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A gigantic free outdoor skating rink is coming back to downtown Montreal

It’s official: the Esplanade Tranquille, a Montreal winter classic, is back and brighter than ever.

Laura Osborne
Written by
Laura Osborne
Editor, Time Out Canada
L'Esplanade Tranquille
Photograph: Patinoire de L'Esplanade Tranquille | Ulysse Lemerise OSA.
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Montreal is going big this holiday season! 

From the biggest downtown Christmas market to one of the largest outdoor skating rinks around, Montreal is bringing it this winter.

 L'Esplanade Tranquille
Photograph: L'Esplanade Tranquille | Ulysse Lemerise - OSA

Twice the size of the The Rink at Rockefeller Center, the refrigerated ice rink at the Esplanade Tranquille—located at the intersection of Sainte-Catherine Street West and Clark Street—is 1,500 m2 of winter fun.

L'Esplanade Tranquille
Photograph: L'Esplanade Tranquille | Ulysse Lemerise - OSA

Expect 70s vibes on Saturday nights thanks to all the musical disco hits (hello, Donna Summer!), and classical vibes (Mozart and more) on Wednesday afternoons. 

L'Esplanade Tranquille
Photograph: L'Esplanade Tranquille | Ulysse Lemerise - OSA

Throw in some sparkling holiday lights, interactive on-ice projections, reception pavilion, equipment rental, a warm indoor lounge, café and Galaxie Brasserie restaurant, and you've got the perfect downtown Montreal destination.

L'Esplanade Tranquille
Photograph: L'Esplanade Tranquille | Ulysse Lemerise - OSA

Whether you’re coming from a date at one of the city’s best restaurants, looking for a fun (free!) activity before heading out for cocktails, or searching for the perfect family-friendly event (did we mention you can borrow board games at no charge from the Esplanade Tranquille’s Grand salon?), this is the spot to be this winter.

L'Esplanade Tranquille
Photograph: Vivien Gaumand

Lace up those skates and get out there!

For the Esplanade Tranquille's complete programming, click here.

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