This is it, folks. The school year is just about to kick off and we're so excited to have you! We've got hikes, meetups, and more planned for this semester. Before we kick off our event schedule, we'd like to introduce ourselves.
Be sure to like our page on Facebook and follow us on Instagram to stay up-to-date with our events and other news! If you want to be even more in the know, scroll down to the bottom of our website and sign up for our email list (you can also navigate to our "Contact Us" page). P.S. You'll want to check out our (revamped) Instagram if you want to find out our answers to Two Truths and a Lie! Check out our "Execs" highlight 👀
David | Co-President
What's your major/year? I am in Aerospace Engineering in my 3rd year.
Why did you decide to become a COC exec? I became a COC exec because the outdoors has pulled me out of the worst spots in my life and it is where I have made my best friends. I want to make sure anyone else who might need this experience is capable of accessing it!
What was the highlight of your summer? My highlight of the summer was exploring many new cycling routes around the downtown core of Montreal!
What’s your favourite Montreal “hidden gem”? My Montreal hidden gem is the RécréoParc which I cycled to this summer! A lovely place to have a midride break.
What piece of gear do you need on every trip? I always need something on my head for any trip. It can be a cap, a bucket hat, a toque, even a spare shirt. My thin hair does not save me from burning my scalp in any weather!
If you could plan a COC trip with no restrictions, what would it be? My "no restrictions" COC trip would be a cabin-to-cabin backpacking trip through the wilderness. Everyone would have full backpacks carrying their trips worth of necessities and we would hike to a new cabin every day for a weekend or a couple days. This makes it easy to sleep under a roof but still has the complete experience of a backpacking trip right near home!
Two truths and a lie: 1. My longest single day of hiking was over 45km in the mountains of New York, 2. I have biked over 100km in a single ride more than 5 times, 3. I have reached the summit of Giant Mountain in New York more than 5 times
Lou | Co-President
What's your major/year? I'm in Specialization Human Environment and Minor Sociology
Why did you decide to become a COC exec? I got involved in COC cause I love doing sports, being outdoors and meeting new people, so it seemed like a perfect match!
What was the highlight of your summer? The highlight of my summer was definitely an improvised solo roadtrip in Cyprus
What’s your favourite Montreal “hidden gem”? Cafe Bloc! It's a bloc bouldering spot but it's also a cafe with atomic brownies and a rooftop terrace with hammock. The dream!
What piece of gear do you need on every trip? A red scrunchie
If you could plan a COC trip with no restrictions, what would it be? I low-key want to do a shopping cart race in Montreal's streets.
Two truths and a lie: 1. I crossed the Atlantic Ocean 3 times in one flight, 2. I can't smell anything, 3. I lived 6 months in Groenland
Salar | Treasurer
What's your major/year? Electrical Engineering - in my last year
Why did you decide to become a COC exec? My time at Concordia felt really dry, I wanted something exciting and I really wanted to meet some like-minded people!!! Also I was told there was free pizza 👀
What was the highlight of your summer? I hiked Squamish Chief very early in the morning to catch an amazing sunrise! (picture above)
What’s your favourite Montreal “hidden gem”? Don Taco. Trust me if you know about this place you already know what’s up. BRING BACK THE DOLLAR TACOS!!!
What piece of gear do you need on every trip? Recently, my little polaroid camera!!! Never know if you’ll get a cool shot somewhere :)
If you could plan a COC trip with no restrictions, what would it be? Not sure why but first thing that comes to mind is hike Mount Kilimanjaro. Feel like that would be the best
Two truths and a lie: 1. I’ve been jumped by a group of raccoons, 2. I hold the fastest time in the track and field event 1500m race walk in all of BC (still holding that title), 3. My biggest fear is fish. Straight up little fish, any fish actually. Get that nasty stuff away from me
Lynda | Social Media Coordinator
What's your major/year? 3rd year Psychology
Why did you decide to become a COC exec? I decided to become a COC exec to connect with those who also chase the outdoors for that feeling of being alive! And to reach out to those who want to explore the outdoors more for adventure or even better mental health! The beauty of nature and the fun of being outdoors, reminds me of the beauty within and the beauty that is part of life. I decided to become an exec because I felt this was a crucial time to be reminded of this; a crucial time to feel alive again; and a crucial time to connect as we begin to come out of the pandemic.
What was the highlight of your summer? The highlight of my summer was going back home to Ontario to my favourite local climbing gym, The Cave! I love the climbing gyms in Montreal but there’s something about going back to that small local gym you started in!
What’s your favourite Montreal “hidden gem”? My favourite Montreal hidden gem is this off-trail part of Mount Royal where if you stick your finger out, a chickadee bird will land on your finger!
What piece of gear do you need on every trip? My YETI waterbottle!
If you could plan a COC trip with no restrictions, what would it be? If I could plan a Concordia Outdoors trip with zero restriction it would be a whale watching trip through the well-known route from Tadoussac to Blanc-Salon (Also known as, Whale Route). Because I love the water and my favourite animal is whales! During the pandemic, I took up the hobby of watching every whale documentary I could get ahold of and think basking in their presence with the Concordia Outdoors friends would be such a beautiful experience!
Two truths and a lie: 1. I have two cats, 2. I hate ketchup, 3. My house has been hit by lightning
Cami | Environmental and Sustainability Coordinator
What's your major/year? I’m an Environmental Science major going into my second year at Concordia.
Why did you decide to become a COC exec? COVID kind of skewed my perception on what university is truly like since it was all remote my first year (much like many others). I wanted to join clubs, and I always had my eye on Concordia Outdoors since I followed the Instagram page. When I saw that they were hiring people to join their executive team, I knew I wanted to apply. An opportunity to work with awesome people while also doing the things I love? Sign me up!
What was the highlight of your summer? The highlight of my summer was going to the beach when I visited the States. Ever since I moved to Montreal I really missed the ocean. I was happy to know that I could go at least once since the borders were closed.
What’s your favourite Montreal “hidden gem”? It's not very hidden but I love the Lachine Rapids Park—there’s a rock I like to sit on and read while listening to the water run through the St. Lawrence River.
What piece of gear do you need on every trip? My hammock is a must on every trip. It doesn’t take too much space in my backpack, and it’s perfect for taking a break to admire a view!
If you could plan a COC trip with no restrictions, what would it be? I would love to plan a trip to Norway—the fjords are absolutely stunning and it would be so cool to hike there with everyone!
Two truths and a lie: 1. I broke my tailbone hiking down a mountain, 2. One time I peed in the woods at a cross country meet and someone saw me, 3. When I was little I had two lizards as pets
Vitalia | Clubs Coordinator
What's your major/year? I’m a first year student majoring in Music (voice/singing). Don’t yet know whether I’ll be more of a performer or a composer!
Why did you decide to become a COC exec? I LOVE hikes and I have a need of always being outside, especially if it’s in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by trees or any kind of natural environment. Being in the greenery just naturally re-energizes me and makes me feel most alive! I wanted to be an exec to make sure to be around nature and to keep that love alive for others, since it’s so easy to get caught up in our daily lives and not take any time to recharge.
What was the highlight of your summer? Renting a chalet somewhere in Charlevoix with my family and road tripping to various places in the area like Baie Saint-Paul, L’Île-aux-Coudres, Quebec City, etc. Such pretty views!
What’s your favourite Montreal “hidden gem”? To be honest, one of my favourite spots in Montreal is Mount-Royal which is not at all hidden. I feel like there are many paths to explore there and each time you go, you can find a different path to climb.
What piece of gear do you need on every trip? Running shoes and swimsuits!! Running shoes for comfort at whatever outdoor activity you’re doing and swimsuits since you never know where you might find a charming little lake to swim in. You wouldn’t want to miss the opportunity to jump in it after a long and hot day!
If you could plan a COC trip with no restrictions, what would it be? Going to Banff!!! I’ve never been, but I’d really like to go explore that part of Canada since it seems to have various different sceneries and mountains. The blue water, the high mountains, and tough hikes 😍😍
Two truths and a lie: 1. I speak Ukrainian, 2. My favourite animals are raccoons, 3. I hate matcha
Sharon | Director Of External Affairs
What's your major/year? Art history
Why did you decide to become a COC exec? Since the pandemic I've been looking at getting more involved with the university. COC is the perfect way for me to apply my practical skills and experience with things that I'm passionate about!
What was the highlight of your summer? The highlight of my summer would definitely be discovering more of Montreal by bike!
What’s your favourite Montreal “hidden gem”? Not super hidden but Parc Renee Levesque, a perfect ride along the canal that leads you to Lachine and onto this peninsula where you get a nice view of Le Fleuve.
What piece of gear do you need on every trip? I don't go anywhere without my Arcteryx rain coat, super lightweight, packable and waterproof!
If you could plan a COC trip with no restrictions, what would it be? I've always wanted to go up north, I think if there were no restrictions I would want to do a hybrid camping, biking trip to the NW territories or Nunavut. The idea would be to reach the most northern point at the height of the summer to see 24 daylight and the northern lights. Maybe a plane ride back though!
Two truths and a lie: 1. I don't know how to drive, 2. I have never been stung by a bee or wasp, 3. I have swam in both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans
Anabelle | Blog Coordinator
What's your major/year? I’m going into my 5th (and final 😅) year in English and Creative Writing!
Why did you decide to become a COC exec? I used to work at a summer camp and I really miss having that taste of the outdoors every year. I love helping other people and sharing that love for hiking/canoeing/whatever it may be! COC is a great way to get to know people and have fun outside, so I thought it was the best way to do that here at Concordia.
What was the highlight of your summer? I went to a couple of cabins/cottages where I got to spend some sweet time in the woods, but in general I spent a lot of time with family this summer which I'm super grateful for (see pictured: my dad making me pose in front of graffiti)
What’s your favourite Montreal “hidden gem”? I used to live right on the edge of Westmount and I walked to Summit Woods all the time. It's just on the edge of the mountain and it's always quieter than the main park! I can't believe more people don't hang out there or at the Summit lookout!
What piece of gear do you need on every trip? My Hydroflask. Hydrate or diedrate!
If you could plan a COC trip with no restrictions, what would it be? I would definitely plan a white water rafting trip somewhere in Northern Quebec. The scenery is stunning and white water is such a fun way to get to know people and have an adventure!
Two truths and a lie: 1. I’ve spent over 100 days total on canoe trips, 2. I was in a cereal commercial (and I had a bad haircut), 3. I’ve broken both of my ankles
Now that we're all friends, head over to our Instagram to vote on which things you think we're lying about! Stay tuned to take a look at our fall events and get to know us on the trail, bouldering wall, or wherever else life takes us. Can't wait to meet you!
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