Neuro Retreat 2023
This year's Neuro Retreat will take place on June 2-4, 2023, at Espace4Saisons in the Eastern Townships. Ideally located at the foot of Mount Orford and 5 minutes from Magog, nestled in the magnificent region of the Cantons-de-l' East.
The annual Neuro Retreat is always a fantastic opportunity to connect with colleagues and learn about exciting initiatives at The Neuro and take advantage of the local surroundings. This year will be no different!
The Program
- The Friday (June 2) program will focus on neurodevelopment and neurodevelopmental disorders: members of the Azrieli Centre for Autism Research (ACAR) from The Neuro and other McGill sites will gather together to discuss current and future initiatives in this field. All Neuro colleagues at the retreat will be welcome to participate.
- The program on Saturday and Sunday (June 3 & 4) will include plenary lectures from Pedro Rosa-Neto (Biomarkers for Early Diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease), Adil Harroud (The DEMySTIFI Cohort: A Platform for Neuroimmunology Research at The Neuro), Aimen Moussaddy (Neuro Stroke Programme), Massimo Pandolfo and a symposium on New Initiatives in Epilepsy at The Neuro as well as presentations from some of our more recent faculty recruits.
- The retreat program will also include group activities, free time and other events that will promote synergistic interactions among Neuro colleagues and invited guests.
- The Saturday night dinner will be aboard “Le Grand Cru” cruise boat on lake Memphremagog. The evening will be one of beautiful scenery, great food and live entertainment.
The Location
- The Eastern Townships are amongst The New York Times’ 52 to places to in 2023
- The Espace4Saisons is located at the base of Mount Orford in the Eastern Townships, close to Magog and Lake Memphremagog, with many local activities to enjoy.
- The hotel features a wide range of facilities—an indoor/outdoor heated swimming pool, a gym, an entertainment room, and a magnificent outdoor mezzanine with a view of the mountain.
- The Neuro Retreat will occupy the entire 82 rooms, suites and lofts of the elegant Espace4Saisons, which underwent major renovations in 2016 and 2022.
Neuro extracurricular activities
*These activities will be organized through the Neuro and require registration.
Hiking on Mount Orford
The trails are accessible at walking distance from the hotel. A group guided hike is available Saturday afternoon following lunch or Sunday morning.
Yoga
Yoga for all levels. No experience needed. Sign up in advance or with the Neuro Event team at the retreat. The class will take place Saturday morning and be led by Allison Jacobson. Bring your towel or yoga mat, comfortable clothing is recommended.
Regional attractions
Enjoy summer activities such as kayaking, hiking, swimming, golfing and biking. Indoor activities such as wine tasting, visits to art galleries, spas are some of the regional attractions.
Here are some suggestions for activities near Espace4Saison:
Le CEP D’ARGENT Winery
One of the first in the province of Quebec, the Cep d’Argent vineyard offers an effervescent experience like nowhere else the country. The 114-acres where more than 60,000 individual vines grow offers an exceptional view of Lake Magog. Besides the sparkling wines which have made the vineyard a household name, le Cep d’Argent also offers a selection of red, white, rosé, fortified and sweet wines.
Espace Bleu Lavande
Espace Bleu Lavande offers an immersion in the cultivation of lavender in Quebec. In addition to lavender fields and floral gardens, the facility features an interpretation center, an immersive Moment Factory experience and a beautiful boutique. They offer seasonal ephemeral programming, including workshops and musical performances. Their relaxation area offers massages and various wellness experiences. Rates for entrance are $5 per person, and free for children under 12.
Mont Orford Golf Club
Located in the heart of the National Park, the Club de Golf du Mont-Orford is one of the most beautiful panoramic courses in Quebec. Characterised by its valleys and natural streams, the par 72 course offers typical mountain golf challenges. It will require a lot more effort, but the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains will make it worthwhile. Rates depend on the time of the day and time of the year. For more information, see their website.
Owl’s Head Golf Club
Overlooked by a magnificent fieldstone chalet in the heart of nature, the Owl’s Head championship-calibre golf course lies at the mountain’s base. It offers an unforgettable experience to golfers of all levels, from novices to long-time enthusiasts. For more information, see their website here.
A Stroll through the Eastern Townships
Discover the Eastern Townships by walking the 5.8 km of trails crossing various ecosystems. Minutes from downtown Magog, Marais de la Rivière aux Cerises Marais de la Rivière aux Cerises in addition to the trails, an observation tower, a large picnic area and a long bridge on stilts in this marsh environment. The trails are easily accessible and free via Roy Road or the Du Moulin parking lot. To look through the opportunites, follow the link here.
Parc national du Mont-Orford
The park is located immediately north of Magog in the Eastern Townships tourist region of the province. It encompasses several mountain peaks, among which are Mont Orford, Mont Giroux (Pic aux Corbeaux), Mont Alfred Desrochers, Mont Chauve, and the Massif des Chênes. There are multiple hiking trails, with the opportunity to buy a daily pass. Mount Giroux is accessible within minutes of Espace4Saison. See their website for more information link.
Dôme de Morphée
A beauty center, an oasis of relaxation, the Dôme de Morphée is committed to delivering the highest quality care and treatments and is an in-house spa at Espace4Saisons. The centre offers a complete array of aesthetic, massage, and relaxation treatments tailored to the interests of visitors and loyal customers alike. More information can be found here.
Spa Nordic Station
As one of the first Nordic spas in Quebec, Spa Nordic Station has been built on an enchanting site, surrounded by trees, on the banks of Magog’s charming Castle Brook River. The site has been created to provide you with an intimate space for quiet reflection, in an antique décor with a warm and unique feel. To find more information about the different packages available please follow the website link.
Marais de la Riviere aux Cerise
The nautical courses of the Marais are ideal for an immersive experience. It is in this aquatic serenity that you can see the grandiose beauty of the natural scenery of the Rivière aux Cerises. For guided tours or to rent kayaks rent kayaks.
Directions
Download Directions
3801 Rue University, Montréal, QC H3A 1A1 to Espace 4 Saisons, 4940 Chem. du Parc, Orford, Quebec J1X 7N9
Drive: 123 km, 1 hr 28 min
Start: 3801 Rue University Montréal, QC H3A 1A1
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Get on A 15 S/A 20 in Le Sud-Ouest from Av. des Pins and Av. Atwater |
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15 min (5.2 km) |
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↑ 1. Head southeast on Rue University toward Av. des Pins |
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130 m |
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→ 2. Turn right at the 1st cross street onto Av. des Pins |
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1.5 km |
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↗ 3. Slight right onto Chem. de la Côte des Neiges |
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180 m |
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← Sharp left onto Av. du Docteur-Penfleld |
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93 m |
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→ 5. Turn right onto Av. Atwater |
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2.0 km |
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→ 6. Use the right 2 lanes to turn right to stay on Av. Atwater |
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950 m |
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→ 7. Turn right onto the Autoroute 15 S/Autoroute 20 E ramp to Autoroute 10/Pont Champlain Brg/Sherbrooke |
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450 m |
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Follow Autoroute 10 E to Chem. Milletta in Magog. Take exit 115 from Autoroute 10 E |
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1 hr 6 min (114 km) |
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⇑ 8. Merge onto A 15 S/A 20 |
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6.3 km |
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↑ 9. Continue onto Autoroute 10 E |
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108 km |
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↱ 10. Take exit 115 toward QC-112 E/Magog/St-Benoît- du-Lac |
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400 m |
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Drive to QC-141 S in Orford |
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3 min (3.0 km) |
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← 11. Turn left onto Chem. Milletta |
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600 m |
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↺ 12. At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto QC-112 O |
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500 m |
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↺ 13. At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Chem. du Mont Orford/QC-141 S Continue to follow QC-141 S Destination will be on the right |
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1.9 km |
End: Espace 4 Saisons, 4940 Chem. du Parc, Orford, Quebec J1X 7N9
Organizing committee
Stefano Stifani, Chair
Deborah Rashcovsky
