Photo credit: Ulysse Lemerise / OSA
Inaugurated on February 21, the Esplanade Tranquille skating rink is a new must-see destination to enjoy winter in the Quartier des spectacles. After hosting the MONTRÉAL EN LUMIÈRE festival and the Cadence des 7 Doigts show, the Esplanade Tranquille and its pavilion continue to welcome Montrealers every day in a warm and friendly setting. The Quartier des Spectacles Partnership offers free and varied programming from now until the end of the winter season. The public is invited to discover a host of activities combining art, gastronomy and sports leisure for all ages, including a first culinary art event that will be presented for the time of sugaring off. The winter season continues to be in full swing in the Quartier des spectacles!
Until the end of winter, on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., children and their families are invited to discover Ice Garden, a fun space on the ice rink intended for learning to skate. Patin Patin instructors are on site with mini-zambonis and teaching materials to encourage children from 2 to 10 years old to learn while having fun. No reservation is required.
On Wednesdays from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., skaters are also invited to benefit from the expertise of the Instructor Brigade by Patin Patin. During these free skating time slots, they crisscross the ice to help new enthusiasts master the art of skating, regardless of their age and experience.
In addition to the musical atmosphere at all times, the Esplanade Tranquille offers themed appointments with playlists Midis classique, presented on Wednesdays midis, and La fièvre du disco, which will make Montrealers dance on skates on Saturday nights. Finally, in the evening the ice rink is illuminated by Bruno Rafie with colorful light.
Visitors are invited to discover the pavilion of the Esplanade Tranquille adjacent to the ice rink. Open every day, this space designed by FABG architects includes many multi-purpose rooms whose interior design was designed by Zébulon Perron.
On the first floor, the Grand Salon is a friendly and warm public space offering opportunities to rest and socialize. With its breathtaking view of the ice rink, its central fireplace and its cozy and relaxed atmosphere, it is an ideal place to meet after a skating session. A café operated by Patin Patin offers snacks as well as an array of hot and cold drinks. Finally, the self-service library provides books and magazines for on-site consultation. There are classics of Quebec literature, books written by Henri Tranquille, children’s books and magazines.
Integrated into the library, the exhibition Henri Tranquille and his bookseller Tranquille of the commissaire Diane Bernier, invites the public to discover the rich history of the Librairie Tranquille and its influence, intimately linked to the personality of its owner, Henri Tranquille. Visitors will be able to get acquainted with this cultural institution, which was on the site of the esplanade until the 1970s, through various paintings with archival reproductions, photos and unpublished writings.
- See quartierdesspectacles.com/esplanadetranquille for a detailed schedule.
- Equipment rental and sharpening service on site by Patin Patin.
- Changing rooms and lockers available.
