Foresta Lumina

This past Saturday was a busy day with one event in the morning, Montreal Independent Games Festival (which I will cover over at That Moment In) and another late evening one, which is this one I’m about to talk about called Foresta Lumina! Foresta Lumina has been an event we’ve been planning to go to since last year but never found the time to last year. Finally, after our first reservation was cancelled due to thunderstorms, it was rescheduled for this past Saturday night. Foresta Lumina is located in Coaticook, Quebec which is about 1.5 to 2 hours depending where you are heading out from.

It is located in the Parc de la Gorge which during the day is a park for hiking and outdoor activities. The Foresta Lumina trail is adorned with lights and visuals telling a story of an enchanted forest which once had a lot of fairies but was plagued by a monster that could turn into a handsome man to trick them into the fairy’s eventual demise. However, before the fairies were taken, a mysterious force from Foresta Lumina appeared and saved them. This is why the forest is magical and protected by enchanted forces.

There isn’t really much to say about the trail and even pictures are hard to judge. Still, here are some more acceptable shots that turned out alright. I need some serious night time photo shooting practice.

The start with Lanterns

The magical wishing spot

Passage to the Bridge

Storytelling with Holograms

The Monster

Foresta Lumina symbol

The storyboards

Lights sparkled everywhere

Along the river

For those that want to go on this Foresta Lumina trail. It is extremely dark in some parts but also quite enchanting and pretty to see. However, those with walking difficulties should be aware that there are some pretty steep slopes and the path winds up and down with tight walkways and stairs also. You do cross the beautiful suspended bridge which happens to be one of the longest in Quebec (I believe). It is also where they create it where it seems like we cross realms into the magical world.

Foresta Lumina is a fun experience however it is only 45 minutes and perhaps the hype of it got the best of us. We were a little underwhelmed while it was still pretty magical for the most part. We did discover that Coaticook may have quite a bit to offer to explore.

Montreal & Autumn Events I’m Looking Forward To!

We had our Midautumn Festival yesterday with my mom otherwise called the Moon Festival.  Some of you may have went out to check the lunar eclipse and the Supermoon hanging in the sky.  I did look out and watched the moon for a little while but I have a perfect view sitting in my office chair in front of the computer at home so it works out just fine as I was drafting up posts.

Regardless, that is the sign that Autumn has arrived for us at home.  Its time to make all the seasonal changes and its with this I introduce to you this new seasonal segment (that I hope I’ll remember to do at the change of every season…)

As most of you know, I like to cover some Montreal events and some in the surrounding area. I figured I’d do it in seasonal doses. Usually, I do some research overview once per season to get a good idea of what to visit and try to make time especially for the big events.  These are the selected few that I’ve decided to try to make time for.

21 Swings at Quartier des Spectacles
(August 6 – October 18, 2015)

I’ve talked about going to this event for years.  And I never managed to get there even though its literally just in my backyard since its just a few blocks from where I work. We did drive by it recently.  So that is something.  I did finally see the structure so that’s a start.

Foresta Lumina (Website)
(now – Oct 11 weekends)

Focused on highlighting the park, its natural beauty, and its mysteries, Forest Lumina is a night-illuminated pathway created for one of the most-travelled trails in Quebec, famous for its suspended footbridge, the longest in North America.-Foresta Lumina website

This one might be a little hard to find time to go do since its only two more weekends available.  But we will try and hopefully it will make a return next year if we miss it.  Its been in our plans for the entire summer and time just flew by and we never got the chance to go. Hopefully, we will find time.

Halloween La Pocatiere (Website)
(Sept 15 – Oct 31, 2015)

I’ve never seen this one before. It could be that I never searched so much further for a Halloween adventure.  But since we do have some time off, it might be a good idea.  A little Halloween labyrinth in the corn fields sounds like lots of fun.

MTL a Table (Website)
(Oct 29-Nov 8, 2015)

I went to three of the participating restaurants for this event last year. It was a blast to try out new places and spend some time with friends. This year, I’m not sure who is going with me but the menus have just been released along with the restaurants, so I’m going to give that a look and book a few 🙂

La Grande Degustation (Website)
(Nov 6-7, 2015)

Last year, I went to La Grande Degustation.  This event is a wine festival and last year’s highlight country was South Africa so it was a lot of dry white wine.  Honestly, I’m not a huge fan but there were some really great finds there.  This year, I haven’t quite figured out who is going with me.  My best friend said she might but the featured country is Spain.  It could be fun to try it out and see what new tasting experiences await.

Honorable Mentions:

• Montreal International Black Film Festival (September 29-Oct , 2015)
• Cinemania: French Film Festival (November 5-15, 2015)

Are there any events near you that you look forward to attending this Autumn?

That’s it for this new seasonal segment.  
Next one will be in December for Winter/Christmas events! 🙂