In Val-David, winter has its own way of bringing back simple pleasures. Among them, skating occupies a special place. Whether to rediscover childhood memories, share a moment with family or simply enjoy the end of the day under the village lights, sliding on the ice is one of those little pleasures that give all its charm to the cold season. Here, between the snow-capped mountains, the quiet streets and the trails of the nearby regional park, skating becomes more than an activity: it is a way of experiencing winter at your own pace, outside, in a setting that inspires calm as well as energy.

Whether you're local or passing through the Laurentians, Val-David offers several perfect places to put on your skates and enjoy the ice. Village atmosphere, evening moments… the experience has something warm and authentic that you don’t find everywhere. In this article, we take you to discover the best places to skate and how to fully enjoy this emblematic winter activity.

The pleasure of skating in Val-David: a simple and accessible activity for all

The spirit of skating: a winter classic in the Laurentians

There is something unique about skating. It’s an activity that crosses generations, which requires almost nothing and which immediately brings back that feeling of winter in its purest form. In Val-David, this simple pleasure takes on even more importance. We put on our skates, tighten the laces and from the first steps, we find this mixture of freedom and lightness that makes you smile, even when it's cold. For many, it's a way to relax, to go outside for a moment or to share a moment with the children. For others, it's a little tradition that we repeat every winter, a sweet encounter with the season.

Why Val-David offers a perfect setting for skating

Skating in Val-David means enjoying an environment where nature and the village interact. The surrounding mountains create a peaceful setting that changes color throughout the day. The heart of the village, with its cafes, small streets and friendly atmosphere, makes the experience even more pleasant. And since winter is generous here, the icy surfaces are well maintained and accessible throughout the season. It’s a place where you can skate quietly, take the time to observe, breathe the fresh air and let yourself be carried away by the winter charm of the Laurentians.

Where to skate in Val-David: the best places to discover this winter

The village ice rink: accessible, friendly and always lively

In Val-David, several outdoor rinks allow you to fully enjoy winter, whether for free skating, hockey or a family outing. 

Parc Léonidas-Dufresne, located on rue de l’Église, offers a skating ring, a children’s ice rink as well as a strip ice rink, all accessible depending on conditions. On site, the small station offers a space to change clothes, with extended opening hours in the evenings and weekends, while a trailer is present at certain times to ensure surveillance. 

On the Parc du Lac Paquin side, on the rise of 8e Rang, a skating rink allows both free skating and hockey, with a chalet open every day, ideal for warming up before or after the outing. These facilities, well distributed throughout the village, make skating easy to access and enjoyable, no matter the time of day.

Tips for making the most of a skating outing in Val-David

How to choose the right time and take advantage of the best conditions

As with all winter activities, the right time can transform the outing. In Val-David, conditions change quickly: a cold morning offers firm ice, while a milder day creates a more flexible atmosphere. Some prefer to go out early, others at the end of the day for the light, or in the evening for the lit atmosphere. Taking a minute to check the weather or the condition of the surfaces helps you avoid surprises and fully enjoy the outing.

Preparing for your trip: small details that change the experience

Skating is a simple activity, but a few touches can make the experience even more enjoyable. A good pair of gloves, an extra layer of clothing, a thermos of hot chocolate or a stop at a village café... it's these little details that sometimes transform an ordinary outing into a memorable moment. In Val-David, the decor already does a large part of the work: you just have to let yourself be carried away.

Skating in Val-David is winter at its simplest and most beautiful. On the village ice rink or on a natural surface in complete tranquility, each outing offers a moment where you really relax. We enjoy the decor, the silence or the atmosphere, depending on the location chosen. It’s an activity that unites as much as it calms. In Val-David, skating is not just an outing: it is a way of experiencing the season, slowly, outside, with this feeling of being exactly where you need to be.

FAQs

1. Where can you skate in Val-David?
Mainly at the village ice rink at Parc Léonidas-Dufresne and Parc du Lac Paquin. Each place offers a different atmosphere, from the most friendly to the calmest.

2. Is the village ice rink open in the evening?
Yes, the ice rink is often lit in the evening, which creates a really pleasant atmosphere for skating after work or extending a winter day. 

3. Do you have to be a good skater to take advantage of the facilities?
No way. Val-David is perfect for beginners, families and those who just want to slide a little. The activity is accessible to everyone.

4. When is the best time to skate?Usually from the end of December to the end of February, but in 2025 from the beginning of December. In the morning for a firm and quiet ice cream, or at the end of the day to enjoy the beautiful light of the village. The illuminated evenings also offer a unique experience.