martineau on piano; Éric Lagacé ondouble bass; Mark Nelsonon drums) perform jazzy renditions of music by The Beatles.
When: Friday, September 1 — 3 p.m.
Where: Stewart Hall Cultural Centre outdoor terrace,176 Lakeshore Rd., Pointe-Claire.
Good to know: Free admission. Take your own chair.
> Lakeshore Camera Club
* The Lakeshore Camera Club, now in its 67th year, welcomes new members to its 2023-24 season. The club, with members ranging from novice through seasoned veterans, unites people with an interest in photography. Activities include learning opportunities and social interactions as well as presentations by renowned professionals, workshops, competitions and field trips in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.
When: Monday evenings.
Where: Stewart Hall, 176 Lakeshore Rd., Pointe-Claire.
Good to know: For information: info@iccphoto.org.
> Art by the lake
* The annual art show by the Lakeshore Association of Artists is back on the grounds surrounding Stewart Hall. Proceeds are donated to On Rock Community Services. This features a broad spectrum of art in a peaceful setting.
When: Saturday, September 9 and Sunday, September 10 — 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Stewart Hall, 176 Lakeshore Rd., Pointe-Claire
Good to know: In the event of rain, the show will be moved indoors.
SAINTE-ANNE-DE-BELLEVUE
> Get in line
* A line-dancing evening is scheduled on Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue’s canal boardwalk. Dance in a group under the tutelage of line-dancing instructor Nathalie Blais.
When: Thursday, September 7 — 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: The Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue canal boardwalk.
Good to know: This activity will be cancelled in the event of rain.
> Salsa by the water
* Dance to a Latin beat on the boardwalk by the canal in a free class offered by Baila Productions Salsa School. A beautiful dance to great music in a magical setting.
When: Friday, September 8, starting at 7 p.m.
Where: The canal-side boardwalk.
Good to know: More information here.
> Annual Eco Fair
* Naturally Sainte-Anne is back with a day of activities, designed to help you discover (or rediscover) the beauty of nature that surrounds the city and to educate families about the importance of taking care of Quebec’s flora and fauna. A diverse program is planned to engage visitors of all ages.
When: Saturday, September 9 — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Downtown, along Sainte-Anne Street.
Good to know: More information here.
SAINT-LAZARE
> Horses and people, side by side
* Enjoy a forest walk with riders from the Club Équestre Les Forestiers. You can walk side by side with riders and their horses on forest trails through Les Forestiers Nature Park. There are two routes: one of 1.2 kilometres (approximately 30 minutes) and another of 2.6 kilometres (approximately 45 minutes). Interact with the horses and learn more about them.
When: Sunday, September 10 — 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Meet in the parking lot at Les Forestiers, 2800 Ch. Lotbinière, Les Cèdres.
Good to know: In the event of rain, this will be rescheduled to September 17.
> Art for the sake of beauty and family-fun
* The Journée de la culture in Saint-Lazare features a collectively created artwork. Using a canvas reproduction based on a sketch by artist Céline Poirier, participants of all ages are invited to add their own colour. The acrylic banner will be displayed in the library for all to appreciate. Also scheduled:
A visual arts and illustration workshop: Creation of a comic strip with Mélanie Leclerc d’Articité.
A craft workshop: Insect-making using metallic wire with artist Julie Therrien.
A craft workshop: Copper jewelry-making with Louise Séguin, artist-jeweler.
When: Saturday, September 30 — Workshops run continuously from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Saint-Lazare Community Centre, 1301 Rue du Bois, Saint-Lazare.
Good to know: This is a free, bilingual activity for families. No registration required.
SENNEVILLE
> A triathlon for all ages
* The 23rd Senneville triathlon is open to all age groups:
Up to 5 years: Swim (one lap for each year) — Bike 1.5 kilometres — Run (one lap for each year)
6 to 8 years: Swim 6 laps — Bike 2.5 kilometres — Run 1.5 kilometres
9 to 11 years: Swim 10 laps — Bike 5 kilometres — Run 2.5 kilometres
12 to 14 years: Swim 12 laps — Bike 10 kilometres — Run 2.5 kilometres
15 to 59 years: Swim 30 laps — Bike 20 kilometres — Run 5 kilometres
60 and over: Swim 20 laps — Bike 10 kilometres — Run 5 kilometres
When: Sunday, September 10 — 8 a.m. to noon.
Where: Senneville Park, 20 Morningside Ave., Senneville.
Good to know: Reserve your spot by emailing coordo-loisirs@senneville.ca.
VAUDREUIL-DORION
> A festival of the arts
* Featuring music, dance, theatre, puppetry, poetry and story-telling, Errances is a festival of living arts to engage all ages.
When: Friday, September 8 and Saturday, September 9.
Where: Parcs Esther-Blondin, Le 405, Paul-Gérin-Lajoie and Maison-Valois — Vaudreuil-Dorion.
Good to know: More more information: www.ville.vaudreuil-dorion.qc.ca/en/events/errances-1.
