Winter activities
Parc Jean-Drapeau is the premier place close to Montréal and other urban municipalities to practice winter sports and partake of nature in an absolutely fabulous setting.
The Parc awaits all outdoor enthusiasts with an array of activities that will entertain people of all ages: open sliding, cross-country skiing, ice-skating, snowshoeing, winter biking, bird-watching, and plenty more! With its sustainable winter program, which is free and diversified, every trip to the Parc has the potential of being a special and rejuvenating experience.
Embrace your northern spirit through a variety of exciting activities and facilities that are second to none.
Activities
Offering a view of the river, the skaters' trail is refrigerated and regularly maintained. Come and spend some time open skating, by yourself or with your family!
Three traditional cross-country trails, marked out and maintained, will delight enthusiasts of this activity, as well as those who would like to take up the sport.
Come and hurtle down Espace 67's natural slope: bring your luge, sled, sliding mat or any zany means of sliding to take full advantage of this snowy slope.
Winter biking is an activity that is quickly gaining in popularity among hardy outdoor enthusiasts. For beginners, a winter-biking loop for newcomers to the sport is located near the rental centre. Once you get comfortable you can set out on a trip to discover the many attributes of Parc Jean-Drapeau!
Snowshoeing is undoubtedly one of the most accessible, enjoyable and easy sports there is. Whether you're on the trail to admire the wildlife and plant-life, take in some fresh air or re-energize your spirits, this activity is tailored to tame winter in the best way possible.
Hiking
Most of the walking trails are accessible year-round, depending on the weather conditions: you will be delighted by the proximity to and outstanding view of the Saint Lawrence River and downtown Montréal
Ice climbing wall
During the winter season, a section of Parc Jean-Drapeau's climbing wall will be turned into a veritable ice wall, where climbers can practice various techniques and indulge in their favourite activity! Introductory courses also offered.
Bird watching
Birdfeeders are set up throughout the trails to make it easier for birdwatching. You will be able to see chickadees, nuthatches and woodpeckers, along with many other bird species: keep an eye out for them!
Entertainment
Zumba
Come and unleash your energy during our Zumba animation in front of our DJ booth. These exciting sessions, with a unique set of dance steps for every song, will definitely get you up dancing and grooving to the music.
- Animated by Maryève Alary
The activity is over for the season
Roving lit-up percussions
A highly colourful experience awaits you with these roving, illuminated percussions. Imagine a group of musicians strolling among you playing their favourite tunes and creating a magical fusion of light and energy.
- Presented by Baratanga
The activity is over for the season
Slide and groove
This winter get ready to indulge in an immersive new experience at the Parc with its Slide and Groove Nights! The captivating beats of the DJs will enliven the skaters' path right up to the main walkway, transforming the park into a real nighttime playground, where dancing and sliding meld together under a starry sky.
The activity is over for the season
Singers
To infuse an extra magical touch into our winter activities, two seasoned singers will be rendering musical performances. They will be performing live from the radio booth.
- Guest singers: Frank Robert and Fred Pothier
The activity is over for the season
Radio enthusiasts
Two radio hosts will be on hand on the site to enhance the ambiance. There will be a specific musical theme every weekend.
The program includes music, games, quizzes and all the information you need regarding our program of activities.
The activity is over for the season
Skating tips and advice
Jean-Philippe Eyelom, a certified instructor who likes to teach and share his passion for skating, will be on the skaters' trail to offer tips and advices to those interested.
The activity is over for the season
Cross-country skiing tips and advice
An instructor from Ski de fond Montréal will be present on the trail of Île Sainte-Hélène to offer tips and advices to those interested.
The activity is over for the season
Family fun
School-break week
For school-break week, we have designed a special program that includes animation, interactive choreography, all sorts of games such as a giant tic-tac-toe, and entertaining challenges involving the entire family.
The activity is over for the season
Urban sugar shack
The Ste-Hélène Bistro-Terrasse restaurant will be transformed into an urban sugar shack to offer a traditional culinary experience to aficionados of maple-syrup products. Program: history, music, dance and folk song will also be in the spotlight with performances by guest artists and artisans.
Map
Download the map to make the most of your visit at the parc Jean-Drapeau during your winter activities.
Schedule
December 23, 2023 to March 10, 2024
Please check the activities' pages for the full schedule and the condition of the facilities, which is updated daily. Closures, due to weather conditions, will also be posted in the respective calendars.
Rates
Free |
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The rates shown above do not include parking rates.
- The best way to come to the Parc Jean-Drapeau: public or active transportation!
Services
Equipment rental
Our partner Patin Patin offers a wide range of products and accessories for most of the activities taking place at the Parc.
Restaurants
Hot chocolate, coffee, snacks and meals are offered at the Ste-Hélène Bistro-Terrasse. At the beginning of March, a special sugar shack menu will also be available to add a sweet touch to your visit.
Warming Refuge
This year, several warming areas located near the activities will be accessible every day:
- Tent near the ice rinks: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Le Ste-Hélène Bistro-Terrasse: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Outdoor fire pit of the picnic shelter: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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Playground's chalet: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Pavillon de la Tunisie: 6 a.m. to 20 p.m.
The Aquatic Complex will also be accessible on weekends and public holidays.
Restrooms
Toilets, which are located nearby, are accessible at all times.
Information Center
The Parc's staff will be at the information centre during the winter season to answer all your questions.
Photos
Here are a few photos of the winter activities, just to give you a foretaste of the facilities.
Discover the 42 photos of the album!
Learn more
To obtain more details regarding the activities, available services or for any request for information, do not hesitate to contact our staff.
150 ans du Parc
This year, Parc Jean-Drapeau is celebrating 150 years of spectacularly human history!
To celebrate this historic moment, the Parc is getting ready to unfurl a festive and diverse program to reflect our rich, exciting history. To everyone's delight, a series of special events and activities will be offered throughout the year, all in an unparalleled setting!
Mobility
Getting to Espace 67
To make it easier to get around, here is the exact location of the Espace 67 at Parc Jean-Drapeau posted on Google Maps.
Subway Station
The Jean-Drapeau subway station on the Line 4 — Yellow is located on Île Sainte-Hélène, in the heart of Parc Jean-Drapeau. To get to the Parc easily and quickly, the subway is still the best way to go!
River shuttle
During the summer season, Parc Jean-Drapeau visitors can use the river shuttle as a means of transportation, from the Vieux-Port de Montréal (Jacques-Cartier pier) and the city of Longueuil.
STM shuttle
Three STM shuttles provide a connection between the Jean-Drapeau subway station and various attractions.
Bike
The Parc is one of the few places where you can cross the Saint Lawrence River on your bike: simply take the bike paths of the Jacques Cartier Bridge, the Concorde Bridge or the Bike link.
Walking
People can enjoy many of the cycling paths to get to or pass through the Parc Jean-Drapeau, either running or walking.
With more than 25 kilometres of trails and pathways, the Parc is a pleasant spot for hiking, all year round.
Parking
Motorists can get to Parc Jean-Drapeau by taking the Jacques Cartier Bridge or the Concorde Bridge.
Nearby parking areas: P10, P11
Taxibus service
You can reserve a taxi for your travels at the Parc by using a valid STM transport fare.
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River
shuttle - Bike
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Taxibus
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