Winter in Montreal would not be complete without ice skating outside. And one of the best places to experience outside skating in winter is at the Bonsecours Basin Skating Rink, located in Old Montreal. The Bonsecours Basin Skating Rink is an artificial outdoor skating rink that is open to the public for more than 100 days a year! The Old Port‘s skating rink, with its artificial surface helps to guarantee impeccable ice conditions no matter what the temperature. Using a sophisticated system of refrigeration compressors, the ice surface of the Bonsecours Basin covers a vast expanse that is larger than a regular skating rink. It is one of the most popular locations for outdoor skating in Montreal.
The Bonsecours Basin is an amazing place for beginners to learn. The ice is high quality, which makes it a great experiment for first-timers and families with kids. The rink is especially lively in the evening, featuring music, lights and a mellow ambiance. In addition to the massive artificial surface of the main rink, there’s also a natural surface alongside it, which may or may not be open, depending on weather conditions. When both surfaces are open, the Basin becomes the largest outdoor rink in Montreal.
During winter time, the old port has an amazing peaceful and fun energy. And skating in the Bonsecours Basin adds to that energy. The Bonsecours Basin features some of the most striking views of Old Montreal and the city skyline in an extremely fun and friendly environment. Accompanied by music and bathed in lights, the rink features a different musical theme every night. Some of the popular musical themes at the rink include:
- Classical Mondays
- World Music Tuesdays
- Urban Sounds Wednesdays
- Romantic Thursdays
- Retro Fridays (80s and 90s)
- Rhythm Saturdays
- French Music Sundays
- And ballroom matinees on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to noon
One of the hottest outdoor recreational activities throughout the winter months, the Bonsecours Basin Skating Rink attracts thousands of visitors every year.
