This 9-Mile Outdoor Ice Skating Path Winds You Through An Enchanting Forest — & You Can Feed Exotic Animals Along The Way

From Rockefeller Center to Wollman Rink, New York City is home to some of the world’s most iconic ice displays. But far beyond the five boroughs lies a winter wonderland that makes even the Bryant Park Winter Village look like a neighborhood pond. In the heart of Canada’s Mauricie region, you’ll find Domaine Enchanteur: a nine-mile-long ice skating trail that winds through a dense, snow-capped forest. It isn’t just a rink; it’s an immersive “ice labyrinth” that offers a level of serenity you simply won’t find in Midtown. Located halfway between Montreal and Québec City, this hidden gem transforms every winter into a frozen roadway where you can swap skyscraper views for towering pines and fresh powder. Can’t ice skate? No problem–it isn’t the only thing you can do here! Just about a four to six hour jorney from NYC (and perfect for a winter weekend getaway), Domaine Enchanteur feels like an otherworldly winter wonderland. 🧊 What is Domaine Enchanteur? ----------------------------- Each and every winter when temperatures drop, the Domaine’s winding walking paths are flooded and frozen to create a massive, natural ice network. But the nine-mile trail is only half the story. What truly sets this apart for New Yorkers is the wildlife factor. As you glide along the glassy ice, you’ll skate right past: * Adorable Animals: sheep, goats, alpacas, llamas, emus, and fallow deer live along the trail–you can actually stop, feed, and pet them mid-skate! * Forest Shelters: unlike the windy rinks on the Hudson, the thick pine forest acts as a natural windbreak, making the experience surprisingly cozy * On-Ice Cafés: no need to take off your skates–there are trailside stops for hot cocoa, fresh donuts, and local treats Visitors lace their skates up, or rent some if needed, and spend hours gliding on smooth ice with a backdrop of pines laden with freshly fallen snow –all while sheltered from the winter wind. It’s one long, gliding adventure that feels like a fairytale. ⛸️ Beyond the Skates: A Winter Playground ----------------------------------------- Can’t skate? No problem. The Domaine is a full-scale winter resort. If you’d rather keep your snow boots on, you can enjoy: * Snowshoeing, Hiking, & Biking: miles of dedicated trails separate from the ice * Sledding: perfect for kids (or the young at heart) * The World of Bees: take a guided tour to learn about local honey production (and grab some to take home) * Night Skating : two-thirds of the paths are illuminated with festive lights, turning the forest into a glowing neon wonderland after sunset * Miniature train rides: a 30-minute ride through Domaine’s trails and petting zoo 🥐 The Après-Skate Food Scene ---------------------------- You won’t go hungry in the Mauricie region. The Domaine features a snack bar and a full restaurant serving French-Canadian comforts. Plus, there are also local spots you can check out in nearby towns like Trois-Rivières and Shawinigan. * Snack Bar & full Restaurant at Domaine Enchanteur – soups, spaghetti, and club sandwiches * La Petite Mijote – a small food truck with grilled cheese sandwiches, doughnuts, hot chocolate, and other treats * Chez Cora – breakfast & brunch * Ben & Florentine – brunch * Le Tzav Bistro-Pizz – delicious pizza, poutine, & onion rings * Broue Pub – famous for their infused beers on tap * Le Trou du Diable – brewpub & restaurant 🧣 What New Yorkers Need to Know Before They Go ---------------------------------------------- If you’re planning a winter escape from NYC to skate Domaine Enchanteur, here are a few things to keep in mind: ### The Condition of the Ice Depends on the Weather Because Domaine Enchanteur is entirely dependent on temperatures–this is natural ice, *not* a refrigerated skating rink–the condition of the ice can change at any minute. Every morning, the team updates the ice conditions on the Domaine Enchanteur Facebook page and on the website widget in the top right corner, so it’s encouraged you check these before planning a visit. If the weather doesn’t permit opening, this will also be announced on their Facebook page. ### You Don’t Need to Bring Skates Domaine Enchanteur offers skate, snowshoe, sled, stabilizer, and helmet rentals. They also offer skate sharpening and locker and changing room rentals. Moreover, you can also purchase crampons, flashlights, hand warmers, and foot warmers. ### Wear Warm Clothing Warm, waterproof clothing is of the essence to stay warm–think: thermal layers, thick socks, scarves, and gloves. You can find more FAQs here. 🏙️ What Else to Do in Mauricie on a Winter Weekend -------------------------------------------------- If you’re traveling all the way from New York, you’ll want to make a full winter weekend out of it! Beyond the icy forest trails at the Domaine, you can: * Explore Old Trois-Rivières: visit the historic district just 20 minutes away, filled with 18th-century architecture, cozy cafés, and local boutiques * Warm up at KiNipi Nordic Spa: relax in outdoor whirlpools and Finnish saunas–the perfect way to soothe your muscles after a long day of skating * Visit the Musée POP or the Old Prison: duck inside these fascinating cultural landmarks to learn about Quebec’s unique folk culture and history * Indulge in a Sugar Shack Feast: since you’re in the heart of maple country, visit a nearby cabane à sucre for traditional pea soup, ham, and maple taffy on snow With the pine trees heavy with snow and the smell of woodsmoke in the air, the Mauricie region feels like a hidden wilderness retreat, just with world-class skating at its center. ❤️ Why It’s Worth the Trip for New Yorkers ------------------------------------------ If you’ve already done Rockefeller, Bryant Park, and every winter village in the tri-state area, Domaine Enchanteur offers something the city never can: 9 miles of winding ice paths through a silent, snow-covered forest. New York City might be the center of the holiday universe, but for one unforgettable winter escape, a true “labyrinth in the woods” is waiting a few hundred miles to the north. It’s a rare chance to swap the skyscraper views for towering pines and a skating experience that feels more like a fairytale than a workout. 🗺️ How to Get There From NYC ---------------------------- Reaching Notre-Dame-du-Mont-Carmel (home to the Domaine) is a straightforward journey through some of the Northeast’s most beautiful winter scenery. * ✈️ By Plane (Fastest Option): fly nonstop from JFK, LaGuardia, or Newark to Montreal (YUL) in about 90 minutes. From the airport, it’s a scenic 1 hour and 45-minute drive northeast to the Domaine * 🚆 By Train (The Scenic Route): take the Amtrak Adirondack from Moynihan Train Hall to Montreal for just $72. It’s a full day of stunning views along the Hudson River and Lake Champlain. Once in Montreal, you can rent a car for the final leg of the trip * 🚙 By Car (Road Trip Style): the drive from NYC is roughly 6.5 to 7.5 hours via I-87 North. You’ll cross the border at Champlain/Blackpool and head toward Trois-Rivières. It’s an easy trip to break up with a stop in the Adirondacks or a night in Montreal Source: https://secretnyc.co/domaine-enchanteur-canada-outdoor-ice-skating-trail-through-forest/