Montreal Is Getting A Riverside Skating Path With Spectacular Views Of The City Skyline

Parc Jean-Drapeau is introducing a flurry of free winter activities this season, including a riverside ice skating trail with panoramic views of downtown Montreal. The city's third largest park, spanning Île Sainte-Hélène and Île Notre-Dame, is also getting an ice climbing wall, a fat bike cycling route, a dedicated sledding hill, and two cross-country ski paths. You'll be able to sample all of the snow- and ice-based diversions as of December 23.

The ice skating path will be accessible to novice skaters with nearly 500 metres to explore along the Saint Lawrence River. The skaters' trail is refrigerated and mechanically maintained all winter long to keep it in optimal skating condition. You'll be able to skate daily, including after dark when the path will light up.

Skates cost $15 for a two-hour rental for adults (and are free for Montrealers aged 17 and under with an adult purchase). Cross-country skis ($30/two hours), snowshoes ($12/two hours), and fat bikes (35/hour) will also be available. A cycling course along the river will let cyclists take in stunning views without worrying about vehicle traction.

The two cross-country ski trails (800m on Île Sainte-Hélène and 5.7km on Île Notre-Dame) will cater to both all skill levels. Newbies can sign up for free introductory clinics from Ski de fond Montréal, while veterans will have access to indoor space to wax their gear.

Nearby, the Parc Jean-Drapeau climbing wall will turn into a wall of ice. Free intro courses will be offered for the unique experience, while FQME-certified climbers will be able to rappel at their leisure. For those who prefer to slide down, not scale up, the park promises that its sledding hill will be easy to climb.

All activities will be accessible by metro, near the Jean Drapeau station, and you'll be able to take breaks at warm-up stations in the Aquatic Complex, Tunisia Pavilion and Bistro Sainte-Hélène, which will have a furnished terrace. Get ready to make the most of the chilly winter in store for Montreal!