Giving yourself the power to act
At Parkinson Montréal-Laval, every event is an opportunity to connect, learn, and enjoy meaningful moments together. From educational conferences and practical workshops to themed gatherings, exercise classes, and social activities, there’s always something happening to support you in living well with Parkinson’s while building strong and lasting connections. Our activities are open to everyone, and registration is required. We invite you to join us and become part of a vibrant, engaged, and caring community.
Schedule – Fall 2026
Session from September 14 to December 18, with exceptions
Should you have questions or if you would like to register for an activity, please contact us directly by email or phone:
servicespml@parkinsonquebec.ca / 514-868-0597
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We are currently updating our website. If you have any questions or need further information, please do not hesitate to contact us by email at servicespml@parkinsonquebec.ca or by phone at 514 868-0597.
Important Information
- General registration begins on September 1, 2026.
- Fall session activities start on September 14, 2026.
- If you would like to try a new activity, you can register and choose the option “I will pay by check or by phone”. If you decide not to continue, this trial will be free; if you choose to continue for the rest of the session, you will be billed.
- Caregivers accompanying participants receive a 50% discount.
- A 10% discount applies when registering for a second activity, and a 20% discount applies for a third activity or more.
- It is also possible to register mid-session and pay on a pro-rata basis for the remaining classes.
- If you are unable to participate in one of our activities due to financial constraints, please send us a message at servicespml@parkinsonquebec.ca or call 514-868-0597. We will surely find a way to accommodate you.
To learn more about support groups and other services
Monthly Group Meetings
Online Support Group for People Living with Parkinson’s and Their Care partners – with Claire
Every 2nd Tuesday of the month, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Free, but advance registration is required
Online Support Group for Caregivers – with Christianne
Every 3rd Wednesday of the month, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Free, but advance registration is required
Online Support Group for People Living with Parkinson’s – with Grier
Every last Wednesday of the month, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.
Free, but advance registration is required
To register:
servicespml@parkinsonquebec.ca
514-868-0597
- Activities details -
ADAPTED BOXING
Location: In-person in Montreal and Laval
Duration: 1 hour
Offered in collaboration with NeuroMotrix
The connection between boxing and Parkinson’s disease may come as a surprise to many. However, boxing techniques are an excellent way to improve coordination, fluidity of movement, and muscular and cardiovascular endurance. Boxing classes are non-contact, meaning that punches are always thrown at a punching bag and never at a partner. Led by a kinesiologist, the exercises are designed to maximize the benefits for people living with Parkinson’s disease, all in a safe environment.
NORDIC WALKING
Location: In-person in Montreal and Laval
Duration: 1 hour
Offered in collaboration with NeuroMotrix
Nordic walking is a walking technique that emphasizes the use of walking poles. This addition increases the engagement of the arms and core and boosts the cardiovascular demand of the activity, while also challenging your coordination. The classes also include strength-training exercises designed to support your walking endurance. In addition to enjoying the outdoors, you’ll benefit from the expertise of a kinesiologist specializing in neurological disorders who leads the activity.
NEURO-EQUILIBRIUM
Location: In-person in Montreal
Duration: 1 hour
Offered in collaboration with NeuroMotrix
As time goes on, improving your balance becomes an increasingly important concern. However, it’s important to understand that balance is the result of a synergy between muscle strength, coordination, and flexibility. These are all skills you’ll work on in the Neuro-Equilibrium class. Each exercise is selected and supervised by an experienced kinesiologist who takes into account not only the typical symptoms of Parkinson’s disease but also your individual abilities.
DANCE THERAPY
Location: In person in Montreal
Duration: 1 hour
Offered in collaboration with Parkinson en Mouvement
In Dance Therapy, the body becomes our medium, the tool through which we can express what drives us and what concerns us. We draw on our imagination and creativity to bring our stories, impulses, and inspirations to life and to respond physically, through movement, to what we experience, feel, and what lies within us. This physical exploration allows us to connect with our various dimensions, whether physical, social, cognitive, or sensory. Beyond being a simple physical activity, dance therapy allows us to connect with the feelings that music evokes in us, to explore various qualities of movement, to expand our gestural vocabulary, and to experience the joy of dancing alone and with others, all with the support provided by the group experience. In terms of physical benefits, working on coordination, joint range of motion, and muscle strengthening can have a positive impact on balance.
What can you expect in the dance therapy workshops? We’ll engage in guided exercises, simple choreographies, and structured improvisations set to a variety of music styles, as well as moments for verbal exchange. All of this will take place in an atmosphere that is both mindful and playful, designed to foster self-awareness and enjoyment.
NO DANCE EXPERIENCE IS REQUIRED to participate in the workshops.
Led by Christine Daniel, M.Sc., R-DMT (Registered Dance-Movement Therapist)
STRETCHING
Location: Online - Tuesdays and Fridays
Duration: 30 minutes
Offered in collaboration with Parkinson en Mouvement
This stretching class offers a series of gentle exercises performed seated and standing, aimed at maintaining and improving flexibility, balance, posture, muscular strength, as well as physical and mental coordination. The movements are adapted and progressive, offered in a safe environment within a friendly, supportive, and musical atmosphere that encourages enjoyment of movement.
Led by Sarah K
DANCE MOVEMENT - in person
Location: In person in Montreal—Mondays and Thursdays
Duration: 1 hour
Offered in collaboration with Parkinson en Mouvement
Our Monday class are in a dance studio downtown Montreal where we are quite mobile in the space that we fill with movement, dance, BIG and sometimes laughter. We begin with walking and moving to music for about 5 minutes in the space, then go into a warmup of all joints and major muscle groups with attention to the effort qualities of Time, Space, Force and Flow. Combinations based on high amplitude (BIG movement, gesture and attention) are offered which we build over the weeks. We also work/play and improvise with balance and movements which can be integrated into daily life. A sitting circle for stretching takes place mid class or at the end of the class.
Led by Joanabbey Sack, MA, BC, DMT, RDT, Dance Movement Therapist (co-founder of Parkinson en Mouvement)
Our Thursday class combines gentle movements, rhythm, and mindful dance in a welcoming environment specifically designed for people with Parkinson’s disease. In the warm and encouraging setting of the Notre-Dame-de-Grâce Sports Center, we focus on improving mobility, coordination, balance, and self-confidence through music-driven movements, fun partner exercises, and progressive steps. Each session is carefully structured to ensure that participants feel safe and engaged, discovering new ways to express themselves and reconnect with their bodies. Led by Amanda Ruggles
DANCE MOVEMENT: zoom thursday
Location: Online - Thursday
Duration: 1 hour
Offered in collaboration with Parkinson en Mouvement
A group of up to 7 participants who are mobile or can move from a chair work together for Movement/Dance/General discussion and Sharing. Basic elements of these classes are to encourage the incorporation of dance, movement, and BIG into the daily life of the participants; to bring life into dance and dance into life. The element of BIG targets neuroplasticity and working with the sometimes small, restricted, or held movement. Another focus is being together, moving together and experiencing synchrony people with PD, to be ‘in step’ and dancing an ease which has been forgotten. There is also a focus on mastery of movement and developing kinesthetic awareness. Each person is addressed and followed during the class. This class has been and is a site for training our interns who assist 10 classes as part of their training.
Led by Joanabbey Sack, MA, BC, DMT, RDT, Dance Movement Therapist (co-founder of Parkinson en Mouvement)
SINGING AND VOICE
Location: Online
Duration: 1 hour
Offered in collaboration with Parkinson en Mouvement
and Charlotte Cumberbich, independent instructor
This group class explores breathing and singing techniques designed to create space in the body and joy in the heart. Through exercises designed to help us better understand how we produce sound, participants enjoy an hour dedicated to vocal technique, singing, and camaraderie.
Led by Charlotte Cumberbich, a professional musician and music therapist driven by a desire to build connections through music. Trained in vocal performance and music therapy, she holds a Bachelor of Music from the University of British Columbia, a Master’s in Performance from the University of Montreal, and a Master’s in Music Therapy from Concordia University. Based in Montreal, she performs regularly with renowned professional ensembles, including the Studio de musique ancienne de Montréal, the Montreal Symphony Orchestra Chorus, and La Chapelle de Québec. Alongside her career as a singer, she works as a music therapist with people of all ages in long-term care facilities, community settings, and private practice. Actively involved in Quebec’s cultural and artistic life, she serves on the board of directors of the Union des artistes and, since September 2023, has been the artistic director of SAMS, a vast network of musicians that brings music into the heart of healthcare settings.
CHAIR EXERCISES
Location: In-person in Laval and simultaneously via Zoom
Duration: 1 hour
Offered in collaboration with Lucie Gougeon - Yoga Tout Laval
These 60-minute classes are adapted for use with chairs and on the floor, depending on the group’s specific needs. All classes include breathing techniques, movements to work the joints, adapted seated and/or standing postures depending on the theme being explored and a final 8- to 10-minute relaxation session using mindful breathing, a body scan, and a short visualization set in nature based on a chosen theme related to well-being.
This class is led by Lucie Gougeon.
Details and registration : servicespml@parkinsonquebec.ca / 514-868-0597
VOCAL EXPLORATION
Location: In-person in Montreal and online
Duration: 1 hour
Offered in collaboration with Vocavie
Designed to support the voice and foster creativity, this vocal exploration course offers exercises, activities, and vocal games to highlight the uniqueness of each voice.
The session consists of 7 classes, from September 18 to November 6.
THE FIRST AND LAST CLASSES WILL TAKE PLACE IN PERSON AT THE BELGO CENTER IN MONTREAL. CLASSES 2 THROUGH 6 WILL BE OFFERED ONLINE.
Led by musician Louise Campbell and Ingrid Verduyckt
No prior musical experience is necessary. Come ready to talk, sing, and have a great time together!
Conferences
Subscribe to our newsletter at the bottom of the page to receive all the dates for upcoming conference
Online Conference: Naturopathy & Parkinson’s – Improving Your Quality of Life, One Step at a Time 🌿
Replay Available in French
DESCRIPTION:
Tiphanie Rossato (ND), a naturopath specializing in Parkinson’s and founder of Living Better with Parkinson’s Naturally, led a webinar full of practical and natural advice. Discover concrete ways to improve daily living—from nutrition and sleep to overall well-being.
Webinar : Living with Parkinson’s as a Woman
Replay Available in French (possibility to put subtitle in English on Youtube)
DESCRIPTION:
Presented by Dr. Isabelle Beaulieu-Boire, neurologist and movement disorder specialist at the CIUSSS de l’Estrie and professor at the Université de Sherbrooke. She explores the unique aspects of Parkinson’s disease in women.
A rich and informative session featuring insights and testimonials to better understand the realities faced by women living with Parkinson’s. 💬💜
Online Conference: Driving and My Health with the SAAQ
Replay Available in French
Speaker: Marouan Bel Fakir from the SAAQ
DESCRIPTION:
Do you have questions about driving with Parkinson’s symptoms? Are you thinking about stopping driving?
Driving is a complex activity that requires many skills. After years of driving, it’s easy to forget how many of our functions are engaged when we’re behind the wheel.
Online Conference: How to Choose a Seniors’ Residence?
Replay Available in French
DESCRIPTION:
Are you or a loved one living with Parkinson’s disease and considering a move to a seniors’ residence? This conference will help you make an informed decision tailored to the specific needs related to the disease.
Presented by: Accès Résidences, member of the ACHQ (Association of Housing Advisors of Québec)
Topics Covered:
- Key criteria for making the right choice
- Types of available residences
- Financial aspects to consider
- Expert advice for an informed decision
LISTEN HERE!
Parkinson’s Disease in Women: A Distinctive Experience?
Replay Available in French
With: Dr. Madelaine Sharp
DESCRIPTION:
An enlightening discussion that helped shed light on the unique challenges faced by women with Parkinson’s, both in terms of symptoms and access to care.
ABOUT THE SPEAKER:
Dr. Madeleine Sharp is a neurologist and clinician-researcher specializing in movement disorders at the Montreal Neurological Institute at McGill University. Her research focuses on understanding the cognitive mechanisms underlying behavioral and cognitive symptoms in patients with neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Parkinson’s.
This conference is now available on the Parkinson Montréal-Laval YouTube page.
Nutraceuticals and Parkinson’s
Replay Available in French
March 10, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Via Zoom
With: Dr. Frédéric Calon
DESCRIPTION:
Nutraceuticals explore nutrients found in food, vitamins, plants, and minerals. It lies at the intersection of nutrition and pharmaceuticals. Adapted for Zoom, this conference offers insights into how nutrition can influence the well-being of people with Parkinson’s, including the role of omega-3s, interactions between food and medication, and key principles of a tailored nutritional approach.
ABOUT THE SPEAKER:
Dr. Frédéric Calon is a professor and researcher at CHU de Québec–Université Laval, specializing in neuropharmacology and neurodegenerative diseases. His research on omega-3s and brain health is internationally recognized. With his expertise, he will highlight the latest scientific advances in nutraceuticals and their potential role in improving the quality of life for people with Parkinson’s.
This conference is now available on the Parkinson Montréal-Laval YouTube page
Thank you for making a difference!
At Parkinson Montreal-Laval, we are committed to offering services for people living with Parkinson’s and their care partners. Your donations help us continue providing enriching activities, personalized support, and resources tailored to the needs of our community.
