Where to skate for free with kids in Montreal and Laval
Family skating doesn't have to be expensive. Montreal's big outdoor rinks are free, and several arenas set aside free public skating sessions, even in summer. Here are ten places, with schedules when they are published.
In short: in winter, Esplanade Tranquille and Beaver Lake; indoors, Saint-Charles and Père-Marquette arenas; in Laval, the covered rink at Parc Pie-X, with skate loans.
Free outdoor rinks
1. Patinoire de l'Esplanade Tranquille
Montreal's largest refrigerated rink, in the Quartier des spectacles, with skate rental and a heated pavilion. Late November to early April.
- Angle des rues Sainte-Catherine Ouest et Clark (Quartier des spectacles), Montreal
- See the listing
2. Patinoire du lac aux Castors (parc du Mont-Royal)
A refrigerated rink at the top of Mount Royal, with skate rental and sharpening.
- Parc du Mont-Royal, accès par la voie Camillien-Houde ou le chemin Remembrance, Montreal
- See the listing
3. Patinoire couverte du parc Pie-X
Laval's first covered, refrigerated outdoor rink: free public skating and free loans of skates, helmets and skating aids.
- Parc Pie-X, accès par la rue de Val-Martin (Chomedey), Laval
- See the listing
4. Centre de la nature de Laval
Laval's big free park offers skating in winter, with equipment rental, plus snow tubing.
- 901, avenue du Parc, Laval
- See the listing
Free public skating in arenas
5. Aréna Saint-Charles (patin libre gratuit)
Free sessions almost every day from September to April, in Pointe-Saint-Charles.
- 1055, rue d'Hibernia (Pointe-Saint-Charles), Montreal
- See the listing
6. Aréna Père-Marquette (patin libre gratuit)
Free with no reservation, with skating aids lent to little beginners.
- 1600, rue De Drucourt (Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie), Montreal
- See the listing
7. Sportplexe Pierrefonds
Free skating during the holidays and spring break, and free themed ice parties.
- 14700, boulevard de Pierrefonds, Montreal
- See the listing
8. Aréna Eric-Sharp (patin libre gratuit)
In Saint-Lambert, free public skating for everyone every week, from September to mid-April.
- 600, avenue Oak, Saint-Lambert
- See the listing
Indoors all year
9. Aréna Mont-Royal
Open even in summer; the ice sled for little ones is free during public skating.
- 4365, rue Cartier (Plateau-Mont-Royal), Montreal
- See the listing
10. Atrium Le 1000
An indoor rink open all year downtown. Check the schedule and rates before you go.
- 1000, rue De La Gauchetière Ouest, Montreal
- See the listing
Frequently asked questions
Where can you skate for free in Montreal?
At Esplanade Tranquille, Beaver Lake and several municipal arenas, such as Saint-Charles and Père-Marquette, which offer free public skating sessions.
Can you borrow skates for free?
Yes, at the covered rink in Laval's Parc Pie-X and at the Bleu Blanc Bouge rink in Trois-Rivières. Elsewhere, rentals are often available at a low price.
Is a helmet required?
Rules vary by place. At Parc Pie-X it is required for kids 8 and under. It is always recommended for young children.
Information checked on October 12, 2026. Prices and hours may change: confirm with each place before you go.
