January 2026 has just begun, and after a blizzardy New Year’s Eve, we enter the coldest phase of the year in Montreal. The sidewalks are slippery – really, be careful – and the wind whips your face as you exit the metro.
This cold is a Montrealer’s priesthood – and we’re a little proud of it, all the same. What’s more, this is the time of year when you can enjoy winter sports all over the city, from cross-country skiing and hiking to figure skating and field hockey. Everything is more beautiful when it’s cold.
“Beauty at low temperatures is beauty.” –Joseph Brodsy
At Parc Jean-Drapeau, on its annual ice ring, Brodsky’s quote takes on its full meaning…
Skaters’ Path at Parc Jean-Drapeau
Every year, Parc Jean-Drapeau creates a 3m x 457m icy trail through the trees just a few minutes from downtown. It’s refrigerated and maintained, so for ice-skating neophytes it’s an easy and enjoyable course.
It’s right on the river and, while a good neck warmer is recommended, the view of the city at sunset is absolutely unbeatable….
On certain evenings, the park organizesGlisse & Groove evenings on the Sentier des Patineurs, for night skating and music.
- Saturday January 10, 4-6pm, with DJ Sugarface Belfo
- Saturday, January 17, 4-6pm, with DJ Thatz
- Saturday, January 24, 4-6pm, with DJ Poptrt
- Saturday January 31, 16h-18h, with DJ xOnovia
- Saturday February 21, 16h-18h, with DJ Sam
And on February 14, there’ll be a special night for lovers, with RnB and hot chocolate…
Practical info
Where: Parc Jean-Drapeau (Jean-Drapeau metro station)
When will it be open? Parc Jean-Drapeau’s Sentier des Patineurs will be open from January 9 to February 22, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day.
How? free admission
*skates can also be rented on site
Happy winter in Montreal!