Skating outdoors is the most Montreal thing you can do in winter. The city has more than 220 outdoor rinks, including several free refrigerated rinks that open before the real cold sets in. Here’s where to skate in Montreal this Christmas season.
Opening dates depend on the weather; check the City of Montréal’s rink conditions or the Patinoires Montréal app before you go.
Important: The Old Port skating rink closed permanently in 2025 after more than 30 years. It is not open this season.
Esplanade Tranquille (Quartier des spectacles)
Downtown’s largest refrigerated rink, right in the Quartier des spectacles. It’s free, open from mid-November to early April, and known for skating sessions with music and light shows.
- Where: Corner of Sainte-Catherine Street West and Clark Street
- Metro: Place-des-Arts or Saint-Laurent
- Price: Free admission; skate rentals and a café on site
- Good to know: Children’s skating lessons (ages 2 to 10) have been offered on Sunday mornings. The rink has stayed open late on New Year’s Eve.
Beaver Lake (Lac aux Castors), Mount Royal
The most scenic rink in the city, in the middle of Mount Royal Park, surrounded by snowy trees. Warm up in the pavilion, then walk up to the Kondiaronk Belvedere for the view over downtown.
- Where: Mount Royal Park, 2000 Chemin Remembrance
- Season: Listed for December 12, 2026 to March 8, 2027 (to be confirmed)
- Price: Free admission; skate rentals available
- Getting there: Bus 11 from Mont-Royal metro, or parking on Chemin Remembrance
Parc La Fontaine (Plateau)
A classic: skate on the frozen pond in one of the city’s prettiest parks, with music and lights in the evening. Skate and helmet rentals are available at the chalet.
Parc Jarry (Villeray)
Two hockey rinks and a recreational skating rink that’s lit up after dark. A good neighbourhood option in the north of the city.
Bleu Blanc Bouge rink, Willibrord Park (Verdun)
A professional-size refrigerated outdoor rink with skate rentals, steps from Wellington Street.
Tips
- Rent at the rink. Patin Patin rents skates at La Fontaine Park and the Esplanade Tranquille.
- Go early or late. Weekend afternoons are busiest. Weekday evenings under the lights are magical.
- Check conditions. Natural rinks close during thaws. The refrigerated rinks (Esplanade Tranquille, Beaver Lake, Bleu Blanc Bouge) are the most reliable.
- Dress in layers. You’ll warm up skating and cool down fast when you stop. Weather guide
