By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

The Harold F. Baldwin Park, nestled in the hills of Baldwin Mills near Coaticook, has unveiled its 2025 edition of Les Rendez-vous du Pinacle—a season-long series of guided activities designed to connect visitors to both the natural world and their own well-being. Running from June through October, the initiative offers birdwatching, stargazing, citizen science, climbing, forest mindfulness walks, and more.

“This year’s programming is really focused on physical and mental wellness, along with science-based environmental education,” explained park general manager Mathieu Fontaine in a recent interview. “We’re trying to give visitors a different way to engage with the mountain beyond just reaching the summit.”

The Rendez-vous series includes six confirmed events, beginning June 7 with an ornithology walk led by a birding expert from Sherbrooke. Participants will learn to identify local species by sight and sound during a two-hour guided hike on the mountain’s wooded trails.

“We want people to see the forest differently,” said Fontaine. “A lot of the time, you hear the birds but you never see them—this activity helps decode that experience.”

Other highlights include:

• July 18: An evening exploration du ciel étoilé (starry sky exploration) atop the mountain, where participants will use telescopes and binoculars to study constellations and star clusters.
• August 2: A citizen science workshop with a Université de Sherbrooke bioecology professor and park board member, introducing tools like the Merlin Bird ID app and other biodiversity tracking platforms.
• August 16: A rock-climbing initiation experience for beginners with a certified instructor, offering an introduction to ascending and rappelling along the mountain’s rocky face.
• September 13: A marche méditative (meditative walk) culminating in a mindfulness exercise at the summit, guided by a psychologist practising nature-based therapy.
• October 11: A fall foliage celebration dubbed La folie des couleurs, inviting participants to experience the park’s vibrant autumn scenery.

All activities are led by qualified professionals, and each has been developed to align with the park’s dual mission of ecological preservation and public education. Fontaine noted that by offering immersive experiences, the park hopes to foster a deeper appreciation for conservation among visitors.

“Everything we do is grounded in science. We’re not interested in pseudo-medicine or vague wellness trends,” said Fontaine. “Whether it’s bioecology or mental health, we want to present content that’s meaningful and evidence-based.”

The park, more commonly known as Mont Pinacle, covers 63 hectares and includes a network of popular hiking trails leading up to a 665-metre summit that offers panoramic views of Lake Lyster and the surrounding region. Operated by a non-profit, the site has become a sought-after destination for hikers from across Quebec.

To protect the fragile ecosystems around the trails, Fontaine confirmed that the park continues to require visitors to book entry slots online in advance. “We’ve seen a huge increase in traffic since the pandemic,” he said. “Pre-registration helps us control the flow for safety and conservation purposes.”

Trail conditions are currently good, despite heavy rains earlier in the season, and Fontaine said maintenance crews have ensured the main routes remain accessible. “There might be the occasional puddle on some of the lower paths, but overall, everything is solid and ready for summer.”

Because many of the events take place in small groups or in remote areas of the park, spots are limited and must be reserved in advance through the park’s website. While activities are conducted in French, Fontaine has confirmed that facilitators will be able answer the questions of English-speaking participants upon request.

“We’re hoping to make the Rendez-vous an annual fixture,” Fontaine added. “It’s already been running for a few years, but this year we’re really formalizing it—something people can look forward to every summer.”

For full programming details or to make a reservation, visit parchfbaldwin.com/rendez-vous-du-pinacle.