The city outdoors this winter
This winter season will not be like any other. There’s nothing better than to get moving and go outside to lift spirits and counteract grey days. From tobogganing to skating, from cross-country skiing to snowshoeing, here are some suggestions to enjoy winter in Montréal.
Near your home
Looking for winter activities a bit out of the ordinary? Get some fresh air steps away from your door. Get out your sleds, snow racers, snowshoes, skis and skates and head to your local parks.
Check out conditions at rinks, trails and toboggan runs near you.
Looking for the great outdoors?
Would you like to discover a new place, or renew your childhood memories for a few hours? Take advantage of the city’s major green spaces—turned white for the season—such as parc Maisonneuve, parc Frédéric-Back and parc du Mont-Royal. Immerse yourself in the great outdoors without leaving the city at one of the parcs-nature. You’ll fall in love with their scenery. Do you enjoy hiking or snowshoeing? The trails running through these parks are a good place for contemplation. Is fat-biking more your speed? In that case, several parks—l’Anse-à-l’Orme, Cap-Saint-Jacques and Pointe-aux-Prairies—all offer trails just for this activity!
Parc Jean-Drapeau
Parc Jean-Drapeau offers several free activities. There’s tobogganing and other sliding fun, fat-bike trails, an ice wall for climbing, walking and cross-country ski trails. In addition, the Stewart Museum offers a historical tour on snowshoes. The public is also invited to see “Oceans,” an outdoor exhibit presented by the Biosphère.
At the Botanical Garden
The outdoor gardens are accessible free of charge. Take advantage of the many tracks and trails available for walking and cross-country skiing.
Renting and borrowing equipment
People younger than 18 living in Montréal can borrow cross-country ski equipment. Adults accompanying them can rent the same type of equipment for a fee. The service is available at parc Jean-Drapeau as well as in parc-nature Cap Saint-Jacques, parc-nature Bois-de-Liesse (Des Champs area), parc-nature Île-de-la-Visitation and parc-nature Pointe-aux-Prairies for people under 18 living in Montréal.
Cross-country ski rentals are available for everyone, in parc Frédéric-Back, Saturday and Sunday.