Winter can be long, but enjoyable if you find a winter activity that you enjoy doing and look forward to. Ice Skating can be one of these activities! Just imagine yourself skating under the snow on the old port rink with a view of the old Montreal, how magical is that?
Here are 8 different outdoor ice skating rinks to make the most out of winter!
Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks in Montreal
Montreal is home to many seasonal outdoor ice skating rinks, you can find them in major parks as well as at the Old Port and the Quartier des Spectacles. Here are the main 4:
Old Port Ice Skating Rink
The Old Port Skating Rink is THE spot for ice skating! Aside from the charming location, entertainment is offered almost every day, check out their programming here.
- Access: Daily passes per adult cost $10, for children from 6 to 12 it’s $6.75, and children under 6 are free.
- Schedule: From December 9, 2023, Mondays to Wednesdays from 10 am to 9 pm and Thursdays to Sundays from 10 am to 10 pm.
- Skates Rentals: you can rent skates on the spot from Patin Patin for $13.05 per adult / $11.5 per child
Esplanade Tranquille Skating Rink
The Esplanade Tranquille Skating Rink, a skating rink located in the Quartier des Spectacles in the heart of Montreal, is the largest outdoor refrigerated rink in Montreal with a surface of 1,500 m2 (16,000 sq. ft.)
- Access: FREE!
- Schedule: Sundays to Wednesdays from 9 am to 10 pm and Thursdays to Saturdays from 9 am to 11 pm.
- Skates Rentals: you can rent skates on the spot from Patin Patin for $11.96 per adult / $10 per child for 2 hours
Beaver Lake Ice Skating Rink
The Beaver Lake Ice skating Rink, located in Mount Royal Park, is one of the most charming rinks on Montreal Island! Imagine skating in this beautiful park next to Beaver Lake aka the Lac-aux-castors.
- Access: FREE!
- Schedule: Winter 2023/2024 TBD
- Skates Rentals: you can rent skates on the spot for $12.5 pp
Skaters’ Trail – Parc Jean Drapeau
Fancy ice skating while contemplating the skyline of Montreal? Head to the Parc Jean Drapeau, the park offers a natural ice rink as well as a trail of over 420m in length.
- Access: FREE!
- Schedule: Winter 2023/2024 TBD
- Skates Rentals: you can rent skates on the spot for $12.5 pp
Outdoor Ice Rinks within one Hour of Montreal
The North Shore offers multiple ice rinks, here you can find the two closest to Montreal
Centre de la Nature
An 18,500 sqm rink on the “Grand Lac” awaits you at the Centre de la Nature in Laval on the north shore of Montreal.
- Access: FREE!
- Schedule: Winter 2023/2024 TBD
- Skates Rentals: you can rent skates on the spot for $8 pp for 3 hours
Parc de la Rivière-des-Mille-Îles
Situated on the North Shore, the Parc de la Rivière-des-Mille-Îles offers an ice rink accessible to all from the berge du Garro. I recommend you check their website to see if the ice rink is open.
- Access: FREE!
- Schedule: Winter 2023/2024 TBD
Ice Skating Trails worth the drive
Looking for a skating trail instead of a rink? Quebec is not shy of those either! Here you’ll find the 2 most popular ones.
Patinage en foret
A natural 3km trail in the enchanted forest, as its name indicates. Patinage en Fôret is located next to Gatineau around 3h from Montreal, 45mins from Ottawa.
- Access: $18 per adult, $14 for 6 to 17 years old
- Schedule: Starting December 2023, Monday through Sunday from 9 am to sunset
- Skates Rentals: you can rent skates on the spot for $10
Domaine enchanteurs
Located near Trois Rivières, 2h away from Montreal, the Domaine Enchanteur offers a natural “enchanted” trail in the woods.
- Access: $22 for 13 years old and above, $17 for 5 to 12 years old,
- Schedule: Sunday to Wednesday from 9 am to 8 pm, Thursday to Saturday from 9 am to 10 pm
- Skates Rentals: you can rent skates on the spot for $10
Voila! Happy Skating! 😊
Make sure to check my winter adventure-related blogs, What to Pack for a Ski Weekend and What to wear for a winter hike to make the most out of this season!
