February 1, 2024
Found in “Community news, Activities”
Hi, MEC community, I’m Jamillah – founder and CEO of Hike MTL. We’re a team of outdoor facilitators bringing BIPOC representation to outdoor spaces and one of MEC’s newest Outdoor Impact partners. Right now, we’re gearing up to host one of our favourite events of the year: BLK Winter Fest – a celebration of Black joy in the heart of winter and yes, it’s Black History Month!
About Hike MTL
Based in Montreal, Québec, Hike MTL is a social enterprise born from the need of representation in the outdoors. Our mission? Empower and destigmatize BIPOC communities by fostering a feeling of belonging through nature-based excursions, reducing economic and social barriers and promoting a healthy mental and physical lifestyle in the process.
How it came to be
Our outdoor family adventures often surprise people, mainly because, let’s be honest, it's not the narrative people expect from the Black community. My passion for advocacy and social work began with my background in education and social work, but my journey into the outdoors started two decades ago, while working with youth facing mental health issues and trauma.
Nature became our therapeutic playground. I vividly remember leading a group of boys on an unconventional hike, tippy- toeing off ledges and jumping tree stumps across streams. It felt like rediscovering the world as a child. That moment lingered. Fast forward to today, and despite being passionate about the outdoors, I've grappled with a sense of belonging. Being Black, outdoor spaces rarely showcase faces like mine. This lack of representation inspired me to create Hike MTL—an inclusive sanctuary that welcomes Black, Indigenous and people of color. It's a space where nature's therapeutic benefits are accessible to all. We guide our clients from feeling disconnected to experiencing a profound sense of belonging in nature. As someone who has always struggled with mental health and goes through waves of ups and downs, I have to admit, being in nature has always been a grounding tool for me. My favourite part about getting active outside is how I feel afterwards.
"After following the Instagram page for about 2 years, I finally attended my first event today. It was beyond expectations. Spot on organization, amazing instructors, welcoming vibe.” - Laurence, QC
BLK Winter Fest 2024
BLK Winter Fest is first and foremost, a VIBE. Pure winter celebration with different outdoors excursions throughout February, Black History Month. This is an inclusive opportunity for Black Canadians of all ages to engage in winter activities within a secure environment to foster a profound sense of belonging. We’re actively challenging ingrained stereotypes in the Black community by using the outdoors to promote a healthy way of living.
What to expect
Vibes on vibes. A sense of community and belonging. Shifting your own narrative and perception of what outdoor adventurers look like. You can expect all of these at every Hike MTL event, but BLK Winter Fest is something special. From February 3– 24 we’re facilitating 5 winter excursions: cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, downhill skiing, skating and ice climbing. There will be an instructor teaching each activity, but all events are open to pros and newbies alike.
Seeing yourself in the outdoors
Because everyone deserves to feel connected with nature. The more BIPOC we see in the outdoor industry, the more stories we get to tell about our experiences, the more young people will connect to the outdoor world and enjoy nature’s therapeutic benefits. We need to know nature, to love nature and foster that will to protect nature.
If you’re feeling a bit apprehensive about trying a new outdoor activity or looking to get outside but don’t see yourself occupying those spaces, start small. Join a local community, organization or business that focuses on outdoor experiences and values. I know I would have started way younger if I had those groups around growing up – it would have made a world of difference.
“My favourite part about getting active outside is how I feel afterwards.” - Jamillah Jean, Founder, Hike MTL
Go live it
Interested in signing up for an excursion with BLK Winter Fest or want to know more about Hike MTL? Follow along on our socials and if you’re on the East Coast register for an event this winter (spots fill up quick!).
