Ice skating is one of the most enjoyable activities you can do in the winter, especially if you live in in Montreal. Known for its long and cold winters, Quebec’s major cultural and financial hub is one of the loveliest cities to be out and about.
While perhaps better known for its European architecture, eclectic bars, and variety of dining experiences, Montreal seldom gets looked at for its more outdoorsy and family-friendly side. Montreal is actually one of the best Canadian cities to bring your loved ones for a healthy dose of family fun.
Want to learn more about one of Canada's favourite winter activities? Learn about ice skating in Canada.
Whether you figure skate, play hockey, or just enjoy a pleasure skate on a sunny February day, you’ll find plenty of places to enjoy one of the most popular Canadian pastimes in Montreal. This article is all about finding the best places to ice skate in Montreal. We will also explore some tips for interested skaters!
Are you in Vancouver? See how to do adult skating lessons for beginners.
The Best Montreal Ice Skating Rinks
Old Port Skating Rink (Outdoor)
Location: Bonsecours Basin, Old Montreal
Nestled in the beautiful and historic neighborhood of Old Montreal, the Old Port Skating Rink (or Patinoire du Vieux-Port) boasts sparkling city skyline and St. Lawrence River views. The ice is refrigerated, so you can skate even when the weather turns mild.
You can rent skates or take advantage of on-site sharpening services, which is perfect for both new and experienced skaters. There are free lockers where you can stow away your personal items, a heated chalet for frosty days, and music-themed nights where a live DJ may be present.
The best part is that you are a quick walk to the cafes, restaurants, and charming shops of one of the most touristic areas of the city, which is perfect for a full day out with the family, friends gathering, or date night.
Parc Mont-Royal Skating Rink (Outdoor)
Location: Beaver Lake, Mont-Royal Park
In contrast to the European backdrop of Old Montreal, the Parc Mont-Royal Skating Rink is located in the heart of a wooded, natural centre of Mont- Royal Park. This refrigerated rink is 2,500 meters large, and has a smooth surface that is great for skaters of all skill levels.
Visit the rink on a snowy day and appreciate the natural beauty of the trees covered in snow. You can use the skate rental service, take a break on the pavilion, or enjoy a hot drink from the refreshment stand.
A perfect rink for families and recreational skaters!
Parc Jean-Drapeau Rink (Outdoor)
Location: Île Sainte-Hélène
Those who love skating trails will not be disappointed by this refrigerated rink. Parc Jean-Drapeau Rink is a 500 meter trail with riverside views of the St. Lawrence River and the city of Montreal. Entry is free and you can stroll by local attractions like La Ronde and the Montreal Biosphere.
Esplanade Tranquille (Outdoor)
Location: Quartier des Spectacles
This 400-person rink can be found in Montreal’s arts and cultural neighborhood, Quarter des Spectacles. True to the neighborhood, the rink features multimedia projections and music, creating a festive atmosphere.
Entry is free and skates can be rented. After skating, you can visit one of the the nearby theatres, galleries, and cafes.
Parc La Fontaine Rink (Outdoor)
Location: Plateau Mont-Royal
A local favourite, Parc La Fontaine Rink is made up of two uniquely shaped surrounded by trees and illuminated with colourful lights. Skate to music and take a break in the chalet when you want to warm up.
The rink is also located in one of Montreal’s most trendy and charming neighbourhoods, so grab a snack or a coffee at a local bakery or browse the local shops.
Atrium Le 1000 (Indoor)
Location: Downtown Montreal
For a unique, year-round urban experience, enjoy Atrium Le 1000, an indoor ice rink located in a modern skyscraper. Yes, you can skate here even in summer!
The rink offers skate rentals, lockers, and a food court where you can grab a meal or snack. A great choice for family outings during school breaks and those learning to skate for the first time.
Toronto has amazing rinks where you can learn how to skate while taking in city views.
A Beginners Guide to Ice Skating in Montreal Outdoor
Learning a new sport or physical activity like ice skating can feel intimidating and risky. Don’t let your fears stop you from trying something new as long as you follow the guidelines and rules for safety!
If you are feeling anxious about starting, watch other skaters or videos for learning how to move forward and fall safely. Hit the rinks early before they get busy, or start in local rinks near your community.
Tips for Outdoor Skating in Montreal
Before committing to spending a day skating outdoors, make sure you are prepared to handle the conditions. Montreal is known for its extreme cold - even on sunny days!
Popular rinks or rinks in tourist areas may be closed at certain times for maintenance or special events.
Busy downtown areas may have limited parking, or you may have to walk from a parking lot to get to the rink. If you are taking transit, find the fastest route and consider whether or not you will be carrying skating gear.
Montreal is a fun and exciting city with lots of options, especially if you are in downtown. Make the most of your time and plan your skating alongside lunch in a new or favourite restaurant or cafe.
What are Some Basic Ice Skating Moves to Practice?
Practice Falling
You can't go ice skating and not expect to fall a few times, so it is natural, but falling with the right technique will prevent you from injuries and harming others. To get this technique, you must first practice falling on purpose so you will learn to fall correctly.
First, whenever you feel like you are going to fall, bend your knees and do a dip position with squatting. Then fall sideways while leaning forward and let your hands be on your lap. as soon as you fall, roll over your hands and knees, place your feet between your hands and gently push yourself back up.
Learn more about the best apparel for ice skating.
Practice Basics Gliding
This is the first action you will learn once you get on the ice after you practice falling; gliding is just a form of matching that will usher you into skating. Take two steps forward, let your body lean forward as you glide, and repeat the action until you feel comfortable; then, you can take one foot after the other and enjoy gliding on both feet.
Try Stroking
Stroking is similar to gliding; the only difference is you now have to extend the motion, match and lift one foot as you slide, and then set the foot down and lift the other. This is the foundation of skating, so once you master this motion, you will be able to learn other techniques well.
Do Swizzles
When you succeed in gliding yourself on the ice, place your heels together, slide your feet apart and point your toes together. You will have a trail on the ice that looks like an hourglass; repeat the motion till you perfect it.
Swizzles help you keep your feet on the ice while still going through the skating motions, so when you feel comfortable with it, you will eventually be able to lift your skates off the ice and alternate with different patterns as you skate.
Learn to Stop
Once you have learned all other techniques, including stroking, swizzles, and gliding, you need to know how to stop whenever you need to. So start by standing with your feet together, spread your legs apart, and stick out one skate sideways. This action will push some frost off the ice and cause you to come to a stop.
Skating Tips
- Always Warm up Before you Begin Skating
Always to warm up before you start skating to prevent muscle soreness due to movements and cold from the ice.
- Lean Forward While Skating
Remember that you must constantly lean forward slightly and bend your knees to keep your weight forward when skating. If you lean back, you may fall backwards on the ice.
- Don't Look Down
Most of the movements in ice skating involve the legs, so at first, you may be tempted to watch your legs. However, this can cause a lot of accidents at the rinks. Keep your head up and watch other skaters, so you don’t collide with them.
See the ice rink that is perfect for a day out in Ottawa.
Is it Worthwhile to take Ice Skating Lessons?
Ice skating looks deceptively easy, and some skaters make complex jumps and moves look effortless. However, it is unlikely that this will be your experience the first or even the twentieth time you put on skates!
You can certainly teach yourself some basic moves on the ice, but the most effective way to learn skating quickly and efficiently is to take lessons or hire a private skating instructor.
A private skating instructor is the most optimal way, as you can learn at your own pace and have someone right at hand to give you feedback and model appropriate movement. You can easily find a skating instructor on Superprof, where there are dozens of instructors that are eager to teach people how to skate.
Check out the Superprof site to find a private ice skating instructor in Montreal that will have you gliding and moving easily and quickly on the ice before the winter season is over!
Did you like this article? Leave a rating!
Loading...
