Content

The Esplanade Tranquille skating rink: a highly successful first season

Press release | For immediate release

Montreal, March 29, 2023 – The Ville de Montréal and the Quartier des Spectacles Partnership are thrilled with the enthusiastic public response to the first full season of operation for the Esplanade Tranquille skating rink. The 2022-23 season, which will end beginning of April, has attracted more than 250,000 skaters since opening on December 1, 2022. Montrealers, visitors and tourists took advantage of the unique space, which has truly transformed the face of downtown in winter.

Open each day and evening with free admission, the Esplanade Tranquille rink became a favourite gathering place for people of all ages looking to enjoy some skating as well as a diverse cultural, sporting and culinary program. From the MONTRÉAL EN LUMIÈRE festival to Luminothérapie with Au bord du lac Tranquille, a unique interactive experience on ice created by local companies Normal Studio and Mirari, the various events energized the rink and helped make it an essential culture and tourism attraction.

“I am very proud of the Esplanade Tranquille skating rink’s resounding success. Skaters of all ages loved it! This new high-quality downtown Montreal amenity helps residents embrace our city’s northern character and fully enjoy the pleasures of winter. This unique space in the heart of downtown is a wonderful new attraction that enhances the neighbourhood’s cultural, economic and social vitality. I want to thank the Quartier des Spectacles Partnership for supporting and participating in the Ville de Montréal’s efforts to ensure that the public has access to free activities, keeping our downtown lively and welcoming,” said Valérie Plante, mayor of Montreal.

“More than ever, Montrealers have embraced Esplanade Tranquille and its rink. Thank you for coming out in such large numbers! This success supports our winter programming and amenities strategy and solidifies the Quartier des Spectacles’ status as an all-seasons destination. We also owe this success to the commitment and support of the Ville de Montréal and our partners, and I extend my sincere thanks to them. The rink will return this November, and I am sure Montrealers are already looking forward, as we are, to getting their skates ready for another season!” said Monique Simard, chair of the board of directors, Quartier des Spectacles Partnership.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • More than 250,000 skaters

  • 4 months in operation

  • 100 activities and dozens of programming partners

  • One interactive experience on the ice

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

The rink is open from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday and from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Detailed schedule and program: quartierdesspectacles.com/esplanadetranquille.

Equipment rentals and skate sharpening provided by Patin Patin.
Changing rooms and lockers available.
Food service by Galaxie Brasserie.

Au bord du lac Tranquille
An interactive experience on ice, daily at 8:30 p.m.

Free admission.

ABOUT ESPLANADE TRANQUILLE AND THE RINK

Located at the corner of Clark St. and Sainte-Catherine St. W., Esplanade Tranquille is a human-scaled public space – a backyard for all Montrealers. This versatile, all-ages space features an inviting design, diverse cultural programming and a large summertime terrasse. In the winter, its centrepiece is a 1500m2 refrigerated skating rink, open for free each day and evening from November to April. This unique place transforms the city’s cultural heart in winter, with a variety of activities and an interactive projection on the rink.

Esplanade Tranquille was made possible by the collaboration of local stakeholders and funding from the provincial, federal and municipal governments. The work was financed under the terms of the Major Infrastructure component of the Building Canada Fund – Quebec.

For more information about this new public space in the Quartier des Spectacles and its constituent spaces, please consult the press kit.

ABOUT THE QUARTIER DES SPECTACLES AND THE PARTNERSHIP

The Quartier des Spectacles is 20 years old ! The Quartier des Spectacles is Montréal’s cultural heart, boasting North America’s most concentrated and diverse group of cultural venues as well as numerous festivals and events. The Quartier also hosts innovative urban installations involving cutting-edge lighting design and immersive environments. The Quartier des Spectacles has become an international showcase for digital public art.

The Quartier des Spectacles Partnership, founded in 2003, is a non-profit organization with more than 85 members active in the district. It is responsible for animating the Quartier des Spectacles by programming cultural activities, managing and animating public spaces, providing distinctive illumination and promoting the Quartier as a must-visit cultural destination. The Partnership benefits from the support of the Ville de Montréal. 

More information: quartierdesspectacles.com

- 30 -

PHOTOS AND VIDEOS

Download link.
Please include captions and credits.

MEDIA CONTACTS  

Ville de Montréal
Catherine Cadotte
Senior Press Officer
Office of the Mayor and Executive Committee
catherine.cadotte@montreal.ca
514 465-2591

Quartier des Spectacles Partnership 
Mélanie Mingotaud  
Communications Mingotwo
melanie@mingo2.ca  
514 582-5272   

SOURCE

Quartier des Spectacles Partnership
Chloé Goldstein
chloe.goldstein@quartierdesspectacles.com
514 812‑2193