Shoot or point? Pétanque in Parc La Fontaine as a Bridge Between Generations

Trail adventures from Trans Canada Trail staff 

Written by Meggie Carrier 

In an era where we tend to marginalize the elderly, who are often kept away from public life in private residences, or residential and long-term care centers, it becomes essential to promote places of multigenerational experiences, where people can get together, exchange ideas and forge lasting ties. Parc La Fontaine, situated on the Ville de Montreal Trail section of the Trans Canada Trail, is an inspiring example. 

Our differences fade away 

In the park, pétanque becomes a shared language. A neutral ground where differences of age or origin fade away. Between the throw of a ball and a well-placed tip, memories, advice, laughter and traditions flow freely. 

In Montreal, like elsewhere in the country, passionate retirees share the field with curious younger people, children learning to aim accurately, and newcomers to Canada. Stories are recounted between games in accents and inflections from near and far, accents from near and far, and bursts of laughter warm even the chilliest of days. You’ve got to see it to believe it: here, we play as early as April and sometimes as late as November! 

Photo credit: Le Treiz

A place for sharing between generations and cultures 

Pétanque doesn’t just bring generations together; it also transmits a collective memory. It’s a memory of the Montreal of yesteryear, recounted by older adults: of the fields of Rosemont, of cows in the alleyways, of the slides on the hill at Sherbrooke Street before the arrival of the Olympic Stadium … and of the evenings when the park would fill up with hundreds of people ready to play pétanque in a festive atmosphere. These stories are precious. And the pétanque court becomes an open-air theatre; a place for intergenerational storytelling. 

Today, players from Madagascar, Algeria, Belgium, the Congo, Montreal, Rimouski and all over the country gather around these courts. People of all ages and origins who, for the duration of a game, share the same space, the same goal and, often, a story. 

Photo credit: Meggie Carrier

A living space that supports us  

In an increasingly digital and individualized world, places like Parc La Fontaine provide immense value. Along the Trans Canada Trail, these often-overlooked gathering spots remind us that community can be found in the most unexpected places.  

The Trans Canada Trail is not only a path; it’s a living space that supports the social, mental and physical health of millions of people across the country. For older people, it’s a place of movement, connection and memory. For younger people, it’s a place of learning and discovery. And for all of us, it’s an invitation to slow down, breathe and reconnect — with nature, with ourselves and with one another. 

So, what about pétanque? Perhaps it’s just a pretext. But what a wonderful excuse to meet up, listen to each other … and play together. 

Meggie Carrier is Trans Canada Trail’s Social Media Coordinator. She lives in Montreal and can often be found at Parc La Fontaine where she finds inspiration for her songs. 

Explore the Ville de Montreal Trail on our interactive map

Main photo credit: Le Treiz