Winter Fun on the Trail: The Best Outdoor Ice Skating Spots in Quebec
Written by Naomie Veillette – ActivMom
While we often think of the Trans Canada Trail as a summertime destination for walking or biking, it’s just as lively in winter. It connects several parks and natural spaces where you can move, get some fresh air and enjoy the outdoors even when it’s cold out.
One of the simplest and most popular winter activities for families in Quebec is ice skating. You don’t need to be a pro: Just put on your skates, head outside and enjoy the moment. In Quebec, there are several locations near the Trans Canada Trail where families can easily hit the ice during their family outings. Here are some of the best outdoor ice-skating rinks to discover this winter.
An enchanted forest trail at Domaine Enchanteur
In Notre-Dame-du-Mont-Carmel, in the Mauricie region, Domaine Enchanteur offers a unique experience that sets it apart from traditional ice rinks. Visitors can skate along icy trails through the forest, surrounded by snow-covered trees in a serene setting that feels like something straight out of a fairy tale.
While Domaine Enchanteur is not directly on an official section of the Trans Canada Trail, it’s very close to the Sentier Pégase Mauricie.
It’s the perfect place to get away from it all and do something different with the kids. Visitors go there to skate, but also to connect with nature, breathe in the fresh air and slow down a little. It’s a great way to show younger adventurers that winter can be a fun time to play outdoors, too.
Photo credit: Naomie Veillette – ActivMom
What makes this an ActivMom favourite: the animals in the animal park, the trails that are illuminated at night and the local produce that can be bought on site!
Frozen forest trail in Parc Bois de belle rivière
Parc Bois de belle rivière in Mirabel, in the Laurentians, also offers visitors the chance to skate through the forest — along 2.5 kilometres of magnificent, well-maintained trails, to be exact! On Fridays and Saturdays, it’s even open in the evening, as the trails are lit.
Important note: Skate sharpening is available, but there is no skate rental service.
Parc Bois de belle rivière is right next to the Les sentiers Mirabel section of the Trail. The park also offers a plethora of other winter activities, like snowshoeing, tubing, cross-country skiing and even kicksledding! It’s a great place to discover with the whole family.[Text Wrapping Break]
Magog ice trail
The Magog ice trail, in the Eastern Townships, is a 2.8-kilometre trail where you can skate along the shores of Lake Memphremagog. This ice trail runs alongside the La Montagnarde section of the Trans Canada Trail, so you can get there by foot!
This ice trail is accessible completely free of charge, and you can also enjoy it in the evening, when the trail is illuminated, creating a warm, cozy ambiance.
There are two different loops and two chalets (one at each end) for warming up and changing. It’s a perfect destination for the whole family!
Photo credit: Naomie Veillette – ActivMom
Sentier des Patineurs
Montreal’s Sentier des Patineurs is located in Parc Jean-Drapeau. It’s an outdoor skating trail that’s perfect for skating in the city with a view of the river! The rink is accessible by foot from two sections of the Trans Canada Trail: the Parc Jean-Drapeau and the Ville de Montréal Trail.
Admission is free, and rental equipment is available at a low cost if you don’t have everything you need. The trail is also lit up in the evening, and the sunset over the city is a sight to behold!
Parc Jean-Drapeau also offers many other activities, such as cross-country skiing, sledding, winter biking and snowshoeing.
Enjoying winter in Quebec
Whether in the woods, by the water or in a neighbourhood park, ice skating is a great way to enjoy winter in Quebec. Thanks to the Trans Canada Trail and the trails connected to it, you can get active and discover your region in a whole new way, even when it’s cold.
Winter is the perfect time to get outside, move at your own pace and spend quality time with your family. So lace up your skates and rediscover the pleasure of being outdoors while you take in the beauty of winter in Quebec.
Photo credit: Naomie Veillette – ActivMom
Find more fun things to do in Quebec during winter and more at tctrail.ca/stories.
Naomie Veillette is an entrepreneur, specialized educator, babywearing instructor and birth companion. She is dedicated to empowering women to embrace motherhood on their own terms and take meaningful steps towards their biggest dreams. A mother of two, she continues to pursue her passion for mountain hiking with her children. Together, they’ve climbed over 200 peaks across four countries.
About Trans Canada Trail
Stretching nearly 30,000 kilometres across every province and territory, the Trans Canada Trail is cared for locally by trail and community groups. As a charity, Trans Canada Trail advocates for and stewards this nationwide system. We support community-led trail projects through the Trail Catalyst Fund and we share reliable trail knowledge through the Centre for Trail Excellence.
Main photo credit: Naomie Veillette – ActivMom
