In Montreal, we love hanging out in contemporary art galleries with a cold oatmeal latte in hand and a strong opinion on vegan leather. But the metropolis, which is known for its coolness (officially) is located in the middle of one of the world’s most beautiful wilderness regions – and the most beautiful lakes on which to skate in winter.
In the fairytale winter atmosphere that looks so good on insta photos, and the nostalgia of long Sundays at -25 degrees playing field hockey on the lake next door to grandma and grandpa’s, you can’t really beat it.
Of course, you can’t skate on any frozen lake or river – and it’s extremely dangerous to do so. For charm without the danger, we’ve got 5 natural ice rinks to visit this winter…
Natural ice rinks to visit this winter in and around Montreal
1 . Parc La Fontaine skating rink – Montreal
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 January
daily, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
How? free admission
2.ice ring on Brome Lake – Eastern Townships
When the ice is cold enough, you can skate on Lac Brome on a large ring set up by the town. It’s pretty, it’s safe and it’s a short walk from the cute town of Knowlton (or a hot chocolate afterwards).
Where? Douglass Municipal Beach, 213 Lakeside Road, Lac Brome (1h15 drive from Montreal).
When? If the ice is thick enough (for more info, call 450 242-2020).
How to get there?
Equipment rental
Weekends, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., December 23 to March 10
Parking for residents
Available to Lac-Brome residents with a parking sticker available at Town Hall or Centre Lac-Brome at a cost of $4 for 2 years.
Rates for non-residents
For non-residents, parking fees are payable at the parking meter.
2 hrs or less: $6
2 hrs or more: $20
3 Lac Beauport ice ring – Quebec City
In winter, an almost 3-km-long ring is built on Lac Beauport, and there’s room for both show-off figure skaters (whom we love) and those who want to take it easy.
Where? 219, ch. du Tour-Du-Lac, Lac-Beauport, Quebec (3h drive from Montreal)
When? January 5 to March 1, 2026
How? adult admission $10
4.lake Mercier ice ring – Mont Tremblant
The village of Mont-Tremblant – which looks like something out of an Andersen fairy tale – has an ice ring on the lake below one of the region’s most beloved ski resorts.
Where? 100, chemin Plouffe (Village sector), Mont-Tremblant (1h45 drive from Montreal)
When? Monday to Sunday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., open early January
How? free admission
5 Lac Maisonneuve skating rink – Montreal
With its unique view of the Olympic Stadium, the skating rink in Maisonneuve Park is a must-see in Montreal’s east end.
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
Happy winter!