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

[Spinning in circles](https://secretnyc.co/ice-skating-rinks-nyc/) 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](https://secretnyc.co/westchester-winter-wonderland-drive-thru-holiday-lights/)? **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](https://secretnyc.co/nyc-winter-bucket-list/). 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](https://secretnyc.co/amtrak-train-route-nyc-to-montreal/) is home to a variety of **stunning**, [natural skating experiences](https://secretnyc.co/domaine-enchanteur/), 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](https://secretnyc.co/porter-airlines-nonstop-route-from-nyc-to-montreal/), 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](https://secretnyc.co/escapes/page/56/): **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](https://www.parcjeandrapeau.com/en/skaters-trail-skating-rink-ice-skate-activity-winter-montreal/). Source: [https://secretnyc.co/parc-jean-drapeau-ice-trail-winter-escape-montreal/](https://secretnyc.co/parc-jean-drapeau-ice-trail-winter-escape-montreal/)