As 2026 approaches in our rearview and Montreal cools off into its annual ice age, the city’s streets are more or less hostile.
We’ve already changed our car tires and shoes, and covered ourselves in layers and layers of knitted wool and technical fabric.
And since November 20, 2025, we can change everything for tights (your choice), a chapka and a pair of skates and go sliding with ease on downtown’s largest refrigerated skating rink.
The Esplanade Tranquille skating rink
The Esplanade Tranquille skating rink, which stretches between two rows of tall gray buildings in Montreal’s Downtown district, is the largest refrigerated skating rink on the island. It measures 1500 square metres and can accommodate 400 skaters.
As well as being the biggest, it’s the most artistic skating rink in Montreal – and definitely the most interactive.
L’Esplanade Tranquille offers skating sessions with music and sound and light shows.
- Midis Classique – Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Country Thursdays – Thursdays from 5:30 pm to 8 pm
- Samedis Nostalgie – Saturdays from 7:30pm to 11pm
- Patins Platines (until Christmas) – Fridays, 7.30pm to 11pm
- Au Bord du Lac Tranquille (dreamlike light experience) – Sundays to Thursdays at 6.30pm and 8.30pm, Fridays and Saturdays at 6.30pm.
Skating lessons, café and rentals
The rink also has a pavilion where you can set down your gear (and change into an Ice Princess) in one of the lockers at the Patin Patin counter. There are three areas to rest after an intense session, drink a hot chocolate or watch others skate after twisting an ankle.
Skates can be rented for $14.95 per two hours for adults and $10.50 per two hours for children.
Skating lessons are also available;
- for children aged 2 to 10 – Sundays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- for teens and adults – Saturdays, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Practical info
Where: Esplanade Tranquille, 1442 Clark Street (in the Quartier des Spectacles)
Where?
Ice rink
Sunday to Wednesday – 9 am to 10 pm
Thursday to Saturday – 9am to 11pm
Pavilion
Sunday to Wednesday – 9am to 11pm
Thursday to Saturday – 9am to midnight
Patin Patin counter
Sunday to Wednesday – 4pm to 9pm
Thursday to Saturday – 4pm to 10pm
How? free admission
Enjoy the ride!