10 great places in Montreal to go ice skating this winter
Winter is here — and what better way to fill the time than by going skating at one of Montreal’s many local rinks?
Getting out in the fresh air is definitely one of the best ways to beat the winter blues. Plus, we can all use the extra exercise. With that in mind, here are some of the top places to go ice skating around the island.
Parc Jean-Drapeau
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Collaborating with Radio-Canada to provide the ambiance of music, the Parc’s Espace 67 has been turned into a refrigerated ice skating rink for the winter. A family-friendly option, the Parc is a great place to get away from the city and spend some time in nature.
Access is completely free, and equipment rentals are available on-site. They also have snowshoeing, fat biking, sliding, and ski trails for those who are looking for more adventure.
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Esplanade Tranquille
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The giant free skating rink in downtown Montreal has reopened to the public this winter, channelling some serious Rockefeller Center vibes.
The 1,500 sq ft elevated (and refrigerated) rink is part of the 24th edition of the Montréal en Lumière festival at the Quartier des Spectacle. The rink, which acts as the centrepiece of the L’Esplanade Tranquille, is free of charge for anyone to use.
Old Port Skating Rink
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Arguably the best place for outdoor skating on the island, the Old Port Skating Rink offers skaters smooth sheets of ice every day until March 5.
Parc La Fontaine Ice Skating Rink
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Certainly one of the most romantic places to get some fresh air this winter, this skating rink can be found in the heart of Parc La Fontaine’s lush landscape. Skaters of all ages and levels can enjoy this cozy spot for free, and rent equipment on-site.
Beaver Lake Ice Skating Rink
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Atop Mount Royal sits this refrigerated rink, located right next to the hill’s well-loved Lac-aux-Castors. An on-site café is also available if you want to warm up with a hot beverage or snack from their menu.
Parc Sir-Wilfrid-Laurier
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The ice rink in Parc Sir-Wilfrid Laurier is perfect for a leisurely skate or a hockey game with friends. If you’re looking to stay connected while spending time outdoors, the park also offers free WiFi.
Atrium Le 1000
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Open year-round, the Underground City connects to the Atrium Le 1000, a 10,000 sq ft indoor skating rink.
Inaugurated in 1992, the Atrium has an overhead glass dome and is open late on weekends, which is optimal for those nights when it’s too cold to go outside.
Parc Maisonneuve
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Enjoy a gorgeous view of the Olympic Stadium while you meander through the widest skating rink on the East side of the island. A practice area for less-skilled skaters makes it the perfect place for a family outing.
Parc Jeanne-Mance
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Parc Jeanne-Mance is one of Montreal’s favourite hangout spots in the summer, and its skating rink makes it a go-to place in the winter. Bring some friends for a skating date with a beautiful view of the Plateau Mont-Royal.
Bleu Blanc Rouge Skating Rink – Verdun’s Willibrord Park
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As one of the premier refrigerated rinks in the city, this rink was built in partnership with the Montreal Canadiens. If you’re looking to get some good hockey in, this spot is a safe bet.
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