Parc des Sommets is a community love affair. This network of mountain summits overseen by Amis des sentiers de Bromont is a great example of how trails can be managed in a healthy way in protected environments – and still give nature lovers a magnificent playground to enjoy.

“Thanks to the community, we’ve been able to preserve about thirty multi-use trails,” says Alain Planchamp, the Park’s general manager.

Behind this success story is a joint effort of local stakeholders that includes Ville de Bromont, Mont Brome Conservation Society, Bromont, montagne d’expériences, and Centre national de cyclisme de Bromont (CNCB) – along with local outdoor enthusiasts who volunteer their time maintaining the park. “When you care about something, it’s easy to work together and make things happen,” says Planchamp.

Protect, play, bequeath

Protection is the Park’s main priority: “I want Bromont to become the North American standard for healthy trail management in protected environments. There’s still more we can do to preserve this gem.”

Playing means access to nature. “People need to be able to enjoy the park’s incredible ambiance and trails,” says Planchamp. “Bequeathing is the sustainable aspect. Everything we do today is done with tomorrow in mind.”

Parc des Sommets has five networks:

• The Mountain network, dedicated to mountain biking and hiking, is adjacent to the ski station and offers magnificent vistas.
• Mont Oak is multi-use: hiking, horseback riding, and cycling.
• Lake Gale, reserved for hikers, is a protected forest home to animal and plant species of high ecological value.
• La Villageoise and Mont Berthier are multi-use, connecting the Park’s networks and the city’s various neighborhoods.

The welcome pavilion and all mountain bike trails at Mont Oak are adapted for people with reduced mobility. Users can rent adapted equipment for biking (100% electric), cross-country skiing (chairs), and hiking (all-terrain wheelchairs). “We get lots of visitors with reduced mobility who love to play on our trails,” adds Planchamp.

The park’s trails are groomed each winter for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, fat biking, and walking. Afterward, folks can warm up around the outdoor fireplace near the welcome pavilion.