Press release | For immediate release
Montreal, November 30, 2022 – The Ville de Montréal and the Quartier des Spectacles Partnership are pleased to announce the official opening of the Esplanade Tranquille skating rink for the 2022-23 winter season. From Thursday, December 1st at 5 p.m. until March, Montrealers, visitors and tourists can enjoy skating day or night, in a magical setting in the heart of the Quartier des Spectacles.
The 1500 m2 rink is free to access and has a capacity of 400 skaters. It is Montreal’s largest outdoor refrigerated rink. A diverse free program including a new interactive experience on the ice surface invites everyone to make the most of northern life!
“What a pleasure it is to see the rink on Esplanade Tranquille open again, this time for a full season! Last winter’s success showed that Montrealers love places that inspire discovery and connection, and that help them enjoy the winter. This rink in the heart of downtown invites residents and visitors to have a unique cultural and sporting experience. With the Holidays just around the corner, it’s a great way to discover downtown from a fresh and festive perspective,” said Valérie Plante, mayor of Montreal.
“It is wonderful that Esplanade Tranquille has been so enthusiastically embraced by Montrealers and visitors in the last few months, both in summer and winter. The rink and pavilion are lively gathering places that offer endless opportunities to get together, have fun and warm up. It’s a special place for families to experience winter in the Quartier des Spectacles,” added Monique Simard, chair of the board of directors, Quartier des Spectacles Partnership.
A unique interactive experience
Starting December 1, as part of the 13th edition of Luminothérapie, the on-ice interactive experience Au bord du lac Tranquille, by Normal Studio and Mirari, will invite skaters to interact with fascinating aquatic fauna. The work immerses the public in Nordic biodiversity through a journey into Quebec’s vast bodies of water. Each evening, a dreamy world comes to life on the ice! The unique work will be presented until March 5. Au bord du lac Tranquille is part of the Moments lumineux du cœur de l’île initiative.
Winter pleasures on Esplanade Tranquille
A counter operated by Patin Patin offers skate, helmet and padlock rentals as well as a sharpening service. Skating lessons for all ages are offered for free on Sundays, starting December 3. Children ages 2 to 10 and their parents are invited to discover the Jardin de glace, a playful ice garden. On Wednesdays and Saturdays, skaters can get free help from expert skating instructors.
The rink on Esplanade Tranquille also offers musical skating sessions with several different themes, including the Midis classique every Wednesday at noon and La fièvre du disco, which will get Montrealers dancing on the ice on Saturday nights.
Inside the pavilion, visitors can warm up and enjoy the view of the rink from the heated patios or while sitting by the central fireplace in the Grand Salon. A library for on-site reading and a large selection of board games make the Grand Salon a very comfortable urban chalet! More programming details for Esplanade Tranquille will be announced soon.