In winter in Montreal, you can skate just about anywhere in the city, on one of the 220 outdoor rinks – either natural or refrigerated from December to April.
For those who don’t know how to skate, this is a great opportunity to learn. For those who want to get moving but don’t have time to leave Montreal on weekends, it’s the perfect winter sport.
And to make sure the season is a magical one (and not just cold and long), we recommend these 5 sublime skating rinks for an outing with friends, lovers or family in Montreal.
1. Quiet Esplanade skating rink
The largest refrigerated skating rink in downtown Montreal, it opened on November 20, 2025-and will be open until April 2026 .
Skating lessons are 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.
L’Esplanade Tranquille also offers skating sessions with music and light shows.
- Midis Classique – Wednesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Country Thursdays – Thursdays from 5:30pm to 8pm
- Nostalgia Saturdays – Saturdays from 7:30 pm to 11 pm
- Patins Platines (until Christmas) – Fridays, 7:30 pm to 11 pm
- Au Bord du Lac Tranquille (dreamlike light experience) – Sundays to Thursdays at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays at 6:30 p.m.
Where: QuietEsplanade (corner Ste-Catherine and Clark)
When?
Sunday to Wednesday – 9am to 10pm
Thursday to Saturday – 9am to 11pm
How? free admission
2 Lac aux Castors skating rink
Located in the heart of Parc Mont-Royal, the Lac aux Castors skating rink covers more than 2,500 square meters.
The rink always opens a little later in the year, while the lake freezes over. This year, we’re looking forward to a cold December, and maybe even some Christmas skating…
Where? 2000, chemin Remembrance (on Mont-Royal)
When? Scheduled to open in late December
Friday to Sunday – 9am to 10pm
Monday to Thursday – 9am to 9pm
How? free admission
3. skating rink in Parc La Fontaine
Our favorite summer bbq park transforms its pond into a skating rink in winter…
Where? Parc La Fontaine, 3819 avenue Calixa-Lavallée
When? Open in December
daily, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
How? free admission
4 Parc Jean-Drapeau skating rink – and Sentier des Patineurs
Every year, Parc Jean-Drapeau creates a 500-metre icy course through the trees, just a few minutes from downtown.
Some evenings, the park organizes Glisse & Groove evenings on the Sentier des Patineurs, for night skating and music.
Where? Parc Jean-Drapeau (Jean-Drapeau metro station)
When? Open in December
How? free admission
5 Maisonneuve Park skating rink
With its unique view of the Olympic Stadium, the Parc Maisonneuve skating r ink is a must-see in east-end Montreal.
It offers a large skating surface and a practice area for children.
Where? Maisonneuve Park, 4365 Sherbrooke Street East
When? Open in December
How? Free admission
Have a great winter!