MonISLA
Montreal Institute for Second Language Acquisition
Social events
Pre-conference Zoom mixer for graduate students​
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Thursday, September 24 (8:00 – 9:30 p.m. EST).
Location: Zoom
This will be a very informal event for grad students to meet each other before the conference. We will be playing SLRF/applied linguistics trivia. This event is free, but you must sign up here to get the Zoom link. If you are a faculty member and would like to support this event by submitting a trivia question, you can do so here.
Early Career and Grad Mixer
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Thursday, October 1 (7:15 p.m.) 
After an afternoon filled with insightful, thought-provoking SLRF workshops, keep the momentum going by joining us at our Early Career and Grad Mixer! This informal gathering is the perfect space to unwind, share ideas sparked during the sessions, and connect with fellow graduate students across institutions and research areas. Whether you’re eager to continue conversations from the workshops, meet new colleagues in a relaxed setting, or simply take a breather with others who share your passion for SLA, we’d love to see you there.
Everyone is welcome! Whether you are a staff member, a graduate student or a volunteer, come recharge with good company!
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Schedule & Logistics
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Date: Thursday, October 1 at 7:15 p.m.
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Location: Pub McCarold (5400 Chem. de la Côte-des-Neiges, Montréal, QC H3T 1Y5)
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Getting there: 8 mins by foot from Pavillon Jean-Brillant
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Sign up: Not necessary ​
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Note: Food & drinks will not be covered by SLRF
Trailblazing Second Language research by day, hiking trails by evening – Mount-Royal hike
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When visiting a new city, one often has to split their time intentionally between enjoying nature and enjoying the city. In Montreal, you can do both on the same day! Join us for an urban hike up Montreal’s most famous green space - Mount Royal.
Saturday, October 3 at 6:10 p.m.
Starting point: Pavillon Jean-Brillant (main entrance near the reception)
We will meet up at the main entrance's reception in Pavillon Jean-Brillant. Then, we will walk up through Mont-Royal, with our hike ending at the mountain summit, offering a stunning and iconic view of the city’s shimmering downtown area and the surrounding Saint-Lawrence River. You will be free to enjoy the view from the Kondiaronk Belvedere or walk over to the Chalet, which holds art works celebrating Montreal’s history painted by renowned artists. Once the hike is over, you can descend through the stairs to find yourself at the heart of downtown Montreal.
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Schedule and logistics:
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Date: Saturday, October 3 at 18:10
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Length: ~40 mins – 1 hour to reach the summit, enjoy the view, and descend back down
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Meet up point: Pavillon Jean-Brillant (main entrance near the reception)
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Sign up: Not necessary
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Price: Free!
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Accessibility: Mount Royal Chalet is accessible to people with reduced mobility. If you decide to join the group at the top, there is a parking lot which is a 600-m walk along Olmsted Path. It’s important to note that this way includes a slightly inclined gravel road that can be difficult if one is a wheelchair user or has reduced mobility.
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Dress code: Comfortable running or hiking shoes
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We look forward to you joining us!
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A Waterfront Adventure: Montreal Old-Port Walk
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Montreal is a city with rich and well-preserved history, with the Old Town and Old Port giving us a glimpse at what life would have been like as far back as 400 years ago. Come discover its cobblestone paths, neoclassical buildings, and stunning views of the Saint-Lawrence on our Old-Port walk!
Sunday, October 4 (1:10 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.)
Starting point: Pavillon Jean-Brillant (main entrance near the reception)
We will meet at the main entrance of the university in front of the reception, then take the metro to Place d'Armes station and stop for lunch in Chinatown. From there, we will walk through Old Montreal, passing by the Notre-Dame Basilica and Place d’Armes square, a spot filled with music, boutiques, and narrow roads. We will make our way past the Ferris Wheel (or La Grande Roue) all the way to the Clock Tower.
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You are free to stay with the group for the duration of the tour or leave and explore on your own at any time throughout the walk!
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Schedule & Logistics
Date: Sunday, October 4 (1:10 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.)
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Meet up location: Pavillon Jean-Brillant (main entrance near the reception)
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Dress code: Comfortable shoes are recommended!
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Sign up: Not necessary
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Price: Free!
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Curling: A Special Canadian Social Activity on Ice
Is your brain overheated after three days of engaging and inspiring SLRF conference sessions? Let’s cool down, get moving, and have some fun before you leave!  Join us for a relaxed and uniquely Canadian social activity: Curling .
Sunday, October 4 (2:45–6:00 pm)
Town of Mount Royal Curling Club (5 Av. Montgomery, Mont-Royal, QC H3R 2B2)
Have you ever watched curling at the Olympics and wondered how it works? This is your chance to find out. This experience is open to everyone who is curious to learn and experience this culturally rich Olympic sport. It’s a wonderful way to unwind, move a little, and connect with fellow conference participants in a friendly, informal setting.
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Curling is a team-based sport played on ice, where players slide stones toward a target while teammates help guide them by sweeping. It’s strategic and social, enjoyed by people of all ages, from children to older adults. No strength or athletic background is required.
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We will begin with a guided instructional session led by an experienced instructor, followed by a friendly game where you can put what you’ve learned into practice. After curling, participants are welcome to continue socializing together in the club’s bar lounge—an important and well-loved part of curling culture!
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Fun is guaranteed—on and off the ice!
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Schedule & Logistics
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Date: Sunday, October 4 (2:45–6:00 pm)
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Playing time: 2 hours (+ optional hang out at the bar)
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~45 minutes of instruction
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~75 minutes of game play
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Location: Town of Mount Royal Curling Club (5 Av. Montgomery, Mont-Royal, QC H3R 2B2)
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Getting there: approximately 20 minutes by bus, 15 minutes by Uber, or 40 minutes on foot from the conference site.
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Registration: Required (limited to 60 participants)
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Fee: $55 CAD per person
(The transportation as well as drinks and snacks at the bar are NOT included in the registration fee)
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Questions? Contact slrf2026.montreal@gmail.com
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Do I need prior experience?
No experience or skill is necessary. This activity is open to everyone, and all instruction will be provided on the ice. You may also watch a brief introduction video here.
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What should I wear?
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Clean running shoes or sneakers (required—outdoor shoes are not allowed on the ice; special rubber grippers will be provided)
Warm, comfortable clothing (the rink temperature is around 5°C / 41°F)
Loose, stretchy pants are recommended. Dressing in layers is ideal.
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Is curling physically demanding?
Curling is generally low‑impact and accessible. You can participate at your own pace, and sweeping is optional.
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Can participants with knee, back, or mobility limitations take part?
Yes! Curling is known for being inclusive and enjoyed by people of many ages and abilities. Delivery sticks are available, allowing you to play while standing or walking—no kneeling required.
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Can friends, family, or colleagues come to watch?
Yes! Observing is also part of the fun. Guests are welcome to watch the games and socialize off the ice in the warm lounge area.