This Free, 1,500-Foot Ice Skating Trail Is Just A Quick Flight From NYC — With DJs, Skyline Views, & Fairytale Vibes

Spinning in circles sure is fun , but have you ever imagined what it would be like to glide along an ice skating trail that cascades through a winter wonderland? Just under two hours north of NYC, your ordinary glide transforms into just that: a magical winter escape with a natural trail carved through sparkling winter scenery. This unique winter experience is just a quick flight or a scenic, seasonal bus adventure from the city—an unforgettable and magical way to celebrate the season. Canada is home to a variety of stunning , natural skating experiences, and one that must be seen to be believed is Montréal’s illuminated, riverside *Skaters’ Trail * at Parc Jean-Drapeau. Nestled on Île Notre-Dame in the heart of Montréal, Parc Jean-Drapeau offers a perfect blend of urban magic and scenic charm , with skating trails set against the skyline, along the river, and framed by the park’s open, snow-dusted spaces. The 1,500 foot long refrigerated ice trail, mechanically maintained to stay smooth even when the weather shifts, is also connected to a winding, natural unrefrigerated rink , offering skaters a more traditional, outdoor experience. While the main trail provides a consistently perfect surface for gliding, the natural rink lets you feel the ice in its raw, seasonal form . Together, they create a dynamic skating adventure , where you can switch between the predictability of mechanically maintained ice and the charm of skating on nature’s own frozen surface, all while enjoying views of the river and skyline . It’s truly the perfect way to choose your own adventure. Along the way, skaters can enjoy panoramic views of the river and Montréal skyline , and as night falls, the trail comes alive with colored lights and DJ music during “Glisse & Groove ,” creating a festive, enchanting atmosphere. Warming shelters are also available for cozy breaks between laps. It’s the perfect holiday getaway: crisp air, glowing lights, and long, frozen pathways that feel like stepping into a snow-globe adventure. Lace up, glide out , and let the views speak for themselves. ❄️ What to Know: Parc Jean-Drapeau -------------------------------------- * 📍 Address: Île Notre-Dame, Montréal, QC * 🗓️ Operating Season: Dec 21st, 2025 – Mar 9th, 2026 * 🕒 Hours: Daily, 10 am–10 pm EST * 🎟️ Admission: FREE access to the park; trail rental and activity fees vary by season ✈️ How to Get to Parc Jean-Drapeau from NYC ----------------------------------------------- With easy access from Downtown Montréal , this adventure is as convenient as it is fun . Flying from NYC to Montréal–Trudeau Airport (YUL) takes roughly 1.5 hours . From the airport, travelers can rent a car, take a taxi, or use public transit to reach Parc Jean-Drapeau in about 30–40 minutes . This is the fastest option for a convenient city-side skating adventure. Those who prefer the scenic route can take an intercity bus from NYC to Montréal, a journey of about 8–8.5 hours depending on the company and route. Once in Montréal, Parc Jean-Drapeau is just a short drive, public transit or taxi ride from downtown, making it easy to reach the skating trails without renting a car. Whether you dream of gliding through snowy natural paths or gliding along the sparkling city skyline , Parc Jean-Drapeau has a winter adventure for every kind of skater. Find out more on their official website. Source: https://secretnyc.co/parc-jean-drapeau-ice-trail-winter-escape-montreal/