The best winter activities on Mount Royal: skating, snow tubing and more
Leisure activities Mount Royal, Outremont and Westmount
This winter, come and enjoy amazing outdoor activities on Montréal’s iconic Mount Royal. Les amis de la montagne have put together a host of winter activities that are sure to please thrill-seekers, sports enthusiasts and nature-lovers alike. Whether you are looking for fun, family-friendly activities or a peaceful time out in nature, Mount Royal Park has something for everyone and is sure to leave you amazed by this winter wonderland nestled in the heart of the city.
Winter activities on Mount Royal
Snow tubing
Have a blast snow tubing with friends and family on the snowy slopes overlooking Beaver Lake! Day passes are available at a reasonable rate, and a 20% discount is offered on weekdays as of 4 p.m. Please note that conditions are monitored daily and that the slopes are only open if sledding conditions are deemed to be safe.
Skating
Beaver Lake’s refrigerated ice skating rinkis among Montréal’s largest outdoor ice rinks! Entrance is free, making this a great budget-friendly activity if you already have your own skates. If you need to rent skates, Les amis de la montagne offers on-site skate rentals and skate sharpening. Warm up afterward with a hot chocolate or coffee at the Café des amis in the Beaver Lake Pavillion.
Snowshoeing and winter hiking
Mount Royal’s snowy pathways among the trees are the perfect place for snowshoeing and winter hiking. This winter, Les amis de la montagne are offering guided hikes as well as guided snowshoe outings. These group outings are a great way to discover the mountain in the company of knowledgeable guides and learn about various topics, such as winter flora and fauna and the history of winter sports in Mount Royal Park. Snowshoes can be rented on site at the rental counter.
Cross-country skiing
Mount Royal boasts 16 kilometres of cross-country ski trails, where skiers can immerse themselves in nature and enjoy spectacular views and groomed trails. Cross-country gear can be rented on site at the rental counter. The École de ski de fond des Amis de la montagne offers group lessons with experienced instructors for both children and adults. These lessons are great for beginners as well as those wishing to hone their skills. There is also an intro activity for those looking to try cross-country skiing for the first time. Find out more about ski lessons here.
Fuel up with a tasty bite to eat!
The Café des amis, located in the Beaver Lake Pavillion, Smith House and the Mount Royal Chalet, provides everything from hot beverages to snacks to full lunch fare, including daily soup, smoked salmon bagels and vegetarian and non-vegetarian sandwiches. For those wanting to warm up with an apéritif, the café also serves alcoholic beverages such as mulled wine and Irish coffee.
Exclusive offers
To celebrate Les amis de la Montagne’s 40th anniversary, a 40% discount is being offered on select activities.
Montréal residents are entitled to a 15% discount on equipment rentals.
Montréal residents under 17 years of age can rent skis and snowshoes for free thanks to support from the Ville de Montréal.
A 20% discount is offered on snow tubing passes as of 4 p.m. on weekdays.
For up-to-date conditions, opening hours and rates, visit https://www.lemontroyal.qc.ca/en/home
One more reason to love winter in Montréal
Head to Mount Royal Park to make the most of the winter season and have fun with family and friends on an iconic mountain just steps from downtown Montréal.
Isobel Gordon-Smith
Isobel Gordon-Smith is a translator, writer, and musician living in Tiohtià:ke (Montréal). She loves the multitude of languages in the city, and she particularly enjoys writing about arts and culture, environmental conservation, and the botanical world.