Come and experience an unforgettable activity at Mont Sourire in Saint-Donat, admire the autumn colors and spend an evening under the stars, and take advantage of Samer's expertise to learn astronomy and starry sky photography using your camera or even your phone.

You also have the option of sleeping in the refuge to enjoy the whole night under the stars.

We also invite you to follow the “Leave No Trace Canada” code of ethics.

Details

Meeting time: 3:00 pm

Location: Mont Sourire, Saint-Donat

Meeting point: Mont Sourire parking lot

Chem. de la Cascade, Saint-Donat, QC J0T 2C0

Google Maps link

Level of difficulty: Intermediate.

See the map on Strava

Download the ONDAGO application

By downloading the interactive map for the ONDAGO mobile app, you can locate trails, see distances to the refuge and viewpoints to discover.

Packages

1. Hiking only (8 tickets)

2. Package including access to your own single bed/mattress at the refuge (7 tickets)

What’s inlcuded

• Access to the refuge

• Astronomy session ✨ We explore the sky and constellations together.

• Starry sky photography session 🤩

• Night portrait photography session! We'll take your picture with the stars as well as help you make your own photos.

• Possibility of purchasing photos taken (4x6 format) during the evening for $5 per photo (cash or interac transfer).

• 10% discount on Zenderfull merchandise and prints

• All photos in digital version (you'll receive this by e-mail, after our outing)

• Carpooling arrangements

  • IMPORTANT: We'll send you a form to organize carpooling. You may be asked to bring other participants with you in the car.

Schedule

• 3:00 pm: Arrival of participants

• 3:15 pm: Departure for the first viewpoint of Mont Sourire.

• 4:00 pm: Photo planning session

• 5:00 pm: Departure for the refuge

• 6:00 pm: Supper at the refuge (supper not provided)

• 7:00 pm: Departure for viewpoint

• 8:00 pm: Astronomy session followed by photography session

• 10:00 pm: Night hike and return to parking lot for those not staying at the refuge.

  Next day:

  9:00 am: Breakfast (not provided)

  11:00 am: Return to parking lot

What to bring?

• IMPORTANT:

  • Headlamp, preferably with red light

  • Water (at least 2 liters) The refuge does not have a water point nearby, so be sure to bring all the water you need.

  • Hiking shoes

• Water bottle

  Your own food

• Mosquito repellent

• Warm jacket or coat or layers of clothing to keep you warm at night

• Long pants

• Optional: Your camera, a tripod, and fast lenses.

Your guide

Hi, I'm Samer from Zenderfull. I'm a self-taught photographer specializing in capturing celestial landscapes. I combine my passion for astronomy and the outdoors with my expertise in photography to create unforgettable guided outings under starry skies.

I'm Lebanese-Canadian, and since arriving in Montreal in 2016, I've been scouring Quebec for the most auspicious locations to bring you along with me to capture dazzling images of the starry sky including the Milky Way and the Northern Lights.

Zenderfull is a compound word that means Zen & Wonderful, and it's the feeling I get when I'm outside observing the magic of the stars.

Partners

What participants say

« I had an absolute blast with Zenderfull on a night hike that I’ll never forget. As someone who’s obsessed with nature and the night sky, I had tried for years to catch the Aurora Borealis in Quebec without much luck. Then I found Zenderfull, and things got real. His Aurora chasing trip was like hitting the jackpot of stargazing. His knowledge was so impressive it felt like he had a direct line to the universe. 😂 »

— Susmitha

« It was a great experience. Everything was perfect and I highly recommend. Totally worth it!
The instruction/directions for the astronomy hike were clear. We were given snacks and drinks for the hike. Samer had everything that was needed in case someone had forgot something (lamps, hiking poles, insect repellant, etc).
Samer gave a lot of information about astronomy during the hike which made it super interesting. »

— Alan

« I had fun with my first hiking night experience with the organizer Samer under the stars sky. And thanks again for finding my glasses. Much appreciated! »

— Vika

FAQs

• Does your price include taxes?

  The price does not include taxes. Taxes are calculated according to your address.

• What happens if I can't attend at the last minute?

  We understand that unexpected problems can arise. Please do not hesitate to contact us and we can work with you to find someone else to take your ticket or to find you another event that may be suitable.

• What is your cancellation policy?

  • In case of clouds or light rain, we will assess the situation, but we will maintain the event.

  • If we have to cancel the event due to lack of participants, you will receive a full refund.

• I don't have a car. Do you offer a transport service?

  Transportation is not part of our offer, but we encourage carpooling and can put you in touch with other people who can give you a lift.

  We cannot refund you if you don't have a ride.

• L'événement est-il bilingue ?

  Oui, l'événement se déroulera en anglais et en français.

• Do I need a camera to take part?

  We don't need a camera for this event. If you'd like to learn how to take photos with us, you can get a 20% discount on camera rental at Royal Photo.

  What's more, if you have a recent phone, you can use it for astrophotography! Yes, that's right, I'll explain how it works.

• Can I bring my friend(s)?

  Yes! 1 ticket is for 1 person, please make sure you have tickets for all the people accompanying you.

• I'm lost or late, what do I do?

  If you think you're going to be late, or can't find the address, please contact us at 514 549 5791.