Winter Activities – Let’s get out and enjoy the snow

Parc Jean-Drapeau awaits all outdoor enthusiasts with an array of activities that will entertain people of all ages: open sliding, cross-country skiing, ice-skating, snowshoeing, winter biking, bird-watching, and plenty more! With its sustainable winter program, which is free and diversified, every trip to the Parc has the potential of being a special and rejuvenating experience.

Embrace your northern spirit through a variety of exciting activities and facilities that are second to none.

Ice Skaters’ trail
Just minutes from downtown Montreal, an ice trail has been laid out for skaters. This magical ice path is refrigerated and regularly maintained, ensuring a memorable experience, especially after a small snowfall. Come and spend some time skating, by yourself or with your family, and get a glimpse of the setting sun, as it sinks behind the city’s skyscrapers.

Natural ice rink
Annexed to the skaters’ trail, the natural skating rink offers a large rectangular ice surface that will enhance the experience on the site. Although the natural ice rink isn’t refrigerated, the ice will be maintained throughout the winter, despite the occasional whims of Mother Nature.

Cross-country skiing
Close to 8 kilometres of trails are marked off and mechanically maintained. With various trails set up at the Parc, athletes, whether they are beginners or well-seasoned, benefit from a tailor-made experience.

Île Notre-Dame
5 km | Beginner and intermediate
The trail runs along the Olympic Basin and continues on the Route Verte toward the Floralies Gardens’ trails, where a wide range of public art works are on display. And lastly, the trek leads skiers toward the start area, where they can redo the loop.

Île Sainte-Hélène
Introductory trail
300 m | Beginner
The trail, located near the equipment rental centre, is the perfect spot for cross-country skiing first-timers. The wooded flatland on Île Sainte-Hélène provides an ideal place to ease your way into this sliding sport.

Practice trail
800 m | Beginner and intermediate
The Espace 67 amphitheatre is the host of a loop where the Ski de fond Montréal organization will be giving free clinics to master the various cross-country skiing techniques. And the more experienced cross-country enthusiasts can practice skate-skiing techniques on the edge of the trail. There’s no better place to fine-tune your skills and boost your cardio at the same time!

Sledding
Come and hurtle down Espace 67’s natural slope. Children can safely slide, to their hearts content, since the area is free of any obstacles. A trail located at the end of the sliding area, enables you to easily and effortless go back up the hill. Bring your sled, toboggan, sliding carpet, or foam board and enjoy this wonderful site.

Snowshoeing
One of the easiest, fun-filled and accessible sports for every member of the family during the winter months is snowshoeing. Whether you’re interested in observing nature and wildlife, enjoying some time outdoors or replenishing your energy levels, snowshoeing is totally tailored to embracing winter in the best possible way. Snowshoes provide a pleasant outing on the trails along the Saint Lawrence River or Mont Boullé.

Fat bike
Come and enjoy yourself winter biking on the trails of Parc Jean-Drapeau. The bikes, which have oversized tires, enable you to get traction and maintain control over various types of surfaces, including snow. A loop for newcomers to winter biking is available near the rental centre. After mastering this popular new form of active transportation, head out on a discovery of Parc Jean-Drapeau and its many superb vantage points!

Equipment rentals are available on weekends and holidays.
For more information, including trail conditions and parking, visit: www.parcjeandrapeau.com