Icy trails in the forest seem to have been popular for a few winters. But these are not the only places where you can treat yourself to a magical skating session. Several urban skating rinks also allow you to experience beautiful moments, in addition to enjoying the city in a different way. Here are some of them – pretty and free – to discover this winter.
Read also – A new frozen labyrinth to go skating this winter
Parc Jean-Drapeau’s skaters’ trail
Montreal, Montreal area
Myriam Baril-Tessier / Jean-Drapeau Park Society / Montreal Tourism
On Île Sainte-Hélène, opposite downtown Montreal and very close to the frozen river, it is possible to skate quietly on a 500 m long frozen path. It is refrigerated, maintained and illuminated at nightfall. Magical!
www.parcjeandrapeau.com
Maisonneuve Park skating rink
Montreal, Montreal area
Eva Blue / Montreal Tourism
Away from the city center, but very close to the iconic Olympic Stadium, Maisonneuve Park is a quiet place where you can get some fresh air. In winter, it’s home to the largest skating rink in eastern Montreal: a long looping icy path with a view of the stadium mast.
Free; montreal.ca
Magog Ice Trail
Magog, Eastern Townships
A 2.8 km frozen trail with four winding loops awaits skaters on the shores of Lake Memphremagog, in the city of Magog. At each end of the course, a chalet allows you to take a break and warm up. At night, everything is illuminated.
Free; ville.magog.qc.ca
The Scotiabank Skating Trail
Montreal, Montreal area
Courtesy www.montrealenlumiere.com
From February 17 to March 5, 2022, a 300-meter-long “aerial” skating trail will occupy the Place des Festivals de Montréal. Created as part of the Montréal en lumière event, this original skating rink promises a true multimedia experience with lights and visual effects. Sharpen your skates!
Free; www.montrealenlumiere.com
The skating rink at the Moulins lock
Terrebonne, Lanaudiere
Along the Rivière des Mille Îles, the Île-des-Moulins site invites you to discover its historic buildings and improve your skating skills directly at the Moulins lock. The large ice rink is open until 10 p.m. Bonus: you can warm up with a good hot chocolate in one of the shops in Vieux-Terrebonne.
Free; iledesmoulins.com
The Plains of Abraham Ice Oval
Quebec, Quebec region
Facebook / Plains of Abraham Ice Ring
Skating on the Plains of Abraham? Sure! The vast park has an ice ring just over 350m long, open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and lit in the evening. On site, there is a chalet with a snack bar and equipment rental.
Free; www.ville.quebec.qc.ca
The ice rink on Saint-Quentin Island
Trois-Rivieres, Mauricie
In Trois-Rivières, at the junction of the St. Lawrence River and the Saint-Maurice River, Saint-Quentin Island Park offers a host of winter activities. Among these, skating on a 1.7 km ice path, between city and nature.
Free; ilesaintquentin.com
Read also: 8 icy trails to skate in the forest