Parc Jean-Drapeau's new winter program has a skating rink, sledding hills, and free equipment

Parc Jean-Drapeau has a new winter program beginning tomorrow, December 19 2020 that will run until March 7, 2021, and it's stocked with outdoor activities that include a skating rink, hiking, cycling, biking, sledding tracks and free equipment for Montrealers under the age of 18.

Normally, at this time of year, Parc Jean-Drapeau would be announcing its plans for Fête des neiges—with its cancellation for 2021, the Société du parc Jean-Drapeau has opted to unveil new plans to adjust to the new restrictions and permissions that are coming as of December 25: You can gather outdoors, but you need to be on the move. 

"The program has something for everyone, in a unique playground-type of setting in the middle of the Saint Lawrence River that is easily accessible by taking the métro," the park's organizers' statement reads. "With the help of Québec Government funding, the Société du parc Jean-Drapeau is enhancing its winter offering and enabling park users to fully embrace the joys of winter in the city."

While a refrigerated rink and open-sliding area will be installed at Espace 67, there's going to be two cross-country ski trails laid out and maintained for anyone who wants to use them (with free introductory lessons will from Ski de fond Montréal), and fat biking trails. If you've got wee ones, equipment rentals will be free for anyone under 18—but the park hasn't released details for that yet.

With now forecasted for this Sunday, it's looking like Montrealers won't have to wait too long before they can take advantage of this.  

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