Ice Skating in the Laurentides: Forest Trails and Lake Rinks
- November 7, 2026
- 8
- Things to Do
The best ice skating in the Laurentides is on forest skating trails and frozen-lake rinks, such as the ice trail at Bois de Belle-Rivière in Mirabel, the forest trail in Saint-Sauveur’s John-H.-Molson park and the large rink on Lac Masson. Most outdoor rinks open between late December and early January, once the cold has set in, and many are free.
Below you will find the main skating spots by area, what to expect on natural ice, indicative costs as of 2026, and a checklist to make your outing safe and comfortable.
Ice Skating in the Laurentides: Trails, Lakes and Village Rinks
Skating in the region comes in three forms. Forest skating trails (sentiers glacés) are loops of ice that wind between the trees, often a few kilometres long. Lake rinks are cleared surfaces on a frozen lake, usually maintained by the municipality. Village and park rinks are smaller, flat surfaces next to a chalet or warming hut, sometimes lit for evening skating.
All of them depend on the weather. Unlike refrigerated urban rinks, natural ice can close after a thaw, a heavy snowfall or freezing rain. Always check the opening status on the day you go; most municipalities and parks post it online or on social media.
Forest Skating Trails Worth the Drive
Bois de Belle-Rivière Regional Park (Mirabel)
This educational regional park in Mirabel maintains a natural ice trail through the woods, described in press coverage as roughly 2 to 2.5 km long. It is about 30 minutes from Laval. Mirabel residents have historically skated free with proof of residence, while non-residents paid a modest entry fee; confirm current rates before you go. The park also has a separate open rink and winter trails for walking.
Parc du Domaine Vert (Mirabel)
Also in Mirabel, Parc du Domaine Vert lists a skating trail among its winter activities, alongside forest trails for walking and fat biking. It is a good option for families from the North Shore of Montreal who want a short drive.
John-H.-Molson Park (Saint-Sauveur)
Saint-Sauveur’s John-H.-Molson park offers a skating trail through the forest, close to the village. Pair it with lunch on rue Principale and a walk through the shops, or see our Saint-Sauveur travel guide for more ideas.
Le Grand Lodge (Mont-Tremblant)
The Grand Lodge in Mont-Tremblant appears in the regional tourism directory with a skating trail on its property. Hotel facilities may be reserved for guests or have specific access rules, so contact the property before planning a visit.
Lake Rinks and Village Rinks
Frozen lakes give the Laurentides some of the most scenic rinks in Quebec. The rink on Lac Masson in Sainte-Marguerite-du-Lac-Masson is often cited as one of the largest in the region; press coverage has described it as free and open daily when conditions allow, with a nearby pavilion to change into your skates. In Mont-Tremblant, a rink on Lac Mercier is listed in local activity directories.
Most towns, from Saint-Jérôme to Mont-Laurier, also maintain neighbourhood rinks in their parks. These are perfect for a quick skate after school or a pick-up hockey game. Municipal websites publish the list of rinks, their hours and whether a warming hut is open.
| Spot | Town | Type | Indicative cost (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bois de Belle-Rivière | Mirabel | Forest ice trail | Free for residents; small fee for others |
| Parc du Domaine Vert | Mirabel | Skating trail | Check park rates |
| John-H.-Molson Park | Saint-Sauveur | Forest trail | Check municipal rates |
| Lac Masson rink | Sainte-Marguerite-du-Lac-Masson | Lake rink | Usually free |
| Lac Mercier rink | Mont-Tremblant | Lake rink | Usually free |
| Neighbourhood park rinks | Most municipalities | Village rink | Free |
When Is the Skating Season?
Natural ice needs several days of steady cold to form and be flooded safely. In most years, outdoor rinks and trails in the Laurentides open between late December and mid-January and stay open until late February or early March. Higher-altitude and northern towns, such as Mont-Tremblant, Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts or Mont-Laurier, often open earlier and close later than the Lower Laurentides.
Evening skating is possible on lit rinks. Forest trails with lighting or torches sometimes host special night events in January and February; these are announced on the parks’ pages and fill up quickly.
Skating With Young Children
Forest trails are magical for children, but a 2 km loop can feel long for a four-year-old on skates. Start on a flat village rink so they can find their balance, then move to a trail once they can glide without help. Skating aids, such as small frames children push in front of them, are allowed on some rinks and not on others, so ask staff. Plan short sessions of 30 to 45 minutes with a warm-up break in between, and bring a sled or carrier for the walk back to the car if little legs are tired. Mornings are usually calmer and the ice is often in better shape before the afternoon crowd.
Safety on Natural Ice
Only skate on surfaces that are officially open and maintained. Never venture onto an unmarked lake, river or pond: ice thickness can vary a lot over a short distance, especially near inlets, outlets, docks and pressure ridges. Ice that looks solid can hide weak spots under snow.
- Respect closures, even if the ice looks fine to you.
- Skate in the direction indicated on trails.
- Wear a helmet for young children and beginners.
- Keep children within reach on busy days.
- Leave if the surface becomes slushy or cracked.
Checklist for a Skating Outing
- Confirm the rink or trail is open the same day.
- Sharpen skates if they have not been used since last winter.
- Dress in layers: a thermal base, a warm mid layer and a wind-resistant jacket.
- Bring mitts, a tuque and a neck warmer; hands and ears get cold first.
- Pack skate guards, a towel and dry socks.
- Carry a thermos and snacks, since many sites have no food service.
- Bring cash or a card for parking or entry fees.
- Plan a warm-up stop at a café or a spa afterwards.
Combine Skating With Other Winter Plans
Skating fits nicely into a winter weekend. Mirabel’s trails pair well with a visit to Oka National Park, while Saint-Sauveur and Sainte-Marguerite-du-Lac-Masson are close to ski hills and Nordic spas. For more ideas, browse our list of things to do in the Laurentides in winter and our cross-country skiing and snowshoeing guide.
FAQ
Where can I skate in the forest near Montreal in the Laurentides?
The closest forest skating trails are in Mirabel, at Bois de Belle-Rivière and Parc du Domaine Vert. Saint-Sauveur also has a forest trail in John-H.-Molson park.
Are outdoor rinks in the Laurentides free?
Most municipal rinks are free. Some regional parks and forest trails charge an entry fee, particularly for non-residents.
When do outdoor rinks open?
Usually between late December and mid-January, depending on temperatures. Northern towns often open earlier.
Can I rent skates on site?
Some parks rent skates, but many small rinks do not. Check before leaving or bring your own.
Is it safe to skate on any frozen lake?
No. Only skate on rinks and trails that are maintained and officially open. Unmonitored ice can be dangerous even in mid-winter.
Know a great rink we missed? Tell us through our contact page and we will consider it for a future update.