An 850-Metre Illuminated Ice Skating Trail Is Opening Just Outside Montreal This Winter

This winter, Récréoparc in Sainte-Catherine, just south of downtown Montreal along the Saint Lawrence River, is transforming into a magical winter playground with nine kilometres of hiking trails, weekend DJ sets and bar service, and an 850-metre-long illuminated ice skating path.

Seasonal activities at Récréoparc also include two ice rinks, a two-kilometre route for cross-country skiing, almost two kilometres of snowshoeing trails, and a two-kilometre path for winter walks.

This year's Rendez-Vous Polaires will offer three special days of activities, blending family-friendly entertainment during the day with lively DJ sets as the sun sets.

Each themed night will offer a distinct flavour of winter fun:

• January 20: From 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. the park hosts a "Day of Extreme Challenges." At 4 p.m., the ambience will shift to a DJ night themed around 70s and 80s music.
• February 3: The festivities continue with a winter beach party from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., followed by a "Winter Fiesta" DJ night, bringing a burst of warmth.
• February 10: The excitement peaks with the "Tuque War Day" from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. The evening transitions into a DJ night celebrating hits from the 90s and 2000s.

The park's facilities include a café-restaurant, a bar, food trucks, and a welcoming pavilion equipped with tables and restrooms. The rental centre provides equipment for various winter activities.

Snowshoes for $17.25 per two-hour rental, a pair of skates for $10, snow scooters at $23.50 per hour, and crampons or walking sticks available for $9.75.

You can attend Rendez-Vous Polaires free of charge. However, there's a parking fee of $15, which is waived for residents of Sainte-Catherine and Delson.

Récréoparc's winter offerings are subject to weather conditions, so you should check the status of activities on the Récréoparc website or Facebook page.