Get Out of the House and Discover Quebec’s 8 Most Beautiful Skating Rink

Get Out of the House and Discover Quebec’s 8 Most Beautiful Skating Rink

Here is your mission for winter 2021: get out of the house and discover Quebec’s most enchanting outdoor ice rinks! While some stand out for their remarkable natural surroundings and others for their impressive size, each rink that has made it on to our list is a must for avid skaters.

Notre-Dame-du-Mont-Carmel: In the Heart of the Forest

Who hasn’t dreamed skating through the woods on icy trails? That’s exactly what you can do at the Domaine Enchanteur near Shawinigan. The shy fauna, the frozen flora, the ubiquitous snow, the sun’s rays filtering through the branches… how magical! Plus, there is a visitor reception chalet that sells hot chocolate for those who need to take a break and fortify themselves before getting back on their blades.

Vieux-Terrebonne: A Rink Steeped in History

Located in Lanaudière, 30 minutes from Montreal, Vieux-Terrebonne has maintained its yesteryear charm thanks to its heritage architecture. In addition to a lit skating rink on the Île-des-Moulins, visitors and residents have access to a historic site that includes stunning old windmills. And when the situation will once again permit it, skaters will be able to warm up and have lunch at one of the nearby cafes or restaurants.

Magog: A Winter Wonderland

The 2.8 km circuit over frozen Lac Memphremagog is the perfect way to feast your eyes on a soothing natural landscape. Its four winding loops are likewise excellent for more active skating for those looking for a bit more of a workout. And when the sun sets, the light and music come on for an even more charming atmosphere. As a bonus, there are two chalets at each end where you can stop and warm up if you need to. Great for the kids!

Laval: 18,500 m2 of Ice

If you want the freedom to skate for hours on end, you simply must go to Laval. The Centre de la nature welcomes visitors in both summer and winter and offers activities for the whole family. When the temperature drops, skating on the frozen lake is just as great a way to get rid of pent-up energy as it is to recharge. All the more so, thanks to the ambient music that accompanies skaters throughout the site.

Granby: Just You and Your Skates

Lac Boivin is Granby’s star natural attraction. In summer, the long trail along its shoreline allows walkers, cyclists and in-line skaters to stretch their legs. Visitors can also rent motorboats to explore the lake. And when it freezes over, it becomes an ice skater’s paradise. It should be noted that, thanks to its configuration, it is possible to feel as if you have the ice all to yourself, with only the sounds of the wind and of your blades striking the ice. Spectacular!

Lac Beauport: An Unparalleled View of the Mountains

Located less than an hour from Quebec City, Lac-Beauport is the perfect haven of peace in the wilderness. Its ring-shaped skating rink can accommodate a large number of people yet never feel crowded. But its most notable feature is the breathtaking view it offers of the mountains. Dogs are welcome too, as long as they are on a leash.  

Montreal: Two Festive Rinks

The metropolis has two ice skating rinks that are enjoyed by young and old alike each year. The one located on the banks of the St. Lawrence River in Old Montreal is renowned for its lively atmosphere thanks, in part, to the continuous music broadcast. The second, built near Mount Royal next to Beaver Lake Pavilion, offers a splendid view of the city. Skaters can also dance on the ice there to themed playlists, such as disco.

Most cities provide free access to their rinks, so why not go out and have some fun? Before you leave the house, though, check the municipality’s website to find out when their rink is open, or if it is closed due to poor weather conditions. 

RE/MAX Québec

By RE/MAX Québec

By RE/MAX Québec

A leader in the real estate industry since 1982, the RE/MAX network brings together the most efficient brokers.