Winter in Brossard isn’t just about shovelling: every year the City sets up rinks in its parks, frozen ponds and ice loops for free skating, not to mention cross-country skiing and sledding. This guide shows where to skate outdoors, the safety rules and the best way to check whether the ice is ready. Last checked: October 2026.
At a glance
- The City lists 10 outdoor rinks in its parks, most with boards for shinny (free hockey).
- Several parks also have a frozen pond or an ice loop for free skating.
- Helmets are mandatory for children aged 8 and under.
- Opening depends on the weather: check the City’s « État des installations » (facility status) page before heading out.
- To skate in any weather, two arenas offer indoor free skating.
- Cross-country skiing at the Grand parc urbain and parc Bioparc; sledding at parc Bioparc.
Where to skate outdoors in Brossard
According to the City of Brossard, here are the outdoor skating facilities by park and sector. Shinny is allowed only on boarded rinks; ponds and loops are reserved for free skating.
| Park | Sector | Rink | Pond or loop |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saint-Alphonse | A | Boarded | Frozen pond |
| Briand | B | Boarded | Frozen pond |
| Vanier | B | Boarded | Ice loop |
| Poly-aréna | N | Boarded | Frozen pond |
| Olympia | O | Boarded | Frozen pond |
| Victorin | P | Boarded | Frozen pond |
| Roger | R | Boarded | Frozen pond |
| Sorbonne | S | Outdoor rink | Loop and pond |
| Champlain | T | Boarded | — |
| Trahan | T | Outdoor rink | Loop and pond |
| Bioparc (Centre de plein air) | Y | — | Ice loop |
In January 2022, the City also announced a new ice surface behind the Grand parc urbain chalet, at 6000, rue De Châteauneuf. Since it does not appear in the current list of facilities, check with the City whether it is offered this season.
Choose by activity
- Shinny with friends: go for a boarded rink (Saint-Alphonse, Briand, Vanier, Poly-aréna, Olympia, Victorin, Roger or Champlain).
- Family skating: a frozen pond or loop, with no pucks, is more reassuring for beginners.
- Outdoor outing: parc Bioparc combines an ice loop, cross-country ski trails and sledding.
Safety rules
- Protective helmets are mandatory for children aged 8 and under.
- The City strongly recommends a face protector and gloves or mittens for all skaters.
- Shinny is allowed only on boarded rinks.
- Hours and access may be changed or cancelled without notice if the weather or ice conditions require it.
The City does not mention any fees for outdoor free skating.
When is the ice ready?
There is no fixed opening date: outdoor rinks open when the cold allows safe ice to be made, and close in the spring as soon as the weather no longer allows it. January or February thaws can also cause temporary closures.
- Check the « État des installations – Arénas et patinoires » (arenas and rinks status) page on the City of Brossard website.
- Find your park: the page shows, for each facility, whether it is open today and its hours for the day.
- When in doubt, contact Services Brossard.
- On site, follow the signs: a closed rink is not maintained and can be dangerous.
Skating indoors
When it’s too cold, too mild or snowing, indoor free skating is a good alternative. The City posts free skating periods at the Complexe sportif CN (sector L) and the Michel-Normandin arena (sector N). Schedules vary: check the City’s indoor skating page.
Cross-country skiing and sledding
Brossard also offers other outdoor winter activities:
- Cross-country skiing: trails at the Grand parc urbain (sector C) and at parc Bioparc, the outdoor centre located in the Bois de Brossard area.
- Sledding: sledding hill at parc Bioparc (sector Y). The Grand parc urbain also has a sledding mound built during its first phase.
- Conditions: the City’s « Ski de fond et pentes à glisser – Conditions » page shows the state of trails and hills.
Parc Bioparc is undergoing work to modernize its trails; check the facility status before you go.
Practical tips
- Dress children in layers and bring spare mittens.
- Go on weekdays or early on weekends if you want more space.
- Several parks, including Briand, Olympia, Poly-aréna, Roger, Saint-Alphonse, Sorbonne, Trahan, Vanier and Victorin, have a free Wi-Fi hotspot, handy for checking facility status on site.
- After a storm, give the crews time to clear the ice before heading out.
Frequently asked questions
Are Brossard’s outdoor rinks free?
The City does not mention any fees for outdoor free skating in its parks.
Are helmets mandatory?
Yes, for children aged 8 and under. For everyone else, the City strongly recommends a helmet with a face protector.
Can you play hockey on the frozen ponds?
No. Shinny is allowed only on boarded rinks.
How do I know if a rink is open today?
Check the City’s « État des installations – Arénas et patinoires » page, which is updated according to conditions.
Learn more
The parks where you skate in winter are often the ones where you swim in summer: see our guides to pools and splash pads and parks and trails. For more ideas, read things to do in Brossard on the weekend, and to locate your park, our overview of Brossard’s sectors. Find all our guides in Living in Brossard. Brossard.city is an independent guide, not affiliated with the City of Brossard (Ville de Brossard).
brossard.city is an independent guide, not affiliated with the City of Brossard. Information is provided for general guidance only; check with official sources before making any decision. Spotted an error? Let us know.