Are these the best skating rinks in Montreal?

Canada is home to countless skating rinks, and in Toronto alone, there are over a hundred—both indoor and outdoor. Given our long, cold winters and love for hockey, it’s no surprise that skating is a beloved pastime. But if you venture to Montreal, a city known for its even colder winters, you’ll find an incredible selection of rinks that make winter truly magical.

On my recent visit, I made it my mission to skate at three different rinks. While I visited all three, I only ended up skating at two. Here’s my experience—the good and the not-so-good—at some of the best skating rinks in Montreal.

Old Port Skating Rink: festive but freezing

The Old Port Skating Rink is pure magic. The atmosphere is lively, and the setting is picture-perfect, with the iconic Ferris wheel standing tall in the background.

However, when I visited, it was brutally cold. Being near the water, the wind chill made it feel even colder. I arrived prepared, bringing my own skates to avoid the long rental line. After lacing up, I took three steps down onto the ice—because, of course, Montreal loves its stairs.

The vibe here is unbeatable. The music was surprisingly great, so I didn’t even need my own playlist. Plus, there’s a heated area just off the rink, where skaters can warm up. But beware: getting on and off the ice to reach the heating centre is a slippery trap. I quickly realized it was safer to stay cold and keep skating.

Skating rink in the arts district: smooth ice and stunning lights

As I walked through the arts district, just outside Desjardins Mall, I spotted another rink—and immediately knew I had to skate. Lugging around skates all day without using them just wasn’t an option (for my husband, at least).

I changed into my skates indoors, then stepped onto the ice. And wow—this was good ice. The rink is outdoors, beautifully illuminated, and perfect for night skating. It still had a festive feel, but wasn’t overly crowded. I had enough space to do a few spins without worrying about crashing into someone.

This rink is a hidden gem. If you’re looking for one of the best skating rinks in Montreal, this one is a must-visit. I’ll definitely be coming back.

Indoor mall rink: a missed opportunity

My last stop was an indoor rink inside a shopping mall. At first, I was excited to escape the cold and skate inside. But as soon as I walked in, I noticed something: everyone was wearing helmets. While it’s great for safety, mandatory helmet rentals weren’t really my vibe.

Then came the real deal-breaker—I needed to book in advance. The rink was packed, and since I hadn’t made a reservation, I was out of luck. Instead of waiting around, we made our way to Chinatown and ate at Lan Zhou Noodles. A win in its own way!

Final thoughts: where should you skate in Montreal?

If you’re visiting Montreal in winter, you have plenty of skating options. For a festive atmosphere, the Old Port Skating Rink is perfect—but bundle up! If you’re after smooth ice and gorgeous night lighting, the rink in the arts district is a must. And if you’re considering an indoor rink, check ahead to see if reservations or helmets are required.

Montreal’s skating scene is truly special, and next time, I’ll be sure to check out even more of the best skating rinks in Montreal. Have you skated in the city? Let me know your favourite rink!