A few steps from the Parc des Rapides where birds abound, the atmosphere is joyful and tropical, with the sounds of salsa and bachata. And it will continue every Saturday evening in the summer at the Verdun track.
We come there for the pleasure of dancing in the open air, with a roof protecting us from bad weather. For many, it’s a way to find themselves in the musicality of Cuba or the Dominican Republic while enjoying the summer in Quebec.
Dancing by the water
The evenings, which start very early, are in their third summer. Bordered by the cycle path, the dance floor is located near the river.
There is usually room to set up a folding chair and leave a bag with drinks. The trail is in the heart of a riverside park, complete with trees and picnic areas.
Well organised
I had already been there last summer and I found the same harmonious atmosphere there. The evenings are organized by Monika Popiel of Mika Événements, herself a fan of Latin dances.
The organizer of the evenings, Monika Popiel of Mika Événements, surrounded by her children Martin and Kamila Bober, with DJ Jean Nonez.
photo provided by Mika Monika-Stéphane Plourde
It’s a passion that she developed over the last ten years following her travels to Cuba.
She has also maintained her passion here over the years, having attended several dance schools.
Even his children took lessons when they were still very young teenagers. This is what makes him say that the Verdun track is also open to older children who would like to move and dance.
It is also suitable for dancers of all levels and ages.
Evening birds
You no longer have to be a night owl to indulge in Southern dances like salsa and bachata. There are more and more parties that start early and end before midnight.
The Verdun track is part of this trend with the advantage that it is outdoors. These evening dancers, including myself, are also very often hikers or cyclists.
As for day birds, don’t forget to take a little detour before the evening to go for a walk at Parc des Rapides. We can see herons, ducks and other beauties of nature.
A short detour to Parc des Rapides before the evening allows us to see herons and other birds.
photo provided by Christian Fritschi
THE VERDUN TRACK
- Saturday Latin dance evenings: from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- Dates: until October 12, except June 29 and August 17
- Admission fees : $10
- Online reservations
- To bring : folding chairs and drinks
- Very close : picnic areas
- www.facebook.com/MikaMonikaM
OTHER IDEAS FOR OUTINGS
Paddle the islands in Laval
At the Rivière-des-Mille-Îles park, via the Sainte-Rose Boulevard entrance, simply rent a boat to go on an adventure in the archipelago and marshes. Your choice: canoe, kayak, rabaska or paddle board.
www.parc-mille-iles.qc.ca/laval
Cycling on the Estriade
The heart of the network is the original asphalt track linking Granby to Waterloo, between fields, marshes and forest. Length: 21 km. On a hybrid bike, it is good to take into account the distance to get back on your wheels.
www.estriade.net
► Alain Demers is the author of the book Rediscover Quebec: 101 destinationspublished by Éditions du Journal.
